Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth 2016, a keyboard that once reigned supreme in the gaming world. If you're a long-time gamer or just someone curious about the evolution of gaming peripherals, this review is for you. We'll explore its features, performance, and how it stacks up in today's market. So, grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and let's get started!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Back in 2016, unboxing the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth was a big deal. The sleek black box, the iconic Razer logo, it all screamed premium gaming gear. Inside, you'd find the keyboard itself, a quick start guide, and maybe a couple of Razer stickers to slap on your rig. The keyboard's design was instantly recognizable: a full-sized layout with a matte black finish that gave it a stealthy look. The build quality felt solid, with a good weight that kept it firmly planted on your desk during intense gaming sessions. The keycaps had a nice texture, providing a comfortable typing experience. The overall aesthetic was clean and functional, with no unnecessary frills. This keyboard was designed for gamers who wanted performance and reliability without the distractions of flashy designs.

One of the first things you'd notice about the BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 was its mechanical keys. Unlike the mushy feel of membrane keyboards, each key press on the BlackWidow was tactile and responsive. This made typing and gaming feel more precise and satisfying. The keyboard also featured fully programmable keys, allowing you to customize your key mappings and macros to suit your specific gaming needs. This level of customization was a game-changer for many gamers, giving them a competitive edge in fast-paced games. The BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 was more than just a keyboard; it was a tool that could be tailored to your individual play style.

The initial setup was straightforward. You simply plugged it into your computer's USB port, and it was ready to go. Razer's Synapse software allowed you to customize the keyboard's settings, such as key assignments, lighting effects, and macros. The software was user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to get the most out of your keyboard. The BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 also featured anti-ghosting technology, ensuring that every key press was registered, even when multiple keys were pressed simultaneously. This was especially important for gamers who needed to execute complex commands quickly and accurately. Overall, the unboxing and initial setup of the BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 was a smooth and satisfying experience, setting the stage for countless hours of gaming fun.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's delve into the key features that made the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 stand out. First and foremost, it featured Razer's own mechanical switches. These weren't Cherry MX switches, which were more common at the time. Razer's switches were designed to offer a unique tactile feel and faster actuation, giving gamers a competitive edge. The Stealth version used Razer's Orange switches, known for their silent operation and tactile feedback, making them ideal for gamers who wanted a mechanical keyboard without the loud clicking sound. These switches required 45g of actuation force and had an actuation point of 2.0mm, providing a balance of speed and accuracy.

The keyboard also boasted fully programmable keys, which could be customized using Razer's Synapse software. This allowed you to assign macros, shortcuts, and other commands to any key, giving you quick access to your most frequently used actions. The BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 also featured on-the-fly macro recording, allowing you to create macros without having to open the Synapse software. This was a convenient feature for gamers who wanted to quickly record and execute complex sequences of commands.

Here's a rundown of its specifications:

• Switch Type: Razer Orange Mechanical Switches
• Actuation Force: 45g
• Actuation Point: 2.0mm
• Key Travel: 4.0mm
• Lifespan: 60 million keystrokes
• Layout: Full-size
• Backlighting: Individually backlit keys with dynamic lighting effects
• Connectivity: USB
• Cable Length: 6 ft braided fiber cable
• Dimensions: 17.6 in x 6.7 in x 1.2 in
• Weight: 3.31 lbs

The individually backlit keys were another standout feature. Each key could be customized with its own lighting effect, allowing you to create a unique and personalized look. Razer's Synapse software offered a wide range of lighting effects, including wave, breathing, ripple, and static. You could also synchronize the lighting with other Razer devices, creating a cohesive and immersive gaming experience. The BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 also featured anti-ghosting technology, ensuring that every key press was registered, even when multiple keys were pressed simultaneously. This was essential for gamers who needed to execute complex commands quickly and accurately. Finally, the keyboard had a braided fiber cable, which was durable and resistant to tangling.

Performance and Gaming Experience

When it comes to performance, the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 truly shined. The Razer Orange switches provided a tactile and responsive feel, making typing and gaming a pleasure. The silent operation of the switches was a major advantage for gamers who preferred a quieter keyboard, especially in shared living spaces. The 45g actuation force and 2.0mm actuation point allowed for quick and accurate key presses, giving you a competitive edge in fast-paced games.

