In testing the ProType with several computers, the macro and profile features worked well, and I found them to be very useful for automating frequently-performed tasks. Gamers will also love these features, which is fitting, given Razer's gaming background. However, there are two minor drawbacks here. First, the eight-action restriction for macros is a bit limiting; if you'll be using the ProType's macros to help streamline repetitive tasks, you may find yourself wishing for more flexibility. Second, you have to remember what each macro key does in each profile. I found myself reminiscing about the days of pre-mouse Word Perfect, which provided a keyboard overlay to keep track of which keys did what.

It's also worth noting that I couldn't get the ProType's special keys to work when I connected the keyboard to a MacBook Air--using just the keyboard USB connection--despite reinstalling the ProType software several times. Given that the keyboard worked fine with every other Mac I tested it with, I chalked this up to an issue with the MacBook Air.

But that's not all you get

The other unique feature of the ProType is its built-in iPod dock. Once the keyboard is connected to your computer you can charge your iPod (or iPhone) and sync it with iTunes by placing the iPod in the keyboard's dock cradle. The dock uses , so any recent dockable iPod, or either iPhone model, will work with the ProType using the dock adapter included with the iPod or iPhone. (Razer includes two adapters for older iPods; specifically, adapters 4 and 5 for the 20GB and 40GB 4th-generation full-size models, respectively.) A nice touch is a line-level audio-output jack on the back of the keyboard for listening to your iPod's music through a nearby stereo or computer speakers.

However, if you want to use the ProType's dock, the keyboard takes up two USB ports on your computer--one for the keyboard and one for the dock. (The ProType's thick USB cable has two USB plugs; if you just want to use the keyboard, you connect only the plug labeled Razer.) This obviously presents problems if your computer of choice is a MacBook Air; you'll need a hub, preferably a powered one. And if your desk has a keyboard drawer, your iPod may stick up far enough that you won't be able to close the drawer. (In fact, because the ProType is so deep, your keyboard drawer may not open far enough to use the iPod dock at all.)