- Tartarus Chroma Software
- Razer Tartarus Chroma Expert Rgb
- Tartarus Chroma Download
- Tartarus Chroma Vs Orbweaver
- Tartarus Chroma Gaming Keypad
Common Questions
The Razer Tartarus Chroma gaming keypad comes with 25 anti-ghosted fully programmable keys including an 8-way thumb-pad for complete control and maneuverability over your game. Its ergonomic form factor includes an adjustable wrist rest to deliver longer lasting comfort. Using the Razer Tartarus Chroma on Linux. OpenRazer tools didn't work like I wanted to so I made my own script to interact with the Razer Tartarus Chroma. This should about fix deps: pip install python-uinput pyusb; Change configuration, see below; Plug in Tartarus. Let's compare the Razer Tartarus V2, the Razer Orbweaver and the Logitech G13 in this Gaming Keypad roundup. I go over some quick basics and give you the run. The Tartarus Gaming Keypad in the original version is the workhorse of my MMO game play. I have used the keypad every day for 4 years and thousands of hours of gaming. While I own the 25 key version of the razer tartarus, and the Logitech G13 as well, this is the best by far. It's like gaming mice.
How does the Razer Tartarus Chroma compare to the Razer Nostromo and Razer Orbweaver?
The Razer Tartarus is the successor to the award-winning Razer Nostromo. It uses the same membrane key structure as the Razer Nostromo and incorporates the ergonomic design and form factor of the Razer Orbweaver.
Do I need software drivers to use the Razer Tartarus Chroma?
The Razer Tartarus Chroma is USB plug-and-play ready, so you can use it right out of the box with standard keyboard controls during gameplay. However, to access advanced features such as individually programmable keys, macro recording, and profile or keymap setup, you’ll need to download, install and register for the Razer Synapse 2.0 configurator.
Can the Razer Tartarus Chroma be used by people with extra-large or extra-small hands?
Yes, Razer keypads feature an adjustable wrist rest which can be suited to any hand size possible.
What type of keys does the Razer Tartarus Chroma use?
The Razer Tartarus uses membrane keys. These give a soft cushioned touch like that of the Razer Nostromo. Membrane keys are quiet to use so they are great for late-night gaming sessions.
Does the Razer Tartarus Chroma have anti-ghosting capability?
Yes, the Razer Tartarus’s 25 programmable keys feature full anti-ghosting, also known as N-key rollover (or NKRO). This ensures that no matter how many keys you press down simultaneously, every key will still register as a command.
Are Razer keypads genre-specific keypad?
Razer keypads can be used for any genre. Be it FPS, MOBA or MMORPG, the keypad allows you to customize it to suit your needs.
The greatest benefit would be to World of Warcraft players. Using the in-game configurator, you do not need to minimize your game to create or change your key binds.
What does the thumb-pad do? And how do the other buttons on the Razer keypad function?
The multi-directional thumb-pad is used for navigation by default and the button placements above and below the thumb-pad are mapped to ‘alt’ and ‘spacebar’ respectively. All 3 buttons can be customized to your own key bindings and macros.
Troubleshooting FAQs
Why is a Chroma SDK-supported game not displaying lighting effects on my Razer Chroma keyboard? / I’m not able to turn on Chroma Apps in Synapse.
To display the Chroma SDK effect on your Razer Chroma keyboard, ensure that you have the latest MS Windows hotfix 'Update for the Universal C Runtime in Windows' installed. You may look for an update for your OS on the Microsoft site.
Since I started using Windows 10, my computer will not go into sleep mode and my screen saver mode will not come on.
This happens due to compatibility issues between Joystick devices and Windows 10. To avoid this, disable the game controller device under Device Manager > Human Interface Device > HID-compliant Game Controller. However, note that when you disable the game controller, you might lose virtual joystick-related features in Synapse.
Hardware
How can I modify or disassemble my Razer product?
We cannot help you in modifying or disassembling your Razer product since that will void the manufacturer’s warranty on the unit.
How do I clean my Razer keyboard?
