The BlackWidow keyboard from Razer should be familiar to almost every gamer. That’s why Razer has redesigned its gaming keyboard. The BlackWidow Elite was presented at the IFA this year. What improvements does the keyboard have and what does it have on the box? We’ll settle that for you in our test!
Design and Workmanship: High and Beautiful
Even when unpacking, it becomes apparent that we are holding a high-quality product in our hands – unlike what the general public expects. Razer likes to chalk up the lack of workmanship and the use of cheap materials. The back is made of plastic, but the top of the gaming keyboard is made of metal. The materials used result in a high weight and excellent torsional stiffness.
With 445 x 139 x 36 millimeters (L x W x H) the Razer BlackWidow Elite is not extraordinarily large, but weighs 1700 grams. Thus, the keyboard can’t be moved by mistake, as the rubber feet attached to the underside also make sure.
A striking design feature are the large, protruding keys, which Razer combines with two advantages. It’s easier to get into the gaps, so it’s easy to clean. In addition, the distance between the keys is better. In combination with the double-wall design, it is easier to write with it. The reinforced keys are intended to prevent the keys from “tilting”, so that each key is guaranteed to be completely struck and cannot tilt. Nevertheless, the keys provide a relatively clumsy design that doesn’t have to please everyone.
RGB lighting on gaming keyboards in the higher price segment belongs just as much together as the amen in church. The BlackWidow Elite is equipped with a small LED above the switches that lights up the key label. There is a small plus point for the even illumination of the keys. Countless colors and color variations can be set via software. A few words about the software later.
Generally Razer knows how to convince with the workmanship of the BlackWidow Elite. Even if it should be harder than in everyday life, this keyboard is a good weapon and goes along with a lot. A high-quality product with a good feel for use. This also includes the dedicated multimedia keys. The three buttons can be used to skip or pause/play music titles. The volume can be adjusted via the multimedia wheel, if you press the wheel, the sound is muted.
But the keyboard itself comes with a big extra. The keyboard is equipped with a USB 2.0 hub and even an audio device can be connected. The two metre long connection cable has two USB ports and a 3.5 mm audio port.
The BlackWidow Elite also comes with a padded palm rest – you can expect this at a price of 180 Euro. In our opinion, the palm rest increases comfort by 110%. Many keyboards have removable or built-in fixed shelves, none of which offer the same convenience as Razer’s keyboards. Even long sessions can be endured without weakening the wrists. In addition, the palm rest is not tied to a fixed position because it is magnetically fixed. So you can freely choose where it should lie, in which angle or maybe it should also lie completely at an angle on the desk – no problem!
Buttons: High, Pleasant and Loud
In short and in general: The advantage of a mechanical keyboard lies in the workmanship of the inputs. While Rubberdome keyboards use an electric foil to record, process and transmit the keystrokes, mechanical keyboards use a separate switch for each key. Therefore there are many advantages and possibilities in the design of the keys.
Our test pattern of the Razer BlackWidow Elite uses the “Razer Green” switches. The stroke of these switches is only 1.9 millimetres. Thanks to the short distance, gamers can react quickly and precisely to any situation. The green switches also provide a pleasant typing feeling and every keystroke is clearly audible. It’s often compared to the typical “typewriter sound” that comes up with the BlackWidow Elite. Whether the keyboard should make “clicking noises” can be decided by anyone with mechanical keyboards, including the Razer BlackWidow Elite. The “green” switches are the loud “jingle keys”, but Razer still offers quiet “orange” and “yellow” switches.
The Razer BlackWidow Elite is in midfield with a 50 gram keystroke. Rubberdome keyboards can easily produce up to 80 grams, other mechanical keyboards can also do with 40 grams. According to the manufacturer, the keys have a lifetime of 80 million keystrokes.
Software: Clearly Arranged with Many Functions
The Razer “Synapse” software is only suitable for the BlackWidow Elite, but can be used to manage all connected Razer devices. Anyone who has already used software for their keyboard will be able to deal with it directly. But also new users will find their way directly, because “Synapse” is clearly and intuitively designed. All available devices are displayed directly on the start page and can be quickly edited and adapted.
From adjusting the lighting to completely reassigning the various keys, everything is possible. To top it all off, Hypershift is a function on board that allows you to assign the complete keyboard layout with various functions via a fixed “Hypershift” key. The on-board memory allows five profiles to be taken and used anytime, anywhere. If you want to create countless profiles and not lose them, you can use the “Synapse” software to use the cloud memory and access your settings at any time.
Result of the Razer BlackWidow Elite Review
The Razer BlackWidow Elite convinces us with quality, functionality and comfort. The gaming keyboards cover all important factors perfectly. For one more dollar you get a very high quality keyboard, which will certainly not give up after two years and a new investment is necessary. With the Razer BlackWidow Elite you get a real highlight on your table.
Razer BlackWidow Elite
Workmanship
Features
Ergonomics
Software
Value for Money
Good new edition!
With the BlackWidow Elite, Razer creates a very good new edition of its popular keyboard.
