The Razer Tartarus V2 Pro is a comfortable, flexible left-hand gaming keypad, but its thumbstick mapping was a real problem in Windows Central reviewer Ben Wilson’s October 3, 2026 hands-on review. Wilson said Razer was working on the orientation issue, but the available reporting does not verify that a patch has since fixed it. If the stick is central to how you play, check current Razer release notes before buying.
What the Tartarus V2 Pro offers
The Tartarus V2 Pro is designed to put many game commands within reach of one hand. Windows Central’s launch coverage reports 31 programmable inputs across a 27-key cluster, a TMR thumbstick, adjustable wrist rest, analog optical switches with adjustable actuation, Snap Tap, Rapid Trigger and up to 24 configurable keymaps in Synapse. These are manufacturer specifications reported by Windows Central, not independent performance measurements. Windows Central launch coverage
Wilson’s review describes second-generation Razer Analog Optical Switch linear switches, textured double-shot PBT keycaps, Chroma RGB lighting, a key-travel LED strip, two interchangeable thumbstick caps, a detachable USB Type-C cable and hybrid onboard storage for up to three profiles. He found the wrist rest comfortable and its adjustability useful. Windows Central review
How it felt to use
Wilson praised the smooth linear key feel and the ability to set actuation and release behavior to suit different commands. He also found the mapping flexible: onboard profiles continued to work without Synapse running. Those are his hands-on impressions, not results from independent testing.
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#1 Best Overall
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Analog input is one of the keypad’s more distinctive ideas. In Wilson’s example, mapping W as an analog accelerator in Euro Truck Simulator 2 let a light press produce a gradual throttle input rather than an all-or-nothing keypress. Whether that is useful depends on the game and on how you prefer to control it.
The thumbstick orientation is the biggest concern
In Wilson’s tested setup, Synapse did not offer a way to realign the thumbstick’s inputs. He reported that moving his thumb toward the monitor registered as rightward movement, while pushing the stick straight upward produced the forward input he expected. The stick also defaulted to a controller right-stick mapping, which he found awkward on a left-hand keypad intended for movement controls. Windows Central review
Rank #2
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Wilson said Razer was working on the issue, but his review did not give a fix date. A contemporaneous WindowsForum report summarized user complaints about a 90-degree orientation problem discussed on Razer Insider; it found no official documentation or release note confirming a fix. That secondary report corroborates that the complaint was being discussed, but it does not establish the keypad’s current firmware status. WindowsForum report
So the practical conclusion is limited: the review documents a real mapping problem in one tested setup, and the available reporting does not confirm a later fix. Check Razer’s current release notes or support information before relying on the stick for movement.
Rank #3
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Other software behavior Wilson noticed
Wilson also reported two lighting quirks in his setup: the “switch off lighting” timeout left the keypad illuminated while his primary keyboard remained in use, and pressing HyperShift turned off the RGB key lights regardless of its assigned binding. These are observations from that review, not proof that every unit or Synapse configuration behaves the same way. Windows Central review
Who is it for?
- Consider it if you play MMOs or MOBAs, want a keyboard-and-gamepad hybrid, value an adjustable wrist rest, or have games where configurable actuation and analog key behavior are useful.
- Think carefully if you depend on the thumbstick for movement. Its orientation problem was unresolved in the reporting available here, so current official patch information matters more than the feature list.
- If you already own a Tartarus, Wilson’s review suggests an existing owner may already be satisfied with an earlier model. Compare the new keypad’s controls, actuation options and stick behavior with what you have before upgrading.
Wilson also noted that Rapid Trigger and release-triggered commands might reduce finger travel for someone with hypermobile joints. That was a personal observation, not a clinical assessment or a general accessibility guarantee.
Rank #4
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Price and value
Windows Central reported a US MSRP of $199.99 on October 3, 2026, and the same price on Amazon that day. It reported £199.00 at Razer UK and £199.99 on Amazon UK. These are publication-time prices, not guaranteed current listings. The review also cited $129.99 on Amazon for the earlier Tartarus Pro at that time. Check your region, stock and exact model before comparing prices. Windows Central review
At those reported prices, the case for the V2 Pro rests on its comfort, programmable controls and analog-capable keys—not on a thumbstick that may still need correction. If the stick is essential, wait until Razer confirms a fix or verify that one is available for the unit you plan to use.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
