Setup, Design & Observations
Plugging in the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2016 will require 2x USB ports and a 4pole front audio out/mic in port, if your system does not have this, you will need to get an adaptor. Without an adaptor you will be able to use stereo audio without any real problems, but the microphone part will not work. The Synapse software isn't required for the keyboard to work, though to use the full functionality of the keyboard it is recommended.
The keyboard itself is attractive, and the finish is far more pleasing than the rubberised fingerprint magnet that is found on older models and it was difficult to see/create any lasting smears. This is a much needed improvement. The key caps look/feel good though it would have been nice to find a bundled selection of additional keycaps, like those found with the Corsair STRAFE.
In use, I found the BlackWidow Ultimate to be a good height and was comfortable without the need for a wrist rest anyway, though some may feel it would have been a nice inclusion. The switches felt a touch wobbly at first but I found them enjoyable to use. The shorter actuation point is noticeable considering that I have been used to MX Browns for a rather long time now. The 50g actuation force helped to give a rather fast and snappy typing experience while in game the keys were spammable and solid. Though how much difference the actuation point made was very difficult to determine and any advantage in game will be slight. In the grand scale of things the Razer switches do fall short in light of our recent experience with the CHERRY MX Speed Silver, though considering they are locked to a significantly more expensive product, the Razer switches are still pretty good. I just wish that Razer would have used dummy/stabiliser switches on the larger keys rather than metal bars. The overall experience I had with the BlackWidow Ultimate 2016 is very good. I personally would have preferred a non-clicky switches, but this is a subjective preference. If you like clicky switches, check these ones out the next time you happen to find it in store courtesy of exposed packaging.
