August 25, 2013 at 19:47Review of Razer Ouroboros and Blackwidow. Or how I changed the keyboard and mouse
More than three years have passed since I started using the Naga gaming mouse (thanks to Boomburum for it) and the usual Logitech wireless keyboard. But everything tends to break, sad as it may be. The mouse began to glitch, one button ceased to click, and the keys began to fall off at the keyboard. And again I decided to take a look at the computer peripherals market. Stopped for a start on Razer, tk. the mouse still lived for 3 years, and before that, they usually fell apart in a year. Yes, and the green color in the backlit keyboards has always attracted me.
I'll start with the mouse, because although it’s small, it’s very interesting. So, I chose a space-looking mouse - Razer Ouroboros.
It comes in a plastic box, but inside it stands on a stand and looks like it is about to take off.
The kit comes with a battery, replaceable side panels, a docking station and a long wire in a fabric braid. And of course, a bunch of instructions, promotional information and Razer branded stickers. The package is very decent, but this is not the main thing.
The mouse looks very nice and, at the same time, very unusual. Needless to say, Razer has never made simple and standard gadgets. These are always some innovations and deviations from the usual. Take at least the same Naga, which has 12 buttons on the side. In this mouse, of course, there are fewer buttons. By the way, I didn’t really like this. Despite the fact that Naga was positioned as a gaming mouse, or rather, a mouse for WOW, it was convenient to use in everyday life. I linked various key combinations to these 12 buttons and enjoyed life working in Photoshop, Word or other programs where, for example, copy-paste is needed.
This mouse is black everywhere except for silver accents. She really looks like some kind of spaceship. But even with such an aggressive and dynamic design, it is very convenient. The whole thing in the variable ergonomics of the mouse.
First, you can change the length of the mouse by sliding or sliding a special part. In addition, you can change the slope of the platform, which is under your palm, using a special wheel. In general, having tinkered with a couple of minutes, you can customize the mouse specifically for your hand. Although, of course, this is not Cyborg RAT 7, in which you can configure almost every surface on the outreach and incline.
In addition to adjusting the tilt and length of the mouse, there are also removable side panels on magnets. There are small and neat, but there are large ones with extra space for the fingers. Here I can’t advise anything, everyone can choose something for themselves.
There are two silver buttons on each side of the mouse. But there are two more that you can not immediately guess about. These are the same panels. Yes, yes, you can click on them and there really is a button. Actions are assigned in the Razer Synapse 2.0 program, about which a little later.
The gadget works from one AA battery. To be precise, the battery. In principle, it is unlikely to have to be changed, because the mouse has a docking station that is connected via USB and is a transmitter when the mouse is working wirelessly.
The docking station is powered by a mini-USB wire. But that’s not all, as it’s fashionable to say in television stores. The mouse itself also has such a connector.
That's right, this mouse can be either wireless or wired. To whom it is more convenient. For example, if you carry it with you, then you can not drag a docking station, but take only a wire and a mouse. Well, if it is used only at home, then it’s a sin not to use the docking station and the wireless mode.
Using Ouroboros is convenient. Thanks to interchangeable panels and customizable geometry, you can customize the mouse under your arm and make the job much more convenient. In addition, the mouse has a convenient program for setting all the buttons. And the main buttons - left and right - have a pleasant and quick response, which additionally helps both in the game and in normal use. By the way, the presence of additional elements on the left and on the right makes the mouse universal for left-handed and right-handed people, so now you won’t have to worry that you won’t be able to work with it. The mouse is symmetrical, so players with different habits will be able to use it. Among other things, the Razer Ouroboros is equipped with a dual 4G sensor (fourth generation). This gaming mouse sensor combines a laser sensor and an optical sensor to improve tracking accuracy, it defines a surface much better than previous generations of sensors. This is noticeable in games, and when working in Windows, positioning accuracy is higher.
