Razer Interview: Robert Krakoff

Bit: With keyboards constantly getting more complex, incorporating LCD screens and macros for example, it can seem as if keyboards often rely on gimmicks to sell these days. Do you ever get the feeling that simpler is sometimes better?

Robert: That really depends on the game and the individual player. Some games don’t require much more than a good solid WASD key command while other games scream for macros and advanced key programming. One man’s gimmick can be another man’s Tarantula.

Bit: Razer introduced the world to the first optical mouse with 1000 DPI, but do you think gamers will ever reach a point when they say they have enough is enough in terms of sensitivity, or will it keep escalating?

Robert: I think that has already happened. Once you hit 1800 to 2000 DPI there isn’t a noticeable difference in sensitivity and performance. DPI is one of the most misunderstood and misused measurement vehicles for mice. In fact I am in the midst of writing a full explanation and compendium of exactly what technologies actually affect precision and accuracy in a mouse. Look for this information in one of my upcoming blog posts early in June.

Bit: Razer has branched out from gaming mice to other products such as soundcards and keyboards, do you have plans to branch out further? Can you tell us about them?

Robert: I could but then I would have to shoot myself. Razer is always looking for ways to enhance gaming and gamers’ abilities. As game developers continue to raise the bar, Razer will be there to pick up the support of those games when it comes to hardware.

I will admit to a number of new products and exciting technological advances in various stages of development today. The future will be a very exciting place for us to spend our time playing games.

Bit: There are obviously a lot of interface innovations still in experimental stages, such as gaze detection for PCs, do you keep a close eye on these technologies and do you ever plan to branch out into them?

Robert: Yes we do keep an eye out for such innovations, and in fact we have some new ones on our own. Again all top secret stuff and unfortunately I can’t comment further at this time.


Bit: Razer is obviously close to the professional gaming scene. In your mind what is it that makes a professional gamer so much better than the average Counterstrike n00b and how do you watch for the next Fatal1ty?

Robert: I honestly don’t know if there will ever be another Fatal1ty; Jon is unique to himself.

No gamer I know of has exhibited the package of talent, expertise, style, newsworthiness and business sense that Jon has.

I know Jon personally and he is the real deal. Add to this the trend away from individual gamers towards teams over the past five years and the way the entire sponsorship dynamic has changed. We do look for players or teams that have consistently place high in important tournaments … mostly live events.

We ask players to provide feedback and validation for many of our new products. We also look to find players who can deliver relevant soundbites with eloquence and composure. We also look for teams with stability, honesty and integrity.

Razer will never support a team unless the players believe that Razer products can make them better players. This is the cornerstone of our belief system. In the old days when Fatal1ty was sponsored by Razer he used and believed in our products, and that is the only way we will work with current and future sponsorship opportunities.

We'd like to thank Robert and everybody at Razer for taking the time to answer our questions.