I know Razer isn't the most popular around the mech community but I thought you all might appreciate the work that went into this.Pros: The board!
Cons: The switches!
Solution: Replace switches!
With??: Gatreon browns with springs from yellows and blacks
I chose a BW X Tourney edition because I really enjoy the lighting FX and the case design. The only thing I think it really needs is a removable cable, which will be my next mod.
This build was really interesting. I had to make sure to remove all the LEDs without damaging them or else I would have to hunt down similar LEDs, and these didn't look easy to find. The construction of this board is rock solid, the Alu top plate is thick and the PCB is sturdy. the bottom is plastic but its attached to the top plate in such a way that should prevent it from warping. The board isn't heavy, but it isn't flimsy, I wouldn't be worried about tossing it in my backpack and bringing it to work every day. Also I have an older blackwidow and I'm happy to see that Razer changed from wire stabilizers to stem stabs. This is also the first Razer mech with a standard bottom row! (the preview in synapse shows the board with a different bottom row sizing and I'm really happy they went with standard)
Lets get to it:
Stock with keycaps removed
Opened up and ready to go!
Interesting note: The PCB is held solidly in place by metal tabs coming from the mounting plate, absolutely no wiggle and made getting the new switches in a breeze!
You can sort of see in the pic where the PCB has a curved arrow printed on it, little metal tabs twisted to hold it in place.
LEDs removed
Switches removed!
Some beauty shots
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Took a break here to prep the new switches. I used gateron brown stems and springs from gateron yellows and blacks and got a nice poc poc feel with PBT caps and O rings <_<
Switches and LEDs soldered back in
Checking connections
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(the 2 keys that arent green do actually work)
Completely back together!
white PBT cherry profile caps, mmMMMmmmm nice.
Evangelion inspired lighting theme. Has animations and keydown FX
