The 8 Best Gaming Keypads
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Three Razer Tartarus models top these eight gaming keypads, ahead of rivals from Redragon, Azeron and Keychron. The Razer Tartarus V2 is first. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Every Razer Tartarus, even the newest, plugs in with a cable, so wireless play means looking at another brand. A gaming keypad puts the keys a game needs under one hand, with a thumb control for movement and a wrist rest, so the other hand stays on the mouse. Most buyers want a Razer Tartarus or something close to one.
From the manual
- Razer's setup app needs a Windows PC, Windows 7 64-bit or later, and an internet connection; the guide lists no Mac or console support. p. 3
- Hypershift's hold-for-a-second-layer key defaults to the Fn key of a Razer keyboard; without one, assign any key to that job. p. 12
- The thumb stick pulls off the eight-way pad if you'd rather press it as plain directional buttons. p. 9
- Opening the case voids the two-year limited warranty; register the serial number with a Razer ID to track coverage. pp. 4, 30
Why the Razer Tartarus V2 is our top pick
The V2 has the same layout as our runner-up, the Razer Tartarus Pro, for less money,5 and the Pro's extra key tricks pay off for few players. Both carry 32 programmable keys with an eight-way thumbpad and scroll wheel,1,3 up to eight keymaps per profile1,3 and a two-year limited warranty.1,3
The difference is the switch. The V2's mecha-membrane keys actuate at one fixed point, mid-height,2 while the Pro's analog optical keys let you set the point anywhere from 1.5 to 3.6 mm, reset the instant a key starts to rise, and give a key a second action deeper in the press.4,3 Hardware Canucks liked those switches but called the Pro an overkill macro station that goes under-used unless you lean on its macros and dual actuation,5 and Tom's Guide found it made some games marginally easier and others much harder.6
Neither pad runs short of commands: on both, holding the Hypershift key switches every key to a second set of assignments.1,3 For MMO hotkeys the V2 covers the job; pick the Pro if you play shooters where adjustable depth and fast reset help.
| Razer Tartarus V2 | Razer Tartarus Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Key switches | Mecha-membrane | Analog optical |
| Actuation point | Fixed, mid-height | 1.5 to 3.6 mm, adjustable |
| Second action per key | Hypershift layer only | Hypershift plus deeper press |
| Keys and thumb controls | 32, eight-way thumbpad | 32, eight-way thumbpad |
| Warranty | 2 years, limited | 2 years, limited |
Sources
- Razer Tartarus V2 1Master guide, English (PDF), pp. 4, 5, 11, 12 2Product page
- Razer Tartarus Pro 3Master guide, English (PDF), pp. 7, 9, 8, 14, 15 4Product page
- 5Hardware Canucks: Razer Tartarus Pro review
- 6Tom's Guide: Razer Tartarus Pro review
From the manual
- A key's second action must sit at the same depth as its first or deeper; both points are set in millimeters in Synapse. p. 15
- Each profile holds up to eight keymaps, and a colored keymap light shows which one is active. p. 14
- Key changes in Synapse save automatically to your computer and Razer's cloud storage. p. 14
- Opening the case voids the two-year limited warranty, and Razer says to run it only between 32 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. pp. 8, 27
Compare the specs
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| Product | Connection | Key switches | Adjustable actuation (mm) | Keys and controls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Razer Tartarus V2 | Wired, braided cable | Mecha-membrane | No (fixed) | 32 incl. thumbpad, wheel |
| 2. Razer Tartarus Pro | Wired, braided cable | Analog optical | 1.5 to 3.6 | 32 incl. thumbpad, wheel |
| 3. Razer Tartarus V2 Pro | Wired, detachable USB-C | Analog optical, 2nd gen | 0.1 to 4.0 | 31 incl. thumbstick |
| 4. Redragon K585 DITI | Wired, detachable USB-C | Outemu mechanical | No (fixed) | 42, incl. 7 macro keys |
| 5. Redragon K585 PRO | 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, wired | Mechanical, hot-swap | No (fixed) | 42, incl. 7 macro keys |
| 6. Azeron Cyborg II | Wired USB-C, 2 m cable | Omron micro switches | No (fixed) | 30 plus thumbstick |
| 7. Keychron C0 HE 8K | Wired, fixed USB-A cable | Magnetic, Keychron-only | 0.1 to 3.35 | 35 |
| 8. RedThunder G30 | — | — | — | — |
Values come from each maker's manual, spec page or announcement. RedThunder publishes no manual or spec page for the G30 that we could find, so its row is blank. The Azeron's thumbstick is analog, but its buttons are fixed micro switches.
