With full RGB illumination and configurable keys, the Cynosa is a good gaming keyboard. Its rubber dome switches seem light to write on, but those who like mechanical switches may find them overly mushy. Although Razer’s Synapse 3 software offers a lot of customization possibilities, it may be unreliable at times, and the keyboard lacks onboard memory for saving configurations. Overall, the keyboard is quite simple, and the typing experience is difficult to distinguish from your typical, run-of-the-mill office keyboard, despite a few gamer-oriented features.
The Razer Ornata Chroma is a fantastic gaming keyboard with Razer’s own hybrid switches. They feature the gentle touch of a membrane switch with the clicky and tactile feedback of a mechanical switch on top of it. The board is well-made and has attractive RGB lighting. It also has soft wrist support that improves the overall typing experience.
Main Differences
- The Razer Cynosa is a rubber dome keyboard. The Razer Ornata, on the other hand, has a Razer Mecha membrane. The latter has the edge here.
- The Razer Cynosa has more settings in terms of inclination. In return, the Razer Ornata scores with a detachable rest.
- The other aspects are similar or identical for both keyboards.
Comparison – Razer Cynosa vs Ornata
Razer Cynosa Chroma | Razer Ornata Chroma | |
 |  | |
Keyboard Type | rubber dome keyboard | Razer Mecha-Membrane Keyboard |
Switches | rubber dome | Razer Mecha-Membrane |
Macro Keys | ||
Minimum Incline | 2° | 3° |
Medium Incline | 3.5° | - |
Maximum Incline | 7° | 7° |
Wrist Rest | detachable | |
Backlighting | RGB | RGB |
Light Effects | ||
USB Connection | ||
Cable Length | 2.0 m / 6.6 ft. | 2.1 m / 6.9 ft. |
Changeable Cable | ||
Receiver Connection | ||
Bluetooth Connection | ||
Windows | ||
macOS | ||
Dimensions | 17.9" x 7.1" x 1.2"/ 45.4 x 18.0 x 3.1 cm | 18.1" x 6.1" x 1.3"/ 46.0 x 15.4 x 3.2 cm |
Weight | 1.76 lbs / 0.800 kg | 1.83 lbs / 0.830 kg |
Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Compatible Software | Razer Synapse 3 | Razer Synapse 3 |
Windows | ||
macOS | partial | partial |
Macro Programming | software | software |
RGB Settings | ||
On-Board Memory | ||
Cloud Sync |
Razer Cynosa Chroma | Razer Ornata Chroma |
| | |
Keyboard Type rubber dome keyboard | Keyboard Type Razer Mecha-Membrane Keyboard |
Switches rubber dome | Switches Razer Mecha-Membrane |
Macro Keys | Macro Keys |
Minimum Incline 2° | Minimum Incline 3° |
Medium Incline 3.5° | Medium Incline - |
Maximum Incline 7° | Maximum Incline 7° |
Wrist Rest | Wrist Rest detachable |
Backlighting RGB | Backlighting RGB |
Light Effects | Light Effects |
USB Connection | USB Connection |
Cable Length 2.0 m / 6.6 ft. | Cable Length 2.1 m / 6.9 ft. |
Changeable Cable | Changeable Cable |
Receiver Connection | Receiver Connection |
Bluetooth Connection | Bluetooth Connection |
Windows | Windows |
macOS | macOS |
Dimensions 17.9" x 7.1" x 1.2"/ 45.4 x 18.0 x 3.1 cm | Dimensions 18.1" x 6.1" x 1.3"/ 46.0 x 15.4 x 3.2 cm |
Weight 1.76 lbs / 0.800 kg | Weight 1.83 lbs / 0.830 kg |
Warranty 2 years | Warranty 2 years |
Compatible Software Razer Synapse 3 | Compatible Software Razer Synapse 3 |
Windows | Windows |
macOS partial | macOS partial |
Macro Programming software | Macro Programming software |
RGB Settings | RGB Settings |
On-Board Memory | On-Board Memory |
Cloud Sync | Cloud Sync |
Connectivity
Because the Cynosa Chroma is a wired-only keyboard, the cable is not removable. The keyboard has a 12.4-millisecond latency.
You should have no trouble reaching your computer, thanks to the length of the Razer Ornata Chroma cable. This keyboard can only be used with a wired connection and cannot be used wirelessly. The Razer Ornata Chroma should be responsive enough, but not as much as some other alternatives.
Switches
The Razer Cynosa Chroma is the second keyboard in Razer’s “Essential” range, which delivers similar performance to some of the company’s more complicated models but uses membrane or mecha-membrane hybrid switches instead of mechanical switches. These more traditional switch designs keep the superb proprietary Razer Synapse software while lowering the price point associated with a gaming-grade keyboard. The keyboard is entirely constructed of durable plastic. However, it does bend somewhat. The double-shot ABS keycaps offer a smooth feel to them, and the key legends should not fade or chip with time. The keys are solid. However, the spacebar shakes a little.
