Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2, Silent RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Ergonomic Wrist Rest

Top positive review

24 people found this helpful

The keyboard of keyboards... The only keyboard you will ever want, for everything. Just have ear plugs :0

ByAdam Whiteon March 9, 2017

This keyboard is everything that they describe, and for gaming it is pretty amazing. But, anyone thinking of ordering it needs to really be aware of just how noisy it is. I am sitting here writing on it for this review, and the clicks for each key are the loudest of any keyboard that I have ever used. That said, it is also the fastest keyboard I have ever typed on, the best gaming keyboard I have ever used, and the coloring is just super cool.

I used the app and created a bunch of different color schemes. You can create as many schemes as you want, applying patterns and colors to individual keys, groups of key, or the entire keyboard. So, in a FPV shooter game I turn on the color for the movement keys, and a different color for the weapon selection keys, and a different color for any other key, and the rest of the keys remain dark. It really makes playing the games that much easier when you can quickly look at the coloring and know which keys are needed and which aren't. You can assign these schemes based on the executable for the game, so that each game can have a custom scheme, and it will automatically load that scheme when you run the game. You don't have to select them scheme ahead of time, or scroll through them. It is really slick.

You have options for the colors like "fire", "waves", "ripple" etc. You can set the speed and duration, the colors and everything else for these options. You can assign these options to individual keys, groups of key, or the entire keyboard. So, technically, you can have a different setting on every key of the keyboard. Personally, I try to highlight the keys that are used at any given time, and leave the others dark. When just running windows, or IE, I usually have a default setting where the color on the keyboard matches the color of my graphics card, mouse, and the color of the water cooler on the CPU. I actually have them sync'd almost perfectly, and it looks really cool, like the computer is a piece of art you would want out on display.

The keyboard has other nice features. You can disable keys, and remap them, and this can be attached to a specific app or game. Just like the color scheme. I found that in some games I kept hitting the "windows" button and jumping out of the game, where I would have to resume. This usually happened during a critical fighting sequence, and once I resumed I was not "in the moment" anymore, and it would really mess me up. So, in these games I simply disabled the windows button, and the issue is gone.

There are 5 macro keys that you can assign to any combination of keys that you want. You simply tell it to record the macro, hit the keys in the order you want, and then assign it to one of the keys, and viola, you have a macro. This is also really helpful, if you find yourself doing the same keystrokes over and over again for something. I don't use this so much for games, but for work. I log remotely into a Linux cluster for work, and do most of the work on the command line. I try to streamline the command prompt as much as possible, but when in GVim I find myself doing the same keystrokes over and over again for things that I could not automate, so I broke out the Macro function of the keyboard and eliminated these sequences. It has drastically reduced the keystrokes and time things take me to complete at work.

For gaming, this really is an amazing keyboard. I used to have an issue where I was trying to move, change weapons and jump at the same time, and the keyboard could not handle all those individual keystrokes at the same time. That nearly always resulted in a frag, or at least severely worsening my score. I don't know what the keystroke limit is on this BlackWidow, but I know I have never reached it. No matter what I do with this it works flawlessly,

As for looks and feel, this keyboard is definitely a tank. It is rock solid, a nice heavy metal case. You will be shocked when you feel how heavy it is. Keep in mind this is a wired keyboard, which most people are not used to. But, if you are playing games with it you really want the wire. You don't want to have the slight lag inherent to the wireless keyboards, you also don't want the batteries running low, or out, that you have from time to time in the wireless keyboard. It connects to a USB port, and a headphone jack, and on the right side of the keyboard you have another USB port, for a mouse as an example, and a headphone jack, obviously for headphones. Really slick. I use a wired mouse, too, just to get every last edge I can, and this port makes that a piece of cake. If I am playing, but not alone, I will use headphones, so I don't disturb or distract anyone around me, and I don't have to reach to the back of the computer, I just plug right into the keyboard. They really thought this through. The keyboard comes with a wrist pad, which magnets on to the keyboard, and the magnets have a really strong grip, keeping it right where you left it. With the pad I can type for hours and hours and not have any discomfort. As I stated above, I am using this keyboard to write this review. I type 50% faster on this keyboard than any other keyboard I have ever used. It is really shocking just how fast I can type with this keyboard.

That brings me full circle back to the only issue that I have with this keyboard... The sound. Keyboard "clicks" used to be all the rage. I have to admit when I use a keyboard that is silent it just feels "wrong". I like the audible "click" and the tactile sensation from the click, too. But, that is all a personal preference. Anyway, this keyboard takes the "click" to a whole new level. Especially when you are typing fast, it sounds like one of those fast electric typewriters hammering away. The tactile sensation is great, and the keys feel really good to type on. But, the audio is just so loud. It is staggering when you first hear it. If you have someone sleeping in the next room and you are up late gaming this keyboard will wake them up and prevent them from going back to sleep.

