Review I found on the BlackWidow - your thoughts?

[rowdy]

Must have been an Apple keyboard.

[sovano]

I think he meant he bought a Filco after seeing Fruitdealer win with a Filco keyboard lol...

[Sifo]

Oh damn. I was about to say, I'm either giving him a ridiculous amount of money for it, or I'm stealing it.

[MissMurd3r84]

Lol. Go on ebay and search up the BlackWidow and any other keyboard you want. How many of the Black Widows are sold "for parts" "as-is" "for parts not working"?

I see none.

[IvanIvanovich]

What are you guys talking about with Cherry stabilizer? iOne use costar style. It's also plate mount, with metal though it might be aluminum or a very light gauge of steel.
If you don't see dozen broken BW on ebay, you must not be on ebay US. Bunch listed as is currently for under $40.

[lazerpointer]

My fault. I stated something false.

Well after doing some research, I can no longer try to defend the BWU. Lots and lots of returns due to crappy defects, like LEDS going out, the board sits uneven, stuff like that. I retract my statement from before about this being an okay starter board - I would definitely check out the CM Storm keyboards and not consider a BWU at this point.

[caffeine]

My first mechanical keyboard was a Black Widow. The keyboard itself was perfectly fine and I got it on sale at Memory Express for a little less than $70. For that price and for overall convenience of actually picking it up and buying in-person, it was unbeatable and I loved the keyboard. If not for my Filco and my desire to regularly try new things, I'd probably still be using it today.

The big issue with it was that Razer's firmware update screwed it up and swapped some keys around and F1-F12 would only routinely work. I wasn't able to fix it, and Razer wasn't helpful at all. And because their keyboard warranty is only for a year, they wouldn't replace it. It wasn't until I raised the question at TechSpot and somebody eventually sent me an .exe they apparently got from Razer that fixed it. But by then, I had already ordered my Filco, so my Black Widow has since been retired to my shelf.

Other than the firmware issue and my general dislike of Synapse (though, it has gotten better - I also use a Naga as my primary mouse), the Black Widow was perfectly fine. I'm not sure if I could have picked a better keyboard to get me into mechanical keyboards in general - it was cheap, it was nice to type on, it lasted me until that firmware fault and ultimately that got fixed, and, this is strictly subjective, I do like Razer products. Overpriced and a bit too much fluff with their whole 'Cult of Gamers' thing, their stuff looks nice and distinctive without being horribly garish.

But I'm not sure if I'd recommend a first-time user to buy one today, though. The price is nice, but the fact that Razer's trying to tie everything through Synapse makes it unwelcoming and a bit undesirable.

[tp4tissue]

I do know the Costar stabilizers are smoother / easier to press down than the Cherry stabilizers but using a Costar stabilizer over a Cherry won't raise my productivity any... the Cherry one just seems kinda mushy in comparison. I tend to ignore this.

Having tried both stabilizers on a few boards (mostly MX Red), I felt very little difference between the two except when bottoming out. I couldn't speak for the Blackwidows or other iOne boards, but I don't notice any difference in travel other than the Cherry stabilizers feeling like they have less play in most cases.

The travel should be the same, but with the Cherry stabilizers the two little side pegs grind against the entry shaft more. So it feels more frictiony at the bottom. If you lube the shaft and cut the nubs, they should perform identically to costar.

[tp4tissue]

I used a black widow for a few months in Seoul.  I upgraded to my HHKB2 now that I have from here. I don't really miss it.  I found the keys to be very large, and I found it to have a plastic like feel that my Filco never had.   Got my Filco after fruitdealer won GSL Season 1 with it.   Yayr.

A free keyboard from fruit dealer?

Signed?? 

[Whiskeyfox]

I'm currenly typing this on my BWU but it isn't easy.  Sometimes i hit a key like "u" or "i" and it just doesn't register...  sometimes  i hit space bar and it does two spaces, or "y" comes out as yy...  it's so hard to type anyything, and putting in my passwords is a nightmare, i usually have to tyype them somewhere where i can read it and then copyy and paste it.  I will  never buy another razer product ever again.  I just ordered a Keycool 87 white led/cherry reds, based on the info from this site.  Buyer beware on BWU.

[tp4tissue]

My fault. I stated something false.

Well after doing some research, I can no longer try to defend the BWU. Lots and lots of returns due to crappy defects, like LEDS going out, the board sits uneven, stuff like that. I retract my statement from before about this being an okay starter board - I would definitely check out the CM Storm keyboards and not consider a BWU at this point.

