Wednesday, August 18th 2010
Razer Readies BlackWidow Ultimate Gaming Mechanical Keyboard
Razer is readying a new high-end mechanical keyboard for gaming. Named the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate, the keyboard is one of the first to feature illumination. Being a mechanical keyboard, each key has its own mechanical switch compared to conventional keyboards that have a common plastic printed circuit membrane with rubber dome switches. Mechanical keys give better tactile feedback for better control. Apart from the standard 102-key US layout, Razer added several special and macro-bound keys that can be managed from the included software. The keys as well as the company badge is illuminated blue. Razer's BlackWidow Ultimate is expected to cost $129 in the US, when it launches later this week.
Update (18/8): Razer also has a standard variant of the BlackWidow (minus the "Ultimate" marker, which lacks key illumination. This one is expected to be priced at $79.99.
Update (18/8): Razer also has a standard variant of the BlackWidow (minus the "Ultimate" marker, which lacks key illumination. This one is expected to be priced at $79.99.
31 Comments on Razer Readies BlackWidow Ultimate Gaming Mechanical Keyboard
Two weeks ago I opened my Razer 5.1 headset because it kept changing the from 5.1 to 2.1 to 4.1...it was a mess, anyway I opened it up and it was completely empty, just 3 speakers in each side and a few wires here and there plus cheap plastic look, the bottom line it looks like a very low quality-made-in-china product.
I bought that headset for $125, I think that the cost to make one for Razer is $20 or $30
TVS Gold. Made in India, $20, works like a charm.
mechanical key switches are rated for 10-50,000,000 strokes. there is 1 LED underneath each key. rubber dome keyboards use less than 20 SMD LED to illuminate over 100 keys.
Please use simple words :P
I'm actually really loving this and might get it once I get enough money. Really expensive though
I should really look into this for the desky, cause it's a PITA if its cloudy, say nothing of night time (lights just cast bad shadows to.)
I'm just happy to see more mechanical keyboards...they are far better for your fingers than pounding in rubber divots found in most non-mechanical keyboards.
Is the change really noticeable ?
But worth it, even if it cost 2x times more. Mechanical keyboard FTW.
I doubt that it changes your gaming performance, but it might increase comfort and the tactile feedback makes you more confident of every key press.
That's what I'm looking for in a keyboard. Comfort AND function, and rarely can you get both together. it will be the switches used that make or break this one, an I expect at least $150 price for a good one, and am more than willing to pay that for a keyboard done right. That leaves me a bit unexcited, but I can only hope they have made the right design choices.