Best Razer Keyboards in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 31, 2024
Want to kick back on your weekends and play on your PC? Why not do it with style and use the best Razer keyboard, sleek and designed to be as comfortable as possible? The company has always been the standard-setter and we've picked out 5 of its most impressive models for you. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Type
Material
Connection Type
Rollover
Backlighting
Extras
Compatibility
Warranty
 
PROS

In addition to Razer Synapse, the model "decided" to take a page out of Logitech's book and incorporate 5 additional keys for binding macros, offering various advantages for gamers that play World of Warcraft, Starcraft 2, or just about any MMORPG, MOBA, or strategy game out there. A built-in USB cable will allow you to save a port on your system unit for other devices.

CONS

Some may find the switches to be a bit stiff. 

OUR VERDICT

If you're looking for a model that combines the Razer's renowned approach to design, performance, and ergonomics, all while providing some additional in-game customisation options that other models from this company often lack, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better offer on the market than this Razer mechanical keyboard.

detailed parameters
Type

Mechanical (Razer Green Switches)

Material

Metal housing with plastic matte keycaps

Connection Type

Wired, USB (1.8 metres)

Rollover

10-key rollover

Backlighting

RGB, Selectable colour (16.8M colours), Dynamic light effects available

Extras

5 additional keys for binding macros, Customisation with Razer Synapse, Built-in 3.5-mm jack, USB port

Compatibility

Windows 7 and higher

Mac OS 10.8 and higher

Warranty

2 years

PROS

This Razer keyboard BlackWidow supports inter-device colour synchronisation, which is always a welcome feature for those that own multiple Razer devices. It also features a military-grade metal top construction that doesn't just make the entire thing both more rugged and durable but also makes the keyboard look much more sleek and professional.

CONS

The Space key is louder than the rest of the buttons. 

OUR VERDICT

Razer BlackWidow X Chroma Clicky Mechanical Gaming Keyboard will definitely prove to be the best Razer keyboard for those gamers that value durability above anything else and the ones that will be able to appreciate the sleek and elegant design of the model that puts all of those plastic peripherals to shame.

detailed parameters
Type

Mechanical (Razer Green Switches)

Material

Metal housing with plastic matte keycaps

Connection Type

Wired, USB (1.8 metres)

Rollover

10-key rollover

Backlighting

RGB, Selectable colour (16.8M colours), Dynamic light effects available

Extras

Customisation with Razer Synapse

Compatibility

Windows 7 and higher

Mac OS 10.8 and higher

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The model is a mecha-membrane keyboard, which is a technology that combines the soft cushioned touch of a membrane rubber dome with the crisp tactile click of a mechanical switch. In addition to that, it also comes with custom designed mid-height keycaps that reduce the time it takes for your actions to register while also allowing your fingers to move around the keyboard with much more freedom.

CONS

The model offers no protection against liquid spills. 

OUR VERDICT

Razer Ornata Mecha Membrane Gaming Keyboard is a truly unique device that belongs to a category of its own. Thanks to the use of the titular technology, this is a model that you could recommend to just about anyone looking to create some new gaming experiences.

detailed parameters
Type

Mecha-Membrane

Material

Plastic housing with plastic matte keycaps

Connection Type

Wired, USB (~2.1 metres)

Rollover

10-key rollover

Backlighting

Green, Dynamic light effects

Extras

Customisation with Razer Synapse, Detachable wrist rest

Compatibility

Windows 7 and higher

Mac OS 10.8 and higher

Warranty

2 years

PROS

Since the product in question is IP54 certified, a protection structure that is normally reserved for all kinds of action cameras and sports gear, virtually no amount of liquid and dust will be able to put up much of a fight against this Razer gaming keyboard. In addition to being extremely durable, the switches are also capable of delivering exceptional actuation and reset points.

CONS

The keyboard is somewhat easily soiled. 

