Gaming features galore
On the right hand side of the keyboard, just to left of where you'd traditionally hold your mouse (right-handed,) you'll find a USB slot and audio connections. A lot of keyboards we use put the USB connection at the top of keyboard, but with it at the side you don't have cables dragging across your keys. We're generally using the USB port for charging our mobile phone, but have also used it frequently for our headset, so we like the fact that you don't have to trail the wires around the back of the keyboard.The BlackWidow Ultimate also sports a number of other features specifically designed for gaming. Anti-ghosting allows you to press six buttons simultaneously, while the F11 doubles as a way to turn gaming mode on and off and deactivate the Windows key so you don’t inadvertently hit it. Five macro keys, labelled M1-M5, run vertically down the left hand side of the keyboard and in conjunction with the function key you can record macros on the fly without having to enter the software on your PC. We understand this is the first mechanical keyboard to offer on the fly macro recording and the results are very impressive. If you’ve used Razer’s software before the interface will be instantly familiar, but even if you haven't it's easy to get to grips with allowing you to assign commands to any key on the board and initiate time delay without headache. From the keyboard you can also switch between 10 profiles on the fly, though the software actually lets you record up to 20.
Click for larger imageFor its relatively high price tag, we were expecting an extra special feature that really sets it apart from Razer's standard BlackWidow keyboard, which is available at the lesser price of £69.99, but there doesn't appear to be much difference. Aside from having back-lighting -which admittedly we do now look for in our personal gaming keyboard - and the USB port and audio connections on the side of the keyboard the two appear identical. Nonetheless, the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate is a fantastic keyboard that performs impeccably well in all areas, particularly how the mechanical design of the board feels great to use and serves to accelerate your performance. Software is simple to use and on the fly macro recording is a bonus, but largely your choice between Razer's two BlackWidow keyboards is going to depend on whether you want that back-lighting or not and whether you think that's worth the extra investment. If not, go for the standard BlackWidow. But before you make that decision, you need to decide whether you want a mechanical keyboard in your life. The "clicky" sound isn't going to appeal to everyone, but its performance is undeniably good. If you do decide to take a punt on the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate, there's no doubt in our mind that you're going to be delighted with the result.
