Razer's BlackWidow Ultimate keyboard drool

Razer's BlackWidow Ultimate keyboard *drool*

By N3M3SiS
12:37 Mar 22, 2011

* Incredible tactile mechanical switch feel
* No extra bullshit, media buttons are dual-purposed function keys
* Variable backlighting
* Exceptional build quality

* Polished surface not for everyone
* Missing a wrist rest
* Does not ship with Darth Vader helmet

Having only recently unboxed this behemoth of a peripheral I can tell you it's a sight to behold.

Its a heavy beast and it's immediately apparent that the BlackWidow has been made to a very high standard. From the feel of the unit itself to the trunk of braided cable that extends from the back of the unit everything about this keyboard says "ultimate".

While the polished finish is not for everyone and inevitably ends up smeared by your sticky, mortal appendages it does look amazing when clean. The sensation when hitting the keys is remarkable - type a short note in notepad or an address into your browser of choice and it really does feel like you're hacking the matrix. The consistant key travel and sonic reward for going about your keypresses is something quite unique, especially not having owned a mechanically switched board before.

A wrist rest would be a nice addition to such a premium product but at the same time im quite sure it would detract from the spartan design of the BlackWidow and hopefully over extended use will not be missed.

The additional USB and audio ports are quite handy and well positioned although I personally won't be making use of them any time soon.

A personal favourite is Razer's decision not to fill any spare space on the board with garish "media" keys to control obscure functions that in my opinion do not belong on a well designed keyboard. Those that are included (volume, stop, play etc.) are dual-purposed function keys and add functionality without ruining the aesthetics of the board.

Overall a fine product if a little expensive but one deemed worthy of my discerning desk-space.

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