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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: FranBunnyFFXII on Sat, 12 April 2014, 20:01:07

Title: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: FranBunnyFFXII on Sat, 12 April 2014, 20:01:07
Was just shipped out a few days ago.
Official release date was 4/9/2014(according to the razer order page)

Finally got it and wanted to do pic drop for this place as well. I hail from OCN and spend a bit of time on /r/mechanicalkeyboards.

feel free to ask questions.
Original Album with my comments: http://imgur.com/a/yaXDo#0

And before you ask "why did you get that when you have a ducky and model m?" I for kicks and giggles. it was 80$ why the hell not? Just wanted to try something new.
This is my 3rd mechanical.

Mass pics below(not the best camera sorry)
(http://i.imgur.com/apUN2SK.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/hzgnEnt.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/eFutf0W.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/eZENOys.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Pjaxsy0.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/sAWBtfs.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/mOe6rKo.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/0q2mkVs.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/ozEAshZ.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/XaIgsai.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/4TY0bGp.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/TjR2nSJ.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/r25pW4D.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/DQVfIxA.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/n6MOFRw.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/y4dEibh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/qMXEmnT.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/gtyZMYV.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/JjjU0PP.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/LgkxBc2.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/c0sukWW.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/h8ithDL.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/CAR0tKZ.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Lw57FBk.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/sKLIkiC.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/r5eLiJ8.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/nzCvHE0.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/VezeOcs.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/1pvhw21.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/7DZwtig.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/YzslZSP.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/B29Xd9B.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/o8KR67J.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/B3UmGwn.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/EBgTLIw.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/U9tTGmt.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/LoRW1zW.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/LDlyzd8.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/M7O95Z8.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/MG3eLsr.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/1EECsUG.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/fEtp3rT.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/oYFXF7k.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Inkmfrs.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/glJq2h2.jpg)
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: Flossed on Sat, 12 April 2014, 20:56:54
Did you notice any difference between Razer oranges and Cherry MX browns?
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: SSIPAK on Sat, 12 April 2014, 21:19:09
I love the color on those switches but I heard that these are just re colored cherry switches that already exist.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: FranBunnyFFXII on Sat, 12 April 2014, 21:20:06
Did you notice any difference between Razer oranges and Cherry MX browns?

I've never used browns, just blues reds and springs.
So I don't really have the authority to say.

However the switches themselves feel pretty close to my friends MX red board except for a really slight, hardly detectable, smooth bump.


The switches though, compared to my MX blues, the oranges have les "jiggle" and the keyboard doesn't flex at all.
However my disappointment right off the bat is that I cant flip the spacebar.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: minho on Sat, 12 April 2014, 22:23:09
Did you notice any difference between Razer oranges and Cherry MX browns?
However my disappointment right off the bat is that I cant flip the spacebar.

Check your reddit thread :p

I think that's the correct way to do it [assuming it's possible].
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: minho on Sat, 12 April 2014, 22:25:22
I love the color on those switches but I heard that these are just re colored cherry switches that already exist.

They kind of are. They are manufactured by Kailh, a manufacturer of Cherry clones. Razer markets the the actuation point of their new switches is slightly higher than standard Cherry MX switches, allowing for faster reactions. This probably makes a slight difference, and as far feeling or quality goes, this has yet to be determined (although most people seem to be doubtful simply because they're made by Kailh).
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: FranBunnyFFXII on Sun, 13 April 2014, 00:15:44
Did you notice any difference between Razer oranges and Cherry MX browns?
However my disappointment right off the bat is that I cant flip the spacebar.

Check your reddit thread :p

I think that's the correct way to do it [assuming it's possible].

Unfortunately the spacebar is unable to be flipped because of the case and the spacebar's keycap connector being shifted slightly.

If you flip the spacebar you can get the stablizer back in and everything but the problem is that the reserve placement makes the edge of the spacebar grind up against the case making it unusable. :/
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: QuadGMoto on Sun, 13 April 2014, 00:27:39
The switch is "Designed from the ground up for gaming"?


So they designed an entirely new switch? With a different case, pinouts, keycap connect, switching mechanism, etc., etc., etc.?


A slight variant on an existing design is not "from the ground up".  >:D  IMHO, that crosses the line from marketing to outright lying.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: Zeal on Sun, 13 April 2014, 00:34:49
That Spacebar stab... 

Are the other stabilized keys like that too, where the bar comes off?
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: Angrychair on Sun, 13 April 2014, 01:04:21
thank you very much for the picstory


from a Fellow OCN  mech keyboard club member.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: FranBunnyFFXII on Sun, 13 April 2014, 01:06:53
The switch is "Designed from the ground up for gaming"?