OUR VERDICT

It would be fair to say that the people behind the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2016 clearly decided to double down on the already impressive durability of the previous BlackWidow iterations. So, if you're looking for a model that would be able to withstand a serious amount of abuse, this keyboard should prove to be right up your alley.

detailed parameters
Type

Mechanical (Razer Green Switches)

Material

Plastic housing with plastic matte keycaps

Connection Type

Wired, USB (~2.2 metres)

Rollover

10-key rollover

Backlighting

Green, Dynamic light effects

Extras

Customisation with Razer Synapse, Built-in 3.5-mm jack, USB port

Compatibility

Windows 7 and higher

Mac OS 10.8 and higher

Warranty

2 years

PROS

By removing the numeric keypad, also known as the ten key, and that, in turn, the manufacturers made the entire thing much more sleek and compact. The Orange Switches come with an Instant Trigger Technology, a feature that immediately sends the signal to your system, cancelling any need for a debounce delay. This sort of instantaneous response will give you a serious advantage over your opponents.

CONS

Some may feel inconvenienced by the lack of numpad. 

OUR VERDICT

Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition Chroma V2 will be a perfect fit for those gamers that have a limited amount of space on their table and for those individuals that attend tournaments on a frequent basis and are in need of a keyboard that is as ergonomic as it is compact.

detailed parameters
Type

Mechanical (Razer Orange Switches)

Material

Plastic housing with plastic matte keycaps

Connection Type

Wired, USB (1.8 metres)

Rollover

10-key rollover

Backlighting

RGB, Selectable colour (16.8M colours), Dynamic light effects available

Extras

Instant Trigger Technology (ITT), Customisation with Razer Synapse, Detachable wrist rest

Compatibility

Windows 7 and higher

Mac OS 10.8 and higher

Warranty

2 years

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Razer BlackWidow Chroma

What Razer Is All About

If we had to describe the Razer's BlackWidow line in general and the BlackWidow Chroma in particular, it would probably boil down to something along these lines - these keyboards have always represented what Razor is all about and that is gamers providing other gamers with exactly what they need to dominate.

It is no secret that the majority of hardcore gamers value accuracy and responsiveness above virtually anything else, which is precisely why Razer came up with their own mechanical switches, formally known as Razer Green, in order to make sure that every click and every push of a button does not go unnoticed by the device.

Gamers have also always been the bunch that would attempt to stand out from the casual crowd, and Razer has always responded accordingly, successfully supplying this demand with all sorts of solutions that would allow the video gaming enthusiasts to show off their unique style. And since this is Razer we're talking about, it should come as no surprise that one of the more interesting things about the Razer RZ03-01220300-R3W1, also known as the BlackWidow Chroma, is its looks. The said looks stem from a backlighting setup that features a fairly respectable number of 16.8 million customisable colour options. Suffice it to say, with the entirety of the keys being individually programmable, just about anybody will be able to create a look that shows what they're all about. And if you don't feel like bothering yourself with this sort of thing, there are always preloaded lighting effects for different types of games.

Review of Razer BlackWidow Chroma Gaming Keyboard Clicky Mechanical Switches

Put Those Macros to Good Use

By the way, while there are certainly not a whole lot of things you could hold against Razer, one of them used to be the complaint that the company's products were always lacking in terms of customisation. Naturally, "used to be" is the key combination of words here, since, in addition to Razer Synapse that hardly needs any introduction at this point, certain models like the one in question "decided" to take a page out of Logitech's book and incorporate 5 additional keys for binding macros. And while that isn't something that the fans of the shooting genre will be able to appreciate, you don't need us to explain all of the advantages these things can offer you in World of Warcraft, Starcraft 2, or just about any MMORPG, MOBA, or strategy game out there.

On top of those additional keys, another thing that sets this Razer mechanical keyboard aside from the majority of keyboards, including the ones from Razer, is a built-in 3.5mm output and a USB port. While the former offers plenty of applications ranging from simple ergonomics to additional options for musicians, the latter will allow you to connect the mouse through the keyboard, saving one of those precious USB ports that your case and your motherboard come with for other devices. Other than that, there really isn't that much left to say about this peripheral that hasn't been already said in hundreds of other reviews out there. If you're looking for a model that combines the Razer's renowned approach to design, performance, and ergonomics, all while providing some additional in-game customisation options that other models from this company often lack, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better offer on the market than this Razer mechanical keyboard.