By the way, the mouse made excellent friends with the rug. Old Naga could not do this, agreeing to work only on A4 sheet or on a wooden surface. But Ouroboros immediately found a common language with this rug. Although it’s a little wrong to call it that, it’s tough, with a rough surface and a rubber gasket to prevent slipping from below. In general, such a modern high-tech rug.
So, I promised to talk about the settings. Over the past three years, the special Razer mouse and keyboard setup program has changed, albeit not much. In Synapse 2.0, you can configure each button, save it all in profile and synchronize with the cloud. This is convenient if you are a gamer and often change computers to more powerful ones. Then you can configure your mouse and keyboard once, and then use your data everywhere. In addition, profiles are very useful if you play, work and have fun on one computer. You can customize your mouse for each type of activity.
Razer has always been distinguished by the fact that you can clearly adjust the sensitivity of the mouse, cursor acceleration and polling frequency. True, I did not quite understand why in wired and wireless mode I could not adjust the sensitivity the same way. In addition, there are presets between which you can quickly switch if you need a quick mouse in the game, and in Photoshop, for example, positioning accuracy is more important. There is also a backlight setting. Ouroboros only has green LEDs, so only brightness can be adjusted. But in the new Naga, the diodes are multi-colored, but about it sometime another time.
There is also a new feature, thanks to which the mouse can work on almost any surface. This is a calibration with which you can make your work much more pleasant. And of course, there are settings for the battery, or rather, to save its charge.
The mouse is worth almost 7 thousand rubles (can be found for 5 690 p.). Of course, if you are not a gamer or do not work with images, then there is no point in buying it. You will give a lot of money, but you will not use its capabilities. But if the cursor accuracy, high speed of movement and response are important to you, then this mouse is what you need. And the price tag for a gaming mouse is quite adequate. You can evaluate all the pros and cons only by holding it in your hands, as in appearance it’s just an unusual mouse. But after trying to play the same Counter Strike with her, you can immediately understand that this is a balanced device in which almost all possible details and nuances have been thought out.
With a keyboard, things are a little easier than with a mouse. Although many can get by with the keyboard at all, anyway, when choosing a mouse, we more carefully think through all the nuances and pay attention to the little things.
Like almost all Razer devices, the keyboard is made of black plastic. The backlight, of course, is green. In the dark, all the keys are clearly visible, and the green glow does not irritate the eyes, such as white, blue or red.
On the right side, the keyboard has a USB port and two 3.5 mm jacks for headphones and a microphone, respectively.
Of course, at the end of the wire (and the keyboard is wired), there are the same jacks. In fact, the keyboard is simply an extension cord, and very convenient. We insert 2xUSB and 3.5 mm jacks into the connectors on the computer and no longer climb into its back panel. Flash drives and headsets are inserted directly into the keyboard.
Below on the keyboard there is nothing interesting. There are only rubber stickers so that it does not slip on the table, and retractable legs for adjusting the tilt. If I first saw this keyboard from below, I would not have believed at all that this is a cool gaming device.
BlackWidow already has 5 extra special keys. You can put there a quick change of weapons in shooting games or the most necessary buffs and spells in MMORPG. They are located on the left, so there will be no difficulties, you can even reach with your little finger.
In addition to these separately customizable keys, there are also F1-F12 keys, on which there is additional. functions if you press Fn. Yes, the Fn key migrated here from laptops, where it worked well. This allows not to place additional buttons on the keyboard for working with the player, sound, brightness, but nevertheless, to provide the user with access to this functionality.
Below on the BlackWidow is the Razer brand logo, which also glows. Beautiful, stylish, youth.
Oh yes, I completely forgot. The entire keyboard, with the exception of some elements, is matte. So, fingers from rough keys do not jump and are not arbitrarily pressed. Yes, and nasty fingerprints on the keyboard are almost invisible. The key travel is deep but soft. Even with intensive typing, the sound is pleasant and quiet. But the deep course may not appeal to everyone. Despite the high response of the keys, this island does not reach the island-type keyboard. There may be critical delays.