So they designed an entirely new switch? With a different case, pinouts, keycap connect, switching mechanism, etc., etc., etc.?


A slight variant on an existing design is not "from the ground up".  >:D  IMHO, that crosses the line from marketing to outright lying.

It's just a Patched MX Brown, same with the razer greens, they are just patched MX blues.
(patched referring to like a software patch that changes things slightly)

They have higher actuation and reset point. But they're made by Kailh.
These are just MX browns with a bit of a tweak.
As much as I like razer mice, I gotta admit this keyboards marketing, they aren't "lying" but it just fluff bull****.
They're just proclaiming their "we made this for Gamerz omfg" all over the place.
It's just got adjusted clone switches that are being spec controlled by razer.

That Spacebar stab... 

Are the other stabilized keys like that too, where the bar comes off?


I would assume so, I didn't take any others off.
The stabilizer isn't bad, its about the same as in the Model M, but reversed... it's kinda werrd in construction, but it doesn't feel any different.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: Pacifist on Sun, 13 April 2014, 01:09:50
does razer hate linears? all they have are blues and browns....
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: FranBunnyFFXII on Sun, 13 April 2014, 01:20:47
does razer hate linears? all they have are blues and browns....

I would assume that the CEO/"enginners" have the same view point as me when it comes to linear switches.
They're not really the best switch for gaming even though a lot of people say so.
Because in the end we are raised from small chidren to adults touching objects that have tactile button response.
When everything gaming related, from NES, to Xbox one/PS4 controllers, to common rubberdome and old buckling springs. and scissorswtiches. To mouse buttons, and just about anything related to video game controllers, you have tactile feedback.

Tactile feedback creates automatic reflex responces in humans, we are sensitive t
o microchanges in pressure, and we can tune ourselves to respond to that change by chaining conditioned responses.
That's why all pro level fighting sticks have tactile switches, and not only that but the 8 direction sticks have tactile response as well.
And most pro level SC2 players(highest APM in the world) tend to use tactile switches.
We're conditioned well for tactile response. Linear just is a bit of a disconnect.
I know personally I can't use my friends MX Red board without being weirded the hell out. It's just too weird.

Now maybe razer isn't that indepth but they could have a similar viewpoint. But then again all of this is completely subjective, some people like linear switches some people cant stand them.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: RESPRiT on Sun, 13 April 2014, 01:23:23
does razer hate linears? all they have are blues and browns....

I think it's a marketing thing. Tactile feedback, and clicking especially, makes mechanical keyboards seem "more mechanical" and so people who buy their boards feel more special.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: do_Og@n on Sun, 13 April 2014, 01:47:37
At least Razer fixed/added a couple of my complaints from their previous one.

The keyboard bag is a nice touch and they finally added a detachable cable. Depending on pricing it wouldn't be that bad of a buy.

Only worry now is Razer's QC.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: Polymer on Sun, 13 April 2014, 01:59:34
That's why all pro level fighting sticks have tactile switches, and not only that but the 8 direction sticks have tactile response as well.

That's not true..for a LONG time 360's were really popular for fighting games (non asia)..the problem with them was the cost and they're really quite heavy (to use) when you compare them to japanese style joysticks which are much lighter.  People don't care about the tactility because it is a nothing...you're not feeling for the slight click at all...

People went Sanwa because of the reliability and lightness and because well, that is what they used in Japan...

Even if you're just talking the buttons..it doesn't matter...that isn't telling you anything because you're not looking for tactility when you're playing...
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: yuktsi on Sun, 13 April 2014, 05:18:19
are you going to dismantle this to give a more in-dept reveiw?  :p
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: Candyflip on Sun, 13 April 2014, 05:33:01
Meh same problems as last one, strange layout, ugly case, hideous font, razer leds. New switches or not won't be buying this for sure...
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: MJ45 on Sun, 13 April 2014, 05:34:46
The bag looks nice at least.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: duzeyao on Sun, 13 April 2014, 05:36:08
does razer hate linears? all they have are blues and browns....

I think it's a marketing thing. Tactile feedback, and clicking especially, makes mechanical keyboards seem "more mechanical" and so people who buy their boards feel more special.


