The only keyboard I need for travel now is also Razer’s first designed for macOS, but it has a weakness

Not all users require a portable keyboard compatible with various operating systems and accessible from numerous devices, but for those who seek such versatility, similar trade-offs tend to be commonplace.

Compact keyboards, primarily focused on work efficiency, are common, but Razer introduces an interesting twist with the Joro. This device isn’t just a high-end wireless keyboard for productivity; it’s also designed for convenient gaming while traveling.

Ever since I first got to try out the Razer Joro, it has been my go-to keyboard for all my travels. There isn’t another one I’d rather carry with me. Plus, its full compatibility with macOS is sure to be highly beneficial for many users.

While other travel keyboards offer affordability and quality, the Joro boasts an unique aesthetic. Regrettably, it doesn’t seem to live up to Razer’s gaming claims, but potential improvements with updates could change that significantly.

This review came about due to receiving a complimentary product from Razer. Before it was published, neither Razer nor its representatives reviewed or influenced the content.

Razer Joro review: Cheat sheet

  • What is it? A premium, ultra low-profile, wireless keyboard compatible with Windows, macOS, and mobile devices.
  • Who is it for? Those who need a slim and ultraportable keyboard that works just as well across devices, and isn’t half-bad for gaming.
  • How much does it cost? The Razer Joro retails for $139.99 at Razer, and is available in one color. You can also get this keyboard for $139.99 at Best Buy or $139.99 at Amazon.
  • What did I like? The attractive, sleek, and intelligent design, the comfortable typing experience, and the multi-device compatibility.
  • What did I not like? The higher price tag, the compromised gaming experience, the lack of backlighting for secondary key functions.

Razer Joro review: Pricing and specifications

If you’re looking for a basic, portable keyboard on a budget, there are plenty available. However, the Joro is setting its sights on the high-end market, aiming to offer a premium experience.

The Razer Joro can be found priced at $139.99 on Razer’s site, placing it among the top options within its category. However, it’s a bit disappointing that it comes in just one color (black), as quite a few individuals might prefer alternatives like silver or grey.

You have the option to purchase the Razer Joro from Best Buy or Amazon, both priced at $139.99, based on your preferred retailer.

Spec Razer Joro
Switches Razer Ultra Low-Profile Scissor Switches, 1.6mm travel
Hardware features 75% layout, 5052 aluminum alloy top case, UV-coated laser-etched keycaps, N-Key Rollover & anti-ghosting, 5 onboard profiles, up to 1,000Hz polling rate (wired only), secondary media keys, 1-zone Razer Chroma RGB lighting
Software features Razer Synapse support (including macOS), fully remappable keys, Razer HyperShift shortcuts support, native macOS compatibility, Razer Snap Tap support
Connectivity Wireless via Bluetooth 5.0 (up to 3 devices), wired via USB Type-C
Battery 1,960mAh, up to 1,800 hours w/ power saving mode, USB Type-C charging
Dimensions 298 x 112 x 16.5mm (11.7 x 4.4 x 0.65in)
Weight ~374g (~0.8lbs)
Warranty 2-year standard

In the box, you’ll find the Razer Joro wireless keyboard and a USB Type-C to Type-C charging cable.

Razer Joro review: What I like

In the examination of the Razer Blade 16 (2025), a significant improvement was seen in the keyboard. In creating the Joro, Razer essentially extracted that revamped keyboard from the Blade 16 and housed it separately within its own casing.

To minimize its profile and blend in with other devices, the new Razer keyboard employs the shallow scissor switches commonly used in laptops and productivity keyboards, as opposed to the mechanical or optical switches typically found on their gaming keyboards.

The Razer Joro boasts a compact size, measuring only 16.5mm at its thickest point, which gradually tapers in a comfortable slope for better typing ergonomics. Featuring a 75% layout that maximizes available space and sports a sleek, streamlined design with minimal embellishments, the Joro is highly portable, easily fitting into any bag.

As an analyst, I can attest that the robustness of the Joro is not compromised by its slender design. An aluminum upper layer maintains the Joro’s premium touch and effectively eliminates any potential flexing or bending. The redesign of Razer’s Blade 16 keyboard seems to have extended to the Joro as well, for I find no trace of a metallic or hollow sensation while typing on it.

On the Joro, apart from the keys, there’s only a straightforward power button and a USB Type-C port situated at the top right, along with four remarkably adhesive rubber feet at its base.

As a researcher examining the typing experience of the Razer Joro, I must clarify that it doesn’t quite match up with the top-tier mechanical keyboards in terms of typing performance. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that its typing feel is on par with some exceptional laptop keyboards.

Using the Joro is effortless and consistent, and it doesn’t take long to master its functions. I’m particularly fond of its 75% layout, which offers an uncompromised typing experience. The keys are generously sized with excellent spacing, there are full-sized arrow keys, dedicated page navigation buttons, and proper function row shortcuts and media controls.

