When comparing Azio Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard vs Razer DeathStalker Expert, the Slant community recommends Azio Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for most people. In the question“What is the best gaming keyboard under $100?” Azio Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is ranked 4th while Razer DeathStalker Expert is ranked 7th. The most important reason people chose Azio Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is:
While the [RGB model costs $80](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010M53SLU/), it provides full per-key RGB lighting complete with different effects. While this doesn't offer any extra functionality, it adds some flashiness to your build.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro RGB model available under $100 as well
While the RGB model costs $80, it provides full per-key RGB lighting complete with different effects. While this doesn't offer any extra functionality, it adds some flashiness to your build.
Pro White backlight has adjustable brightness levels
The base model of the keyboard offers a white backlight (no RGB), and the brightness of the backlight can be adjusted to suit the ambient lighting.
Pro Choice of brown or blue switches
There are two switches to choose from: Kailh blue or Kailh brown. The blue switches offer a bump at the activation point as well as a click, while the brown switches offer a bump without the click. These switches are slightly heavier than the corresponding Cherry MX switches, but are similar in the way they act.
Pro Minimal, sleek looking design
The bezels of the keyboard are small, and the design of the board is minimal instead of gaudy gamer-focused designs. It has a volume roller in the top right accompanied by the mute button which makes the board feel more premium than it's price point would suggest.
The keys also appear to be floating - while most keyboards have their keys recessed behind the casing, these ones aren't. this leaves their side exposed, and makes for a more unique design than other boards.
Pro On-the-fly macro recording is supported
Most other boards in this price range don't offer any sort of macro recording. Macros are pre-programmed sequences of keystrokes, mouse clicks, and delays that can be executed through the press of a single button. Macros help make repetitive tasks easier.
Pro Slim profile
Because rubber dome switches are used, the keys have a very slim profile and barely stick out.
Cons
Con Uses knockoff switches
This keyboard uses the Kailh switches instead of the more common Cherry MX switches. Kailh switches are made in China instead of Germany where the Cherry MX switches are made. The Kailh switches don't last as long, and the quality testing isn't as vigorous as Cherry's. The switch naming scheme is very similar, however Kailh switches are typically heavier than the comparable Cherry switches.
Con Not adjustable/programmable, and no macro support
Other than brightness levels (and lighting modes for the RGB model), this is a basic board. It doesn't support macros, and there are no profiles you can adjust. This will be fine for most users, however heavy users will miss these features.
Con Uncomfortable to type on for extended periods
The stiff membrane keys combined with a short travel distance make this a fairly uncomfortable keyboard to type on for long periods of time. Each press will have you bottoming out the key with some force, which produces more strain on your joints than mechanical keyboards (constant collapsing against a hard surface VS the mechanical switch's activation point which is half way down).
Con Membrane key switches
Instead of mechanical switches found in higher end boards, this keyboard uses the more common rubber dome (aka membrane) key switches. These switches are cheaper to manufacturer as the activation mechanism is more basic. The key rests on top of a rubber dome, and when the key is pressed the underside of the dome completes an electric circuit which tells the computer that the key has been pressed. Typing on membrane keyboards isn't as comfortable as a mechanical keyboard, as the only way to type is to bottom out the key.