In today’s gaming market, tons of keyboard offer a wide array of features to win over consumers. Getting down to the main gist of it, majority of gamers really require only the WASD and directional keys. And these keys get abused really, really badly. Gaming-oriented keyboards feature rubberized grips, reinforced aluminum keys, etc. to strengthen their keys. But there’s another solution: the switch or mechanical key. In this week’s test we bring out Razer’s flagship mechanical keyboard, the Razer Black Widow Ultimate which promises to bring a whole new feel to the keyboarding experience. Let’s see if it holds up the Ultimate moniker and as usual, let’s make this showy!
The enthusiast-oriented keyboard market right now is saturated with offerings featuring tons of extra keys, lighting features, and other gimmicks. Some target functionality whilst some durability. Razer has a very good reputation in providing quality products in this area with their extensive gaming peripheral line. We’ve had the opportunity of testing out numerous Razer products and all of the time we walked away very pleased with their offerings. Today’s test subject for review is the Black Widow Ultimate. A mechanical keyboard which uses switches instead of a membrane for actuation. Basically, mechanical keyboards are tough SOB keyboards and their keys wont cave in as easily as others. They’ also have a distinct sound when pressed. What this brings to the gaming table is a whole new dimension to the gaming experience. So here’s a quick rap on the Black Widow’s features and specs and we’ll get on to the review and see if this keyboard is as lethal as the arachnid its named after.
Features:
- Full mechanical keys with 50g actuation force
- Individually backlit keys with 5 levels of lighting
- 1000Hz Ultrapolling / 1ms response time
- Programmable keys with on-the-fly macro recording
- Gaming mode option for deactivation of the Windows key
- 10 customizable software profiles with on-the-fly switching
- 5 additional macro keys
- Gaming optimized key matrix for minimized ghosting
- Multi-Media Controls
- Braided cable
- Audio-Out / Mic-In Jacks
- USB-Passthrough
- Approx. size in mm: 475(L) x 171(W) x 30(H)
- Weight: 1.5kg
PACKAGING
[singlepic id=2393 w=320 h=240 float=left] [singlepic id=2395 w=320 h=240 float=center]The Black Widow Ultimate comes in a distinctly Razer-styled box with large graphics and fleer metal text for visual interest. Similar to the Marauder keyboard (review here), the box features a small opening protected by a internal blister pack to showcase the item within. Also worth noting is this is one heavy package. Most probably its the keyboard giving quite the heft to the box.
Turning the box over we have a feature layout of the Black Widow nicely highlighted on the top part. The bottom part mainly consists of translations into 16 languages of the features. Image highlights to the left for further marketing.
[singlepic id=2397 w=300 h=220 float=left] [singlepic id=2398 w=300 h=220 float=center] [singlepic id=2399 w=300 h=220 float=left] [singlepic id=2400 w=300 h=220 float=center]
Inside the Box
[singlepic id=2401 w=300 h=220 float=left] [singlepic id=2402 w=300 h=220 float=center] [singlepic id=2406 w=300 h=220 float=left] [singlepic id=2407 w=300 h=220 float=center]Pulling out the the inner packaging, we see the keyboard neatly protected by a plastic covering and is supported by thick folded cardboard to keep it from moving. That little box on the lower right is removed to pull out the cable tucked away for neatness.
[singlepic id=2402 w=300 h=220 float=left] [singlepic id=2403 w=300 h=220 float=center] [singlepic id=2404 w=320 h=240 float=center]The first thing that caught my eye upon removing the blister cover is the glossiness of this keyboard. I immediately thought fingerprint magnet, and I was right. The keyboard’s glossy chassis is highly susceptible to fingerprints when touched. Some would argue that this is a bad choice for a case design as a keyboard is practically the most handled computer equipment next to the mouse. I do occasionally have to wipe off grime and prints off my monitor’s border and I’ve gotten accustomed to it already. The Black Widow has practically the same border size so its no biggie.
[singlepic id=2405 w=320 h=240 float=center]Underneath the keyboard is a little folder which houses the manual, quick start guide, a certificate of authenticity and a Razer logo sticker sheet. We should all be well aware by now that Razer doesn’t package driver installation discs.
CLOSER LOOK
[singlepic id=2408 w=320 h=240 float=center]
The Black Widow Ultimate is one solid looking keyboard and its weight adds to the fact that it is one well constructed piece of hardware. The keys are coated with a rubbery texture which enhances grip. Signature Razer right there.
[singlepic id=2409 w=320 h=240 float=center]Flipping the keyboard over, we find four rubber feet to prevent the Black Widow from moving around during vigorous typing. Some might find them a bit small but the overall weight of the Black Widow will perfectly plant it on your desktop. As with any other keyboard, stands are also present.
[singlepic id=2410 w=320 h=240 float=center]The Black Widow Ultimate differentiates itself from its vanilla sibling, the Black Widow is the addition of individually illuminated keys (pic later) and the provision of a USB port as well as audio passthrough jacks on the right side of the keyboard. This is a nifty addition but it would’ve been better if there were two. The placement of the audio jack is a bit off for me since Razer itself likes to include long and stiff braided cables and these tend to get easily tangled. People with small deskspace will most likely bump their mice to anything attached to the Black Widow Ultimate’s ports.