I believe there is another version of this keyboard that is silent. I am not sure if that is the only difference. However, as loud as this is, I think I prefer the massive "click" to silence. That one negative aside, I think this is the best keyboard that I have ever used, or even seen. If you are a gamer this keyboard is for you. If you like to customize the look of your computer, like LEDs on the video card, and other things like that, this is also the keyboard for you. If you like to customize the settings of your computer, and want the ability to change key functions, disable keys, and map colors and patterns onto individual/group/all keys, this is DEFINITELY the keyboard for you. Unless the loud clicks are just too much for you, this is ABSOLUTELY the keyboard for you. Except for the sound you can't go wrong.

I really struggled with the 4 or 5 star rating. I have been pondering it, and having a seriously difficult time deciding which value to choose. The keyboard deserves the 5 start, or even 6 if that was possible. But, it is just so friggin LOUD. If it had a slightly lower volume setting, this would be the best keyboard ever, hands down. Unless you really wanted or needed a wireless keyboard, there is no reason that you wouldn't love this one (of course, except the noise).

Until now the keyboard was simply a utility required to use the computer. There was nothing special about it. Nothing like the video card, or the case which I had no problem spending hundreds of dollars on. But this Razer has changed all that. They keyboard is now an important accessory for the computer. It is both amazingly functional, and staggeringly beautiful. Combined with the computer, and the mouse, this keyboard has helped transform my computer into a functional piece of art that I would prefer to have on display for everyone to see. Also, the performance, and the additional programmable functionality has really given me an edge in video games that I didn't know existed.

Pros: What else can I say, there is nothing that comes close to this keyboard. Heavy, thick and rock solid metal case. Beautiful colors that can be assigned to keys individually, grouped or all. Keys can be disabled, or reprogrammed. Macros can be recorded and assigned to the 5 macro keys. Keyboard settings automatically run depending on the app/game that is running. Supports massive multiple key strokes, more than I can ever do. Ultra fast response time. Has extra USB port and headphone jack on the side. Has very comfortable wrist pad that is held in place by a magnet. The list goes on and on, this is the best keyboard I have ever used.

Cons: Noise. That's it. Unless you need wireless, but I prefer the wire for speed and accuracy.

NOTE: If you have recorded and on-the-fly macro and assigned it to a key, you might be wondering how to remove it. The manual shows how to create it, and it took me a while to figure it out, and every time I hit an "h" it would trigger my macro. Let's just say, it was tough to get anything done with that happening.

To resolve this you open Synapse, the app that goes with the Keyboard. Click the "Macros" tab. You will find under the drop-down box at least one macro called "New Macro 1" or something like this. It might, or might not actually show the keystrokes that are involved in your macro. I read from people that they didn't see the key strokes. But, I did. Once I deleted the macro from the list I no longer had any issues.

Top critical review

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276 people found this helpful

SERIOUSLY RAZER??? TWO INCORRECT KEYS AND YOU TELL ME TO GO BUY THE PARTS?!?!?!?

ByKlassyon March 15, 2017

Well... I had a REALLY hard time deciding between this and the nice Corsair... I went with this, which now makes my decision easier: CORSAIR.

The keyboard feels great. Very solid. However, I received it with a manufacturing defect.

The "Left arrow" key was actually a "Down arrow" key turned sideways lol. Kinda funny. No worries, it happens. Easy mistake (no quality control there, but I wasn't mad. I thought it was kinda funny) but it definitely is differently shaped (see photo 1).

So I send Razer an email saying that I just received the keyboard and that I would like them to send me a left arrow key (and I asked for a cheap key puller because I don't have one and couldn't get the key out). I told them it seemed like a great keyboard but I wanted the correct key....

They replied with "Here is a link to our store, we sell all sorts of extra parts there."

..........

ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME RAZER?!?!?!?!? SERIOUSLY??????

Oh, and before I forget, WHILE I WAS RESPONDING TO THEIR EMAIL, I realized there was another mistake!!!

My right "alt" key was a "ctrl" key! (see photo 2). lol!

What the heck are you doing here Razer? Who puts these things together??? And then you have the nerve to tell me to go to your store and give you more money for the parts that I assumed would COME WITH THE KEYBOARD!

Not impressed. And look at my other reviews, I am easy to please. I very rarely give companies poor reviews as I am a small business owner myself and I know how difficult it can be to please everyone, but Razer obviously doesn't care.

