Best Razer Blackwidow

Razer Blackwidow

Razer BlackWidow The Razer BlackWidow is a family of sturdy, robust, and well-built gaming keyboards equipped with Razer Mechanical Switches. This iconic keyboard has gone through enhancements and innovations since its introduction in 2010 to meet the demands and needs of gamers.
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Razer

BlackWidow Chroma V2

Razer

Cynosa Chroma

Razer

Ornata Chroma

Razer

DeathStalker Gaming Keyboard

Razer

BlackWidow Elite

Best Razer Blackwidow

A well-rounded computer setup has several parts — monitor, graphics card, audio interface, chair — but the keyboard might be the overall MVP. Sure, a keyboard isn’t quite as thrilling as an overclocked 12-core processor, but a quality one will improve your experience like no other component can. With over two decades’ experience manufacturing computer hardware and peripherals, Razer is one of the best options for a new keyboard.

Outside of the seat you park yourself on, the keyboard is what you’ll actually be touching the most. A precise, comfortable, and intuitive one can reduce fatigue during long sessions and put your favorite features near where your hands naturally sit. What’s more, the keyboards are often customizable to fit your individual preferences.

While Razer is primarily geared toward gaming, its products are right at home in an office, writer’s room, or anywhere else typing needs to get done. From quiet, compact models to flashy workhorses endorsed by esports pros, Razer has a keyboard for every computer user. Check out our buying guide for the basics and our product recommendations if you already know what you need.

Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2

A great mechanical keyboard that has many customizable features that gamers and non-gamers alike will appreciate.

PROS

  • This mechanical keyboard includes a wrist rest and audio-out/mic-in jacks. The backlight colors can be customized for each key and 5 keys are available that can be programmed as macros. Comfortable to use and lasts a long time.

CONS

  • The software that you have to use to customize the backlight is hard to use and the keys are fairly loud even for a mechanical keyboard.

Razer Cynosa Chroma

One of the most affordable gaming keyboards on the market that still has many of the same features as more expensive models.

PROS

  • Features a completely customizable, multi-colored backlight and programmable keys that can be used for macros. The quiet keys are comfortable to use and are spill-resistant.

CONS

  • Features a completely customizable, multi-colored backlight and programmable keys that can be used for macros. The quiet keys are comfortable to use and are spill-resistant.

Razer Ornata Chroma

A good hybrid keyboard for those looking for something in between a mechanical and a membrane keyboard.

PROS

  • This keyboard features mecha-membrane keys, which have a soft membrane dome with a crisp click like mechanical keys. Includes a wrist rest and multi-colored backlight that is fully customizable. Keeps up with even the quickest typing.

CONS

  • The wrist rest starts to wear fairly quickly.

Razer DeathStalker Gaming Keyboard

An ideal keyboard for those looking for quiet, low profile keys that will still keep up with gaming or quick typing.

PROS

  • The DeathStalker features slim chiclet keycaps and a built-in wrist rest. Keeps up with all keystrokes and is comfortable to use. Features a green backlight to easily see each key.

CONS

  • The larger keys are fragile and can break if removing for cleaning.

Razer BlackWidow Elite

Precise, comfortable, and endlessly customizable, this mechanical keyboard is the perfect fit for a high-end gaming rig.

PROS

  • This tournament-ready keyboard equips tactile (and clicky) green switches requiring just 50 grams of actuation force. It’s customizable with its 16.8 million-color Chroma lighting system and macro capabilities. Each key can be remapped to execute different commands. Magnetic wrist rest, media keys, and convenient volume wheel. Available with linear and quiet yellow switches.

CONS

  • Razer’s Synapse software, which controls Chroma lighting and macros, isn’t always intuitive to use.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

 

Wired vs. wireless

Just like mice and headphones, modern keyboards have embraced the convenience of wireless tech. Wired and wireless versions each have their pros and cons, and we summarize the main points below.

Wired: These keyboards connect to your computer via USB cable. You sacrifice some freedom of movement with these, and there’s another cord to manage, but they have no lag and are powered by the same USB connection that transfers data. These keyboards are typically a bit cheaper than wireless equivalents. 

Wireless: These keyboards use Bluetooth tech to pair with your device and generally have a range of between 20 and 40 feet. The lack of a cable presents a cleaner look for your workspace, and the keyboard can be moved to pair with tablets, other computers, and even gaming consoles. Wireless keyboards are slightly more expensive and must be charged occasionally via USB power adapter. Some older models use replaceable batteries, however. There is technically a higher risk for lag, but with current tech, it’s extremely unlikely that you will notice any.

As you can see, it’s hard to make an argument that one version is objectively better. If you travel often or desire an extremely neat workspace, a wireless keyboard may be for you. If you hate the idea of charging and don’t mind the cord, you can potentially save a few bucks on a wired model. No matter which version you choose, Razer offers plenty of lightweight, durable, and comfy options. 

Membrane vs. mechanical keys

Gamers and PC enthusiasts are very similar to car nuts in that every component and every detail matters. This is why there are so many keyboard types available, all the way down to the types of switches used on each individual key. As far as the broad categories are concerned, though, the primary types are membrane, mechanical, and optical mechanical. 

Membrane: The longtime standard for non-gamers and laptop users, membrane keyboards have a soft, gentle feel to them. The keys sit atop a rubber/silicone dome and act as pressure pads instead of individual switches. While comfortable and quiet, they’re not as precise. Given Razer’s place in the gaming sphere, the brand doesn’t currently offer a classic membrane keyboard. 

Mechanical: Mechanical keyboards, as the name suggests, are made up of individual switches that feel crisp to use. These are extremely accurate and durable compared to membrane models. Not every switch feels the same, though, and they may be labeled “linear,” “tactile,” or “clicky” depending on the model. 

  • Linear switches are smooth, consistent, and quiet.
  • Tactile switches have a noticeable “bump” as they actuate but are still quiet.
  • Clicky switches feature a more pronounced bump and a loud click.

Optical mechanical: Optical switches are still mechanical switches, but they are unique in the way they actuate. Instead of a physical connection between metallic contact points, optical switches use a light beam actuator.  In layman’s terms, optical switches have light beams below them, and when you press a key, that light is blocked. When that light is blocked, your keyboard sends a signal and the corresponding action is carried out. The advantages compared to pure mechanical are fewer moving parts, faster responses, and improved durability. 

Size and ergonomics

Hands come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s only logical that keyboards do as well. Smaller hands feel more at home on smaller keyboards than on larger ones because they don’t have to move as far to reach distant keys. If you’re engaging in long gaming, editing, or writing sessions, your hands will definitely notice a difference. 

Small Razer keyboards, such as the Huntsman Mini, measure 11.9 inches wide by 4.3 inches deep. Keyboards this size are known as 60% keyboards because they’re about 60% of the standard size. Gamers adore this layout because, with the proper angle, they allow you to reach all the keys with small wrist and hand movements. They also don’t take up much space on a desk, but at a cost — 60% keyboards don’t typically feature a tenkey (number pad) or function rows (arrow keys, page up, page down, and so on). If you don’t need these keys, a diminutive 60% model might be perfect for you. 

If you have larger hands or prefer full functionality, Razer offers plenty of full-size keyboards measuring up to 18 inches by 6 inches.