Razer BlackWidow Chroma Gaming Keyboard Clicky Mechanical Switches in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00OBPTZ6U

 

Razer RZ03-01760400-R3W1

Newest Addition to the Family

The Razer BlackWidow X Chroma Clicky Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is another addition to the BlackWidow Chroma collection, so anyone that is familiar with Razer's most successful line of keyboards should already have a pretty good idea of what it is that the model is capable of offering them. Of course, you'll be getting Razer's mechanical switches that have won numerous awards at this point. Naturally, the model features a 10-key rollover in order to avoid those unpleasant experiences where one or two of your clicks wouldn't register simply because you have been pushing multiple buttons all at once. It should also go without saying that this Razer keyboard BlackWidow supports inter-device colour synchronisation, which is always a welcome feature for those that own multiple Razer devices. So, aside from all of these things, what is it that the model will be able to offer the customers that previous Razer keyboards couldn't?

Well, to be honest, what we're dealing with here isn't a piece of gaming equipment that differs from its predecessors in a large variety of ways. Nevertheless, those few changes that the company made seemed significant enough for them to warrant producing and manufacturing an entirely new model and, upon further examination, we felt inclined to agree with this decision.

Review of Razer RZ03-01760400-R3W1 Clicky Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

A Professional Look

As we have already mentioned, there are a few things that distinguish this Razer gaming keyboard from its predecessor, the Razer BlackWidow Chroma. But the first and the most important one is certainly the housing. While the latter did start to incorporate metal and plastic together, the model in question has taken this idea to a whole new level, implementing a military-grade metal top construction that doesn't just make the entire thing both more rugged and durable, but also makes the keyboard look much more sleek and professional.

Furthermore, since the metal is polished, it does a far superior job compared to plastic in terms of reflecting all of those 16.8 million customisable colour options. While the regular Chroma may seem brighter at certain angles, the overall lighting looks much sharper and elegant compared to its predecessor. The Razer's famous switches have undergone some changes as well, lowering the actuation force required in order for the keyboard to register a click to a minuscule 50 grams and improving the lifespan of each and every single button to about 80 million keystrokes. Another undeniable advantage of this model is the addition of cable channels underneath the keyboard that will allow the users to wrap the cable around them, effectively improving the cable management on their desks.

The company did also decide to get rid of the macro keys and the USB/3.5mm ports, and while the latter isn't necessarily something that most gamers cared too much for, some may certainly miss the additional options that the macro keys provided them. Though, to be fair, the model obviously works with Razer Synapse, so you can always turn any of your regular keys into a macro one. All in all, the Razer BlackWidow X Chroma Clicky Mechanical Gaming Keyboard will definitely prove to be the best Razer keyboard for those gamers that value durability above anything else and the ones that will be able to appreciate the sleek and elegant design of the model that puts all of those plastic peripherals to shame.

Razer RZ03-01760400-R3W1 Clicky Mechanical Gaming Keyboard in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01DCMNQSU

VIDEO
Corsair Gaming K70 RGB Keyboard vs Razer Blackwidow Chroma - Comparison Review
 

Razer RZ03-02041900-R3W1

The Best of Both Worlds

Razer may not have always been the company known for pushing the boundaries with their cutting-edge technologies, but if there's one thing that could be said for certain, it'd be that the team of experts behind the company's products were never the ones to follow the pre-established patterns. On the contrary, these are the people that were always known for coming up with unique solutions to old problems, and there isn't a better example of that out there than the Razer RZ03-02041900-R3W1 Membrane Gaming Keyboard.

As you are probably aware at this point, most mechanical keyboards feature a much longer lifespan compared to their membrane counterparts, the keys themselves are much more durable, and the level of responsiveness is simply incomparable to your average non-mechanical keyboard. Nevertheless, despite all of these benefits, mechanical keyboards aren't without their faults either. Setting aside the fact that these devices are often much more expensive, the majority of mechanical models are also heavier and noticeably louder than your typical membrane keyboard. And that is exactly where the model in question comes in. Even though this peripheral is being advertised as a membrane gaming keyboard, the device actually features a completely new and unique mecha-membrane setup that is neither entirely membrane nor mechanical, essentially combining the best of both worlds.