Sources
- Razer Tartarus V2 master guide (PDF) Tartarus V2 product page Tartarus Pro master guide (PDF) Tartarus Pro product page Tartarus V2 Pro master guide (PDF) Tartarus V2 Pro announcement
- Redragon K585 DITI wired keypad page K585 DITI operating instructions (PDF) K585 PRO wireless keypad page K585 PRO operating instructions (PDF)
- Azeron Cyborg II manual V1.5.4 (PDF)
- Keychron C0 HE 8K product page C0 HE 8K quick start guide (PDF) Ultra-fast Lime magnetic switch
From the manual
- The Synapse app for this pad needs Windows 11 and an internet connection to install; the pad plugs into a USB-A port. p. 3
- Keymap 4 ships as controller mode: keys 1 to 4 become A, B, X and Y, and the stick acts as the right stick. p. 7
- Keymaps 2 and 3 come preset for shooters, at 1.2 and 0.8 mm actuation with Rapid Trigger on some or all keys. p. 7
- Two thumbstick caps come in the box, a tall concave one and a short convex one. p. 2
From the manual
- It works without drivers or software; Redragon's sheet lists Windows XP through Windows 10. p. 2
- Each macro belongs to one of four light modes, M1 to M4, so pick the mode before recording and before playing it back. p. 2
- Holding Fn and Esc for three seconds restores factory settings, and the same keys delete all recorded macros. pp. 2-3
- The warranty covers circuit failures only, and the retailer-stamped warranty card won't be reissued if you lose it. p. 1
From the manual
- Redragon's setup software works only over the cable; on the receiver or Bluetooth it works without any software. p. 3
- On wireless it sleeps after three idle minutes and turns its lights off; press any key except the scroll button to wake it. p. 3
- Hold Fn and End to check the battery: number keys lit red mean less than 30 percent left. p. 3
- The warranty covers circuit failures for 18 months; foot pads and spare parts aren't included. p. 1
From the manual
- Calibrate the thumbstick in Azeron's software on first use and after any software or firmware reinstall; it removes jitter, drift and center offset. p. 27
- Macros, layers and input sequences don't work in on-board profiles, so Azeron's app must run while you play to use them. p. 14
- Plug it straight into the PC, not a USB hub, so it gets enough power. p. 12
- Full 360-degree movement on a console needs an adapter such as XIM; on-board profile 2 ships set up for that. pp. 17, 60
From the manual
- The default layout is for Windows; on a Mac, remap it in Keychron's Launcher web app. p. 3
- The Launcher runs only in current Chrome, Edge or Opera, so Safari and Firefox users need another browser. p. 4
- Fn+5 with Z, X or C switches polling between 1,000, 4,000 and 8,000 Hz on the pad itself. p. 11
- Fn+6 with Z, X or C swaps among three built-in profiles for the magnetic keys: Default, Gaming and Gamepad. p. 11
Editor's Notes
November 4, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Editors:
We checked this page against Razer's master guides for all three Tartarus models, Redragon's instructions for both K585 pads, Azeron's Cyborg II manual and Keychron's quick start guide. We corrected the Redragon key count (42 keys, seven of them macro keys), dropped a swappable-switch claim Redragon doesn't make for the wired K585 DITI, and added a spec table, a section on why the Tartarus V2 is first, and notes from each manual.
October 15, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Editors:
The Razer Tartarus now fills the top three spots, the biggest change since the 2021 version. Most people who land here want a Razer Tartarus or an alternative to one, so we now cover three: the Razer Tartarus V2 for most players, the Razer Tartarus Pro for adjustable analog keys and the Razer Tartarus V2 Pro for a thumbstick. An early note on this page warned against the Tartarus, but that advice no longer stands: the V2 has now been sold for years, and Razer still keeps its guide current.
We dropped the Koolertron SMKD92, the Aula 109R and the GameSir VX2 AimSwitch because they're no longer available, and the GameSir was really a console keyboard-and-mouse adapter. The Logitech G13 Gameboard is discontinued, and the Azeron Classic gave way to the Azeron Cyborg II. We added the Redragon K585 PRO for wireless play, the Keychron C0 HE 8K and the RedThunder G30.
We stopped at eight because the rest of the field is new brands with almost no owner history or near copies of these designs. Independent tests of keypads are rare, so switch, polling and battery figures come from the makers. A handful of reviews, such as Hardware Canucks' look at the Tartarus Pro, and years of owner reports on the older designs fill in the rest.
