Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Mechanical Keyboard
- Thread starter Ace Modder
- Start date
Have the non-backlit version. Bit the bullet to get it but am very pleased I did. Took a lot of time to investigate the options at different price points and decided I didnt need the extra's this version offers.
If you take some time out to investigate the pro's of mechanical keyboards you might find yourself getting one. I know mine will last for years and it has been an improvement to my SC2 gameplay.
If you take some time out to investigate the pro's of mechanical keyboards you might find yourself getting one. I know mine will last for years and it has been an improvement to my SC2 gameplay.
I doubt the "hype" over mechanical keyboards will be short lived
People are still using the original IBM mechanical keyboards (with the large Din plug, let alone the later PS2 versions) after something like 20 years
A mechanical keyboard has a very distinct feel to it which some people absolutely love as it gives a much more precise and consistent indication of the key being pressed, and that's before the normally much better overall build quality, and the fact that it's proper switches rather than membrane tech tends to mean the keys themselves last much better.
About the only real reason mechanical keyboards "went out" was because of the cost of producing them - it costs pennies to put in a membrane keyboard layout (and the entire "switch" of that layout probably costs less than two or three mechanical switches), and people didn't want to pay large amounts for the keyboard when they could get a one for a fiver.
If I could justify the cost I'd probably get a good mechanical keyboard, as I used an IBM mechanical keyboard for a while and loved it, I regret not picking a bunch up in the late 90's when it seemed every computer fair had boxes of ex office keyboards cheap (especially as I now know how easy it is to clean the baccy stains off them).
Ultimately "mechanical" keyboards these days are a niche, performance type item, much like not everyone is going to want the latest greatest dual core video card in sli, or water cooling, a good case, or a good monitor, there are people who are willing to pay for the quality and feel of the product.
Oddly enough the keyboard/mouse and monitor are probably the three things I never stint on when building a machine for myself (and i never stint on a case when i build for anyone), as they are the bits you are going to be interacting with every single time you use the PC. thus if you can find one you like, as an enthusiast/heavy PC user it's nuts not get good ones that you like, even if it does mean potentially getting a slightly lower end video card, thus for me £60-100 for a keyboard isn't silly if it's comfortable
Raised some valid points there and I do agree. The product price doesn't bother me, I 100% agree with you... skimping on items like keyboards is silly. I am also a heavy PC user. I play a lot of MMOs and i think the extra functions on the G19 sways it a great deal for me. After taking your advice and reading up just that bit more on these keyboards; It does show a great niche.
However, just a mechanical keyboard like this isn't for my needs. I'd love to try the feel of one
If the G19 had mechanical layout. I'd happily pay over the side of £200.
That looks really nice actually... shame about the lack of features. I guess they're breaking them in easy.
Glossy black isn't for me either... and It's just an added factor as to why I wouldn't get the blackwidow. It is a shame, as in terms of 'flawed' product; there is only two issues i have with it and thats the glossy black and the usb and audio jacks being on the right hand side.
I've used several mechanical keyboards and they do have a distinctive feel to them. I'm not a massive fan of them though over any other good quality keyboard. If I had the choice of a normal keyboard with features or mechanical with none I think I would choose the normal one.
Saying that the only real problem I have with a full featured mechanical keyboard is the fact they are very audible in all cases I have tried. Other then that they are nice to use.
Saying that the only real problem I have with a full featured mechanical keyboard is the fact they are very audible in all cases I have tried. Other then that they are nice to use.
Soldato
- Joined
- 13 Mar 2006
- Posts
- 6,712
Been waiting on this since before christmas. Great to see Razer have FINALLY gotten round to sending more stock to the UK. Finally a mechanical keyboard with cherry blue mechanical switches, backlighting, USB and an audio out jack. Razer products have always seemed a bit too tacky for my liking, and I think the Filco Majestouch is a much classier looking product, but it doesn't have the extras and functions of this one. There's a great review at geekhack here
Really seems Razer have made a very sturdy and well made keyboard, and considering the added cost of making mechanical keyboards it seems a very reasonable price, though it's a shame OcUK can't price these a bit better.
Really seems Razer have made a very sturdy and well made keyboard, and considering the added cost of making mechanical keyboards it seems a very reasonable price, though it's a shame OcUK can't price these a bit better.
yup, i've been waiting since christmas too. It arrrived thismorning! Typing on it now... this is nice. Going to take a while for me to get used to. I can be much softer to the touch with this. Love the clicky sound too. I know it won't be for everyone though. Can upload pics if anyone is that interested lol.
How does this compare to an IBM Model M? This could tempt me back to mechanical keyboards!
Also how many simultaneous keypresses (that was my only issue with the model M) does this handle and how loud is it compared to a Model M?
Model M user since a kid, my current one is from 1989, gone through the dishwasher 3 times, been painted once and still just fine! My girlfriend made me put it away because it was too loud in our tiny flat, but i'm hoping I may get away with something now our house is a bit bigger.
Also are the caps replacable? I dont know wether to get this or a "das keyboard" ultimate See - http://www.daskeyboard.com/
Also how many simultaneous keypresses (that was my only issue with the model M) does this handle and how loud is it compared to a Model M?
Model M user since a kid, my current one is from 1989, gone through the dishwasher 3 times, been painted once and still just fine! My girlfriend made me put it away because it was too loud in our tiny flat, but i'm hoping I may get away with something now our house is a bit bigger.
Also are the caps replacable? I dont know wether to get this or a "das keyboard" ultimate See - http://www.daskeyboard.com/
Associate
- Joined
- 30 Sep 2009
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- 325
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- Beccles, Suffolk
I surprised that is doesn't come with a wrist support like a lot of the others, it only has that little bottom lip.
Does it still feel ok
Does it still feel ok
Soldato
- Joined
- 12 Oct 2007
- Posts
- 2,647
It compares very well to the Model M in my opinion. The key action is a fraction lighter on the Razer and the Razer keys are slightly smaller and closer together than those on the Model M, so if you're an accurate/touch-typer then the Razer provides an excellent typing experience. I slightly prefer the Model M as the keys are bigger and spaced further apart. I make fewer mistakes when typing quickly on the Model M. And it also has an added 'authenticity' given that its well over twenty years old. The Razer is just as loud so your girlfriend is still unlikely to be impressed.
You may want to consider getting a new girlfriend and/or a bigger flat...
Thanks a lot for the comparison. I'm not a huge fan of the Model M's huge key spacing.
The noise is a bit of a killer though. I may have to look into the Das Keyboard 'slient' witbh Cherry MX brown switches. (instead of 'blue' ones from what I undersand is on the Razer leyboards).
Getting a new keyboard is a lot cheaper than getting a new girlfriend
Without reading anything on the page.
£122 for a keyboard
Am i the only one who read what this guy wrote and thought yes your right 120 pounds is quite a lot for a keyboard !
It's a lot but you have to know what you're paying for at the end of the day in order to justify it to yourself.
It would be like me buying a tractor, it'd cost a fortune and I wouldn't be able to justify paying all that money for it. But if I knew how to use and utilise it to its full capacity it'll probably be worth every penny.
Associate
- Joined
- 28 Oct 2002
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- 1,819
- Location
- SE London
And some HHKBP, and Ducky's, and Realforce... Just so I can get a decent keyboard without having to ship from the east.