Ah... You've seen the light, and have corrected onto the path of the righteous; may fortune follow you....


Good job, geekhack. 

[tp4tissue]

I'm currenly typing this on my BWU but it isn't easy.  Sometimes i hit a key like "u" or "i" and it just doesn't register...  sometimes  i hit space bar and it does two spaces, or "y" comes out as yy...  it's so hard to type anyything, and putting in my passwords is a nightmare, i usually have to tyype them somewhere where i can read it and then copyy and paste it.  I will  never buy another razer product ever again.  I just ordered a Keycool 87 white led/cherry reds, based on the info from this site.  Buyer beware on BWU.

what? why are you still using it?

[MissMurd3r84]

My first mechanical was a Blackwidow. Am fairly sure it was one of the first recent mechanical keyboards to actually be out in Australia, so I had no other choice but that or rubber dome. It worked fine for over a year but now it sometimes does oo instead of o. Other than that, had no issues with it at all. I don't think it's as bad as some make out, mine sits flat, as for LED issues, don't the Pure and that stuff have some issues with LED as well?

[tp4tissue]

My first mechanical was a Blackwidow. Am fairly sure it was one of the first recent mechanical keyboards to actually be out in Australia, so I had no other choice but that or rubber dome. It worked fine for over a year but now it sometimes does oo instead of o. Other than that, had no issues with it at all. I don't think it's as bad as some make out, mine sits flat, as for LED issues, don't the Pure and that stuff have some issues with LED as well?

The pure has "dim" leds, they don't usually go out though.

[MissMurd3r84]

My first mechanical was a Blackwidow. Am fairly sure it was one of the first recent mechanical keyboards to actually be out in Australia, so I had no other choice but that or rubber dome. It worked fine for over a year but now it sometimes does oo instead of o. Other than that, had no issues with it at all. I don't think it's as bad as some make out, mine sits flat, as for LED issues, don't the Pure and that stuff have some issues with LED as well?

The pure has "dim" leds, they don't usually go out though.

Hmm maybe I was thinking of a different keyboard with led issues. Can't recall. Eitherway, yes, I feel like a f-wit for buying a BW from all the comments on here, but meh. Lol.

[tp4tissue]

My first mechanical was a Blackwidow. Am fairly sure it was one of the first recent mechanical keyboards to actually be out in Australia, so I had no other choice but that or rubber dome. It worked fine for over a year but now it sometimes does oo instead of o. Other than that, had no issues with it at all. I don't think it's as bad as some make out, mine sits flat, as for LED issues, don't the Pure and that stuff have some issues with LED as well?

The pure has "dim" leds, they don't usually go out though.

Hmm maybe I was thinking of a different keyboard with led issues. Can't recall. Eitherway, yes, I feel like a f-wit for buying a BW from all the comments on here, but meh. Lol.

Hey man, don't feel bad, I bought the Black widow, a SECOND black widow, cuz I thought the first one was just bad luck.. And then I bought a 3rd Black Widow Ultimate, cuz I thought it was cuz I didn't throw enough money at it.  they were the only backlit boards at the time and I was stupid and young, and in college, and I liked blue lights, and I didn't know about ducky or any of that stuff.

[Larken]

Other than the mice, and certain mice only, I wouldn't touch Razer products with a ten-foot pole (and by that I mean actually buying them). I did test the BWU before I got my first Filco, and at that time I was considering both since my knowledge of mech keyboards was pretty much zero. I went to the shop where both keyboards were available for testing. Boy, was I shocked at the difference in the feel of the switches although both switches were blue.

Its not that the BWU is bad, especially when comparing to rubber domes(although now I do think it is), but in comparison to other mechanical keyboards on the market, it kinda falls short, and isn't much cheaper anyway. In the end I started with a filco brown, which led to a ducky brown, which led to a cherry red. I want more keyboards, but I know its not a justified purchase. On the other hand, if money wasn't a concern, the order of my next keyboard purchases would likely be... Unicomp Ultra Classic/Model M, Something-With-Alps, and a board which I will eventually want Ergo Clears with. No where near any razers.