The keyboard also has purely gaming gadgets. For example, a key for quick macro recording. That is, you do not need to go into the setup program. They poked a key, then performed a sequence of actions and chose which key to bind to. For example, buying a weapon or a certain sequence of spells. Conveniently and quickly, I liked it. In addition, there is a key, when clicked on, unnecessary buttons that may interfere with the game are disabled. For example, the Windows button or a combination of Alt + Tab and Alt + F4. A trifle, but nice.
You can configure the keyboard using the same Razer Synapse 2.0. All keys highlighted on the screen can be reassigned. That is, yes, all keys can be configured for macros, hotkeys or even other letters.
Naturally, from the program it is allowed to steer the brightness of the device. Although this can be done using the function keys.
And here is the same game mode that I mentioned earlier. We tick off unnecessary buttons and combinations and turn on the mode. For example, turning off the Windows key saved me, for example. I often missed and clicked on it during the game, which I regretted.
Overall, the keyboard is very nice. Especially for those who love the classic big buttons. Unfortunately, I’m already used to the island type of keyboards, so it would be difficult to return to such a keyboard. I liked that the keyboard is made of matte plastic, with special keys and soft backlight. All this was missing from my old assistant. In addition, there are USB and ports for headphones and a microphone, which is important. The backlit version (as in the photo) costs 6,000 rubles. But if you do not have to play or work at night, or you have good lighting, then there is a version without diodes. It costs 4,390 rubles. For a good gaming keyboard - this is very good money. I remember that for my wireless keyboard I gave about the same money, only it was without backlight, it quickly peeled off paint, and now a couple of buttons have completely fallen off. Alas,
To summarize, I’ll say that I liked both the mouse and the keyboard. But still, these gadgets are not for me. Apparently, my hand is so used to Naga for 3 years of work, that now I’m just uncomfortable holding another mouse in my hands. At the same time, my friends, when they held Ouroboros, said that this was the most convenient mouse that they had to feel. And I didn’t really like the deep stroke of the keyboard. With fast typing, this is not very convenient, although the games will have perfect accuracy. So, despite all the advantages of Ouroboros and Blackwidow, they simply did not suit me. And yes, I had to go back to Naga. But not to the old model, but to the new one, with interchangeable sockets. But I will talk about it and the DeathStalker keyboard that is ideal for me next time.
Razer uroboros
I'll start with the mouse, because although it’s small, it’s very interesting. So, I chose a space-looking mouse - Razer Ouroboros.
It comes in a plastic box, but inside it stands on a stand and looks like it is about to take off.
The kit comes with a battery, replaceable side panels, a docking station and a long wire in a fabric braid. And of course, a bunch of instructions, promotional information and Razer branded stickers. The package is very decent, but this is not the main thing.
The mouse looks very nice and, at the same time, very unusual. Needless to say, Razer has never made simple and standard gadgets. These are always some innovations and deviations from the usual. Take at least the same Naga, which has 12 buttons on the side. In this mouse, of course, there are fewer buttons. By the way, I didn’t really like this. Despite the fact that Naga was positioned as a gaming mouse, or rather, a mouse for WOW, it was convenient to use in everyday life. I linked various key combinations to these 12 buttons and enjoyed life working in Photoshop, Word or other programs where, for example, copy-paste is needed.
This mouse is black everywhere except for silver accents. She really looks like some kind of spaceship. But even with such an aggressive and dynamic design, it is very convenient. The whole thing in the variable ergonomics of the mouse.
First, you can change the length of the mouse by sliding or sliding a special part. In addition, you can change the slope of the platform, which is under your palm, using a special wheel. In general, having tinkered with a couple of minutes, you can customize the mouse specifically for your hand. Although, of course, this is not Cyborg RAT 7, in which you can configure almost every surface on the outreach and incline.
In addition to adjusting the tilt and length of the mouse, there are also removable side panels on magnets. There are small and neat, but there are large ones with extra space for the fingers. Here I can’t advise anything, everyone can choose something for themselves.