The one-area RGB backlighting is both vibrant and vivid, casting an even glow over each key. It comes with pre-set shortcuts that allow you to adjust lighting effects, switch profiles or layouts, activate energy-saving mode, and more. Plus, it’s compatible across various devices.

The Joro is built to be compatible across multiple devices in a broad sense. It can connect with as many as three Bluetooth-enabled devices, and Razer has meticulously ensured that each Joro feature, including its shortcut functions and media keys, function seamlessly on all devices.

To start off, it’s worth noting that this keyboard by Razer was their initial creation designed to work seamlessly with both Windows and macOS systems. Furthermore, some keys on this keyboard display iconography commonly found in macOS, and you can effortlessly switch to the macOS-specific layout using the Fn + Tab shortcut key combination. Excitingly, Razer Synapse is now available on macOS in a preview stage, with the Joro being the first peripheral fully supported on this platform.

The Joro is primarily intended for wired use like a keyboard, but its design leans entirely towards being fully wireless. However, it should be noted that it doesn’t adhere to the most recent Bluetooth 5.0 standard, but it does offer three Bluetooth profiles with distinct buttons located on the function row for your convenience.

Connecting the Joro device to new gadgets is effortless and smooth, plus you can swiftly transition between them by simply pressing a button. I’ve encountered one situation where the Joro stubbornly refused to connect with my computer, leading me to perform a full reset. However, for the most part, it has been highly responsive and dependable.

The Razer Joro’s battery life, while Razer only provides a maximum of 1,800 hours, performs well in real-world conditions, such as when not set on power-saving mode and with the backlighting turned on. It has been tested for multiple dozens of hours and can be conveniently recharged using any Type-C charger.

Besides using Razer Synapse directly, you can also download it (even for macOS users!) to access extra functionalities such as customizing up to five onboard profiles, configuring Razer HyperShift shortcuts, activating Razer Snap Tap (which prioritizes the last key pressed), enabling gaming mode features, and much more.

As a researcher exploring various low-profile keyboards, I must admit that the Joro keyboard may not boast the most comprehensive or feature-rich software customization options, such as per-app profiles. However, when compared to many other ultra-low-profile keyboards available in the market, the Joro still stands out as a superior choice.

Razer Joro review: What I don’t like

Although the Razer Joro is built with a portable, productivity-centric design, it’s marketed as a gaming keyboard within Razer’s overall product lineup.

As a researcher, I can confidently say that the Joro keyboard stands out as a superior choice for gaming compared to many portable keyboards available today. Its unique features such as Razer Snap Tap last-key prioritization, Razer HyperShift shortcuts, and N-Key Rollover/anti-ghosting technology truly set it apart.

While scissor switches might not measure up to conventional mechanical switches in terms of performance during gaming, it’s still evident that they fall short compared to their counterparts. The Joro model, at present, only supports Bluetooth connections, resulting in a perceptible delay and the possibility of interference problems.

In the future, Razer plans to upgrade the Joro’s firmware so it can sync with current Razer HyperSpeed Wireless adapters using Multi-Device Sync technology, similar to the Razer Basilisk Mobile mouse I assessed. This update should prove beneficial, yet my review focuses on the device as it stands at present.

I’m okay with using the single-color RGB lighting (which is an improvement over the standard white LED backlighting found on many travel keyboards), but it would be great if the secondary functions of the keys were also accentuated visually as well.

While it’s true that the Razer Joro is a high-end peripheral, its price point is particularly steep compared to other quality wireless travel keyboards available at more affordable prices.

Razer Joro review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if …

  • You want a high-quality, ultra low-profile wireless keyboard for travel.
  • You need great multi-device compatibility, including with macOS.
  • You want a great travel keyboard that’s better than average for gaming.

❌You should not buy this if …

  • You just want a low-profile gaming keyboard and don’t plan to travel.
  • You need the lowest wireless latency for competitive gaming.

The Razer Joro stands out among the top keyboards we’ve reviewed, as it is a compact, portable ultra-low profile model that combines elements of gaming. It excels in productivity and mobile work, yet aspires to be a dependable partner for gaming as well.

This keyboard delivers more correct inputs than errors, boasting superior construction, smart design, and user-friendly arrangement, unmatched versatility across multiple devices, and native macOS compatibility. It offers a pleasant typing experience as well.

When it comes to travel, this keyboard is all I require at present. However, if you’re focusing on gaming, the Joro might not be ideal for PC gaming, but it excels for work and creation while on-the-go.

It’s possible that the addition of Razer HyperSpeed support to this keyboard could significantly improve its response time, but keep in mind that as a laptop keyboard, it will always essentially be a portable version (regardless of its quality). It won’t likely surpass a dedicated gaming keyboard when it comes to performance or typing experience.

Even though, I must admit that I’m quite fond of this streamlined accessory. If it catches your eye as well, you can grab the Razer Joro for just $139.99 at Best Buy, or alternatively, at Amazon. Additionally, I’ve reviewed the Razer Basilisk Mobile, which is its wireless mouse counterpart.

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2025-05-25 16:10