The overall finish can be cleaned with wipes generally used for cleaning your computer monitor or sunglasses. Ensure that the surface is free of large dust particles or debris before wiping the surface with any product. Wiping debris into the surface can lead to minor scratches on the surface of the unit.
If you wish to clean under the key caps, Razer suggests holding the unit upside down and/or using compressed air from a can. We do not recommend removing the keycaps from your mechanical switches.
We suggest unplugging the device from your computer before cleaning.
Note: Under no circumstances should you ever submerge the keyboard in any type of liquid. Submerging the keyboard in any liquid will void the warranty on your keyboard.
How do I request replacement parts for my Razer product?
You can view our list of current spare parts and accessories at the RazerStore. If the item you need is not listed, don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Support team.
Software
How do I change the language of Configurator?
The language selection is based on the driver version installed on the computer. There is no option in the Customizer. To correct this issue, uninstall the software and download the specific drivers at the Razer Support site. This time, select the correct language of your preference when installing the software.
What is the difference between 'driver' and 'firmware' updates the Razer Support Site?
Drivers are installed onto your computer and allow your computer to communicate with your Razer product. Firmware updates are hardware level code to install directly onto the Razer device that can update, fix, or change the functionality of the product.
Tartarus Chroma Software
Where can I find drivers for my Razer product?
You may find your Razer product’s drivers by going to its Support page.
What is a keymap?
A keymap is a temporary switch of button assignments within a profile. The switch needs to be triggered by pressing a keymap switch button and can either change the keymap only while you hold that designated keymap switch button or cycle through keymaps every time you press the keymap switch button.
Note that while a profile stores information such as dpi or lighting, a keymap purely deals with button assignments.
How many keymaps and profiles can I save for my Razer keypad?
You can save unlimited gaming profiles for your Razer keypad; in addition, there are up to eight (8) keymaps per profile available. You can switch between them on-the-fly during gameplay without accessing the driver software. The keymap LED indicator will light up to show which keymap is currently active.
What do the keys on the Razer keypad represent? How can I change them to my preference?
The default key mapping on Razer keypads is on the left side of a standard keyboard. The keys can be mapped to your preference with the help of Razer Synapse.
Can I bind modifier keys (shift, ctrl, alt) on a Razer keypad?
Yes, you can bind modifier keys (and its key combinations) on Razer keypads and use them in conjunction with other keys to actuate unique commands.
How do I change the Razer Tartarus Classic keypad's Joystick button functionality within Synapse on my Mac?
The joystick function is only supported on PC and is not compatible with Mac systems.
To see more general faqs for peripherals, go to the KEYBOARD FAQs.
There are a few things separating the Orbweaver Chroma and Tartartus V2 – price, keys, and adjustability.
I’ll get into all the details.
But first, why Razer? Aren’t there other options?
Not really – it’s either Razer, or a no-name keypad from a dicey brand with questionable reviews.
Logitech used to make the G13, but it’s been discontinued for a couple of years.
The Nostromo Speedpad n52 was one of the first keypads with mass popularity. It hasn’t been around for about a decade, though.
Razer bought the rights to the Nostromo from Belkin and made it for a while, then came out with the Orbweaver and Tartarus lines to add more keys and features.
Read on. I’ll break down all the differences and why you should pick one keypad or the other.
Features
Since you’re here, you probably have a good reason for considering a keypad.
If you’ll be using a gamepad for World of Warcraft, Fortnite, real-time strategy games, and more complex FPS games like Battlefield, Fortnite, and Rainbow Six can benefit from a streamlined key layout and customization.
The keys are better aligned to your fingers than the “WASD” keys on a keyboard you’d usually use for movement.
Keypads aren’t only for gaming. To some, they’re better than keyboards for productivity apps.
3D modeling, Photoshop, Illustrator, and other pro software can take advantage of a keypad’s customization and layout.
It’s a good idea to think about how you’ll be using the keypad, and what features matter to you.
What features do the Orbweaver and Tartarus share?
Keys and buttons are fully customizable in the Razer Synapse software.
Both models have a similar ergonomic design for better comfort over long sessions.
Your thumb can reach a spacebar, directional pad, and thumb key to give you a lot more options than a keyboard.
