[PicDrop] Razer Blackwidow Tournament Edition 2014(Razer Orange switches)

[FranBunnyFFXII]

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)

[Flossed]

Did you notice any difference between Razer oranges and Cherry MX browns?

[SSIPAK]

I love the color on those switches but I heard that these are just re colored cherry switches that already exist.

[FranBunnyFFXII]

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.

[minho]

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

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

[minho]

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).

[FranBunnyFFXII]

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

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. :/

[QuadGMoto]

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".    IMHO, that crosses the line from marketing to outright lying.

[Zeal]

That Spacebar stab... 

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

[Angrychair]

thank you very much for the picstory


from a Fellow OCN  mech keyboard club member.

[FranBunnyFFXII]

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".    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.

[Pacifist]

does razer hate linears? all they have are blues and browns....

[FranBunnyFFXII]

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.

[RESPRiT]

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.

[do_Og@n]

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.

[Polymer]

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...

[yuktsi]

are you going to dismantle this to give a more in-dept reveiw? 

[Candyflip]

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...

[MJ45]

The bag looks nice at least.

[duzeyao]

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

[FranBunnyFFXII]

are you going to dismantle this to give a more in-dept reveiw? 

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.

[Candyflip]

What are these tools you are talking about? You only need a screwdriver and a credit card basically.

[FranBunnyFFXII]

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.

[squarebox]

Razer still need to lower their keyboard's overall height for comfort other than just marketing "gaming" switches.

[squarebox]

Anyone gotten their Blackwidow with new switches?

[ynrozturk]

I have an older Blackwidow TE with blues, which I really like now that I have sawed the case off of it.

[mrelectric]

I think the Blackwidow looks awesome

[YuukiHaruto]

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) 

[ynrozturk]

are you going to dismantle this to give a more in-dept reveiw? 

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.

[FranBunnyFFXII]

are you going to dismantle this to give a more in-dept reveiw? 

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.

[QuadGMoto]

A slight variant on an existing design is not "from the ground up".    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.

[Candyflip]

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...

[QuadGMoto]

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?

[FranBunnyFFXII]

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.

[Candyflip]

Razers previous boards were marketed as 50M click lifespan, now when they change manufacturer previous switch is only 20M.

[davkol]

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.

[FranBunnyFFXII]

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 

[dustinhxc]

Damn those orange switches look sexy.. Wish the keyboard was normal shape Id get it and throw a different keyset on it..

[FranBunnyFFXII]

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.

[berserkfan]

I have an older Blackwidow TE with blues, which I really like now that I have sawed the case off of it.

Show Image

 :))  how true. Razers tend to look much better when they don't look like Razers.

[YuukiHaruto]

I have an older Blackwidow TE with blues, which I really like now that I have sawed the case off of it.

Show Image

 :))  how true. Razers tend to look much better when they don't look like Razers.

In other words, normal razers are terrible  :D

[ynrozturk]

I swear, even the blues on it feel better now with the case in the trash.

[berserkfan]

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.

[YuukiHaruto]

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 

[ynrozturk]

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.

[YuukiHaruto]

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.

[davkol]

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.

[ynrozturk]

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.

[YuukiHaruto]

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

[ynrozturk]

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.