[TheQsanity]

Other than the mice, and certain mice only, I wouldn't touch Razer products with a ten-foot pole (and by that I mean actually buying them). I did test the BWU before I got my first Filco, and at that time I was considering both since my knowledge of mech keyboards was pretty much zero. I went to the shop where both keyboards were available for testing. Boy, was I shocked at the difference in the feel of the switches although both switches were blue.

Its not that the BWU is bad, especially when comparing to rubber domes(although now I do think it is), but in comparison to other mechanical keyboards on the market, it kinda falls short, and isn't much cheaper anyway. In the end I started with a filco brown, which led to a ducky brown, which led to a cherry red. I want more keyboards, but I know its not a justified purchase. On the other hand, if money wasn't a concern, the order of my next keyboard purchases would likely be... Unicomp Ultra Classic/Model M, Something-With-Alps, and a board which I will eventually want Ergo Clears with. No where near any razers.

Gotta catch them all right? I don't think I want to buy an IBM. Just the idea of a 30y.o. used keyboard... The rarity of these keyboards(there are more common ones but I haven't looked into it), and just the way it takes up space. I hear people say that it is the best keyboard of all time. Anyone else think that it is true?

[Larken]

Gotta catch them all right? I don't think I want to buy an IBM. Just the idea of a 30y.o. used keyboard... The rarity of these keyboards(there are more common ones but I haven't looked into it), and just the way it takes up space. I hear people say that it is the best keyboard of all time. Anyone else think that it is true?

I would want one if I lived in the States. The weight of a model m really puts me off due to the shipping costs, and I don't like the form factor much either, which is why I'm leaning towards the unicomp, where the shipping is still off-putting, and I'm kinda afraid of dead on arrival cases as Unicomp seems to require the buyer pay the shipping back to them should the keyboard fail, even upon arrival. I'd eventually get one, but not now I guess.

I have the impression the original model Ms were built to a higher quality specification than their Unicomp counterparts. I would think in terms of a tactile, clicky experience, buckling springs would kick mx blues out of the park.  buckling springs vs blue alps, not so sure.

[lazerpointer]

I honestly used my BWU until I decided I wanted to try a different Cherry switch, going for the Das with brown switches (And I admit to being very embarrassed about my keyboard addiction at the time... these days I don't give a flying **** what people think about me and my keyboards . I luckily never had any issues with my board other than that I got smudgy oil all over it from my hands and it was just too bulky.  Sold it a year ago to a co-worker.

[Amarok]

I used the first model of the BWU for about 1 year until the d, g, ) and + keys all started having key chatter within the same week. I tried cleaning out the switches and nothing seemed to help. Now I use a WASD V1 with blues and QFR with blues.

[lazerpointer]

Key chatter? Please do elaborate on this.. You mean the keys got noisier?

[Amarok]

Key chatter? Please do elaborate on this.. You mean the keys got noisier?

It's when the key is pressed it results in multiple presses on the screen, from what I found while searching online it was called "key chatter". Meaning when I pressed '+' it would register as either '+', '++' or even sometimes as '+++'. I read it is caused by the switch "bouncing" and resulting multiple key presses. I'm not sure if that's exactly how it happens, so if somebody has a better description please feel free to explain it. 

[lazerpointer]

This is the exact reason I got rid of my old Model M.... The springs apparently got loose, or otherwise weak. A few of the keys when pressed, would "bounce" back down and register another keystroke.

[cosmonauti]

mods: who removed my posts? tp4tissue should be able to withstand a little criticism. I stated that it was his fault for ordering 3 razer keyboards that he now complains about.

it's his fault and maybe he should feel ashamed.

it's OK to continually bash a product but not have to take responsibility for said actions on a website that influences many consumers' decisions when push comes to shove?

[cosmonauti]

really is the censorship this forum that bad now?

[tp4tissue]

N

really is the censorship this forum that bad now?

you mad bro...

No it's cuz you're a total fvck head, and need to tone it down..

[cosmonauti]

nah, pretty sure you're wrong about the whole tone it down thing.
you should put a disclaimer in your sig saying "I'm a victim of consumerism and poor decisions"

but I'll reiterate, it's healthy to comprehend criticisms aimed at you.
let's try this:
ME|  I'll be the first to admit I'm a ****head.
YOU|  _____________________________

[UezeU]

I had a bad experience with the Ultimate as well. My Unicomp crapped out and I need a quick replacement. The BlackWidow was the best I could do on short notice. I immediately hated the keycaps, to flat for my tastes. I figured I could get used to it but after about a week it went wonky a couple times; for a short period of time it wouldn't register some keystrokes and read the wrong keystroke on others, then back to normal.

