This review is for BOTH the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth [Essential] and [Backlit Orange]
Essential Stealth: this is the compact model mechanical keyboard. The quality of this is as follows. Case is a strong durable plastic with a slight texture that is pleasing to the touch. Keys feel solid and well designed. As this is the Stealth model, the clicks are muted but definitely responsive with a good follow through. This model has no lights on it so it's a simple mechanical keyboard. Pros: SOLID keyboard great for smaller settings, smaller hands and desk space. Cons: The cord is detachable from the keyboard itself. It's made from quality mesh wrapping but if you plan on moving it around alot or making it portable, might want to take this into consideration. Another con is the compact design makes for key placements that different from what your fingers might be used to from a normal 104-key keyboard. 9/10
Backlit Orange Stealth: I wanted a secondary keyboard now that my computer space changed allowing me more room. I'm a casual gamer, don't stream and play only a few competitive games for fun like Overwatch, CS:GO and PU:battlegrounds with friends. I was looking for a mixture of economical price, quality and aesthetics in that order. The Razer BlackWidow provided me with the best of all 3 worlds. Under $100, working example of the similar model and I liked the backlit colors for night time gameplay. I consider myself a very critical shopper and I do my homework. Here is why I chose this Make and model. Case is solid with some quality weight and durability built into it. It feels good to the touch and appears to be able to take mild gamer rage abuse (and no, I don't plan on testing that out). Backlight Keys are easy on the eyes with several ways to control the brightness. You can use the Synapsys app from Razerone.com or you can control it through FN + F10 or F11. The "breathing" light feature is great for a while but after a while, I'm already bored with it. The ability to modify your keyboard lighting is both easy and has a bit of variety for the average user. My favorite combo is to mix Long breathing with Starlight keys. The cord is high quality thick mesh wrapping a triple wire. There are TWO USB connections and a Headphone jack that plugs into your keyboard. The ports for them are located on the side. Cool and convenient feature!. The keys are Stealth so its quiet but not silent. They feel solid to the touch and have the same great follow through as my Essential model.
Pros: Summing everything up, the quality feel with a bit of weight behind it as well as keystrokes definitely feeling mechanical yet quiet enough not annoy anyone (including myself) when I type. The keystrokes are responsive and good to the touch. This model doesn't suffer the compact model problem where the keys feel naturally placed.
Cons: Like I said, I'm a fairly critical shopper but this has very little to say against it. In my opinion, the Cost, Quality and Aesthetics triangle is fairly evenly spread in the center. If I had one thing to say against it, it would be that the two USB plugs should be labeled Keyboard and AUX. Honestly, that's all I have to say against it. It's a 10/10, would highly recommend
| Brand | Razer |
|---|---|
| Item model number | RZ03-01701700-R3U1 |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Operating System | Mac Os,Windows 10,Windows 7,Windows 8 |
| Item Weight | 3.03 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 17.69 x 7.17 x 1.62 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 17.69 x 7.17 x 1.62 inches |
| Color | Backlit |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
| Manufacturer | Razer Inc. |
| ASIN | B017K61ZIW |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | October 1, 2015 |