The rest of your fingers can reach at least 20 programmable keys.
Hypershift can be assigned to any key. By holding it down, every other key can be given a second function.
Each key can be assigned macros of unlimited length.
Both the Orbweaver and Tartarus have full RGB lighting which can be configured down to the individual key.
So what’s different?
Keys and Buttons
One of the biggest differences between the Orbweaver and Tartarus is in the keys themselves.
The Orbweaver uses mechanical keys, while the Tartarus V2 has Mecha-Membrane keys.
The Orbweaver Chroma’s mechanical keys are Razer’s “green” key switches with 50g of actuation force. They’re tactile and clicky, with a great feel. Similar to Cherry Blue switches.
That doesn’t mean you should ignore the Tartarus V2. The Mecha-Mechanical keys, despite not being fully mechanical, have a good tactile feel as well. No mushy keys here.
If it’s fully mechanical keys or nothing for you, you’ll want the Orbweaver Chroma. Otherwise, continue on to the rest of the features.
The Orbweaver has 30 programmable keys, and the Tartarus V2 has 32.
The discontinued Tartarus V1 had only 25, so either is a step up.
The difference between 30 and 32 keys comes down to the added scroll wheel on the Tartarus V2.
It takes the place of one standard key, and can be given three functions – scroll up, scroll down, and press.
I find the extra scroll wheel is most helpful for zooming or scrolling through inventory items.
Razer Tartarus Chroma Expert Rgb
The thumb pads are different as well.
The Tartarus V2 gives you two options. It has a joystick cap for the thumb. This can be removed to expose a d-pad, similar to what you’d find on a console controller.
The Orbweaver has a hat button, also 8-way. I find it’s more wobbly and less precise than the Tartarus’s options. It’s best to program it for 2 or 4 functions so you don’t misclick.
One more thing on keys – there is also a model called the Tartarus Pro. About the only difference between the Tartarus Pro and V2 is that the pro has analog keys.
Analog keys respond to different levels of pressure from your fingers. The only good use I can think of is for analog keys is the throttle on racing games. But, you’re better off using a wheel and pedals if you’re serious about those.
I’d recommend most people skip over the Tartarus Pro and stick to comparing the Orbweaver Chroma and Tartarus V2 gaming keypads.
Tartarus Chroma Download
Shape and Adjustment
One big disclaimer on the shape – these keypads are for your left hand only.
Lefties who use their mice left-handed will need to look elsewhere. Seems the only options are off-brand keypads.
That said, Razer’s stuff is quite comfortable for left-handed use – more so than a typical keyboard.
The Orbweaver offers a lot more adjustment than the Tartarus.
This makes the Orbweaver a better choice if you have especially long or short fingers.
On the Orbweaver Chroma, you can do the following:
- Slide wrist rest forward or back
- Tilt the angle of the palm rest
- Slide the thumb buttons closer or further away
On the Tartarus, you only get one level of adjustment. The hand rest can be pulled off and repositioned. Forward position for shorter hands, back position for longer hands.
Value
Both models come with a 2-year warranty, which is pretty good compared to the 1-year warranty many peripherals come with.
The Tartarus V2 has a lower selling price than the Orbweaver.
Typically, it’s about $30 less on Amazon.
Overall, the Tartarus is a better value.
It largely has the same features – with the exception of mechanical keys and some additional adjustment.
Conclusion
The Mecha-Mechanical keys on the Tartarus V2 are surprisingly good. The addition of the scroll wheel is nice. The thumb pad gives you more options and is more precise.
Top that off with a lower price, and the Tartarus V2 looks like the better way to go for most people.
Should anybody go with the Orbweaver Chroma instead?
If you have short or very long fingers and value comfort, yes, you should opt for the Orbweaver. It’s far more adjustable.
Tartarus Chroma Vs Orbweaver
Or, if you’re dead-set on fully mechanical keys, the Orbweaver is the one to buy.
Tartarus Chroma Gaming Keypad
Otherwise, save some money. I think you’d be quite pleased with choosing the Tartarus V2 instead.