I totally agree with you lol
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: FranBunnyFFXII on Sun, 13 April 2014, 07:17:47
are you going to dismantle this to give a more in-dept reveiw?  :p

I'm not willing to tear it apart on account I don't have tools, and I don't trust my crippled muscles as much as I used too.
I can use it for a bout a week and then report back my pros and cons and if I've broken the thing or not yet.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: Candyflip on Sun, 13 April 2014, 07:38:04
What are these tools you are talking about? You only need a screwdriver and a credit card basically.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: FranBunnyFFXII on Sun, 13 April 2014, 07:53:45
What are these tools you are talking about? You only need a screwdriver and a credit card basically.
As simple as that maybe
I don't trust my muscles anymore either.
I was afraid I was going to break the stabilizer when I first pulled off the spacebar.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: squarebox on Sun, 13 April 2014, 09:59:55
Razer still need to lower their keyboard's overall height for comfort other than just marketing "gaming" switches.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: squarebox on Sun, 13 April 2014, 10:09:16
Anyone gotten their Blackwidow with new switches?
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: ynrozturk on Sun, 13 April 2014, 10:17:00
I have an older Blackwidow TE with blues, which I really like now that I have sawed the case off of it.

(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu169/ynrozturk/1010693_10151961362961481_76504229_n_zps245da0b5.jpg)
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: mrelectric on Sun, 13 April 2014, 10:39:56
I think the Blackwidow looks awesome :P
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: YuukiHaruto on Sun, 13 April 2014, 11:06:48
Meh same problems as last one, strange layout, ugly case, hideous font, razer leds. New switches or not won't be buying this for sure...
Agreed. If it's anything like a brown ... The tactility actually ruins the switch rather than improves it. (Compared to a red)  :'(
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: ynrozturk on Sun, 13 April 2014, 11:36:30
are you going to dismantle this to give a more in-dept reveiw?  :p

I'm not willing to tear it apart on account I don't have tools, and I don't trust my crippled muscles as much as I used too.
I can use it for a bout a week and then report back my pros and cons and if I've broken the thing or not yet.

It's really easy to take apart in case you're curious. There should be a total of 6 screws on the bottom, 4 of them hidden beneath the rubber feet (which are easy to put back on) and that's about it. Once that's done, just take like a guitar pick or something and pry the case open.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: FranBunnyFFXII on Sun, 13 April 2014, 14:35:53
are you going to dismantle this to give a more in-dept reveiw?  :p

I'm not willing to tear it apart on account I don't have tools, and I don't trust my crippled muscles as much as I used too.
I can use it for a bout a week and then report back my pros and cons and if I've broken the thing or not yet.

It's really easy to take apart in case you're curious. There should be a total of 6 screws on the bottom, 4 of them hidden beneath the rubber feet (which are easy to put back on) and that's about it. Once that's done, just take like a guitar pick or something and pry the case open.

I have just incredibly unsteady hands and issues with motor control.
I don't trust my hands to take things appart anymore.

Especially objects with fragile parts that come from a company with a spotty reputation...


I figured out what's different with the these switches vs the cherry and buckling springs switches.

I just don't know how to describe it... English is too limited!

My best comparison, if anyone of you have ever done archery.

MX switches feel like Recurve bows, but the razer switches feel like a compound bow.
-shrug- i have no idea how else to describe it.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: QuadGMoto on Sun, 13 April 2014, 15:12:26
A slight variant on an existing design is not "from the ground up".  >:D  IMHO, that crosses the line from marketing to outright lying.

As much as I like razer mice, I gotta admit this keyboards marketing, they aren't "lying" but it just fluff bull****.
They're just proclaiming their "we made this for Gamerz omfg" all over the place.


They could have said something like this: "We started with a proven, well loved, durable switch design and made it better, optimizing it for pure gaming perfection."


That's still marketing "fluff bull****" that sounds good (Gamerz omfg), but at least has the added benefit of being arguably true. But then again, their switch's lower estimated life (20 million vs. 50 million or whatever it is) would probably come back to bite them when the Gamerz found out.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: Candyflip on Sun, 13 April 2014, 15:15:36
when the Gamerz found out.
I am not too certain about that, people complain from Razer all the time and yet they sell stuff like hot cakes...
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: QuadGMoto on Sun, 13 April 2014, 15:37:01
I gotta make a correction. I just went over to the thread about the new switch, and apparently on their web site, Razor is claiming their switch is good for 60 million strokes while "standard mechanical" are only good for 20 million. I seem to recall that Cherrys are supposed to be good for 50 million, or least some new ones are. But who can ever check them on those numbers?
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: FranBunnyFFXII on Sun, 13 April 2014, 15:53:23
I gotta make a correction. I just went over to the thread about the new switch, and apparently on their web site, Razor is claiming their switch is good for 60 million strokes while "standard mechanical" are only good for 20 million. I seem to recall that Cherrys are supposed to be good for 50 million, or least some new ones are. But who can ever check them on those numbers?
They're using the numbers for MX blues. I remember a while ago when I was looking for my first mechanical keyboard that MX blues were being rated for 20million clicks.
Even though the rest of the switches were rated for 50 million.
Blues got the little clicker inside that i guess wears down faster than regular switches.