[singlepic id=2411 w=320 h=240 float=left] [singlepic id=2412 w=320 h=240 float=center]Checking out the cable on the Black Widow Ultimate, one would immediately notice its very thick. Thicker in fact than the thickest I’ve seen from the Banshee. This is due to the addition of the above mentioned USB and audio passthrough. The main cable ends on a box with 2 USB and 2 audio jacks protrude. You need to plug in both audio jacks to make the ports on the Black Widow work as the Black Widow does not include a USB audio device. The USB and audio jacks are gold-plated for superior signal clarity.
[singlepic id=2413 w=320 h=240 float=left] [singlepic id=2414 w=320 h=240 float=center]Plugging in the Black Widow, we get treated to a nice glow from the illuminated keys. The Black Widow does not have multi-color LEDs like the Marauder but it does have multi-mode lighting which go from Off, Low to High Intensity and Pulsating similar to the Anansi.
PERFORMANCE, COMFORT, FUNCTIONALITY
Testing out the Black Widow Ultimate, I took it to the office and used it for a couple of days as my work keyboard. As a daily keyboard, the first and most noticeable characteristic it has is the sound it makes when a key is pressed. The keys click when actuation is made and a louder click is made when the key is pressed all the way down. If you think the sound is familiar, you’re not alone. Those typing sounds they use in TV shows and movies when some character is using a computer, that is exactly how the Black Widow sounds. Anyone wanting to use this keyboard for silent operation might want to look at the Lycosa because quietude is not one of the Black Widow’s features. Getting the hang of the layout is particularly easy since the layout is mostly standard with only a Fn and the macro keys added without affecting the already familiar layout. As for typing efficiency, the low actuation requirement are a touch typist’s heaven. You practically just slide your finger over a key to press it. Works wonders for me, personally.
On to gaming performance, we already know how responsive the keys are and they surely payoff in-game especially in RTS titles. Just to further increase the possible usage space of the Black Widow, I fired up DTXmania, a Bemani game simulator based off the popular arcade title Drummania and Guitar Freaks. I’ve been playing this game for years and using the Black Widow brought my game to a whole new level. The low actuation requirement made it easier to move from one key from the other and zero ghosting occured. With nearly 2000+ keypresses for a 3-minute-or-so song, my wrists were sore but scoring a 500+ combo on the keyboard with a fast-paced song like God Knows… is a very nice achievement for me. And yes, 3500+ keystrokes. That’s a keyboard pounding. I have retired numerous keyboard by playing this game and the Black Widow took that beating and gave me an S rank.
Hitting that many keys can be grueling on the wrist and I’ve come to expect a wrist-rest for any keyboard above 100$. The Black Widow does not include one though it has ample space at the bottom of the keyboard to rest the end of your palm which is sufficient. Still, I would’ve appreciated a wrist rest.
Since this keyboard’s pride is its mechanical keys, anything more than that is just a bonus. Razer’s usual loadout of media keys, gaming switch and profile switcher are a nice addition to this already solid package. One thing about the macro keys, it took me a while to get used to not pressing the M5 key instead of the Ctrl key since I’m so used to it being on the last lowest corner to my left. A little tilt upwards would’ve been favorable since most people would also experience this.
CONCLUSION
A solidly constructed keyboard that delivers a fresh new feel to typing, the Black Widow Ultimate simply feels better. Its solid construction and nice looks are subtly aggressive added with its glowing keys, it is a nice visual treat. As for functionality, its main feature is the mechanical keys which promises faster response and hardcore durability. To this respects, the Black Widow absolutely decimates everything in its league and delivers its promise.
So it all boils down to value, is the Black Widow Ultimate worth it? At US$130, some will shy away from this keyboard but its mechanical architecture with its long lifespan, one is assured of using it for quite a long time. Those not requiring the USB ports and audio jacks as well as the light-up keys might want to opt for the US$80 Black Widow. It may not be as flashy as the Ultimate, but it still gives you the experience it delivers.
I’m pretty sold on the worth of the Black Widow Ultimate as a functional keyboard though I’m a bit disappointed in the included stuff (or lack thereof) with it. For a very glossy keyboard, one would’ve appreciated some microfiber cloths. That wrist-rest I mentioned would also have been a lovely gift. Those would’ve made the huge price-gap between the Black Widow and Black Widow Ultimate much more reasonable.
As for the keyboard itself, a few nitpicks here and there like the macro key positioning which I tend to confuse for the Ctrl key and the audio jack positioning could’ve deserved a few more thoughts. Still, small complaints on a very well-designed keyboard.
Closing things off, the Black Widow Ultimate is a great keyboard with every key in its layout an entire reason to buy it. Those who prefer it simple (or can’t afford) the extra swag a lit keyboard brings should get the vanilla variation though. If you’re a hardcore PC enthusiast and want a sturdy, solid keyboard that’ll last you a lifetime, you have the Razer Black Widow for your consideration. Gamers who don’t require major use of all keys in a keyboard and are on a budget may want to look at Razer’s other offerings as the main bulk of the price of the Black Widow is still about its mechanical keys and you’d be sure disappointed if you thought it had pop-up LCDs or a built-in USB hub with a key drawer.
