Mine
Keyboards are often overlooked during the purchase of a new computer; for many there does not appear to be any real difference between any two keyboards outside of wireless technology, backlighting, or extra keys. Those who game heavily or those who are typing enthusiasts for work or hobby might be in the market for a more personalized experience. There are whole categories of keyboard styles which allow a tailored solution to your personal style of use right down to the type of switch used to register a keystroke. Razer is no stranger to the production of input devices but they are stepping slightly out of their element with their recent products: The BlackWidow and the BlackWidow Ultimate, the first two from Razer which are based on mechanical switches.
Membrane keyboards comprise the majority of the cheapest keyboards in the market with scissor-switch taking up the laptop and thin-profile keyboard market. Despite being cheap, these keyboards also have the advantage of being quite silent. A mechanical keyboard on the other hand uses an actual mechanical switch for each and every key. While such as system costs substantially more than a membrane keyboard the cost may be offset by the precision, the response, or the ability to type without “bottoming-out” each keystroke.
If the concept of a mechanical keyboard interests you then you will likely be dealing indirectly with Cherry Corp in the near future most likely with their MX line of switches. I say indirectly as Cherry avoids selling their keyboards except to business, industrial, governmental, and medical suppliers. For the rest of us there exist several companies who purchase large quantities of mechanical switches and manufactures keyboards with them for retail end-users. Some common mechanical keyboard brands include Filco, SteelSeries, XArmor, Optimus, Das Keyboard, and Ducky. Keep in mind that while there are many brands, almost all of their keyboards are produced by iOne, Datacomp, or Costar with a few exceptions. In our situation, Razer’s BlackWidow and BlackWidow Ultimate are produced by iOne who also produces the XArmor line of mechanical keyboards.
the cables : keyboard, usb, speaker, mic
One of the most stand-out features of the XArmor line of mechanical keyboards is backlighting. XArmor is one of just two mechanical keyboard manufacturers that I am aware of (the other being Deck) who have models with LED backlighting for their keys. Knowing Razer, if it is possible to install backlighting in any given device then you can reliably bet that at least one SKU would sport some color glowing from it. The Razer BlackWidow Ultimate, along with two 3.5mm audio jacks for headphone and microphone and a connection for an extra USB device, is set apart from its non-Ultimate sibling by its blue backlight. If your reason for reading this review is to learn the difference between the Ultimate and regular BlackWidow then you have your whole answer: 3.5mm audio ports, one usb port, and backlighting in exchange for extra money. I do, however, encourage you to read on to see how the unit itself fairs as a keyboard.
Build and Feel
Quality and Features
Ultimately what matters most about a keyboard is the way it feels while typing and gaming. The Razer BlackWidow uses Cherry MX Blue keys which are known for being loud with characteristic snapping as part of the key internals gives way during each press. Cherry MX Blues are not typically lauded for gaming when compared to the Black and to a lesser extent Brown switches particularly in games where single-button mashing is required. Blue switches are predominantly designed for typing though they do perform well in games when compared to just about any membrane-based non-mechanical switch out there.
The keyboard body is made up of glossy plastic with Razer’s practically-trademarked rubberized non-glossy surface for each keycap. Personally, I like the feel of Razer’s keycaps and prefer it to my other keyboards. The glossy parts of the keyboard collect fingerprints very easily. During the unboxing of the keyboard alone I created a large palm-print which required glass or screen cleaner to fully remove. I personally do not care about fingerprints on my devices (except screens, of course) but it does seem quite counter-productive aesthetically.
The light up
The backlight has five stages toggled via pressing function-F12: off, low, medium, high, and pulsing. I find medium to be the best setting for my room and taste which is always a good sign as there is room above and below my taste for others who prefer it brighter and dimmer than what I consider best. While I hope I do not need to discuss the off setting, the pulsing setting is fairly useless for actually using your keyboard. The only application I could think of for the pulsing setting would be to set to before leaving your computer and immediately switch back to one of the other four settings when the keyboard is actually in use.
The media keys are definitely a welcome addition for those wishing to control a music player while doing intensive typing or during gaming where distractions are detrimental. Five recordable macro keys are also available although I personally have never used macro keys on my keyboard even for games where I play WSAD. That said, using Razer’s drivers you can assign a macro to any button on your keyboard if you do not use a specific key and wish to change its function temporarily. It is handy for games whose keybinding system leaves something to be desired which is not too uncommon nowadays. Personally I bound NumPad0 to send a left mouse button click to fire a weapon using my keyboard. Yes, sniping and instagib is easier when you look with a mouse in one hand and fire with the keyboard in the other hand. You are welcome.
Benchmark: Rapid Response
Mechanical keyboards have a number of physical advantages when it comes to response relative to their much cheaper membrane brethren. This test consists of hitting five keys in rapid succession using the edge of a credit card. The credit card ensures that those five keys will be pressed in sequence either right-to-left or left-to-right depending on which side of the edge you strike the keyboard with first. Ideal keyboards would register each of the five keypresses as well as in the correct order. This test is extremely severe on keyboards and it is very unlikely that most people will notice their keyboard’s performance except, for instance, the tip-top 300+ APM Starcraft players or a serious professional typer. Starcraft FTW !!!