Review of Razer RZ03-02041900-R3W1 Membrane Gaming Keyboard

Forge a New Path

Without boring you with the technical details, a mecha-membrane keyboard is a technology that combines the soft cushioned touch of a membrane rubber dome with the crisp tactile click of a mechanical switch. To put it differently, the manufacturers have been able to avoid both the biggest downsides of mechanical keyboards (stiff buttons and loud noise) and membrane ones (inaccuracy and poor responsiveness). In addition to that, these people have also implemented custom designed mid-height keycaps. By making the keys shorter, Razer has been able to reduce the time it takes for your actions to register, not to mention that the size of the keys allows your fingers to move around the keyboard with much more freedom.

Aside from this truly unique patent-pending feature, this Razer mechanical keyboard comes equipped with all of those features that are usually reserved for much more expensive BlackWidow models. The 10-key rollover anti-ghosting technology is there so you won't have to worry whether the keyboard will be able to register every single one of your commands every time you push multiple buttons at the same time. The Razer Synapse will allow you to program all of those buttons according to your needs and preferences, both in terms of looks and performance. Finally, a detachable wrist rest is also there for those that prefer to spend their gaming sessions with a little bit more comfort.

To sum it all up, the Razer Ornata Mecha Membrane Gaming Keyboard is a truly unique device that belongs to a category of its own. Thanks to the use of the titular technology, this is a model that you could recommend to just about anyone looking to create some new gaming experiences.

Razer RZ03-02041900-R3W1 Membrane Gaming Keyboard in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01MQK2FSD

 

Razer RZ03-01700400-R3W1

Designed to Withstand Serious Abuse

Hundreds and thousands of hours of intense gaming sessions, trying to hone your skills in order to become the best version of yourself in terms of gaming performance, tend to take their toll not just on you but on your peripherals as well. And while you might take a break and enjoy a few hours of nothing but leisure and relief, your keyboard may not always be presented with the same option, metaphorically speaking. Which is precisely why folks at Razer have always been so keen on producing the types of devices that boast exceptional durability first and foremost. And even though the majority of Razer peripherals can easily be described as sturdy and reliable, Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2016 is the iteration of the Blackwidow line that manages to stand out even from such an impressive crowd.

It's no secret to just about anybody that hardcore gamers tend to be so goal-oriented that they forget about everything else in the process, including the fact that their keyboard may not have been designed to withstand half a cup of soda spilt all over it. Of course, we're talking about a regular keyboard here, and the BlackWidow Ultimate 2016 is far from a regular model when it comes to these sorts of scenarios. Considering that the product in question is IP54 certified, a protection structure that is normally reserved for all kinds of action cameras and sports gear, virtually no amount of liquid and dust will be able to put up much of a fight against this Razer gaming keyboard.

Review of Razer RZ03-01700400-R3W1 Mecha Membrane Gaming Keyboard

The Ultimate Keyboard

Having said that, a construction that is capable of withstanding liquid spills and accumulation of dust is all well and good, but no keyboard that isn't also designed to withstand millions of keystrokes can truly be called a durable and reliable device. Fortunately enough, this is hardly an issue when it comes to the BlackWidow Ultimate 2016, given that the model incorporates the latest Razer Green Switches that, as some of you may already be aware at this point, feature a lifespan of up to 80 million keystrokes, a number that no Razer competitor has been able to replicate yet.

In addition to being extremely durable, the aforementioned switches are also known for delivering exceptional actuation and reset points, meaning that all of your commands are executed exactly as they should—with blazing fast responsiveness. Other than that, what we have here is a fairly standard Razer keyboard that doesn't differ that much from the majority of latest peripherals from the said company. The 10-key rollover features outstanding anti-ghosting experience, so you can rest assured knowing that each and every push of the button will be registered accordingly. Each of the keys is individually backlit, incorporating dynamic light effects that will make your keyboard look high-tech and futuristic. Finally, the model comes equipped with a 2.2-metre cable, which is a nice little feature for those that prefer to have some space between the keyboard and the system unit. In conclusion, it would be fair to say that the people behind the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2016 clearly decided to double down on the already impressive durability of the previous BlackWidow iterations. So, if you're looking for a model that would be able to withstand a serious amount of abuse, this keyboard should prove to be right up your alley.

