Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2014
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Razer's new Blackwidow Ultimate 2014 is the first mechanical gaming keyboard to use their new RAZER mechanical key switches instead of Cherry MX series ones! Audible Message: Give Audible's monthly audiobook service has more than just audiobooks! - use audible.com get the first one for free! Intel link: linustechtips.com Pricing & discussion: linustechtips.com Support us: linustechtips.com Join our community forum: bit.ly twitter.com @LinusTech Intro Screen Music Credit: Adhesive Wombat -
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The video opens with Linus exploring whether the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2014 delivers real innovation or if the mechanical keyboard market is already saturated. He notes that on the surface the keyboard looks similar to the previous flagship model, but immediately digs into a substantial under the hood change: Razer has replaced the Cherry MX switches with their own Razer mechanical switches, available in green and orange variants. The host explains the reasoning behind creating a gaming-focused switch from scratch, highlighting actuation point shifts, increased durability, and tighter manufacturing control. He also discusses the broader context, including the patent expiration of Cherry MX switches and how that enables Razer and others to explore new suppliers. The packaging and presentation are assessed for clarity, with a humorous aside about the lack of a 2014 edition label and how that minor detail matters for consumer clarity. Overall, the segment frames the upcoming hands-on portion as an evaluation of whether these new switches meaningfully improve gaming responsiveness and keyboard consistency. By the end of this section, viewers get a roadmap of the key questions the review will address: performance, feel, durability, and value compared to traditional Cherry MX designs.
Topics · technology · hardware · gaming · product review
Questions answered
- What distinguishes Razer mechanical switches from Cherry MX switches in the BlackWidow Ultimate 2014?
- Razer introduced ground-up designed mechanical switches with different actuation points, higher durability, and altered tactile feedback. The actuation point is moved closer to the reset point, improving responsiveness for gaming, and the contacts were upgraded for greater durability.
- What are the key features of the BlackWidow Ultimate 2014 keyboard?
- The keyboard offers fully programmable keys, on the fly macro recording, per-key backlighting with 13 brightness levels, function-key controlled media keys, 10-key rollover, and USB and audio pass-through ports, all in a matte black chassis with a robust build.
- Is the BlackWidow Ultimate 2014 worth it compared to traditional Cherry MX keyboards?
- Value depends on a user's priorities. If you want a gaming-focused switch with enhanced durability and integrated features, it may justify the price, but concerns about cost and sourcing persist. The review suggests weighing build quality and the company’s control over manufacturing against the cost of switching from established Cherry MX keyboards.