I have to admit this keyboard is quite the joy to type on. I'm surprised.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: Candyflip on Sun, 13 April 2014, 16:08:29
Razers previous boards were marketed as 50M click lifespan, now when they change manufacturer previous switch is only 20M.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: davkol on Sun, 13 April 2014, 16:34:52
Cherry MX Blue was originally rated for *at least* 20 million actuations, which was eventually adjusted to 50 million *minimum*, just like Topre started to rate their switches for 50 million instead of 30 million actuations.

Razer on the other hand claim that "their" switches last *up to* 60 million keystrokes. They even claim that the "standard mechanical switches" last "up to 50 million keystrokes", which is BS.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: FranBunnyFFXII on Sun, 13 April 2014, 16:49:38
In the end Razer is just twisting words and playing with marketing terms.

I dont really care about that, what i care about is if the keyboard lives up to what they are saying.

We'll find out because I tend to be very rough and hard handed with my hardware.
I can already see key caps on my ducky shine wearing out, and i only got it a few months ago.

I'm a pretty heavy torture test for hardware.
Lets see if i cant break it before the warranty is up  :D
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: dustinhxc on Tue, 15 April 2014, 01:50:54
Damn those orange switches look sexy.. Wish the keyboard was normal shape Id get it and throw a different keyset on it..
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: FranBunnyFFXII on Tue, 15 April 2014, 02:38:54
Damn those orange switches look sexy.. Wish the keyboard was normal shape Id get it and throw a different keyset on it..

Only the space bar is different. I can use my ducky keys on the blackwidow.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: berserkfan on Tue, 15 April 2014, 04:00:18
I have an older Blackwidow TE with blues, which I really like now that I have sawed the case off of it.

Show Image
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu169/ynrozturk/1010693_10151961362961481_76504229_n_zps245da0b5.jpg)


 :))  how true. Razers tend to look much better when they don't look like Razers.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: YuukiHaruto on Tue, 15 April 2014, 05:42:18
I have an older Blackwidow TE with blues, which I really like now that I have sawed the case off of it.

Show Image
(http://i644.photobucket.com/albums/uu169/ynrozturk/1010693_10151961362961481_76504229_n_zps245da0b5.jpg)


 :))  how true. Razers tend to look much better when they don't look like Razers.
In other words, normal razers are terrible  :D
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: ynrozturk on Tue, 15 April 2014, 06:39:56
I swear, even the blues on it feel better now with the case in the trash.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: berserkfan on Tue, 15 April 2014, 08:01:12
I swear, even the blues on it feel better now with the case in the trash.

I'm not surprised. The sound from the blues may be affected by the casing, or else the ergonomics are. I personally don't like the fact that the keyboard has such a wide plastic lip, since it forces me to stretch my fingers more when resting wrists on the wrist rest.

I personally think that once you get rid of the casing, the keyboard controller, the keycaps, all Razer logos, it's a pretty decent keyboard no worse than Xarmor or Nighthawk.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: YuukiHaruto on Tue, 15 April 2014, 08:18:24
I swear, even the blues on it feel better now with the case in the trash.

I'm not surprised. The sound from the blues may be affected by the casing, or else the ergonomics are. I personally don't like the fact that the keyboard has such a wide plastic lip, since it forces me to stretch my fingers more when resting wrists on the wrist rest.

I personally think that once you get rid of the casing, the keyboard controller, the keycaps, all Razer logos, it's a pretty decent keyboard no worse than Xarmor or Nighthawk.

But it isn't cheap or well-priced to begin with - No really it has never been either of those has it  :p
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: ynrozturk on Tue, 15 April 2014, 08:46:57
It's not exactly expensive either, considering it has MX blues and a steel plate. The keyboard is actually very solid. Just the casing around it sucks. Too damn fat for no other reason than to put that dumb Razer logo in the middle beneath the space bar. Once I sawed all that nonsense off the board feels a lot more responsive and a lot more comfortable. Really, it took me like 20 minutes to do and I am loving the results. The MX blues are quieter now without the case as well.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: YuukiHaruto on Tue, 15 April 2014, 09:12:38
It's not exactly expensive either, considering it has MX blues and a steel plate. The keyboard is actually very solid. Just the casing around it sucks. Too damn fat for no other reason than to put that dumb Razer logo in the middle beneath the space bar. Once I sawed all that nonsense off the board feels a lot more responsive and a lot more comfortable. Really, it took me like 20 minutes to do and I am loving the results. The MX blues are quieter now without the case as well.
I can think of many other keyboards that have MX Blues and steel plates. Either you don't know much about mech keyboards or you're out of curve.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: davkol on Tue, 15 April 2014, 09:22:39
It's not exactly expensive either, considering it has MX blues and a steel plate. The keyboard is actually very solid. Just the casing around it sucks. Too damn fat for no other reason than to put that dumb Razer logo in the middle beneath the space bar. Once I sawed all that nonsense off the board feels a lot more responsive and a lot more comfortable. Really, it took me like 20 minutes to do and I am loving the results. The MX blues are quieter now without the case as well.
I can think of many other keyboards that have MX Blues and steel plates. Either you don't know much about mech keyboards or you're out of curve.