Razer RZ03-01700400-R3W1 Mecha Membrane Gaming Keyboard in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B019DU80WW

 

Razer RZ03-02190700-R3M1

Esports-Ready

It wouldn't be too far-fetched to say that just about any gamer out there would like to have at least an entire room to himself, a so-called man cave where you can have all the space in the world in order to set up your gaming rig and all of the peripherals required to enjoy hundreds of hours of uninterrupted gaming sessions. However, very few of us are actually lucky enough to have anything more than a table at our disposal to put all of those pieces together. And, frankly, a single desk may not always offer enough space for all of the gaming peripherals. Nonetheless, while no keyboard will be able to solve that issue for you, a model like Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition Chroma V2 is surely capable of mitigating some of that damage, so to speak.

Now, there is no particular secret as to how this device will be able to solve the issue of limited space. The manufacturers have simply decided to remove the numeric keypad, also known as the ten key, and that, in turn, made the entire thing much more sleek and compact. While that may seem like a decision that could inconvenience a part of their customers, the numpad is essentially useless when it comes to gaming and is especially useless in terms of Esports. And given that this is a product that was designed specifically with hardcore gamers in mind, we would be hard-pressed to put too much stock in what could be described as a minor disadvantage at best.

Review of Razer RZ03-02190700-R3M1 RGB Ergonomic Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Crush Those Tournaments

By the way, before we move on from ergonomics to other aspects of this keyboard, we would quickly like to mention that Razer isn't a company that needs a reminder that gamers who take their Esports ventures seriously tend to travel from one tournament to another. Sure, the "Tournament Edition" part of the name may have already given that away, but we'd still be remiss not to point out that the compact design of the model makes it easy to take the whole thing with you wherever you go. Add to that a detachable USB cable and we're talking about a good gaming keyboard that is simply perfect for travelling.

Speaking of performance, you'd think that the regular Razer Green Switches were already fast and accurate enough even for the most demanding gaming applications out there. Nevertheless, Razer decided to take it up a notch, introducing Orange Switches that come with an Instant Trigger Technology, a feature that immediately sends the signal to your system, cancelling any need for a debounce delay. Suffice it to say, this sort of instantaneous response will give you an advantage over your opponents that some may even describe as unfair.

Not dissimilar to other BlackWidow models, this Razer Chroma keyboard comes equipped with programmable backlit keys with 16.8 million RGB colour options, so you'll be able to show off your personality at any tournament you attend with this stylish-looking device. However, a thing that sets this peripheral apart from the majority of Razer keyboards is a detachable wrist rest, which is a tool that will always come in handy whenever you decide to go on an intense gaming marathon.

All things considered, the Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition Chroma V2 will be a perfect fit for those gamers that have a limited amount of space on their table and for those individuals that attend tournaments on a frequent basis and are in need of a keyboard that is as ergonomic as it is compact.

Razer RZ03-02190700-R3M1 RGB Ergonomic Mechanical Gaming Keyboard in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B075LT1NS1

 

What Is a Razer Keyboard?

Ask any gamer what the Razer company is and nine out of ten will not only know about the brand but will likely be proud owners of their accessories. It is one of the leading computer periphery manufacturers and the best Razer keyboard for gaming stands head and shoulders above the competition. Easily recognizable thanks to the sleek design and unusual colours with beautifully backlit keys, these keyboards often feature extra keys for binding macros and making gameplay more convenient for players all over the world. These ergonomic keyboards are made with gamers in mind but they can be used for work as well. Some of the new models have wrist rests that keep your hands from getting tired even if you spend the whole day on your work PC. The ergonomic design of Razer products is not just a feast for eyes but a result of research done by the company to build the best keyboard.

To make sure that your gaming experience is as convenient as possible, we advise you to take a look at some high-quality mice. And, of course, we have chosen some top of the line gaming chairs so you can rest comfortably while you’re on your PC.