1000Hz Ultrapolling / 1ms response time
As we said the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate is Razer’s first attempt at a mechanical keyboard through their partners at iOne of XArmor fame. Their choice to limit users to just Cherry MX Blue switches may put off potential buyers if they prefer a quieter keyboard or they do not like the way the switch actuates for gaming. For a keyboard lauded as a gaming device you would expect that they would have used the switches that are themselves typically lauded for gaming: the MX Blacks or the MX Browns. I am personally satisfied with gaming on MX Blue switches as most gamers would be if contrasted against membrane-based keyboards. That said; it is neither quieter nor better responding than the black or brown counterparts and stereotypically performs worse in both categories to both of those switches. Their decision does not seem to make sense unless it was some simple behind-the-scenes cost argument.
In any case: you are buying a keyboard. No-one can ultimately make the decision for you; it is still up to you to make the purchase based on your personal preferences and needs. If you have a local small-business computer store which has a demo model of the Razer BlackWidow then definitely experience how it feels to the touch. While you are there be sure to check out the SteelSeries 6Gv2 keyboard uses PS2 port, which they say should be better, i'm not a hater of steelseries but as they say ps2 ports once you click is registered compared to 1000Hz Ultrapolling which they claim should be faster in response. Nah... dont believe what they say you should go try it out yourself.
Quote directly from Steelseries:
We absolutely recommend using the PS/2 connector when possible. First,it will give you total freedom with no limit to the amount of simultaneous key presses. And, equally as important, using the PS/2 may just improve your overall gaming experience. The reason is that when you use a USB keyboard your computer is actually using CPU time polling your keyboard. The higher the polling rate the more CPU time is used to perform the polling. And because of the built-in debounce rate found on any quality keyboard, any polling rate above 200Hz is simply a waste of CPU time and really just a result of pointless marketing hype. Unlike USB keyboards a PS/2 keyboard isn’t polled at all. The keyboard simply sends a signal to the computer as key presses are made, which causes a hardware interrupt, forcing the CPU to register the signal.
Package:
As always yo-yo came in the original box. Nothing unusual.
First feelings:
So, I got Yeah3 out of the box. The first thing I did - I threw a sleeper to test vibes. And I was really surprised, because I felt them. Yeah3 is the first yo-yo from C3yoyodesign, which had vibes. It vibes not very strong, but very noticeable on the finger. Anyway, it's time to play. When I play on this yo-yo I really don’t feel vibes. It plays very good!
Overall I got very pleasant feelings of the first 15 minutes of playing.
How it plays:
Now in more detail about how it plays.
I can only say that it plays perfectly. Speedy tricks and braintwisters are carried out very quickly and smoothly. In my opinion, it is designed exactly for high-speed tricks, because of the shape of Yeah3. Visually Yeah3 looks like an enlarged Dark Sonic, but in fact it is quite wide and has great stability: this yo-yo doesn’t tilt or chew the string. But watch out of hitting your hands - it's pretty painful (thanks to good brakes). It is also plays good at horizontal plane, it sleeps very long time and has high stability. Playing in horizontal on Yeah3 is a big pleasure. Such tricks as whipes, slacks and eli-hops are performed without much effort, because when I play on it I'm sure that yo-yo will get on the string. Other tricks, like chopsticks and usual combos are all excellent: when doing chopsticks yo-yo does not hit your hands because it is not very large, and in combos it clearly gets where I need it, cutting through strings nice and easy.
Yeah3 grinds pretty well, but only on dry hands. Glossy surface does not allows this yo-yo grind on fingers, if your hands are wet.
Thumb-grinds can be done, but it's hard because the grooves are very small.
To summarize, I can say that C3yoyodesign made another great high quality yo-yo, suitable not only for professionals but also for those who just started playing.
Thx 4 reading and visiting
That is like super 11 Minutes 35sec MAGICYOYO N9 by Ewin.
But I sold mine away already saving for N10
This third installment of the Step Up franchise brings us a whole new dimension of dance – protest art. Think of it as entertainment with a cause. With the slick moves of the dancers and the powerful message behind their performances it is at its core one of the best utilization of social media – Making their video’s viral and spreading the message to the world.
SUMMARY
The Mob sets the dancing against the vibrant backdrop of Miami. Emily arrives in Miami with aspirations of becoming a professional dancer and soon falls in love with Sean, a young man who leads a dance crew in elaborate, cutting-edge flash mobs, called “The Mob”. When a wealthy business man threatens to develop The Mob’s historic neighborhood and displace thousands-of people, Emily must band together with Sean and The Mob to turn their performance art into protest art, and risk losing their dreams to fight for a greater cause. ***credits to IMDB.com
One step can change your world so what are you waiting for? Nusantara Edaran Filem will also be giving away some prizes in conjunction with the premiere of Step Up Revolution. We have Shirts, Hoodies, Tumblers and who can forget, the Original Soundtrack by Universal Music! Buying original is considered expensive so why don’t you just win it! All you have to do is write a simple blog post!