If one of my customers had an issue like that with my product I would bend over backwards for them. I won't say my company here because it's not appropriate, but if you were a customer of mine you would know a new meaning for the work customer care.

See ya later Razer. I'll be returning my wife's Razer keyboard we bought a few weeks ago too. Decent keyboard, but I don't want to deal with you anymore.

As for the keyboard itself:
Feels great. Awesome keyboard. Yellow switches feel a little weird to me but they are my first linear. Im used to membrane and browns. Still feel great though. Easy to get typos though that's for sure. Probably better for gamers. I just can't stand clicky so I had to go with something different.
Software is easy to use. Better than other ones I have used.
Colors look excellent.
100% control over colors of each key which is awesome. You can do anything you can imagine with the keyboard.
100% programmable.
The arm rest is comfy but I hate it. It's WAY too big. It's literally TOO comfortable. It puts your hands up so high you have to drop your fingers down in an awkward position. Hitting keys close to the rest is awkward (like space, alt, or ctrl...... a key I have 1 too many of thanks to Razer...) so I wouldn't buy it just because the arm rest unless you like it awkward like that.
Packaging was great.

That is my honest review of the keyboard despite the crap quality control and even worse customer service. No need to bash a good keyboard just because I am mad at them :)

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Showing 21-30 of 905 reviews(Verified Purchases). See all 1,056 reviews

Bypeacefunkon June 8, 2017

Size: KeyboardStyle: Tactile & SilentColor: EssentialVerified Purchase

I do not recommend this for a non-gamer that is looking for a keyboard for work. I'm not a gamer and know nothing about keyboard switches. I bought this keyboard because I liked the compact design (tenkeyless has better ergonomics for me since the mouse can sit more directly in front as opposed to off to the right), it's advertised as "silent" and overall the reviews were very good. While I agree that the quality of the keyboard, the feel of the keys, and overall performance is excellent, this is NOT a good keyboard for people that plan to use it for work. It is definitely not silent. In fact, it's downright loud and while I'm on a conference call I have to mute my audio if I want to type, which is a pain. I confirmed that I ordered/received the "stealth" model. I was previously using a Logitech diNovo Edge keyboard, which I was basing my expectation of "silent" on. It was very quiet when typing, but is starting to fail (it's over 7 years old). Anyway the Edge is $275 and I was hoping for a less expensive alternative. If I could get a do-over I'd purchase the Logitech K810 or K811 instead.

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Keys are great but wire too hard to bend

ByJingkai Wangon May 7, 2017

Size: KeyboardStyle: Tactile & SilentColor: BacklitVerified Purchase

Used for over 3 month, feels very good, but i am going to tell several cons:
1. macro keys function only with software, meaning if you don't have internet or just the server dies, your custom function keys are dead as well.
2. This is not a good keyboard for long time typing, really tired.
3. the wire is way too hard, meaning if you have a a little small desk or you have to bend to left or right, you will need to bend real hard but it will finally restore, and this happens the same to the other end, if you don't have enough usb port and have to leave one unplugged, the wire is really hard to bend to free space.

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The Best Mechanical Keyboard Ever??!?

ByAmazon Customeron January 25, 2017

Size: KeyboardStyle Name: Tactile & ClickyColor: RGB CompactVerified Purchase

I am an avid Mechanical Keyboard collector (yes, don't judge me), and I could tell you that in my collection I love this keyboard the most. The lighting on this keyboard is second to none, and the software that is used to control the lights are also the best in the business. Logitech and Corsair DREAMS of making keyboard this good.
There might be criticism about the "chinese made razer switches" and I will tell you this. I also have a comparable Blue-Switched Cherry MX keyboard, and when comparing the typing feel as well as the consistency of the switches, I will tell you this; THE RAZER SWITCH IS BETTER. Before I averaged 80-85 WPM when typing, but after I changed to using this keyboard, I averaged around 90 WPM. In game these switches do not get stuck or double-press, which is a huge bonus.

TL;DR: Mesmerizing lights, amazing switches, good software. 11/10 would buy again.

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Finally joined the mechanical keyboard bandwagon

ByDanon August 15, 2016

Size: KeyboardStyle: Tactile & SilentColor: BacklitVerified Purchase

This is my first mechanical keyboard.
I've held off on getting a mechanical keyboard for quite a while because of the price and just how loud they are (I disliked arcade fightsticks for that same reason).

However, due to the word "Stealth" I decided to check out the keyboard.
The loudness of my keystrokes is just a bit louder than a keyboard I've owned in the past (microsoft natural ergonomic keyboard), but much louder than the $11 logitech classic keyboard I've had for a while.

