Razer Blackwidow Review - Page 15
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Banksy
United States39 Posts
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jimminy_kriket
Canada5478 Posts
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Sinborn
United States275 Posts
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Blisse
Canada3710 Posts
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Poyo
Canada790 Posts
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Xanbatou
United States805 Posts
Is it worthwhile to get the ultimate over the regular? All that gets you is backlighting and some pass through ports. The usb port on the side of the keyboard might be nice for your mouse, but your mic in/out might get in the way a bit =/. Also, is it true that the ultimate has the key labels sandblasted on while the regular version has them just printed? | ||
DeadMaus
United States3 Posts
The keyboard construction is very high quality in my opinion and seems like it will last for a very long time. The keys themselves are mounted on a metal plate underneath the plastic outer-shell, making for a nice hefty keyboard. You never have to worry about the keyboard sliding around; you can rest assured that your keyboard will stay right where you left it. Things I like! The USB port, audio and microphone jacks are really convenient for me. That means I only have the cable from the keyboard running to the back of my computer. This also means I can quickly change out peripherals, without fussing with my computer case. I also liek the fact that all of the cables are merely extensions. For example, the Logitech G110 basically acts as a gaint USB hub which will take two USB connectors. When plugged in, the computer will recognize the peripheral as an external part of the keyboard instead of directly connected to the computer. (Excuse my lack of computer knowledge! I don't know all those fancy terms and what not!). Another great thing about the keyboard is the thick braided cable that comes out of the keyboard. All the cables are neatly packed together under one extremely durable/tough casing that runs to the computer. With every product you have to have gripes right? Well I can list one that some people might not like; it doesn't come with a PS2 connector. Although I don't care that much about the PS2 connector, some like the assurance of knowing that ALL their keystrokes will go through unconditionally. In my opinion, its not needed and most modern computers do not have native PS2 ports. I do wish though that Razer offered a built in sound card into the keyboard as well as another USB port. The built in sound card would reduce the amount of wires leading to the back of your computer, meaning that you could plug in microphone and speaker male ends into the keyboard and having the sound come from solely the USB cable. I would also like another USB port just incase I have a USB headset. Currently I use the single USB port for my Razer Naga (which I love to bits), if I had a USB headset that would present a big problem for me. On the note about the keys, I'm pretty sure they're laser etched. At least thats what I read from a couple reviews. I know of no definite way to tell, so I'm gonna go with laser etched. And yes, the Ultimate keys have a better grip (but not too grippy) and are better constructed than the regular editions keys. For my conclusion, I would say that if you have to money, totally get the Ultimate edition and join the cool kids clubs. Its just like owning a BMW. Do BMW's offer significantly more than standard priced cars? Nope. But do people buy them? Yep. And do people go "omg y so rich?" Yep. But on a serious note, I don't think its worth $130 for the keyboard. I was able to purchase mine for $100 on amazon, which to me- is worth the USB + lights + microphone jack + headphone jack + better keys. To the average person looking for a keyboard, the regular edition is just as good! If I hadn't found this for $100, I would have bought the regular edition. On one last note, I would like to say that these keys are not as loud as other keyboards with Cherry Blue MX keys. This is mainly due to the fact that the thicker keys which consist of two layers provide more sound insulation. This makes them slightly less noisy, but noisy never the less. That noise can either be extremely annoying, or harmony to your ears. Thats up for you to decide. Personally, I love the sound of the keys. Especially when I'm typing really fast. It allows me to flex my typing-peen. And yes, this was typed on my Blackwidow Ultimate. It really does make typing more enjoyable. I find that my school essays tend to be about 50% longer than what they used to be. Take that how you will! ( Anyone with the keyboard might find this link helpful. It helps iTunes function with your media keys. Simply follow the instructions which are REALLY simple and your keyboard's media keys will function without having to tab to the iTunes window. http://www.everythingitunes.com/os/windows/2008-01-04/mmkeysdll/ ) | ||
Dakk
Sweden572 Posts
