My Razer Keyboard Experience

[Contreramanjaro]

I want to avoid this coming off as a rant. These are just some thoughts I've been forming after a few months using a Razer Blackwidow Ultimate 2016.

 

I like the way the keys feel. And if that was all there was to it, this would be one of my favorite keyboards I've ever owned. I mean, when I bought the thing that is all I even concerned myself with. Every keyboard I've ever owned up until this point was 99-100% function without any special software so I thought the total of the software would be adding some custom macros and customizing some of the animated effects. It turns out, there's a lot more to Razer Synapse and a lot less to the keyboard.

 

Moving from a full size Apple Keyboard on one setup and a simple but nice Logitech Illuminated Keyboard on another I expected any drivers and software to be a small package that let you set up the keyboard and then close it. That's seriously what makes the most sense. Having a constantly connected account and always running background application is just nonsense. As various Windows updates killed the software and brought it back to life over the past few weeks (I held off on the Creator's Update for stability's sake but moved on due to new security concerns with Intel) I noticed that the default mode for this keyboard was the "breath" effect which fades all of the keys in and then all the way out to black. This is annoying when using your PC for video or typing in the dark. So I've spent far more time than I ever want to again signing into my keyboard's internet connected account and reinstalling its software trying to make it work so I could have just a normal stable illumination.

 

Let's add to all of this that the keyboard isn't even supported in Razer's newest version of Synapse. A 2016 product that requires connected software is already becoming obsolete. A mechanical keyboard at that.

 

I still really like the typing experience on this keyboard but I can never justify buying a Razer product again. How do you mess up keyboard software? How do you not store the settings on the keyboard itself?

If someone offered me $20 for this thing I would take the loss and buy the simplest illuminated mechanical keyboard I can find. If I've learned anything, it's that with keyboards, simple is the best. KISS.

 

I guess this is just for others considering a Razer product to consider.

[AugOwnz]

If you want a good keyboard that doesn't need drivers just get a Ducky. Amazing build quality and 100% driver/softwareless (there is software for the shine 6 and yotm but it isn't needed at all). Everything gets saved and controlled on the keyboard itself, meaning you can use your macros, lighting etc. on every OS without software.

[Contreramanjaro]

13 hours ago, AugOwnz said:

If you want a good keyboard that doesn't need drivers just get a Ducky. Amazing build quality and 100% driver/softwareless (there is software for the shine 6 and yotm but it isn't needed at all). Everything gets saved and controlled on the keyboard itself, meaning you can use your macros, lighting etc. on every OS without software.

Thank you. I've only heard good things about Ducky and I'll definitely look into them.

[Optane^]

I have the same keyboard. Their software is fucking garbage & everything they make sucks too. I can't wait for these to break to buy more. 

 

I heard the Ducky is good to and also the K70 & anything from Corsair.