There are two silver buttons on each side of the mouse. But there are two more that you can not immediately guess about. These are the same panels. Yes, yes, you can click on them and there really is a button. Actions are assigned in the Razer Synapse 2.0 program, about which a little later.
The gadget works from one AA battery. To be precise, the battery. In principle, it is unlikely to have to be changed, because the mouse has a docking station that is connected via USB and is a transmitter when the mouse is working wirelessly.
The docking station is powered by a mini-USB wire. But that’s not all, as it’s fashionable to say in television stores. The mouse itself also has such a connector.
That's right, this mouse can be either wireless or wired. To whom it is more convenient. For example, if you carry it with you, then you can not drag a docking station, but take only a wire and a mouse. Well, if it is used only at home, then it’s a sin not to use the docking station and the wireless mode.
Using Ouroboros is convenient. Thanks to interchangeable panels and customizable geometry, you can customize the mouse under your arm and make the job much more convenient. In addition, the mouse has a convenient program for setting all the buttons. And the main buttons - left and right - have a pleasant and quick response, which additionally helps both in the game and in normal use. By the way, the presence of additional elements on the left and on the right makes the mouse universal for left-handed and right-handed people, so now you won’t have to worry that you won’t be able to work with it. The mouse is symmetrical, so players with different habits will be able to use it. Among other things, the Razer Ouroboros is equipped with a dual 4G sensor (fourth generation). This gaming mouse sensor combines a laser sensor and an optical sensor to improve tracking accuracy, it defines a surface much better than previous generations of sensors. This is noticeable in games, and when working in Windows, positioning accuracy is higher.
By the way, the mouse made excellent friends with the rug. Old Naga could not do this, agreeing to work only on A4 sheet or on a wooden surface. But Ouroboros immediately found a common language with this rug. Although it’s a little wrong to call it that, it’s tough, with a rough surface and a rubber gasket to prevent slipping from below. In general, such a modern high-tech rug.
So, I promised to talk about the settings. Over the past three years, the special Razer mouse and keyboard setup program has changed, albeit not much. In Synapse 2.0, you can configure each button, save it all in profile and synchronize with the cloud. This is convenient if you are a gamer and often change computers to more powerful ones. Then you can configure your mouse and keyboard once, and then use your data everywhere. In addition, profiles are very useful if you play, work and have fun on one computer. You can customize your mouse for each type of activity.
Razer has always been distinguished by the fact that you can clearly adjust the sensitivity of the mouse, cursor acceleration and polling frequency. True, I did not quite understand why in wired and wireless mode I could not adjust the sensitivity the same way. In addition, there are presets between which you can quickly switch if you need a quick mouse in the game, and in Photoshop, for example, positioning accuracy is more important. There is also a backlight setting. Ouroboros only has green LEDs, so only brightness can be adjusted. But in the new Naga, the diodes are multi-colored, but about it sometime another time.
There is also a new feature, thanks to which the mouse can work on almost any surface. This is a calibration with which you can make your work much more pleasant. And of course, there are settings for the battery, or rather, to save its charge.
The mouse is worth almost 7 thousand rubles (can be found for 5 690 p.). Of course, if you are not a gamer or do not work with images, then there is no point in buying it. You will give a lot of money, but you will not use its capabilities. But if the cursor accuracy, high speed of movement and response are important to you, then this mouse is what you need. And the price tag for a gaming mouse is quite adequate. You can evaluate all the pros and cons only by holding it in your hands, as in appearance it’s just an unusual mouse. But after trying to play the same Counter Strike with her, you can immediately understand that this is a balanced device in which almost all possible details and nuances have been thought out.
Razer BlackWidow
With a keyboard, things are a little easier than with a mouse. Although many can get by with the keyboard at all, anyway, when choosing a mouse, we more carefully think through all the nuances and pay attention to the little things.
Like almost all Razer devices, the keyboard is made of black plastic. The backlight, of course, is green. In the dark, all the keys are clearly visible, and the green glow does not irritate the eyes, such as white, blue or red.
