Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a classic gaming keyboard that still holds its own – the Razer Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth 2016. This keyboard was a big deal when it dropped, and even now, it's worth checking out if you're after a solid, reliable, and, yeah, stealthy gaming experience. So, let’s get into what makes this keyboard tick, its pros and cons, and whether it’s still a worthwhile investment in today's crowded gaming peripheral market. Buckle up; it's review time!

Unboxing and First Impressions

Okay, first things first, let's talk about that unboxing experience. Back in 2016, Razer was all about that sleek, black packaging, and the Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth didn't disappoint. Opening the box, you're greeted with the keyboard itself, nestled securely to prevent any shipping damage. Inside, you'll also find the usual Razer goodies: a quick start guide, some stickers (gotta rep the brand!), and any other promotional material they might have been pushing at the time.

Picking up the keyboard, the first thing you'll notice is its weight. This thing feels substantial, thanks to its solid construction. It's got a good heft to it, which gives you confidence that it can handle some serious button-mashing during intense gaming sessions. The matte black finish looks clean and professional, and it does a decent job of resisting fingerprints, which is always a plus. The overall design is pretty straightforward – no crazy curves or unnecessary frills. It’s a functional, no-nonsense design that puts performance first. The keycaps have a nice, smooth texture that feels comfortable under your fingers, and the font is clear and easy to read, even in low lighting. Connecting the keyboard is a breeze; just plug in the USB cable, and you're good to go. No need to mess around with drivers or software – it’s plug-and-play at its finest. The cable itself is braided, which adds to the premium feel and ensures it can withstand some wear and tear. Plus, it helps prevent tangling, which is always a bonus. Initial impressions are generally positive. The Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 feels like a quality piece of hardware, built to last and designed for serious gamers. It's got that classic Razer aesthetic that many gamers have come to appreciate, and it's clear that attention to detail was a priority during its creation. So far, so good! Now, let's dive deeper into its features and performance to see if it lives up to the hype.

Design and Build Quality

When it comes to design and build quality, the Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 really shines. Razer didn't skimp on the materials or construction, and it shows. The keyboard features a robust plastic frame that feels incredibly sturdy. There's minimal flex, even when you're really pounding on the keys, which is essential for those intense gaming moments. The matte black finish not only looks sleek but also helps to resist fingerprints and smudges, keeping your keyboard looking clean even after hours of use. The keycaps are made from a durable ABS plastic, which feels smooth and comfortable under your fingers. While ABS keycaps are known to develop a shine over time, the ones on the Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth hold up pretty well. The keycaps have a cylindrical profile, which provides a comfortable and familiar typing experience. The legends are laser-etched, ensuring they won't fade away even with heavy use. The keyboard's layout is standard, with a full-size design that includes a numeric keypad. This is great for gamers who also use their keyboard for productivity tasks, such as number crunching or data entry. The keys are well-spaced, reducing the chances of accidental keystrokes. The Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth also features dedicated media controls, allowing you to easily adjust the volume, skip tracks, and pause or play music without having to Alt-Tab out of your game. These controls are conveniently located in the upper-right corner of the keyboard and are easily accessible. One of the standout design features of the Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth is its stealthy aesthetic. Unlike some other gaming keyboards that go for a flashy, over-the-top look, this keyboard is more understated. The matte black finish, combined with the subtle Razer logo, gives it a clean and professional appearance. The keyboard also features customizable backlighting, allowing you to choose from a wide range of colors and effects. However, the backlighting is more subdued than on some other Razer keyboards, which contributes to its stealthy vibe. Overall, the design and build quality of the Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 are top-notch. It's a well-built, durable keyboard that's designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. The stealthy aesthetic is a welcome change from the often-garish designs of other gaming keyboards, making it a great choice for gamers who prefer a more understated look.

Key Switches and Performance

Now, let's talk about what really matters: the key switches and overall performance of the Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth 2016. This keyboard comes equipped with Razer's own mechanical switches, specifically the Razer Orange switches. These switches are designed to provide a tactile and silent typing experience, making them a great choice for gamers who want a mechanical keyboard without the loud clicky sound. The Razer Orange switches have an actuation force of 45g, which means they require a moderate amount of force to register a keystroke. This provides a good balance between responsiveness and preventing accidental key presses. The switches also have a short travel distance of 4mm, allowing for fast and efficient typing. One of the key features of the Razer Orange switches is their tactile feedback. When you press a key, you'll feel a distinct bump, which lets you know that the key has been registered. This tactile feedback is incredibly satisfying and can help improve your typing accuracy. Unlike some other mechanical switches, the Razer Orange switches are relatively quiet. They don't have the loud clicky sound that's often associated with mechanical keyboards, making them a great choice for gamers who share a room with others or who simply prefer a quieter typing experience. In terms of performance, the Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 delivers a solid gaming experience. The Razer Orange switches are responsive and accurate, allowing you to execute commands quickly and precisely. The keyboard also features anti-ghosting technology, which ensures that all of your keystrokes are registered, even when you're pressing multiple keys at the same time. This is crucial for fast-paced games where you need to be able to execute complex commands quickly. The keyboard's keycaps also contribute to its overall performance. The smooth, cylindrical keycaps provide a comfortable and secure grip, allowing you to type and game for hours without fatigue. The keycaps are also durable and resistant to wear, ensuring they'll last for years to come. Overall, the key switches and performance of the Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 are excellent. The Razer Orange switches provide a tactile and silent typing experience, while the anti-ghosting technology ensures that all of your keystrokes are registered accurately. Whether you're gaming or typing, this keyboard delivers a smooth and responsive experience.