I just a few hours ago recieved my copy of the razer blackwidow. And i just have one thing to say. This is an amazing keyboard and i will never use another type of keyboard again, if this one brokes, i'll get a new one of theese. The sound of it is orgasmic(lol) and it feels very nice. I am not worried for the part of it easily catching up fingerprints. Like.. you arwe supposed to use your hands on it.. DOnt care if it gets dirty. I recommend this keyboard to everyone and everything. BuyBuyBuy | ||
LanTAs
United States1091 Posts
the media keys work well, you just gotta update the firmware to v1.04 the keys are... click clack ORGASMMMMMMMMM OMFG THIS REALLY IS FREAKING AMAZING! keys actuate about 2/3rd way, which i love and the macro keys need getting used to, cause i sometimes mistake m5 for ctrl. fortunately, i fixed the prob by remapping m5 to ctrl, so basically i have 3 ctrl keys that i can use! i love typing on this keyboard, and now i feel like typing instead of starcraft 2 lol. anyways, great buy for a mechanical keyboard under 70 bucks that feels hefty and unbreakable. Its actually surprisingly smaller than all my other keyboard lol | ||
Freeheals
United States488 Posts
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Reason.SC2
Canada1047 Posts
On January 14 2011 12:28 Freeheals wrote: Don't fret over the macro keys. You will stop hitting them after one or two nights of gaming. I was worried about them too but am very comfortable with them now. As a blackwidow owner who switched over from a G15v2, I agree with this 100%. To those who complain about the key layout making it hard to hit control-f5... why don't you rebind f5-f8 through your custom hotkeys anyways? Or if you don't want to do that, why don't you bind a keystroke assignment to your macro keys. Hitting control M1-M6 is way easy. Honestly many of the criticisms about the layout are just people who are used to a different layout and inflexible to optimize a new one. i.e. if you have been cross-country skiing your whole life and you put on a pair of top quality alpine skis, you'll probably think they feel strange and unnatural. It just takes some adaptation to get the most out of your product. | ||
LanTAs
United States1091 Posts
On January 14 2011 13:13 Reason.SC2 wrote: As a blackwidow owner who switched over from a G15v2, I agree with this 100%. To those who complain about the key layout making it hard to hit control-f5... why don't you rebind f5-f8 through your custom hotkeys anyways? Or if you don't want to do that, why don't you bind a keystroke assignment to your macro keys. Hitting control M1-M6 is way easy. . yea i make m5 my ctrl key and m4-m1 7890 so those keys are easier to reach | ||
SzaszaG
Hungary120 Posts
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Ritesh
United Kingdom24 Posts
On January 22 2011 18:01 SzaszaG wrote: Hi ! Can someone tell me, if Any key is Programable on it ? For example can you set like the "N" key to respond as Ctrl ? (or only the 5 Macro buttons can be programmed?) yes, you can remap the keys but u cannot add macro to normal keys. e.g i changed caplock to ctrl on mine. | ||
SzaszaG
Hungary120 Posts
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Fir3fly
Australia251 Posts
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Reno(TE)
United Kingdom434 Posts
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LanTAs
United States1091 Posts
On January 23 2011 08:42 Reno(TE) wrote: Got one today after trying it out in store. It's awesome so far, although need to relearn slight variation in key orientation (keys are not square) yea dont worry about it, you'll get used to it. if you dont, just do what several of us did with the ctrl/m5 key which most ppl have problems with. if you hit the m3 instead of capslock you'll also get used to it. what i found out what worked for me is to shift the keyboard a little to the left so that my middle finger is directly over the E key and then that kinda tricks me into thinking the F1 key is where the old keyboard was. also, this positioning helps me not accidental press any macro keys. if you find that the media keys dont work, just update the firmware to 1.04 on the site, that worked for me. they work perfectly fine for skipping songs while playing SC2 which i have found really useful EDIT: i move my keyboard to the left, not the right =) | ||
Karliath
United States2214 Posts
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vek
Australia936 Posts
On January 31 2011 17:19 Karliath wrote: What do you do to keep your keyboard clean? A can of Compressed air works well for getting dust and junk out (take it outside before you go mad). Get one that has a straw so you can get in between the keys. If you want to do a "deep" clean your best bet is going to be pulling all the keys out, tossing them into a bucket with warm water and mild detergent and giving it a whirl. If they are really dirty use a paintbrush or soft toothbrush to clean them out. While the keys are drying out you can clean the keyboard itself. Again a paintbrush or soft toothbrush is good here. Just take it outside and give it a good brushing. I wouldn't use water for this bit unless you just use a damp cloth on the plastic parts. | ||
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