Razer has refreshed its BlackWidow keyboard, which it claims is the "best mechanical keyboard we’ve ever produced". The new Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2 mechanical gaming keyboard brings new keyswitch options, an included magnetic wrist rest and further improvements "across the board" compared to the original 2010 model.
"We've made improvements across the board and are still the only company designing keyboard switches made specifically for gaming," said Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO. "The Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2 builds on the legacy we started in 2010 with the original BlackWidow by offering legendary durability and comfort. This is the best mechanical keyboard we've ever produced."
The original BlackWidow offered a choice between Razer Green and Razer Orange tactile switches. New to the BlackWidow is a choice of linear silent keys with reduced travel to actuation - Razer Yellow switches. These are, claims Razer, very fast thanks to the reduced travel distance, and a great choice for FPS and MOBA players "who press certain keys thousands of times over the course of a match session". All Razer's switches are rated for 80 million keystrokes.
One other immediately noticable new feature of the Razer BlackWidow Chroma v2 keyboard is the included magnetic wrist rest. This optional front of keyboard appendage can bring an extra level of comfort to your keyboard use, especially during prolonged sessions at the computer.
Obviously from the name, Razer Chroma RGB lighting tech is employed by the new keyboard. The individually backlit RGB keys can be controlled easily with Chroma software and its presets, with effect and gaming specific presets available, synchronisation across devices, and profile sharing online.
Despite the updates Razer has kept prices unchanged at U.S. $169.99 / EU €199.99. Some versions of the Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2 mechanical gaming keyboard are available immediately through the Razerzone web shop.
Tech Specs:
- Razer Mechanical Switches with 50g actuation force
- 80 million keystroke life span
- Chroma backlighting with 16.8 million customizable color options
- Razer Synapse enabled
- 10 key roll-over anti-ghosting
- Fully programmable keys with on-the-fly macro recording
- 5 additional dedicated macro keys
- Gaming mode option
- Audio-out/mic-in jacks
- USB pass-through
- 1000Hz Ultrapolling
- Braided fiber cable
- Approximate size: 475mm/18.72 in (Width) x 171mm/6.74 in (Height) x 39mm/1.54 in (Depth)
- Approximate weight: 1500g/3.31lbs