Features and Software

The Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 isn't just about the hardware; it's also packed with features and supported by Razer's Synapse software. Let's break down what you get: First up, let's talk about the customizable backlighting. The Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth features individually backlit keys, allowing you to customize the lighting to your heart's content. Using Razer's Synapse software, you can choose from a wide range of colors and effects. Whether you want a static color, a breathing effect, or a wave pattern, the possibilities are endless. You can even create custom lighting profiles for different games, highlighting the keys you use most often. The backlighting is bright and vibrant, making it easy to see the keys in low-light conditions. However, it's not overly distracting, so it won't take away from your gaming experience. In addition to customizable backlighting, the Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth also features programmable macro keys. These keys can be assigned to any function you want, allowing you to execute complex commands with a single keystroke. This is a huge advantage in games where you need to perform repetitive actions quickly. The macro keys are conveniently located on the left side of the keyboard, making them easy to reach. Programming the macro keys is a breeze using Razer's Synapse software. You can record a sequence of keystrokes and assign it to a macro key in just a few clicks. The Synapse software also allows you to create multiple profiles, so you can have different macro key assignments for different games. The Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth also features a gaming mode, which disables the Windows key to prevent accidental interruptions during gameplay. This is a small but important feature that can make a big difference in intense gaming sessions. The keyboard also has a 1000Hz ultrapolling rate, which means it communicates with your computer 1000 times per second. This results in a lightning-fast response time, ensuring that your keystrokes are registered instantly. The Razer Synapse software is a powerful tool that allows you to customize every aspect of the Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth. In addition to controlling the backlighting and macro keys, you can also use the software to adjust the keyboard's performance settings, such as the polling rate and key response time. The software is easy to use and navigate, making it simple to get the most out of your keyboard. Overall, the features and software of the Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 are excellent. The customizable backlighting, programmable macro keys, and gaming mode make it a versatile and powerful gaming keyboard. The Razer Synapse software is a user-friendly tool that allows you to customize every aspect of the keyboard to your liking.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the Razer Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 into its good and, well, not-so-good bits. No product is perfect, and it's important to weigh everything up before making a decision.

Pros:

• Tactile and Silent Switches: The Razer Orange switches are a dream for those who want that mechanical feel without the clicky noise. Great for late-night gaming sessions when you don't want to wake up the whole house.
• Solid Build Quality: This keyboard feels like it can take a beating. The robust construction means it will likely last you a good long while.
• Customizable Backlighting: Who doesn't love a bit of RGB? The customizable backlighting is a nice touch, letting you personalize your setup.
• Programmable Macro Keys: These can be a game-changer for certain games, allowing you to execute complex commands with ease.
• Dedicated Media Controls: Super handy for quickly adjusting volume or skipping tracks without alt-tabbing out of your game.

Cons:

• ABS Keycaps: While they feel nice, ABS keycaps are prone to getting shiny over time. It's a cosmetic issue, but some people might find it annoying.
• Software Dependency: To really get the most out of this keyboard, you need to use Razer's Synapse software, which some users find a bit clunky or resource-intensive.
• Price: When it was new, this keyboard was on the pricier side. While you might find it cheaper now, it's still worth considering if there are newer, more affordable options available.
• Design: The design may be a con for some users, the design may be a little old fashioned.

Final Verdict: Is It Still Worth It?

So, the big question: Is the Razer Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 still worth your hard-earned cash? Well, it depends. If you can find it at a good price and you're after a reliable mechanical keyboard with tactile, silent switches, then it's definitely worth considering. The build quality is excellent, and the customizable backlighting and macro keys are nice bonuses. However, keep in mind that it's an older model, so it might not have all the bells and whistles of newer keyboards. The ABS keycaps are also a potential downside, as they can get shiny over time. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and budget. If you're a fan of Razer products and you're looking for a stealthy, reliable gaming keyboard, then the Blackwidow Ultimate Stealth 2016 is a solid choice. Just be sure to shop around and compare prices before making a purchase. And that’s a wrap, folks! Hope this review helped you out. Happy gaming!