The Blade Pro is a one-of-a-kind gaming notebook. On paper, its specifications aren't anything special; the i7-7700HQ CPU, GTX 1060 GPU, and 1080p IPS display are standard fare on cheaper systems like the Gigabyte Aero 15, Asus FX502, or Gigabyte P55W. Gamers on tight budgets may not enjoy the fact that something like an Acer Aspire 7 can perform similarly to the Blade Pro GTX 1060 while costing hundreds less.

Instead, the biggest draws of the Blade Pro are in its build quality, thermal characteristics, and unique design. The chassis is stronger than it looks and objectively more unyielding than competing ultrathins like the MSI GS series, the Asus Zephyrus series, and the Aorus X7 series. The EVGA SC17 and MSI GT73VR series are perhaps the most notable contenders when it comes to chassis rigidity, but even these are thicker and bulkier than the Razer. The Blade Pro is a masterful example of thinness and style without sacrificing the strong physical qualities of larger gaming notebook designs.

A few hardware features outside of the excellent chassis are also worth praising. The upgradeable RAM, 120 Hz refresh rate, and 2.5-inch storage bay are nice surprises considering that the pricier Blade Pro lacks these options. High Turbo Boost clocks are sustainable and core temperatures when gaming are cooler than expected in the 60 to 70 C range. Even surface temperatures are noticeably cooler than competing systems. This is a thin gaming notebook without many of the flaws traditionally associated with the category.

There are a few key improvements we'd like to see to make future SKUs even better. Firstly, more display options with faster 3 ms/5 ms response times will definitely appeal better to hardcore gamers even if it means sacrificing the wide IPS viewing angles. Ghosting is much less of an issue on most MSI notebooks and the newer Aorus X7 series as a result. Secondly, improved fan controls via Synapse would be an excellent addition should users wish for quieter fans at the cost of higher core temperatures. The Blade Pro GTX 1060 is already very quiet when not gaming, but it will become just as loud as competing alternatives when under stress. Lastly, faster GPU options would add extraordinarily more value to the system. The chassis was designed to house up to a GTX 1080 and thermals are already excellent with the GTX 1060, so one can only imagine how it would perform with the middle-ground GTX 1070 or even GTX 1070 Max-Q.

Other minor details like deeper key travel, subwoofer, firmer trackpad, and integrated mini-DisplayPort options would have given the system more of an edge for the price. Even so, it's hard not to like what is already offered when the system feels as good as it looks.