Razer goes budget with new BlackWidow, Kraken, and Basilisk Essential peripherals
A new entry level for your Razer collection.
Razer is out with a trio of new gaming peripherals today, with the focus purely on its entry-level lineup. In all, there's a new BlackWidows Keyboard, Kraken headset, and the Basilisk Essential mouse.
Superior gaming action
Razer BlackWidow Keyboard
The latest version of the BlackWidow keyboard is a slightly stripped down version of the BlackWidow Elite but still manages to pack in all of what Razer deems essential to a gaming keyboard experience. The BlackWidow is equipped with Razer's Green mechanical switches, which are designed to provide a "tactile and clicky" feel.
Rated at up to 80 million keystrokes, the BlackWidow supports Chroma lighting with up to 16.8 million colors, cable routing, and a gaming mode option. Also included is onboard memory and cloud storage with support for up to five profiles. And, of course, the BlackWidow is compatible with Razer's Synapse 3 software.
The new BlackWidow is available starting today at Razer's web store for $120.
Chroma for days.
The Razer BlackWidow is a gaming mainstay at this point, and its latest iteration is no exception. While it may be a more simplified version of the BlackWidow Elite, you still get plenty of Chroma and Razer's Green mechanical switches.
50mm of pure sound
Razer Kraken headphones
The Kraken line is also seeing an update with a follow-up to the Kraken Pro V2. Simply called the Razer Kraken, the headset includes 50mm drivers, an improved retractable microphone that should cut out more background noise, and a thicker headband padding.
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The ear cups are covered in a moisture-wicking breathable fabric, with cooling gel padding below. There are also inline mute and volume controls, and the headset is available in a Quartz Pink edition.
The new Razer Kraken is available starting today at Razer's online store for $80.
Release the kraken.
The latest version of the Razer Kraken gives gamers a refreshed entry point to Razer's headset lineup. Along with the green version, Razer also has a console-flavored version with a black exterior and blue highlights
6,400 DPI
Razer Basilisk Essential mouse
Finally, rounding things out is the new Basilisk Essential mouse. The design is the same as the original Basilisk, and it contains seven configurable buttons and mechanical mouse switches rated at up to 20 million clicks.
On the side is a multi-function paddle, which can be programmed for everything from quickly switching your DPI to setting a shortcut for abilities in games. Chroma lighting is supported here with up to 16.8 million colors and the mouse can be managed via Razer Synapse 3.
The Razer Basilisk Essential is available today at Razer's online store for $50.
Battle with the Basilisk.
The previous Basilisk mouse was no slouch, and the Basilisk Essential carries that design forward with a cheaper entry price. With customizable side buttons and Chroma support, the Basilisk Essential brings Razer flavor without breaking the bank,.
Alongside all of the peripherals announced today, Razer has also expanded its RazerCare Elite Protection Plan to cover peripherals. Coverage includes surge protection and accidental damage protection, and pricing ranges from $10 to $46 depending on the price of the peripheral.
You can find out more about enrolling in RazerCare at Razer's official site.
Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl.