Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2016

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2016

The Razer BlackWidow is one of the worlds most famous mechanical gaming keyboard series. Its first model was produced in 2010, a time when mechanical keyboards were more of a niche product.

The Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2016

Over the years, Razer introduces many different BlackWidow models. The manufacturer differentiates between “Chroma”, “Elite” and “Essential”. The Chroma series contains the premium keyboards with full RGB illumination, the Elite series offers one color illumination and the Essential series offers low cost mechanical keyboards without any illumination. The Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2016 is part of the Elite series. It was first announced by Razer in October 2015 and is the successor of the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2014.

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2016 vs 2014

The Razer BlackWidow Ulitmate 2016 looks quite similar to its predecessor. The keyboard layout and the assignment of the functions keys are almost exactly the same as in the previous model, only the dedicated macro keys on the left side were omitted. But the Ultimate 2016 can assign macros to any arbitrary key anyways, so it doesn’t necessarily need the dedicated keys. As the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2016 is a mechanical gaming keyboard, it offers 10-Key-Rollover as an Anti-Ghosting measure, which is more than enough for all kind of games. Furthermore, both keyboards have a combined audio/microphone jack and a USB passthrough to connect other devices.

One of the bigger advancements with the 2016 model is the illumination. While it is still the same characteristic “Razer Green” color, there are now all the lightening effects known from the BlackWidow Chroma available. For instance, it can be set to breathe, to light up in waves or to react to the inputs from the user. You can use the Razer Synapse Software to configure the lightening. The following videos gives a short overview of the available lightening effects.

Another big change with the new model are the switches. While the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2014 featured Kailh Switches, the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2016 now features the exclusive Razer Switches. These are probably still mainly produced by Kailh, but they differ in behavior. You can choose between Razer Green Switches (“Clicky”) and Razer Orange Switches (“Stealth”). More information about the differences between the switches can be found in our switch guide.


Tech Specs for Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2016

Dimensions: 475 x 171 x 39 mm
Weight: 1500 g
Connection: USB
Illumination: Yes (one color)
Key Rollover: 10KRO
Numpad: Yes
Macro Keys: No macro keys
Media Keys: Yes (integrated)
USB Passthrough: Yes
Switches: Razer Green, Razer Orange
Keycaps: Laser etched ABS keycaps
Extras: Fully programmable
Available since: Oct. 2015

Further Information on Amazon.com

Razer Blackwidow Ultimate - Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Fully Programmable - Tactile & Clicky Green Switches
(Read customer reviews)
Buy from Amazon.com

Mechanical Keyboard Score

79

The mechanical keyboard score is our overall score for a keyboard. The score is based on the available ratings and critics and makes an easy comparison between different mechanical keyboards possible. It is also used for our mechanical keyboard ranking.


Reviews


Vortez

May 8, 2016

Silver Award

"The BlackWidow Ultimate 2016 comes with various subtle improvements such as anti-smudge coating, helping it stay looking fresh and though it is limited to green backlighting, it can now fully implement advanced lighting effects and customisations that can be configured within the Synapse software."

Read the full review.


PC World

March 8, 2016

4 out of 5 stars

"Razer's 2016 BlackWidow Ultimate offers minor changes over its 2014 predecessor, but it's still a solid choice and all-around improvement."

Read the full review.


Kit Guru

February 5, 2016

9 out of 10 points

"The Razer Black Widow Ultimate 2016 is one of the best keyboards I have come across. It is expensive but Razer’s mechanical switches are excellent and should be given some serious consideration."

Read the full review.


Tom's Guide

December 3, 2015

4 out of 5 stars

"The Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2016 is an impressive, reasonably priced keyboard with a comfortable configuration and helpful software."

Read the full review.


Computershopper

November 9, 2015

3.5 out of 5 stars

"The 2016 BlackWidow is well-built and has a great keyfeel, but buy it for the key switches and Razer's software, not the wild lighting presets."

(Review not available online)

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