Razer’s mecha-membrane switches are featured on the Razer Ornata. This feels like a rubber dome membrane with a clicky mechanical switch. Unfortunately, while it is pleasant to type on, the actuation point is far away from comparable mechanical keyboards, making it less responsive when gaming.
Feature Keys
Media control, backlight brightness, and ‘Gaming mode,’ which locks the Windows key to avoid accidentally minimizing your game, are all hotkeys on the Cynosa. With the Synapse 3 software, you can additionally specify the keys you want to lock. This keyboard provides an average typing experience. The rubber dome switches have a very substantial tactile bump, and the keys seem mushy and less sensitive, which might create fatigue while typing for lengthy periods of time. Except for the spacebar, which has a small rattle, the keys are largely sturdy. Overall, it feels no different from a standard office keyboard.
Even if the Ornata is a full-size keyboard, it won’t have dedicated media keys to manage your music while it’s playing; you’ll have to rely on the function keys instead. On the plus side, you can set the Windows key lock to turn on or off automatically when you play a game. By doing so, you’ll avoid mistakenly minimizing your game by using the Windows key.
The Ornata keyboard has a decent overall typing quality. The pleasant touch of a rubber dome switch is combined with the good feedback provided by tactile switches in these switches. Regrettably, the ABS keycaps are of average quality, and the keys are shaky. On the plus side, their spacing is decent, and their high pre-travel means fewer unintended keystrokes, which helps prevent errors.
Design
Cynosa
The build quality of the Cynosa Chroma is acceptable. The keyboard is entirely constructed of durable plastic. However, it does bend somewhat. The double-shot ABS keycaps offer a smooth feel to them, and the key legends should not fade or chip with time. The keys are solid, however, the spacebar shakes a little. Because it’s a full-size keyboard, the Cynosa gaming keyboard is rather big. It is not available in a TKL version.
Razer’s Synapse 3 software allows you to modify the RGB illumination of this keyboard on a per-key basis. It’s ideal for gamers who want to play in the dark or who want to highlight keystrokes.
Ornata
The Razer Ornata Chroma is a full-size, pretty big keyboard. If you utilize the removable wrist rest, it takes up extra room on your desk.
The keyboard has a good build quality. Although we don’t anticipate most people to stretch their boards, the board does have some flex and can stay bent. The entire construction is constructed of plastic that does not feel very high-end. On the plus side, it has a very good and comfy wrist rest, and the switches and keycaps are superior to those on the Razer Cynosa Chroma.
The Razer Ornata Chroma, as its name indicates, features full RGB illumination. Inside the program, you may quickly alter the board’s design on a per-key basis.
Software
Cynosa
The software support for the Razer Cynosa Chroma is excellent. Each key’s lighting may be customized independently with the Synapse 3 software, and each key can be programmed or remapped to a new purpose. Because the keyboard lacks onboard memory, all profiles and macros must be saved in the software. Moving the keyboard to another computer is hard because of this. However, there is a cloud sync option available, albeit it does require an account.
The compatibility of this keyboard is adequate. It’s compatible with all desktop operating systems. However, Synapse 3 is only available for Windows, so Linux and macOS users won’t be able to personalize the keyboard. Furthermore, while all keys work on Linux, Scroll Lock and Pause do not work on Mac.
Ornata
With this keyboard, the Razer Synapse program allows for a lot of customization. You can simply customize the illumination of each key and create profiles. All keys are also programmable, although there is no inbuilt memory on this keyboard. This means you won’t be able to store your settings and utilize them on another computer if you save your profile directly on the board.
Overall, this keyboard provides a good level of compatibility. Its software isn’t accessible on Linux, but it’s completely compatible and customizable on Windows. On macOS, several keys, such as ‘context menu,’ don’t work, and the program isn’t supported either. This is bad because the keyboard lacks onboard memory, which means you won’t be able to modify it on Windows and then use it on another platform.
Ergonomics
The ergonomics of the Razer Cynosa are poor. Although there are two inclination levels, it does not have a wrist rest.
The Razer Ornata keyboard has excellent ergonomics. The keycaps’ reduced profile makes typing more comfortable and feels like a cross between a standard mechanical and a chiclet keyboard. It also has a comfortable magnetic wrist rest.
Price
The prices for these two Razer keyboards are pretty low, considering the design and brand name. The Cynosa only costs $39.99, and the Ornata only costs $59.99 (both prices from Amazon).
Conclusion – Razer Cynosa vs Ornata
The Razer Ornata Chroma is superior to the Razer Cynosa Chroma in terms of performance. It has a combination of membrane and mechanical switches, whereas the Cynosa has just mushy rubber dome switches. The Ornata is more durable and has a magnetic wrist rest, which improves the ergonomics and overall typing experience.