No, there aren't any clicky tenkeyless mechanical keyboards with a plate in the same price range as BW 2013 TE in many parts of Europe and neighbouring areas.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: ynrozturk on Tue, 15 April 2014, 10:37:57
It's not exactly expensive either, considering it has MX blues and a steel plate. The keyboard is actually very solid. Just the casing around it sucks. Too damn fat for no other reason than to put that dumb Razer logo in the middle beneath the space bar. Once I sawed all that nonsense off the board feels a lot more responsive and a lot more comfortable. Really, it took me like 20 minutes to do and I am loving the results. The MX blues are quieter now without the case as well.
I can think of many other keyboards that have MX Blues and steel plates. Either you don't know much about mech keyboards or you're out of curve.

Okay, give me a list of 5 of them which are readily available to buy anywhere and cost the same as the Blackwidow TE.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: YuukiHaruto on Tue, 15 April 2014, 10:45:23
It's not exactly expensive either, considering it has MX blues and a steel plate. The keyboard is actually very solid. Just the casing around it sucks. Too damn fat for no other reason than to put that dumb Razer logo in the middle beneath the space bar. Once I sawed all that nonsense off the board feels a lot more responsive and a lot more comfortable. Really, it took me like 20 minutes to do and I am loving the results. The MX blues are quieter now without the case as well.
I can think of many other keyboards that have MX Blues and steel plates. Either you don't know much about mech keyboards or you're out of curve.

No, there aren't any clicky tenkeyless mechanical keyboards with a plate in the same price range as BW 2013 TE in many parts of Europe and neighbouring areas.

you have filco to blame.
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42242.0
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: ynrozturk on Tue, 15 April 2014, 10:48:31
That's not many, that's just the QFR which I am obviously aware of. And you can't even walk into a store in most places in Europe and pick one of those up, you have to order it, so add another $40 shipping on top of the base price. So your point is invalid.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: davkol on Tue, 15 April 2014, 11:11:58
It's not exactly expensive either, considering it has MX blues and a steel plate. The keyboard is actually very solid. Just the casing around it sucks. Too damn fat for no other reason than to put that dumb Razer logo in the middle beneath the space bar. Once I sawed all that nonsense off the board feels a lot more responsive and a lot more comfortable. Really, it took me like 20 minutes to do and I am loving the results. The MX blues are quieter now without the case as well.
I can think of many other keyboards that have MX Blues and steel plates. Either you don't know much about mech keyboards or you're out of curve.

No, there aren't any clicky tenkeyless mechanical keyboards with a plate in the same price range as BW 2013 TE in many parts of Europe and neighbouring areas.

you have filco to blame.
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=42242.0

Non sequitur.

There's still ordinary QFR, but I don't think it's available with MX Blue switches here... and if it is, it's noticeably more expensive. Besides that, one != many.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: YuukiHaruto on Tue, 15 April 2014, 11:43:59
Strange you say that, here in my country (Nowhere near the states) it costs less than a QFR TE. Things it has looking up to it? Far better quality. Definitely far better.
QFR is EOL'd already btw.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: berserkfan on Tue, 15 April 2014, 11:58:03
Strange you say that, here in my country (Nowhere near the states) it costs less than a QFR TE. Things it has looking up to it? Far better quality. Definitely far better.
QFR is EOL'd already btw.

 he might not be seeing the same things in the shops in Erdoganvatan as you are seeing in the US.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: Hyde on Tue, 15 April 2014, 12:12:51
So my local shop started carrying those and had the Razer Green Switch (MX Blue equivalent) one on display.  I played around with it and to my suprise, it actually feels..... better than MX Blue !  :eek:

It's hard to explain but it feel a bit like a blend of ALPS and MX Blue, like it's a bit more tactile than MX Blue and less wobble.  It also feel a bit stiffer at the same time not sure if it's because it's new.

Even though this whole Kailh switch thing seems a bit iffy but I have to say at least the switch feels good and I'll give them that lol.