What Features to Compare

Type of Keyboard

Most models will differ in the tactile feedback from keys, the design, and the material, though we’ll cover that a bit more extensively below. The main types you’ll find are the membrane, mechanical, and dome-switch, with the first models giving no feedback and the latter two providing a satisfying click that lets you know the keypress was effective. Of course, not everybody enjoys hearing sounds while typing and having a certain spring to the keys, so more and more people are opting for membrane models. Plus, they have practically no gap between the keys, protecting the insides of the device from spilt water or beverages.

Keycap Material

In terms of popularity, we’d rank the materials as ABS, PVC (plastic), PBT, POM, and PC. Razer mostly uses ABS as it’s more popular and well-known. While the material tends to turn yellow when exposed to ultraviolet rays, contained in sunlight, the company coats the keycaps in special rubber to prevent this, giving keys a pleasant tactile feel. If you prefer a harder feel to your keys, choose plastic keycaps and, if you want a softer keyboard, take a look at some resin-coated models.

Connection Type

This is pretty basic: you can have a wired and wireless model, depending on what’s more important to you. Some users say that wireless models can lose signal and ruin your gaming experience but others say the comfort of playing from your bed or a comfy armchair is worth it. If you’ll primarily use your Razer mechanical keyboard to type, it makes sense to get a wireless device so you won’t have to sit right in front of the monitor.

Key Rollover

Rollover is the keyboard’s ability to notice several simultaneous presses. Whether you’re trying to do a combo in a fighting game or typing a text, it’s not unusual to hold down two or three keys at a time. And basic models won’t be able to handle anymore, leaving you stranded if you ever have to input more keystrokes at once. Thankfully, you’ll notice that most Razer models offer a 10-key rollover and studies have shown that some of the high-end keyboards (like the Blackwidow one, for example) reach as high as 16 keys. If you’re a speedy typer this may just be the deciding factor as most cheap keyboards only provide 5-key rollover or less.

Extras

Razer usually offers a slew of useful bonuses like additional keys for macros binding, wrist rests, free gaming mice to go with your new keyboard, spill resistance, and much more. This category is up to you, just check our table and see what matters most to you. If you enjoy a cup of tea while working or playing, prioritize models with waterproof design. And if you spend a lot of time typing and working on your PC, a wrist rest might just keep your hands from getting tired.

Did you know?

Not dissimilar to the majority of all kinds of technological devices, keyboards are one of those things that we tend to take for granted, despite the fact that these pieces of computer equipment have only hit the mass market in the past couple of decades and there are still plenty of people out there that grew up without some type of a computer and, obviously, without a keyboard. Which is why we decided it would be a good idea to share a few interesting facts about these reliable devices.

Too Much Space for the Space Bar?

Even if you're not the most technologically savvy person and don't happen to spend a good chunk of your day staring at the computer screen, the fact that the so-called spacebar is the longest key on your keyboard shouldn't be able to take you by surprise. And while that is true for the absolute majority of keyboards out there, there's actually a good chunk of them that do not follow this pattern. Oddly enough, all of these models are made for the Japanese market, and every single keyboard that features a Japanese layout comes with a spacebar that is much shorter compared to any other keyboard from any other country. Though if you think about it for a moment or two, you may not find it quite as odd. The thing is, Japanese keyboards have to incorporate a design solution that would allow switching between Latin/roman letters (called rōmaji) and Japanese characters (called hiragana and kana). And in order to switch between the two, the user requires additional keys. And since those are always located next to the spacebar, the manufacturers have to make up for that with a shorter space key.

An Odd Moment to Share

You didn't think we were done with the spacebar there, did you? Well, tough luck, since the latter isn't just the longest key on the keyboard, but also the most used one. Regardless whether one of us is writing an essay on the postwar economy or chatting up a potential love interest on Facebook, about 18% of all keyboard hits go to the spacebar. By the way, you never actually type alone either. According to a study, it turns out that in every 1/10th of a second on Earth, the key in question is pushed 600,000 times, meaning that every time you add some space between a couple of characters, there are 600,000 other people doing the exact same thing at the exact same time.