Pros:
Looks like Razer upgraded their 'Razer Synapse' so that my keyboard lighting settings (all lights off) stay even after I close the razer synapse program. I remember when I used to use their Razar Naga Hex, I had to keep the program on if I wanted my light settings to stay.

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Good keyboard, Macros not what I expected.

ByTomato Basketon June 18, 2017

Size: KeyboardStyle Name: Tactile & SilentColor: RGBVerified Purchase

I like the keyboard. The keys are a bit father apart than I am used to, but I am slowly adjusting. It is responsive, and lights up with many pretty colors. I wish there were more software options, but that really isn't an issue worth deducting points for. However, I am a little bit disappointed with the macro keys to the left of the keyboard. They do not work out of the box.

I play games and like setting special keys. Many of my games do not recognize the M1-M5 keys as legitimate key presses. I do not know why. This is not what I expected, but I will just have to make do until I figure out what software I need to make it work the way I want.

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it seemed like Razor put some effort into making this keyboard feel ...

ByIsaacon September 1, 2016

Size: KeyboardStyle Name: Cherry MX BlueColor: BacklitVerified Purchase

As soon as I opened the box, it seemed like Razor put some effort into making this keyboard feel premium. Having not owned a mechanical keyboard since the late 90's, this felt very heavy, but solid. The keys all press down with a solid, sharp click, and the caps remove easily for cleaning if you so desire. I'm not a huge fan of the Synapse driver having to sign in every time the computer starts up, but it isn't the end of the world. If you want to do some neat tricks with the backlighting, the Synapse driver does have several options that are pretty flashy. Personally, I think the solid green just looks the best. I haven't messed with the macros or special functions, but as a daily driver keyboard, the price and quality are top notch.

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With over ear headphones and low volume I can drown out the sound easily though. Chroma is nice and this is my ...

ByCarlon November 22, 2016

Size: KeyboardStyle Name: Tactile & ClickyColor: RGB CompactVerified Purchase

This version is crazy clicky and I find the key resistance paired with the sound preferable as I bottom out less. However, if your computer is anywhere near where other people sleep or work you are going to have serious problems. With over ear headphones and low volume I can drown out the sound easily though.

Chroma is nice and this is my first Razer product with it. The software is decent and allows for great customization. Many of the effects are over the top, but I like the solid color and cycling. Basically this can match whatever set up you have, no need to pick an accessory based on its limited color scheme. Synapse easily allows disabling of keys (like caps lock) without the need for additional software.

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Definitely not a durable keyboard, $14.99 Amazon Basics keyboard is more reliable

ByAlmightyon July 18, 2017

Size: KeyboardStyle Name: Tactile & SilentColor: RGB V1Verified Purchase

I game with this keyboard, so the WASD keys get a fair bit of work. That being said, I would have expected better.

After gaming with this keyboard for an hour or two the A key (sometimes W or Q) will randomly be permanently pressed and registering repeatedly (not physically stuck pressed). Unplugging it and plugging it back in immediately does not help. I found that after unplugging and letting it sit for 24 hrs it appears to work again. It has happened 4-5 times now pretty reliably. I have tried using this keyboard both with and without Synapse.

Naturally I purchased this keyboard in March 2017 but this problem did not start happening until after the return window (convenient). For a $129.99 premium keyboard I would expect this to last much longer. My $14.99 Amazon Basics keyboard has been more durable.

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Great gaming keyboard!!

ByConnie Smith-Frieson March 26, 2017

Size: KeyboardStyle: Tactile & SilentColor: BacklitVerified Purchase

This was bought for my son (the gamer) for a Christmas gift. He absolutely loved this keyboard and has been using it very happily since he received it. He has had no problems with it and said it's a great keyboard for gaming. He had gotten the matching mouse to this keyboard the Christmas before (which he is still using over a year later and said it is still working great!!)

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Great just over a year until it died

ByAmazon Customeron February 27, 2016

Size: KeyboardStyle: Tactile & ClickyColor: EssentialVerified Purchase

Loved the tactile feel of this keyboard and the click when actuated. However, just over a year after I ordered it (one month after warranty expiration) the USB connector fell off the internal circuit board. After taking it apart and resoldering it, I still ended up with a nonfunctional keyboard. Long-lived mechanical key switches don't do you much good on a keyboard that can't be connected. The BlackWidow Ultimate (on which I am typing this review) was bought at the same time, has all the advantages, and has a very well-connected permanent USB cord. It's pricier and a bit heavier than this one - although I will say that this one isn't exactly lightweight, either.

At any rate, this gets a 3-star - it was wonderful while it lasted, and now it is dead. Long live the next keyboard.

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