Anybody that buys a Razer BlackWidow keyboard will come to find out that several special characters (! @ # ? etc) do not illuminate, which is a considerable disappointment for such an expensive keyboard. Fortunately, Razer now offers these PBT key caps, so you can get illuminated characters for another ~$30.
These new keys are definitely higher quality than the stock keys, but they do miss the mark in a few areas:
1. The PBT number pad keys do not include the "home," "pg up," "end," or "pg dn" labels like the stock BlackWidow keys. The PBT "pause/break" key only says "pause." The PBT "page up" and "page down" keys are abbreviated "pg up" and "pg down." There are a few other examples, but the bottom line is that the labeling is not consistent. Some keys are labeled better than the originals, and others are worse.
2. The box does not include detailed instructions for installing stabilizers. Razer directs you to their website, which is also lacking detailed instructions at the time of this review. I was able to figure it out on my own after studying the pieces, but this is clearly something that Razer could improve upon. The metal bars included with the PBT keys appeared to be the same as the original bars installed on my BlackWidow, so I did not replace the bars. It also appeared that Razer lubricated the BlackWidow bars at the factory, but there is no mention of lubrication for installing new bars.
3. The black keys are not as dark as the original BlackWidow keys. They have more of a charcoal tone. Photo attached for reference. I replaced the number keys and tab - QWERTY keys before taking the photo for comparison.
| Brand | Razer |
|---|---|
| Item model number | RC21-01490200-R3M1 |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Item Weight | 12.3 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 5.56 x 3.03 x 6.23 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 5.56 x 3.03 x 6.23 inches |
| Color | Mercury White |
| Manufacturer | Razer Inc. |
| ASIN | B07ZPRL49Y |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Date First Available | November 21, 2019 |