Now only time will tell about their reliability.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: davkol on Tue, 15 April 2014, 12:27:39
Strange you say that, here in my country (Nowhere near the states) it costs less than a QFR TE. Things it has looking up to it? Far better quality. Definitely far better.
QFR is EOL'd already btw.

What's QFR TE? CM Storm and Razer had sex? O_o

Anyway, I'm still waiting for the "many" cheap keyboards with plate-mounted blues. Here¹'s only the BW 2013 TE, €15 more expensive QF TK and QFR without blues... and some weird full-size Tesoro Durandal. Cherry G80s are full-size and with PCB mounting. Keycools have to be imported from China.

¹ Czechia. Country internationally known for ice hockey, beer, porn, '68 and Václav Klaus, the president that "stole" a pen. ^_^
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: Demetrium on Tue, 15 April 2014, 12:31:04
Man, I really hate the font Razer throws on everything.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: ynrozturk on Tue, 15 April 2014, 12:41:51
Strange you say that, here in my country (Nowhere near the states) it costs less than a QFR TE. Things it has looking up to it? Far better quality. Definitely far better.
QFR is EOL'd already btw.

 he might not be seeing the same things in the shops in Erdoganvatan as you are seeing in the US.

Correct. You can only get around 5 brands of mechanical keyboards here - Razer, Logitech, Steel Series, Zowie and I just checked - Cooler Master. However out of all of those, only the Razer you can get in TKL. And all of them are ridiculously expensive. I just saw that ridiculous CM Storm MECH or whatever it is, and it's running at $300 US here. No thanks.

There's a reason why I buy all my keyboards when I visit the US.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: YuukiHaruto on Tue, 15 April 2014, 12:51:39
Strange you say that, here in my country (Nowhere near the states) it costs less than a QFR TE. Things it has looking up to it? Far better quality. Definitely far better.
QFR is EOL'd already btw.

What's QFR TE? CM Storm and Razer had sex? O_o

Anyway, I'm still waiting for the "many" cheap keyboards with plate-mounted blues. Here¹'s only the BW 2013 TE, €15 more expensive QF TK and QFR without blues... and some weird full-size Tesoro Durandal. Cherry G80s are full-size and with PCB mounting. Keycools have to be imported from China.

¹ Czechia. Country internationally known for ice hockey, beer, porn, '68 and Václav Klaus, the president that "stole" a pen. ^_^
Oopsie nice catch. BW TE.
Strange you say that, here in my country (Nowhere near the states) it costs less than a QFR TE. Things it has looking up to it? Far better quality. Definitely far better.
QFR is EOL'd already btw.

 he might not be seeing the same things in the shops in Erdoganvatan as you are seeing in the US.

Correct. You can only get around 5 brands of mechanical keyboards here - Razer, Logitech, Steel Series, Zowie and I just checked - Cooler Master. However out of all of those, only the Razer you can get in TKL. And all of them are ridiculously expensive. I just saw that ridiculous CM Storm MECH or whatever it is, and it's running at $300 US here. No thanks.

There's a reason why I buy all my keyboards when I visit the US.
that very keyboard was the one I was using ... It is priced the same as a BWU 2013.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: starmiemd on Tue, 15 April 2014, 13:02:36
Looks pretty nice, might pick one up sometime later to try out the orange switches.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: katushkin on Tue, 15 April 2014, 14:18:12
The thing I'm most surprised at is the price. Only $80 for a Razer? Someone must have talked them down a lot from their previous profit margins, what with a "new" design and all that pish.

People are acting as if this whole "Razer for gamers" stuff is new. That's how I got sucked into buying my first BW because it was "for gamers". They think because they add macro keys and it has straight lines means it's for gamers. However I do quite like the case on that, I don't know how it's different from before, but I like it.

But yeah, the font, as always, is horrendous.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: FranBunnyFFXII on Tue, 15 April 2014, 18:46:41
The thing I'm most surprised at is the price. Only $80 for a Razer? Someone must have talked them down a lot from their previous profit margins, what with a "new" design and all that pish.

People are acting as if this whole "Razer for gamers" stuff is new. That's how I got sucked into buying my first BW because it was "for gamers". They think because they add macro keys and it has straight lines means it's for gamers. However I do quite like the case on that, I don't know how it's different from before, but I like it.

But yeah, the font, as always, is horrendous.

