Razer raion review in Spanish (full analysis)

With the Razer Raion the company itself has wanted to approach players focused on fighting games, as it previously did with the arcade stick: Panthera Evo. On this occasion, they have opted for a premium fightpad, a hybrid between a classic Ps4 controller and an arcade stick, saving distances. The six largest front buttons with mechanical switches and the mechanized 8-way tactile crosshead are the most differentiating elements of this device, which can be used on both Ps4 and PC.

Razer Raion Technical Specifications

Unboxing

The overall design of the case's exterior, made up of blue and white, is reminiscent of other Razer products for the Ps4 and Sony's own. The front shows a detailed image of the upper face of the Razer Raion, around it the product name and company logos are screen printed. The back of the box highlights some of the main features of the remote.

Opening the front cover, we find the Razer Raion boxed and well protected between rigid foam. In a lower compartment, there is a 3-meter cable that is permanently connected to the remote, an instruction manual and stickers with the Razer logo.

Design

One of the first aspects that attracts attention is the robustness of the remote, which is made of rigid black plastic. No matter how much pressure and turn is given to the command, it is impossible to find any part that creaks or looks flimsy. On the contrary, the grips or grips where to hold the control, are made of the same hard plastic as the rest of the product, instead of the somewhat softer rubber that other controls include to increase adherence. Added to this is that the grips themselves are shorter than other models and although this results in a less iron grip, it is still quite decent.

Its dimensions of 173 x 103 x 58 mm make it somewhat larger than normal, although in principle it is not a problem for any type of hand if you are going to use the front buttons using the claw style. For small hands, and even for some big ones, if it can be a little more uncomfortable if you are going to play traditionally. On the other hand, its weight of almost 275 grams is barely noticeable and it could be said that it is even less.

On the front left side of the Razer Raion is the 8-way mechanical tactile crosshead made of rigid plastic with a rounded shape and that emits an unmistakable click each time it is pressed that allows us to have feedback. This crosspiece, in addition, has an elevated position with respect to the control surface that, together with the space left around it, allows greater mobility and precision when making combos or half moons.

In the upper central area, the touch panel with the Razer logo and a lower green LED remain. On both sides of the panel we find the Share and Options buttons in the same position as in the Dualshock 4, but unlike the original ones, these have a rounded shape that stands out.

The PS button is located in the central part of the control as usual and under it two small rectangular buttons have been placed that make shortcuts. The left to turn the microphone on and off and the right to progressively switch between the different audio volume levels. By holding down the volume button, you can lower or raise these levels using the directional pad. If both buttons are pressed at the same time, the Competition Mode is activated, the indicator LED turns white and the PS, Share and Options buttons are disabled to avoid pressing them by mistake.

On the front right side of the Razer Raion are the six buttons typically used for fighting games. Two rows of three buttons each have been grouped into the usual ones. The top row corresponds to the buttons: square, triangle and R1; and the lower one with the buttons: X, circle and R2. These buttons are larger than the original for ease of pressing and are mounted using Razer's yellow mechanical switches that offer ultra-fast, soundless response with a lifespan of over 80 million keystrokes.

The upper edge has the four characteristic buttons or triggers: R1, R2, L1 and L2 in their usual positions. The difference in this case lies in the elimination of the path that turned them into triggers, being this time flat and more useful for the type of game for which they are intended. The buttons have a smooth and hard surface that responds with a click when pressed. Among these buttons, only the output of the USB cable stands out, which is fixed and cannot be separated from the Razer Raion.

The back only includes a switch to select between its use with the Ps4 or the PC.

Finally, on the lower edge we find in a central way the connection port for 3.5 mm Jack and on both sides, a pair of switches that modify some characteristics of the Razer Raion. The left switch allows you to choose the function that the tactile crosshair will perform between three options: DP = Directional Pad, LS = Left Stick or RS = Right Stick. The right switch allows you to configure the function of the buttons on the upper edge between two options: the first option allows you to keep the function of the L1, L2, R1 and R2 buttons unchanged; The second option converts the L1, L2 buttons to L3, R3, and R1 and R2 to L1, L2.

Ergonomics

As expected, the design of the Razer raion is intended to maximize playability in fighting games. The mechanical buttons, important part, certainly offer a very fast response and do not have to be fully raised to activate your switch again. Along with this, the larger size of the buttons facilitates their quick pressing and favors the use of the claw-shaped hand style, something common in arcades stick. However, even at that larger size, the famous claw-style may not be as comfortable as it is with traditional arcades, at least with little practice. In our case, we end up playing and grabbing the controller in the classic way, something that really isn't bad and ends up being a subjective matter.

The crosshead thanks to its route and tactile response responds accurately and quickly to the player's inputs, which facilitates the realization of the most difficult half-moons and combos. But we are not facing the perfect crosshead. When you press it gently, everything responds as it should, but when in the middle of a combat we start to make combos and press the cross hard, it stops responding effectively during those moments when we press and stops sending signal. It is something that for example does not happen with sticks or with the crosshead of the original dualshock.

The rear triggers, thanks to their large surface and short travel, work and respond perfectly. The shorter activation path makes them ideal for increasing the response speed in fighting games.

To finish, although for the style of games to which the game is destined it is not usually necessary to use an analog stick, it would have been nice to have it anyway. There are also models of fightpads that include it as others that do not, but for the price of this, it would not have been more.

Connectivity and Software

The fixed, non-detachable patch cord available from the Razer Raion limits peripheral connectivity options. Luckily, we are faced with a long cable, although without the braided mesh cover that Razer has accustomed us to.

The connection to both the console and the PC is plug and play and recognized instantly. In the case of the PC, the drivers are installed automatically and there is no possibility to configure or customize any section of the Razer Raion from the Razer Synapse application, where the command is not recognized either.

Conclusion and final words of the Razer Raion

Although Razer has a multitude of controller models for Ps4, this time it has focused on this Razer Raion to target the most competitive audience of fighting games. It shows how the company has been advised by players in the world and essential aspects such as the crosshead, buttons or triggers come out very well in terms of design and construction. The buttons thing was not much of a surprise either, knowing the usual use that Razer makes of its yellow switches that incorporate practically all its controls.

There are some improvable aspects that overshadow the set: the size of the remote, especially if it is going to be used in a traditional way; the problem with the crosshead if it is tightened too much and the lack of customization or analog stick.

Finally, the price is something that will always condition the public and the € 110 that this model costs makes it difficult for those outside the competitive sphere, although the quality and durability of this Razer Raion is unquestionable. Therefore, we find a good command that points ways but with its defects and a somewhat high price.