Earlier notes
December 24, 2020, by Christopher Thomas:
If you want something reasonably priced, go for the Redragon K585 DITI, or for something that's not flashy, the Koolertron SMKD92. Fans of complex MMOs or combo-heavy fighting games will appreciate the huge wealth of keys on the Aula 109R and how easy it is to reach them. As far as relatively keyboard-like models go, though, the Razer Tartarus Pro is basically impossible to beat. It's immensely well designed and has a host of premium features that place it very clearly at the top of the pack.
We also want to mention the Logitech G13 Gameboard, which is a great device in its own right, but due to some specific durability issues, has been discontinued. [2026 update: we found no statement from Logitech giving a reason for the G13's discontinuation; owners do report worn thumbsticks, so check one on a used unit.] It might not last for years, but the issues that it does have are often fixable if you're handy. Then there's the Azeron Classic, which, as you can see, is very weird, but many dedicated gamers simply love it.
January 16, 2019, by Christopher Thomas:
First off, keep in mind that these things will be under a lot of stress. So make sure you take care of it, and keep it clean. And they tend to have very different installation and programming methods. These all offer a widely varying range of features, and depending on what you need, it's important to get the one that will work right for you. If you're just testing the keypad waters, try the Teshiuck or Sades, because they cost next to nothing, and so make a great starting point. If your mitts are wide enough, the Aula is a good option, and it's laid out in a perfect grid, whereas most of the others are offset like those on a normal keyboard.. The Razer OrbWeaver tries very hard to be a professional-quality device, and with a little bit of extra upkeep and maintenance, it's quite satisfactory, if expensive. Incidentally, the Razer Tartarus (either version) is not recommended; we've just seen too many dissatisfied customers. [2026 update: this advice no longer stands. Three Tartarus models now lead this list, and the 2026 note explains why.] Southpaws should look into the Deebol, because it's the only good symmetrical one we could find. Oddly enough, in a category full of breathing lights and flashy devices, the relatively simple Koolertron may be the best choice for some gamers, because it works very well, lasts a long time, is fully programmable, and leaves most buyers with a good impression.
Special Honors
ZSA Moonlander ZSA's split ergonomic keyboard can double as a gaming keypad: unplug the right half and the left half works on its own as a programmable macro pad, with a thumb cluster that tilts to fit your hand and optional tenting. It's a full keyboard first, sold direct from ZSA from about $365 with a two-year warranty. zsa.io
Which Razer Tartarus Should You Buy?
It's the right choice for MMOs and most other games where you mainly need more hotkeys within reach.
Razer sells three Tartarus models, and all of them are wired USB; there is no wireless Tartarus. The Tartarus V2 has mecha-membrane keys, a soft dome with a tactile bump, plus an 8-way thumbpad and a scroll wheel (Razer). It's the right choice for MMOs and most other games where you mainly need more hotkeys within reach.
The Tartarus Pro adds analog optical switches. You set each key's actuation point between 1.5 and 3.6 millimeters and can give a key a second action at full depth (Razer). Hardware Canucks liked its smooth switches but found the extras hard to justify for most players, and noted that its profiles stay in Razer's Synapse software rather than on the pad.
The Tartarus V2 Pro replaces the thumbpad with a full-size analog thumbstick, widens actuation to 0.1 to 4 millimeters and stores three profiles on board (Razer). Choose it if you want stick movement in games that accept controller input, and expect to spend time in the software.
The Best Razer Tartarus Alternatives
If you like the Tartarus idea but not the price, the Redragon K585 DITI swaps the thumbpad for a bigger block of mechanical keys at well under half the cost, and its K585 PRO version adds 2.4-gigahertz and Bluetooth wireless (Redragon). If you want a thumbstick and a body shaped around your hand, Azeron is the main alternative; a 2026 review of the Cyborg II found it rewarding for players willing to spend days adjusting it (Audiophile Heaven). For shooters, Hall-effect pads like the Keychron C0 HE 8K offer Rapid Trigger and fine actuation in a smaller, cheaper body, set up in a browser and usable on a Mac.
Some older favorites are gone. Logitech's G13 Gameboard came out in 2009 and has since been discontinued, though owners still use it, and a 2025 Linux driver patch added support for its keys and thumbstick (Phoronix). Owners report that its thumbstick wears, so check it on a used one. Razer no longer lists the Orbweaver or the Nostromo, so both are hard to find new; the Tartarus is their successor.