Its a small unbacklit TKL, it's their cheapest model.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: katushkin on Tue, 15 April 2014, 19:02:33
Yeah, but I mean $80 is like £47. I remember my BW was probably about £80 ($130), and that had no backlight either. Bearing in mind the amount of R&D they supposedly have gone through to make these switches, I would have thought the price would be higher.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: YuukiHaruto on Tue, 15 April 2014, 19:19:25
Yeah, but I mean $80 is like £47. I remember my BW was probably about £80 ($130), and that had no backlight either. Bearing in mind the amount of R&D they supposedly have gone through to make these switches, I would have thought the price would be higher.
This is the key : these are Kalih switches NOT razer switches. Razer didn't put any R&D into them.
Kalih if you don't know have a real track record of the stem being broken off when hit off center repeatedly and stem breaking off when replacing keycaps. that's how shoddy they are, not sure about now but it stands.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: katushkin on Tue, 15 April 2014, 19:41:12
Yes but surely Razer has paid Kalih to make these switches purely for them? Or am I missing something? I thought these were essentially "Razer brand" switches, made by Kalih, exclusively for Razer? So rather than paying Cherry for a **** ton of switches, they have paid Kalih for exclusive rights to these, whatever they are being called, and THEN paying for a load?
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: Rewind on Tue, 15 April 2014, 20:32:40
I have to confess I do love the shape of the case
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: katushkin on Tue, 15 April 2014, 20:48:58
I have to confess I do love the shape of the case

Yeah, I don't know what it is, but I like it too. Maybe the fact that it isn't shiny like the rest of Razer's cases?

If I can find an ISO layout one for a decent price I might try one...
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: lunr on Tue, 15 April 2014, 21:10:24
wow it comes with a cloth pouch? that's pretty fancy.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: Rewind on Tue, 15 April 2014, 21:33:31
I have to confess I do love the shape of the case

Yeah, I don't know what it is, but I like it too. Maybe the fact that it isn't shiny like the rest of Razer's cases?

If I can find an ISO layout one for a decent price I might try one...
The bottom row is so **** thought... I don't think I can put up with those keycaps
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: katushkin on Tue, 15 April 2014, 21:39:14
The bottom row is so **** thought... I don't think I can put up with those keycaps

The font you mean? A reason I would probably change out the caps. Although if it has LEDs on the lock keys I could always get an ANSI layout and use the KC 108 rainbow set I have lying around...
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: YuukiHaruto on Tue, 15 April 2014, 23:58:15
Yes but surely Razer has paid Kalih to make these switches purely for them? Or am I missing something? I thought these were essentially "Razer brand" switches, made by Kalih, exclusively for Razer? So rather than paying Cherry for a **** ton of switches, they have paid Kalih for exclusive rights to these, whatever they are being called, and THEN paying for a load?
They still have to pay Kalih money to make normal "MX Clone" switches anyway. It's far cheaper than paying cherry who often does not have enough to fulfill orders  :p
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: Oobly on Wed, 16 April 2014, 02:11:41
Razer do sell a lot of boards, despite their poor quality control. I think Kaihua (Kailh) will make more than enough to recoup development costs. Especially if these boards get good reviews.

Personally, I'd still steer clear of them for a daily use board, despite the price, for 2 reasons: 1. Razer... 2. Kailh... BOTH have poor reputations for durability and quality control.

May be worth buying a board to check out the switch feel, though. Sounds like they're somewhere between a Brown and Clear in terms of spring, but with a small tactile bump, like Browns. I don't really see the 0.1mm higher actuation and "narrower" actuation and release band being very noticeable, but I'll reserve judgement pending more reports.

Apparently Kailh stems break easily. Be careful when removing keycaps...
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: jamesaxlwhite on Sun, 27 April 2014, 19:39:21
Can someone make this clear to me: so orange switches are a lot less noisy and the green ones are noisy as hell? The 2014 Edition is just a slight upgrade of the 2013. A guy like me who own the original Black Widow Ultimate 2012 has many reasons to upgrade to the newer one.

Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: davkol on Sun, 27 April 2014, 19:52:32
...or to a better keyboard.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: YuukiHaruto on Mon, 28 April 2014, 04:30:52
...or to a better keyboard.
That's true.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: Azteca on Mon, 28 April 2014, 18:39:53
Can someone make this clear to me: so orange switches are a lot less noisy and the green ones are noisy as hell? The 2014 Edition is just a slight upgrade of the 2013. A guy like me who own the original Black Widow Ultimate 2012 has many reasons to upgrade to the newer one.

Orange switches are equivalent of Cherry MX Brown switches - tactile non-click. Not completely silent but not noisy.

Green switches are equivalent of Cherry MX Blue switches - tactile and click. Noisy but not hell-noisy; much lower noise and lower tactile feel than Buckling Spring.