On the right side, the keyboard has a USB port and two 3.5 mm jacks for headphones and a microphone, respectively.
Of course, at the end of the wire (and the keyboard is wired), there are the same jacks. In fact, the keyboard is simply an extension cord, and very convenient. We insert 2xUSB and 3.5 mm jacks into the connectors on the computer and no longer climb into its back panel. Flash drives and headsets are inserted directly into the keyboard.
Below on the keyboard there is nothing interesting. There are only rubber stickers so that it does not slip on the table, and retractable legs for adjusting the tilt. If I first saw this keyboard from below, I would not have believed at all that this is a cool gaming device.
BlackWidow already has 5 extra special keys. You can put there a quick change of weapons in shooting games or the most necessary buffs and spells in MMORPG. They are located on the left, so there will be no difficulties, you can even reach with your little finger.
In addition to these separately customizable keys, there are also F1-F12 keys, on which there is additional. functions if you press Fn. Yes, the Fn key migrated here from laptops, where it worked well. This allows not to place additional buttons on the keyboard for working with the player, sound, brightness, but nevertheless, to provide the user with access to this functionality.
Below on the BlackWidow is the Razer brand logo, which also glows. Beautiful, stylish, youth.
Oh yes, I completely forgot. The entire keyboard, with the exception of some elements, is matte. So, fingers from rough keys do not jump and are not arbitrarily pressed. Yes, and nasty fingerprints on the keyboard are almost invisible. The key travel is deep but soft. Even with intensive typing, the sound is pleasant and quiet. But the deep course may not appeal to everyone. Despite the high response of the keys, this island does not reach the island-type keyboard. There may be critical delays.
The keyboard also has purely gaming gadgets. For example, a key for quick macro recording. That is, you do not need to go into the setup program. They poked a key, then performed a sequence of actions and chose which key to bind to. For example, buying a weapon or a certain sequence of spells. Conveniently and quickly, I liked it. In addition, there is a key, when clicked on, unnecessary buttons that may interfere with the game are disabled. For example, the Windows button or a combination of Alt + Tab and Alt + F4. A trifle, but nice.
You can configure the keyboard using the same Razer Synapse 2.0. All keys highlighted on the screen can be reassigned. That is, yes, all keys can be configured for macros, hotkeys or even other letters.
Naturally, from the program it is allowed to steer the brightness of the device. Although this can be done using the function keys.
And here is the same game mode that I mentioned earlier. We tick off unnecessary buttons and combinations and turn on the mode. For example, turning off the Windows key saved me, for example. I often missed and clicked on it during the game, which I regretted.
Overall, the keyboard is very nice. Especially for those who love the classic big buttons. Unfortunately, I’m already used to the island type of keyboards, so it would be difficult to return to such a keyboard. I liked that the keyboard is made of matte plastic, with special keys and soft backlight. All this was missing from my old assistant. In addition, there are USB and ports for headphones and a microphone, which is important. The backlit version (as in the photo) costs 6,000 rubles. But if you do not have to play or work at night, or you have good lighting, then there is a version without diodes. It costs 4,390 rubles. For a good gaming keyboard - this is very good money. I remember that for my wireless keyboard I gave about the same money, only it was without backlight, it quickly peeled off paint, and now a couple of buttons have completely fallen off. Alas,
To summarize, I’ll say that I liked both the mouse and the keyboard. But still, these gadgets are not for me. Apparently, my hand is so used to Naga for 3 years of work, that now I’m just uncomfortable holding another mouse in my hands. At the same time, my friends, when they held Ouroboros, said that this was the most convenient mouse that they had to feel. And I didn’t really like the deep stroke of the keyboard. With fast typing, this is not very convenient, although the games will have perfect accuracy. So, despite all the advantages of Ouroboros and Blackwidow, they simply did not suit me. And yes, I had to go back to Naga. But not to the old model, but to the new one, with interchangeable sockets. But I will talk about it and the DeathStalker keyboard that is ideal for me next time.