Q. What type of mechanical key switch do the Razer BlackWidow mechanical gaming keyboards use?
A. The Razer BlackWidow Stealth edition keyboards use the tactile but quiet brown key switches, while the Razer BlackWidow keyboards use the tactile and clicky blue mechanical key switches.
Each of the mechanical switches have been sorted prior to manufacture to adhere to a strict design guideline.
Q. Why are brown and blue keys preferred for gaming as opposed to other available key switches - i.e black key switches?
A. These mechanical key switches provide gamers with the lightest actuation force required and the perfect actuation distance for optimal response while gaming.
Q. Do the Razer BlackWidow mechanical gaming keyboards have anti-ghosting capability? How about N-key rollover?
A. Yes, the Razer BlackWidow keyboards do have anti-ghosting capabilities. The standard Razer BlackWidow keyboards feature a gaming optimized key matrix for the keys around the regular WASD cluster allowing multiple key presses without key ghosting or jamming. The Razer BlackWidow Stealth Ultimate edition keyboard on the other hand, offers a full 6-key rollover (6KRO) capability for multiple key presses.
The BlackWidow mechanical keyboards are USB only, meaning they cannot have true N-key rollover. N-key rollover (NKRO) is only possible with a direct connection to a native PS/2 port on the computer which also has other limitations that USB overcomes. The Razer BlackWidow keyboards' anti-ghosting capabilities serve a similar purpose while using the more modern and readily available USB port.
Q. Why does the Razer BlackWidow not have a PS/2 port option?
A. Aside from the rarity of native PS/2 ports in gaming rigs today, by using a USB connection the Razer BlackWidow keyboards are able to provide gamers advanced customization and performance features that are not available using a PS/2 connection, using Razer's configuration software.
Q. What has Razer engineered differently for the Razer BlackWidow keyboards as opposed to other mechanical keyboards?
A. The Razer BlackWidow mechanical gaming keyboards were designed to be the family of definitive mechanical keyboards with some subtle differences to balance the needs of gamers. The Razer BlackWidow keyboards boast additional key features that a competitive gamer would require - for example, the selection (and sorting prior to manufacture) of mechanical switches, addition of dedicated gaming keys, the optimized F-key positioning, the angle of the keytop to surface, extensive software configuration and more.
Q. Why are the function keys on the Razer BlackWidow mechanical gaming keyboards shifted slightly to the right?
A. Our ergonomics team has made subtle changes to the placement of the keytop. While most of the placement of the keys have been retained to allow gamers to immediately get used to the key locations, we have shifted the F-key row to the right slightly to align the F1 key directly above the W of the WASD home keys. Extensive ergonomics tests have shown that this new alignment will allow faster keypress accuracy for games that require the use of the F-key row.
Q. What are the 5 extra gaming buttons used for?
A. These are dedicated keys on the keyboard specifically designed to bind macros to or to reprogram into specific functions required by the user. Macros enable a user to program one button on a peripheral to perform a string of timed commands, whenever the button is pressed.
Q. What is on-the-fly macro recording?
A. On-the-fly macro recording allows users to record lengthy macros in the game, without having to access driver menus or other software. For example, hitting the 'Macro Record' key and then inputting a sequence of multiple spells in World of Warcraft saves this action to the specified key. The same sequence of spells can then be executed automatically with the actuation of that one button.
Q. What are profiles?
A. Profiles are templates that are used to define a keyboard's settings for different games or applications. These customization options can be saved into profiles via the driver menu. This allows the user to fully customize the keys to suit each different game and application. The gamer could require different sets of macros, for example, for different games. The user can then conveniently switch between various saved profiles, saving the hassle of reprogramming the keys each time you launch a game.
Q. How many profiles can I have on my Razer BlackWidow keyboards?
A. You can save up to 10 profiles and switch between them on-the-fly, without the hassle of going into complex driver menus.
Q. Do I need software drivers to use the Razer BlackWidow keyboards?
A. You may use the standard keyboard functions by simply plugging the Razer BlackWidow keyboards to any available USB port on your computer. However, you will need to download the software and drivers in order to enable advanced features such as macro recording and profile settings.