Razer created their switches worked with Kailh to enhance Kailh's switches, which are equivalent of Cherry MX switches. Razer claims to have much better quality - supervised by them, and to have a lower actuation point (although 0.1 - 0.3 mm difference is hard to feel).

IMO Orange feels exactly the same as Brown, which is good, and if they do have good or great quality is also good.

Razer basically is working with Kailh because they didn't like that Cherry is having quality issues, has a long backlog, and is providing their new RGB switches exclusively to Razer's competitors.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: BlueBär on Mon, 28 April 2014, 18:50:55
Razer basically is working with Kailh because they didn't like that Cherry is having quality issues, has a long backlog, and is providing their new RGB switches exclusively to Razer's competitors.

Quality issues? That would be news to me. They do have issues with supplying the demand manufacturers are having.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: MJ45 on Mon, 28 April 2014, 19:07:07
I tried the Blackwidow Tournament TKL with the orange switches at my local Frys and they felt more like linear switches than Cherry browns. But that was just the curser keys thru the box cutout, no tactile feel at all.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: Bucake on Tue, 29 April 2014, 08:24:29
thanks for the pics!

razer is such a joke, though
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: Matt3o on Tue, 29 April 2014, 08:35:31
Razer basically is working with Kailh because they didn't like that Cherry is having quality issues, has a long backlog, and is providing their new RGB switches exclusively to Razer's competitors.

source needed.

Razer basically is working with Kailh because they didn't like that Cherry is having quality issues, has a long backlog, and is providing their new RGB switches exclusively to Razer's competitors.

Quality issues? That would be news to me. They do have issues with supplying the demand manufacturers are having.

^ this.

I appreciate the OP report and all the pictures... but in all honesty I can't support a company (razer) with so little attention to the environment. Look at all that waste material in the packaging...
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: mougrim on Tue, 29 April 2014, 09:51:08
Well, as my first mechanical board Razer was OK, but now I found better ones...

But if I'll found decent priced TE 2014 with Razer greens... maybe I'll think about it. On the other hand - another 20 bucks will get me second Poker or Keycool.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: minho on Tue, 29 April 2014, 17:31:01
Well, as my first mechanical board Razer was OK, but now I found better ones...

But if I'll found decent priced TE 2014 with Razer greens... maybe I'll think about it. On the other hand - another 20 bucks will get me second Poker or Keycool.

Just think of how nice the Poker/Keycools look and the possibilities for more aftermarket customization.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: Azteca on Fri, 02 May 2014, 16:09:39
I tried the Blackwidow Tournament TKL with the orange switches at my local Frys and they felt more like linear switches than Cherry browns. But that was just the curser keys thru the box cutout, no tactile feel at all.

Cherry Browns (Razer’s Orange) feel linear if you hammer them.

Mechanical switches are to be pressed kindly; if you are coming from rubber domes which you have to hammer, then it will take time to alter the way you type to end up typing lightly, and then feel the Cherry Browns' bump. MX Blue (Razer’s Green), MX Clear, MX Green switches have a heavier bump easier to feel - MX Green switches are not intended to have in all keys, only for the spacebar of an MX Blue board.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: YummyTreeSap on Fri, 02 May 2014, 16:42:32
That's why all pro level fighting sticks have tactile switches, and not only that but the 8 direction sticks have tactile response as well.
This is a late response, but that's totally untrue.  There's not a fighting game button I know of that has any tactile feedback.  I think maybe some American arcade buttons were tactile, but Sanwas and Seimitsus are pretty much all you're going to find in any FG player's stick, and they're both linear with an actuation point VERY close to the top.

You are right about the levers having tactile feedback though.  It's fairly important, since a good player will not want to 'ride the edge' of the lever's gate (piece that restricts motion).  That way you can feel (and hear) when you've moved the stick enough.  I think every actual stick is indeed tactile, though I don't know much about the more esoteric styles like the Korean one.
Title: Re: [PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)
Post by: YuukiHaruto on Fri, 02 May 2014, 23:25:37
I tried the Blackwidow Tournament TKL with the orange switches at my local Frys and they felt more like linear switches than Cherry browns. But that was just the curser keys thru the box cutout, no tactile feel at all.

Cherry Browns (Razer’s Orange) feel linear if you hammer them.

Mechanical switches are to be pressed kindly; if you are coming from rubber domes which you have to hammer, then it will take time to alter the way you type to end up typing lightly, and then feel the Cherry Browns' bump. MX Blue (Razer’s Green), MX Clear, MX Green switches have a heavier bump easier to feel - MX Green switches are not intended to have in all keys, only for the spacebar of an MX Blue board.

I came from a red and how much I didn't try to hammer a brown it still felt like there ain't any tactility.