I ordered a Das and returned the BWU when I received the Das. Then I found out that I prefer buckling spring over the MX Blue ) At least I now have a backup that I like, thinking about a green mod though.

[cosmonauti]

greens /mods interest me as well. sucks that the keys started failing so soon, I'm 2 for 2 now on good BWU's.

I'm not sure how I'd feel about buckling springs, which one did you pick up?

[MissMurd3r84]

Anyone noticed the plate on their BW looking rusty? LOL. Mine is rusted.. Where the black paint has worn off,

[suprsmo]

shiiiiiii really>?

any chance you can pull some caps and get a photo going MM?

[MissMurd3r84]

shiiiiiii really>?

any chance you can pull some caps and get a photo going MM?

Will do later on. It's weird, I first thought it was something stuck there, but it certainly seems like rust to me and it's in more than one spot, also where it should be smooth paint it looks like rust is breaking through underneath making it more textured.

[UezeU]

greens interest me as well. sucks that the keys started failing so soon, I'm 2 for 2 now on good BWU's.

I'm not sure how I'd feel about buckling springs, which one did you pick up?

I went back to Unicomp and got one of their Ultra Classics. The previous keyboard had lasted me 5 years so the death wasn't unreasonable. So far I really like the smaller size of the Ultra (had the old school 101 before). It is not perfect but it gives me the best typing experience. The MX Blue is just a tad too light. I would get all kinds of accidental key-presses.

I was afraid of going back to the Model M. I had some bad luck with used ones after trying to replace my original M. It does seem like others have had better luck though. Plus, the Unicomp comes in black.

My current board:

[Lu_e]

Hit and miss I guess. Not worth the logos or risk involved basically, I mostly didnt like the macro keys. But my bwu blue works fine for the ~8 months of sc2 before I got the QFR red.

[Saturn]

Gotta catch them all right? I don't think I want to buy an IBM. Just the idea of a 30y.o. used keyboard... The rarity of these keyboards(there are more common ones but I haven't looked into it), and just the way it takes up space. I hear people say that it is the best keyboard of all time. Anyone else think that it is true?

I used to use an IBM Model M at work.  No one complained about the noise; it was a small work environment, and we all loved clicky keyboards.  There's no denying that it was a durable, well constructed keyboard, but best keyboard of all time?  Not unless you're viewing it through the lens of nostalgia or REALLY like buckling springs.

One thing to keep in mind is that BS is not a purely mechanical switch; the Model M still uses a membrane in it.  The older Model F used capacitive switches.  One thing that does kinda amaze me about those keyboards, though, is that I believe their stock keycaps are dye-sublimated PBT.  How many keyboard companies do that nowadays?  Other than Unicomp, only Topre, I think.

As far as the Blackwidow goes, I'm not surprised at all to hear all the negative responses about it.  Razer's never had a very good reputation when it comes to build quality, so the fact that they went with an OEM that has such a history of manufacturing defects seems about par for the course.  It's not that Razer's products are guaranteed to fail or arrive dripping with radioactive goo or anything like that, but for almost every Razer product out there, there's a better alternative for the same price or cheaper.

[cosmonauti]

I'll agree there are better alternatives. When I picked up my BWU, however, there wasn't. It was either that or scorpius u9bl, I ended up picking up the BWU the day it came out for under $100 shipped.

I'm excited about my trigger, should be here in around 4 days.

[cosmonauti]

UezeU that's a nice looking board, digging the blank black caps. I'd like to have something like that at work

[Xplaced]

I'm pretty amazed at the BlackWidow put-downs, really. But, I say that because mine's worked great for a year. I'll clarify that I have the Expert though, not the ultimate. So I automatically rule out the possibility of having lighting issues.

I received my Rapid with blues today to compare to my BW Expert. I like the feel of the Rapid more. The BW isn't bad, by any means, but the keys are just a little easier to push on the Rapid, so I like that. Also I really want the 10keyless form factor, so... ha! Not much else in that price range. Razer makes a tourny board or something, but I like the looks of this (rapid) a little more.