Switches, Analog Keys And Setup
Keypads use four kinds of switches. Membrane and mecha-membrane keys are quiet and cheap. Mechanical switches, like the Redragon's, give a sharper, more consistent press. Analog optical switches (Razer's Pro models) and Hall-effect magnetic switches (Keychron, and the Azeron's stick) measure how far a key is pressed, which allows adjustable actuation and Rapid Trigger, where a key resets the instant it starts to rise. Those features matter most in fast shooters; Tom's Guide found the Tartarus Pro made some games a little easier and others harder.
Check the software before you buy. Razer's Synapse runs on Windows, and the Tartarus V2 Pro's version needs Windows 11, so treat these as PC devices rather than console accessories. Pads with onboard memory, like the Azeron (six layouts) and the Tartarus V2 Pro (three profiles), keep your bindings when you move to another computer. Most keypads go under the left hand, with the mouse on the right; Azeron also makes versions for the other hand. You'll still need a mouse with any of them.
Mind your wrist whatever you buy. John Agonoy, an occupational therapist (OTR/L) and hand therapy fellow, listed sustained wrist positions, static posture and too little recovery among gamers' repetitive-strain risks in a July 2026 post for the Virtual Hand Therapy Fellowship. A keypad doesn't fix those by itself, so take regular breaks.
A search of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's recall database on November 4, 2026 found no recalls for Razer, Redragon, Logitech, Azeron, Keychron or RedThunder.
How we researched this
We screened 15 gaming keypads and kept eight. We read Razer's English master guides for the Tartarus V2, Tartarus Pro and Tartarus V2 Pro, Redragon's operating instructions for the K585 DITI and the K585 PRO, Azeron's Cyborg II manual (version 1.5.4) and Keychron's C0 HE 8K quick start guide; RedThunder publishes no manual or spec page for the G30 that we could find, so its details rest on the seller's own listing text. Reviews from Hardware Canucks and Tom's Guide on the Tartarus Pro, Digital Citizen on the Tartarus V2 Pro and Audiophile Heaven on the Cyborg II filled in what the documents leave out, and a search of the CPSC's recall database on November 4, 2026 found no recalls for any of the six brands.
Sources (24)
- Razer Tartarus V2
- Razer Tartarus Pro
- Razer Tartarus V2 Pro
- Hardware Canucks: Razer Tartarus Pro review
- Tom's Guide: Razer Tartarus Pro review
- Digital Citizen: Razer Tartarus V2 Pro review
- Audiophile Heaven: Azeron Cyborg II review
- Azeron
- Keychron C0 HE 8K
- Phoronix: Logitech G13 Linux support (2025)
- ZSA Moonlander
- CPSC recalls
- Razer Tartarus V2 master guide (PDF)
- Razer Tartarus Pro master guide (PDF)
- Razer Tartarus V2 Pro master guide (PDF)
- Razer newsroom: Tartarus V2 Pro announcement
- Redragon K585 DITI wired keypad
- Redragon K585 DITI operating instructions (PDF)
- Redragon K585 PRO wireless keypad
- Redragon K585 PRO operating instructions (PDF)
- Azeron Cyborg II manual, version 1.5.4 (PDF)
- Keychron C0 HE 8K quick start guide (PDF)
- Keychron Ultra-fast Lime magnetic switch
- Virtual Hand Therapy Fellowship: treating gamers (John Agonoy, OTR/L, 2026)
Frequently asked questions
Is there a wireless Razer Tartarus?
No. Every Tartarus, including the Tartarus Pro and Tartarus V2 Pro, connects by USB cable. For a wireless one-handed keypad, look at the Redragon K585 PRO.
What is the best alternative to the Razer Tartarus?
The Redragon K585 DITI for a low price and mechanical keys, the Azeron Cyborg II for ergonomics and a thumbstick, and the Keychron C0 HE 8K for fast Hall-effect switches.
What's the difference between the Tartarus V2 and the Tartarus Pro?
They share a shape. The V2 has mecha-membrane keys; the Pro has analog optical switches with actuation adjustable from 1.5 to 3.6 millimeters and Rapid Trigger.
Are the Razer Orbweaver and Logitech G13 still made?
No. Logitech discontinued the G13, and Razer no longer lists the Orbweaver or the Nostromo, so all three are hard to find new.
Can I use a gaming keypad on a console?
Not reliably. Most are PC devices whose setup software runs on Windows; the Keychron's browser configurator also supports macOS.
Do I still need a mouse?
Yes. A keypad replaces the keyboard under one hand, and the other hand stays on the mouse.
