When it comes to building PCs, many people get caught up in the minutia of choosing what pieces of hardware will form the computer itself. There are numerous companies producing each component, with graphics cards taking a spotlight this year thanks to Nvidia’s 30-series cards and others likeAMD’s competitively priced 6000 series cards. The same can be said for peripherals, but for those who want unified accessories under one banner, theRazer2020 Wireless Flagship Peripherals Suite is a mostly sound direction.
This suite consists of three accessories using Razer’s “HyperSpeed Wireless Technology” that supposedly works on a 195 microsecond latency: The Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro keyboard ($229.99); the Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro mouse ($129.99); and the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro headset ($179.99). Each product is sold separately, and there are cheaper variants like theRazer BlackShark V2 gaming headset, but the three are grouped together for offering a similar quality and aesthetic while cutting the cords.
The centerpiece of the triad is the keyboard. It exemplifies everything one has come to expect upon hearing about “esports culture,” including mechanical switches with transparent housing to let itsChroma RGB lightsshine through keycaps with clear symbology for distinct color displays. Its design is sleek, with particular attention to a row of lights above the arrow keys that indicate states like caps lock, and a volume scroll wheel that juts off the top-right corner. This keyboard also comes packaged with a wrist support pad that’s serviceably plush and designed to sit comfortably against the diagonal slant of its base.
The DeathAdder mouse, meanwhile, is much more sparse in its design and feels good to hold. Though, it is ergonomically structured for a right-handed audience, and does not have a particularly comfortable place to rest one’s pinky without the digit feeling loose or brushing against the table. It does have a few extra buttons under the scroll wheel and along the leftmost side that are appreciated, especially given Razer provides users the option to bind them to other functions through its Synapse app. Its movements also feel precise and smooth, which has been a boon when playing titles requiring twitch reactions likeFlying Oak Games’ScourgeBringer.
In terms of creating an overall “package” deal, the headset does seem somewhat out of place, as it retains the same jet-black carapace but lacks any semblance of a color display. That being said, the DeathAdder has only one in comparison to theBlackWidow’s usage under every individual key, and it’s hard to say color is by any means required - nor is it missed.
The headset is arguably the most worthwhile product of the three for people looking to start small. Its audio quality is wonderful, capturing directional sound particularly well thanks to a noise-cancelling fit; and its mic quality is solid, with compatibility inapps like Discord to adjust how much gets captured. Smaller additions are also appreciated, such as an easy mute button on the left ear and the ability to remove the microphone entirely for easier storage.
There’s hardly a noticeable difference when the accessories are plugged in versus wireless, but it’s up to interpretation whether wireless capabilities are worth the spike in price. All of Razer’s products are purportedlydesigned with an esports crowd in mind, and it’s hard to imagine gamers finding a lot of use out of bringing them far from their devices. If anything, many will likely find them worth plugging in for the sake of keeping the battery topped off, and the wires included in each package are long enough to sit comfortably without being so long that they create a rat’s nest.
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The BlackWidow keyboard specifically is also hard to recommend as a wireless device due to its overall build. Its sturdy aluminum frame is very heavy, so much so that it contradicts the conceit of the tech. Part of that may also be because of its width taken up by an extra number pad on the right side, which is superfluous for those who are not making a lot of use out ofindividual key binds.
In fact, the keyboard hosts a number of issues in terms of its quality and layout. Within a week or two, multiple keys began inexplicably misbehaving. The “N” key, in particular, has a nasty habit of clocking two strokes for one button press, with the “P,” “G,” and “]” keys exhibiting the same issue. This is problematic for those who may hope to use theRazerdevice for work, as is the “Insert” key being close to “Backspace,” resulting in word processors entirely changing how they operate on accident. The volume control wheel, while aesthetically pleasing, feels imprecise compared to traditional buttons while being just sensitive enough to occasionally react when brushed by the mouse during heated play.
Due to issues like these, the BlackWidow is the most expendable, with the DeathAdder and especially the BlackShark seeming more worth their price points. However, in terms of being sold as a collective suite, there is something to be said about Razer’s accessibility as a brand - or lack thereof. Buying all three peripherals will run someoneover $500 without deals, and as a trio they do benefit from the ubiquity of the Synapse app. Users will conveniently be given the option to download it as soon as they plug in any device, and it’s simple to intricately rebind and macro everything through Synapse, while the app offers enough options to spend hours just customizing one’s RGB displays.
TheRazerBlackWidow V3 Pro, DeathAdder V2 Pro, and BlackShark V2 Pro are available now. Game Rant was provided review units of the keyboard, mouse, and headset for this review.