I'll probably sell my BW because I don't need it if I keep this one. My decision now is do I keep this blue board, or do I keep the Rapid with browns... I really can't make up my mind. The noise of the blues is SO LOUD, but I like it in a way. I think it aggravates everyone else though (everyone else being my wife!). As long as it won't keep her awake at night... ha! We'll see, since I'm trying this while she's trying to sleep... fortunately she's two rooms over, but dang. I still feel like this thing might be heard. I type around 85 wpm average, so the noise from blues really stands out. All the little click-clacks tend to run together.

I think that one reason there are more negative reviews in the mix with Razer boards is that they are also probably the most popular. I had no idea Rapids existed until I did research. Plus, at the time I bought my BW, I don't think there were as many mech boards to choose from. And, I wanted something I could return if I didn't want it, so getting something from Best Buy was an option, and they carried the BW. Seems like if you sell 1000 things, you'll have a higher number of dissatisfied customers than if you sell 100 things. I think the Razer boards fall into that "1000 things" category because they have a larger market share than most other folks with these (at least so far). Seeing as how Best Buy and places like that don't really sell any other mech boards... well, what choice do consumers have?

Honestly, I feel like I could keep my BW and be happy. The Rapid is great and feels good, but the Razer feels good too. I think it just boils down to personal preference. Ultimately, I see myself ending up with the Rapid with browns, because the brown feel is a little lighter and not as noisy. Still noisy though. Enough noise to make me happy at least. The blues, well, they are really noisy and that's fine by me, but I have to be a little considerate of others. Then again I'm the only one here using it for 8 hours out of the day, so... who knows what I'll pick. Ha!

[rowdy]

Some people do have no problems with BWU (or other BW keyboard).  But it seems that either they are in the minority, and/or have not tried an alternative keyboard.

Have you tried a different mechanical keyboard for any length of time?

[wetto]

Well, first of all, take off this thing "If you sell 1000 things you'll have a higher number of dissatisfied customers than if you sell 100 things". XArmor keyboards are also made by the same OEM as Razer (iOne) and that doesn't changes the fact that they suck, and badly.

What sort of excuse exists for those, if they don't sell nowhere near as well as the BW or BWU but still have lots of failed units?

Besides, if you want to defend Razer's quality, you need to defend iOne's quality as well, since they're the ones making this keyboard. And about Razer's quality, have you ever seen the review's section on Amazon regarding the Razer Lycosa? That's the quality of Razer products right there and how much they care about it.

[UezeU]

UezeU that's a nice looking board, digging the blank black caps. I'd like to have something like that at work

Thanks. Unicomp is very reasonable with the replacement keys, gotta love 1 piece PBT. Reading this thread reminds me of the most important thing about boards. No board fits all. Find what makes your fingers happy.

[wetto]

I think this is more than enough reason why people shouldn't defend Razer. Take a look at their US$ 70 membrane keyboard, the Razer Lycosa:




Pretty, aye? Well then, check this out:

Natural wearing after 3 years

Keys that don't work properly

If you can stand and defend Razer after seeing this... Well...

[cosmonauti]

Words of wisdom from UezeU.

wetto everyone knows the lycosa sucks. beating a dead horse.

[cosmonauti]

also not defending razer. I wouldn't touch that keyboard with a ten foot pole.

[TheQsanity]

Seen that video before. I don't watch reviews about razer much anymore. Its more like people promoting razer or people that are brainwashed by the cult of razer. That or one like yours that shows crazy problems.

[Rumudiez]

I'm not going to add to this discussion despite having owned and almost immediately returned a Black Widow some time ago, but I do really want to say that general reviews on product pages in stars/eggs/etc. are almost always complete bull**** that you should disregard completely. Most consumers have no idea what they're purchasing in regards to any product, so their opinions frankly don't really matter--failure rates might be accurate, but the system as a whole is pretty inconsistent.

Still not contributing: iONE is terrible and "only" makes nonstandard keyboards that you can't do **** to, from key caps to controller upgrades.

[Whiskeyfox]

guys/gals,

true shocking story:

I just got back from walmart and had to make my report.  Walmart now stocks in my local store the newer green backlit BWU for sale.  I never in my life thought i'd see a mechanical keyboard at walmart, but there ya go.

[wetto]

guys/gals,

true shocking story:

I just got back from walmart and had to make my report.  Walmart now stocks in my local store the newer green backlit BWU for sale.  I never in my life thought i'd see a mechanical keyboard at walmart, but there ya go.

They're disposable, what's the surprise?

[Sifo]

lol sad part is, the first keyboard I ever bought was the Razer Lycosa (other than like, stock ones I had laying around)