Razer Ornata Chroma vs DeathStalker Chroma
Ornata Chroma and DeathStalker Chroma are two gaming keyboards from Razer. Both models are compatible with Razer’s Chroma lighting software, which allows you to program and customize the RGB lights and make your Chroma-compatible peripherals share the same color scheme. Each model here also has a wrist rest, which is actually a very important feature to save you from wrist pain. So, what are the differences between Razer Ornata Chroma vs DeathStalker Chroma? Which is the best gaming keyboard for the money?
The Wrist Rest
First of all, it is true that each of the two models here is equipped with a wrist rest. However, Razer Ornata Chroma’s wrist rest is padded. Even though the Ornata’s wrist rest is not super-cushy, the wrist rest is soft enough to be gentle and comfortable. People with wrist pain will really love this feature. In addition, the wrist rest is actually detachable. You can detach the wrist rest for easy cleaning. You can also detach the wrist rest to make the keyboard more portable.
On the other hand, Razer DeathStalker Chroma comes with a fixed wrist rest. Well, the wrist rest is basically an extended part of the housing of the keyboard. The wrist rest is solid and not padded. It can be pretty useful for maintaining a good typing position. However, people with wrist pain may prefer a padded model.
The Lighting
The next difference between Razer Ornata Chroma vs DeathStalker Chroma is the lighting. Although both of the two models are compatible with Chroma, they have different characteristics. With Razer Ornata Chroma, you can customize the lighting of individual keys and make them display interactive in-game effects. Besides, the lighting looks cooler, as it highlights not only the keycaps but also the surrounding of each keycap.
On the other hand, Razer DeathStalker Chroma simply allows you to program the six RGB zones rather than individual keys. You can still make the lighting responds to in-game events, but not as extensive as Razer Ornata Chroma. The lighting only highlights the keycaps, so it is not as shiny.
Switches
Finally, you need to know that Razer Ornata Chroma is equipped with the all-new Razer Mecha-Membrane technology, which combines a membrane rubber dome with a mechanical switch to deliver a soft, cushioned touch with precise and swift actuation. The performance is very good, and the mid-height keycaps allow shorter travel time for faster typing. However, due to using mechanical switches, this keyboard tends to be noisy (but not as noisy as true mechanical keyboards).
On the other hand, Razer DeathStalker Chroma is an entirely membrane keyboard. It uses slim chiclet keycaps for smooth and comfortable typing as well as quick actuation. As a result, this keyboard is very silent, but it lacks the clickiness and precise feel.
Conclusion
In general, Razer Ornata Chroma is much more recommended. It comes with a padded wrist rest which is much more comfortable, very useful to prevent wrist pain. The Chroma lighting is also much better and flexible. But Razer DeathStalker Chroma can be the alternative if you really need a silent keyboard, for example if you don’t want to disturb your roommate.