Step Up Revolution Original Soundtrack available everywhere featuring singles from Timbaland, JLo, Fergie, Skylar Grey and more.
Prizes:
One Best Entry will win:
1 X Limited Edition Sweater worth RM500
1 x Limited Edition Tank Top worth RM500
1 X Limited Edition Sleeveless Shirt worth RM350
Two Second Best Entries will win:
1 x Limited Edition Tank Top worth RM500
1 X Limited Edition Sleeveless Shirt worth RM350
Five Third Best Entries will win:
1 X Limited Edition Water Bottle worth RM250
Ten Consolation Prizes will win:
1 X Step Up Revolution Original Soundtrack worth RM45.90
How to Win:
1. Write a blog post with the title “How I Step Up With Nuffnang”
2. In the blog post, tell us in your most creative way “How would you organize your flash mob?”. One of us think that we should start dancing and organize a flash mob in the train!
3. Addition of photos, themes, strategies will be considered as well to be winners!
4. Once you’re done with your blog post, fill in your details in the form below.
Now that you know about the prizes, here are some extra details about the movie to help you get those creative juices flowing. Here’s a sneak peek of the action that’s about to be a revolution!
Details of the screening:
Date: 1 August 2012 (Wednesday)
Time: 9.30pm
Venue: Cathy Cineplex, e@Curve
Hurry up! We have spots for 50 Nuffnangers! :D Contest ends 5.00pm, 25th July 2012 so start dancing and start blogging. Step Up Revolution is dancing their way into cinemas this August!
Contest Submission - Nuffnang Premiere Screening of Step Up Revolution
Kindly submit details in the form below.
Full name*
Email Address*
*Email address registered with Nuffnang
Blog Post Permalink*
TERMS & CONDITIONS:
1. Contest open to Nuffnang Glitterati members only.
2. Judges’ decision on winners is FINAL.
3. Your blog URL must be stated in your comment.
4. Invites would be sent to winners by 27th July 2012. Those who fail to RSVP will result in the revocation of their invites.
5. Screening invites are not for resale to other parties.
More info pls visit the official website at http://blog.nuffnang.com.my/2012/07/18/nuffnang-premiere-screening-of-step-up-revolution/
Mine
This is a good movie. Spoiler alert Batman died at the end.
Christopher Nolan has done it again. They say the third outing is always tricky as there is awful lot of pressure to present a convincing plot for the audience in a way that the trilogy culminates into one phenomenal celluloid experience. Nolan has undoubtedly, outdone himself with his latest film which also happens to be the last in the Batman franchise.
It is tough to imagine that a comic strip could have such a poignant and an incredibly spell binding movie transformation. You remain fixed to your seats through the entire run of this 2 hours 45 minutes dark action thriller.
Right from the first installment of the franchise- ‘Batman Begins’ to ‘The Dark Knight Rises’, the director has maintained the same tone and feel of the film, with the antagonist having an overwhelmingly terrifying influence on viewers with their mean and unfathomable manipulative schemes. While Joker of ‘The Dark Knight’, played impeccably by late Heath Ledger, won more accolades from viewers for his eccentric devilish act than Batman played by Christian Bale, this time round we have even more dangerous and evil adversary of the caped crusader in the form of Bane (Tom Hardy) who is not only intelligent but far more strong and agile than our hero.
The story unfolds eight years after the death of district attorney Harvey Dent who in pursuit to completely eradicate organized crime from the Gotham city loses his life under double dealing circumstances at the hands of Batman. Police Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) is convinced that crime has severely been curbed following Dent’s death. But at some other place there has risen Bane who is hell bent on bringing Gotham city down by presenting the most daunting picture of organized crime by degrading contemporary societal trends. Exploiting on the crumpled economic situation of Gotham and the rich-poor divide, Bane, the ‘terrorist’ plans a very conniving plot to take Gotham city under siege challenging Batman to come out of his shell.
Meanwhile, the Dark Knight of the city aka Batman has become a recluse taking the blame of Harvy Dent’s death upon him. The film also has the ‘Catwoman’(superbly played by Anne Hathway) who very tactfully manages to lure Batman to his most powerful opponent till date who in a fight overpowers Batman- even breaking his back and dumping him to rot.
Batman has to save his city and its people and he has to rise to the occasion. And in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’, Batman has to fight not only Bane but also his own self. He has to get rid of the guilt of killing Dent and his once fiancée Rachel and come to terms with the fact even if his ways of dealing with the warlords are in transgression with the city’s administration; he is the ultimate savior of Gotham.
This film has some fine performances, from Gary Oldman as the exhausted yet perennially decent Commissioner Gordon to Joseph Gordon-Levitt as John Blake, a young cop who ends up at the heart of the action. Marion Cotillard and Anne Hathaway add glamour and intrigue.
Tom Hardy who plays Bane is someone to look out for in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’. He’s got a great character and he plays it with aplomb. But the screenplay and treatment of the story by director Nolan is the real deal.
Take a bow ladies and gentleman – for the maverick of Nolan raises again as he delivers a masterpiece called – ‘The Dark Knight Rises’.