Just When You Thought You Could Trust It

It wouldn't be that much of a leap to say that the majority of people are probably under the impression that QWERTY layout is the most efficient keyboard layout there is, mostly because it is by far the most widespread one. Well, it turns out that, metaphorically speaking, QWERTY is actually more of a foe than a friend to us. In order to figure out why that is the case and why do we use them, we'll have to go back 150 years in time to the latter half of the 19th century. Of course, there were no computers back in those days, but the typewriter had just been invented and the first commercial model was about to hit the mass market. However, it turned out that if you place the keys in chronological order, most people would type so fast that the mechanical parts of the aforementioned device would jam. Which is precisely why a bloke that went by the name Christopher Sholes came up with the idea that in order to slow people down, you need to mess with the layout. And that is how QWERTY was born. By the time computers replaced the typewriters, this layout had already been established as a norm, which is why the majority of keyboards had to adopt it as well.

FAQ:

Q: What’s the difference between the three BlackWidow versions that I’ve seen? There seem to be 3 varying colours depending on the model?

A: The BlackWidow and a range of other top-of-the-line Razer periphery are equipped with three variations of switches: Green, Orange, and Yellow. Each of them is adjusted for a different type of gamer. The Green switches offer a tactile bump with each press and a distinct loud click. The reset point on these is at half the distance seen in regular keyboards so the rollover is more efficient and the user won’t ever miss a keystroke. The Orange switches are quite similar but they lack the click, making them perfect for gamers that dislike the extra sound or find it distracting. In all other aspects, the Orange switches are pretty similar to the Green ones, though they also take less effort to press, sliding smoothly and resetting just as swiftly. As for the Yellow switches, they are optimized for the fastest work, suitable for competitive online FPS and MOBAs. The keys give off no sound and require no effort to press. The speed with which the commands will be put in depends on your fingers only. The Green switches are recommended to new users as the Yellow is aimed at skilled gamers and the Orange one may be confusing due to its silent work.

Q: What is Razer Synapse? It seems that most of the high-end Razer keyboards come with it but what can it actually do?

A: Synapse is free software for Razer users that lets you assign new macros, rebind buttons, or change the backlighting on your keys. When coupled with top-of-the-line models, this gives you almost infinite freedom in customizing your periphery as you see fit. Using the program you can set special macros for the additional keys, present on the best models such as the BlackWidow. This lets you save time by assigning lengthy action sets to one simple keystroke. That way you can perform combos in fighting games or input commands in team chat in multiplayer. You can also take advantage of Synapse if you’re left-handed and would prefer to bind keys differently for your own comfort. It’s easy to do and lets you assign new values to every single key on your periphery though you should be cautious not to mess up the original setup too much, lest you forget what each button does. And, finally, you can fiddle with the lighting of your Razer device to personalize it and show off the millions of colours available. Newer models like the BlackWidow and the Cynosa have nearly 16 million shades to choose from and you can pick a different one for every single button on the keyboard, customising it to the max. Whether you want to do a gradient shift from red to green to blue or only light up the keys that are important in-game, the Synapse software lets you go wild with your imagination.

Q: I’ve bought a mechanical keyboard with “clicky” buttons. Is there any way to get rid of the sound?

A: No, mechanical models don’t have a way to disable the clicks from the keypresses. If you want a quieter option, we’d recommend a mecha-membrane hybrid or, if it’s complete silence you need, check out the “stealth” models which emit no sound whatsoever.

Sources:

1. Service Razer Black Widow Ultimate Keyboard: 5 Steps (with Pictures), Instructables. January 13, 2016.

2. Jon Fingas Razer's latest gaming keyboard can survive spilled drinks, Engadget. November 14, 2017.

3. Rich Edmonds How to configure macros on your Razer keyboard, Windows Central. September 15, 2016.

4. Christian Bonilla Have A Razer Keyboard? Recording Macros Is Easy With Synapse, MakeUseOf. March 28, 2017.

5. Eric Ravenscraft Why I Started Using a Gaming Mouse and Keyboard to Get Real Work Done, Lifehacker. May 19, 2015.

6. Darren Orf This Psychedelic Mechanical Keyboard Made Me a Believer, Gizmodo. April 19, 2016.

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Publish Date: 2018-03-21 10:14:21