In gaming scenarios, the BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 performed exceptionally well. The fully programmable keys allowed you to customize your key mappings and macros to suit your specific gaming needs. This was particularly useful in games that required complex commands or quick access to specific abilities. The on-the-fly macro recording feature was also a great addition, allowing you to create macros without having to Alt-Tab out of your game. The anti-ghosting technology ensured that every key press was registered, even when multiple keys were pressed simultaneously, preventing missed inputs and ensuring that your commands were executed accurately.

Typing on the BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 was also a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The keycaps had a nice texture, providing a good grip and preventing your fingers from slipping. The tactile feedback of the Razer Orange switches made it easy to know when a key had been pressed, reducing typos and improving accuracy. The full-sized layout provided ample space for your hands, and the adjustable feet allowed you to customize the keyboard's angle to your liking. Overall, the BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 was a versatile keyboard that excelled in both gaming and typing.

The individually backlit keys also enhanced the gaming experience, especially in low-light environments. The customizable lighting effects allowed you to create a personalized and immersive gaming atmosphere. You could also use the lighting to highlight specific keys or key combinations, making it easier to find them in the heat of battle. The BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 was a high-performance keyboard that delivered a superior gaming experience.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 with a good old-fashioned pros and cons list:

Pros:

• Razer Orange Mechanical Switches: Tactile, responsive, and silent, making them ideal for gaming and typing in quiet environments.
• Fully Programmable Keys: Allows for extensive customization of key mappings and macros, giving you a competitive edge in games.
• Individually Backlit Keys: Customizable lighting effects create a personalized and immersive gaming experience.
• Anti-Ghosting Technology: Ensures that every key press is registered, even when multiple keys are pressed simultaneously.
• Durable Build Quality: The keyboard feels solid and well-built, with a braided fiber cable that is resistant to tangling.

Cons:

• Razer Synapse Software: While powerful, the Synapse software can be resource-intensive and may require frequent updates.
• Price: At the time of its release, the BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 was a premium keyboard with a higher price tag than many of its competitors.
• No Dedicated Media Controls: The keyboard lacks dedicated media controls, which may be a drawback for some users.
• Non-Removable Wrist Rest: The keyboard does not come with a wrist rest, which may be uncomfortable for some users during long gaming sessions.

Overall, the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 was a fantastic keyboard with a lot to offer. Its strengths outweighed its weaknesses, making it a popular choice among gamers and typists alike. However, it's important to consider your individual needs and preferences before making a purchase.

How It Stacks Up Today

So, how does the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 hold up in today's market? Well, a lot has changed since 2016. Mechanical keyboards have become even more popular, and there are now countless options available at various price points. While the BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 is still a solid keyboard, it faces stiff competition from newer models with more advanced features.

One of the biggest changes is the availability of different switch types. In 2016, Razer's Orange switches were a unique selling point. Today, there are many other silent mechanical switches available from different manufacturers, offering a wider range of tactile feel and actuation force. Additionally, many newer keyboards feature hot-swappable switches, allowing you to easily change the switches without having to desolder them.

Another area where the BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 falls behind is lighting technology. While the individually backlit keys were impressive at the time, newer keyboards offer more advanced lighting effects and customization options. Some keyboards even feature per-key RGB lighting, allowing you to create incredibly detailed and vibrant lighting schemes.

Despite these drawbacks, the BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 still has some redeeming qualities. Its durable build quality, comfortable typing experience, and fully programmable keys make it a viable option for gamers and typists who don't need the latest and greatest features. However, if you're looking for a keyboard with the most advanced technology and features, there are definitely better options available today.

Final Verdict

The Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 was a top-tier gaming keyboard in its time, offering a unique combination of tactile feedback, silent operation, and customizable features. While it may not be the most advanced keyboard on the market today, it still holds its own as a solid and reliable option.

If you're a nostalgic gamer looking to relive the glory days of the BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth 2016, or if you simply want a durable and comfortable mechanical keyboard without all the bells and whistles, this keyboard is still worth considering. However, if you're looking for the latest technology and features, you may want to explore some of the newer options available.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 depends on your individual needs and preferences. Weigh the pros and cons carefully, and consider your budget and desired features. With a little research, you can find the perfect keyboard to suit your gaming and typing needs. Thanks for reading, and happy gaming!