Razer BlackWidow keyboard layout

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Murfle

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I'm looking at getting a BlackWidow keyboard (I love mechanical keyboards, always have) but I am not one to adapt to different keyboard layouts easily. I have been using US layouts my whole life, and am wondering if the BlackWidows purchased locally are US or UK layout before shelling out the cash for one online...

Most the pictures found by google are the US version. Although, on amazon.co.uk, someone posted a picture of the keyboard with the UK layout (ie, giant enter key).

Can anyone confirm which of the layouts it uses here?
US- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:KB_United_States-NoAltGr.svg
UK- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:KB_United_Kingdom.svg

Appreciate the help :)
Thanks!
 
Murfle said:
Yup! I'm a fast typist. Seems like the best suited switches for me. Plus I like the sound of the clicking... My preference, that's all.

Thanks for the info, I think I'll go ahead and order me one!
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Perfect then.

There are a few other standard layout mechanical [non-]gaming keyboards locally, but I take it you've done your research.
 
PostmanPot said:
Perfect then.

There are a few other standard layout mechanical [non-]gaming keyboards locally, but I take it you've done your research.
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I might have been getting ahead of myself... I know there are other brands around, but I haven't seen any on the online retailers I've checked so far... I'm still open to suggestions. if you have any URLs you could point me to... I do like the macro keys on the razer though.

Thanks :)
 
PostmanPot said:
Supposedly meant for typists and not gamers as it's not condusive to repetitive key strokes like Cherry MX black, brown, red.

And they sound like typewriters. ;)
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What Mechanical keyboard that has backlit keys would you recommend for gamers? Specifically FPS.
 
NomNom said:
What Mechanical keyboard that has backlit keys would you recommend for gamers? Specifically FPS.
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Razer BlackWidow Stealth but can only be purchased from the Razer store.

Then there are smaller brands like Das Keyboard and others.

Also Corsair Vengeance K90, more for MMO though.

Basically you'd probably need to import unless you go BlackWidow Ultimate or K90.

Have not tested K90 bit apparently its Red switches are very easy to actuate, with little tactile feedback resistance - personally I prefer some tactility, Black/Brown are better for this.
 
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PostmanPot said:
Razer BlackWidow Stealth but can only be purchased from the Razer store.

Then there are smaller brands like Das Keyboard and others.

Also Corsair Vengeance K90, more for MMO though.
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I'm waiting for the Stealth edition but I'm wondering it I will ever be able to purchase it or if it will only be sold on the Razer store, I've looked at the Corsair but determined that it isn't worth the extra cash, I might aswell just go for the normal Razer ultimate. I currently have the Logitech G11 keyboard and out of the possible 54 macro keys I only use 6 to open folder shortcuts :o ... I will look into Das.

PostmanPot said:
Basically you'd probably need to import unless you go BlackWidow Ultimate or K90.
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:erm:
 
As long as you understand how the Blue switch works in comparison to Red/Black/Brown. Blue isn't entirely suited for most types of games because they aren't good for repetitive keystrokes which most games involve. They are very easy to actuate and there is a short finger travel distance before actuation. Lacks tactile feedback.

Razer BW boxes have cut outs above the arrow keys. Test it out, if you like it them go for it.
 
PostmanPot said:
As long as you understand how the Blue switch works in comparison to Red/Black/Brown. Blue isn't entirely suited for most types of games because they aren't good for repetitive keystrokes which most games involve. They are very easy to actuate and there is a short finger travel distance before actuation. Lacks tactile feedback.
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The Razer and corsair both use red switches, also I found this guide here which is pretty useful imo: http://www.overclock.net/t/491752/mechanical-keyboard-guide, I think I'll wait for the Razer stealth Edition or will just go with the normal one if I can't get the Stealth from anywhere.

PostmanPot said:
Razer BW boxes have cut outs above the arrow keys. Test it out, if you like it them go for it.
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I don't know of any shops that carry Razer. :( but I'm pretty sure the reds will be good, or I will just used to it either way.

Correction the Razer uses Blue and the new stealth uses brown, interesting... hmmm

Also it's interesting that the Stealth edition maybe slightly quieter but according to reviews the typing isn't as nice as the Ultimate which uses the blue switch even though it's slightly louder....hmmm loudness vs typing experience.. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2396613,00.asp

I have decided to get the normal Razer ultimate, thanks for your help PostmanPot.
 
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Well yes the BW is technically meant for typing with its blue switches. They make the clicky sound because of the design of the switch which correlates with why it's better for typing and not gaming. Your WPM would probably increase slightly etc. That guide explains why Blues aren't ideal for gaming. But if you're happy after reading then go ahead.

FWIW I play Sc2 religiously and would not get Blue switches.

Glad to help.
 
PostmanPot said:
Well yes the BW is technically meant for typing with its blue switches. They make the clicky sound because of the design of the switch which correlates with why it's better for typing and not gaming. Your WPM would probably increase slightly etc. That guide explains why Blues aren't ideal for gaming. But if you're happy after reading then go ahead.

FWIW I play Sc2 religiously and would not get Blue switches.

Glad to help.
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Sigh decided to wait for the stealth lol, sorry can't make up my mind, but it looks like I will need to get a new PSU first (Corsair ax750) and have my PSU swapped out (fan is failing), so that's first on the list of impulse buys.
 
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mine had UK layout, from Frontosa. I found highly annoying that the shift key was not full size...

I sold mine and got a decent gaming keyboard

:p
 
techead said:
mine had UK layout, from Frontosa. I found highly annoying that the shift key was not full size...

I sold mine and got a decent gaming keyboard

:p
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Ack, UK style :( I'm very leery about ordering one now... Thanks for the input.
 
I have the blackwidow ultimate and I love the thing. I don't really get why the blue switches apparently don't work well with games. Personally it has been nothing but a pleasure to use, be it work or play, with no issues with the keys not liking quick, repetitive presses.
 
Messugga said:
I have the blackwidow ultimate and I love the thing. I don't really get why the blue switches apparently don't work well with games. Personally it has been nothing but a pleasure to use, be it work or play, with no issues with the keys not liking quick, repetitive presses.
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Yeah it's not an issue for some people. That's why Razer BW apckaging is nice as one can touch/press the keys to decide for themselves.

Cherry MX Blue Switches

Type: Tactile & Clicky Switch
Link: Datasheet
Tactile: Yes, precise
Clicky: Yes
Actuation Force: 50g (60g Peak Force) (Force Diagram)
Key Travel: 2mm to actuation, 4mm to bottom

Cherry MX Blue switches are the best cherry switch for typing. The tactile bump can easily be felt, and the resistance is similar to your average keyboard.

Although many people find them just fine for gaming, some don't like the fact that the release point is above the actuation point. This can cause some trouble with double-tapping. This is usually the case with someone who has experienced other mechanical switches before hand.
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