After spending countless hours typing away on various keyboards, I must confess that the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% has truly captured my heart (and fingers). As a seasoned typist who’s been through more keyboards than I care to remember, this one stands out from the crowd.
The newly launched Razer BlackWidow V4 model with 75% keyboard layout, as assessed by my coworker Ben Wilson, marks a change in strategy for Razer.
As a dedicated keyboard enthusiast, I’ve always admired Razer’s minimalist “hands-off” design philosophy in their hardware. However, the BlackWidow V4 75% has learned from the crème de la crème of gaming keyboards we fans adore. This means prioritizing typing feel, offering a modular setup with robust fundamental features, and backing it up with flexibility for custom switches and keycaps. Now, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is stepping things up, bringing this innovative approach to gaming keyboards to unprecedented heights.
This Razer keyboard is their ultimate high-end, lavish gaming model; it’s the type of top-tier accessory suitable for those who are financially well-off or deeply enthusiastic about gaming. If you decide to purchase it, you’ll receive a keyboard boasting exceptional craftsmanship, an incredibly comfortable and gratifying typing and gaming experience, and numerous features designed to warrant its high cost. At this price level, any minor quirks should barely be noticeable.
BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%: Pricing and specifications
Pricing highlights
- The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% retails for $299.99, making it the most expensive gaming keyboard Razer sells.
- This is a compact 75% keyboard with wireless and wired connectivity, hot-swappable switches and keycaps, and an integrated OLED control display.
- It is absolutely a premium gaming keyboard aimed at hardcore enthusiasts who are used to exorbitant price tags.
Previously reviewed was the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro, which was Razer’s priciest keyboard. However, the newcomer, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, has seized the throne. This high-end, wireless gaming keyboard offers numerous features, so it’s not unexpected that the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% retails for $299.99 at Best Buy.
That’s absolutely in the upper ranges of gaming keyboards, but the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% can’t really be described as a bad value. An aluminum chassis, Razer’s best switches and most durable keycaps, an integrated OLED display and control dial, support for custom switches and keycaps, and multiple forms of wireless and wired connectivity let this keyboard compete with the absolute best money can buy. It’s clear Razer also invested a lot of time and research into this keyboard’s internal structure.
Inside the box, you’ll find the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, equipped with a comfortable leatherette magnetic wrist rest, a stylish braided USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable, a Razer HyperPolling Wireless dongle, a tool for removing switches and keycaps, and three additional Razer Orange mechanical switches. The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% (along with its mechanical keys) comes with a standard 2-year warranty from Razer. However, it’s recommended to review the warranty details if you plan on delving into in-depth customization of this keyboard, such as replacing stabilizers.
BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%: The good
The pros highlights
- The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% takes everything great about its non-Pro sibling and simply makes it better.
- You also get the addition of new features like the integrated OLED display, Control Dial, and wireless connectivity.
- From a pure typing experience, this is the best keyboard I have ever used, and it’s great to see Razer embrace the features loved by keyboard enthusiasts.
I’ll kick off this review by making some comparisons. Regardless of whether you’re already acquainted with the typical Razer BlackWidow V4 75% wired gaming keyboard, it’s still intriguing to ponder why the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is priced 110 dollars higher. Given that the standard version is already on the pricey side, what modifications did Razer make? To be frank, not much has been altered… however, the minor enhancements can have a substantial impact.
The FR4 base plate has been upgraded to a white woven fiberglass material to enhance the reflection of Razer Chroma RGB illumination, while the keycaps are now reinforced with durable double-shot PBT plastic instead of less expensive ABS. Additionally, this model includes tri-mode connectivity featuring Razer HyperSpeed Wireless and Bluetooth compatibility, along with an integrated OLED panel and Control Dial instead of a roller and dual media keys.
The design features a gasket sandwiching the keyboard plate between the upper and lower frames, cushioned with rubber padding to provide a softer feel. It boasts premium construction and comes equipped with a comfortable magnetic leatherette wrist rest. For reduced noise, it offers triple-layered sound dampening, which includes two foam layers and a fire-retardant tape-reinforced circuit board. The switches are lubricated and the stabilizers can be screwed in, while it fully supports custom key switches, keycaps, and third-party stabilizers.
As a researcher delving into the world of keyboards, I found the launch of the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% to be a significant event. For Razer, it marked the culmination of years of work to create a keyboard that truly catered to enthusiasts, with refined typing acoustics and comprehensive customization options. The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% builds upon this sophisticated sound profile, introduces numerous premium features, and maintains every bit of its modularity, making it an exciting development for those passionate about keyboards.
Using this keyboard offers an exceptionally satisfying typing experience, one that I rank among the finest I’ve encountered with any keyboard. The term “luxurious” comes to mind when describing it. The Razer Orange mechanical switches, which were first introduced with the BlackWidow V4 75% and are used here as well, provide a delightful responsiveness with just the right amount of tactility without being overly loud or sharp. Thanks to Razer’s focus on sound dampening and acoustics, annoying metallic clacks, echoes, and high-pitched noises have been effectively minimized.
Frankly, I hadn’t given much thought to my keyboard’s sound before, focusing more on tactile feedback. However, I find it impossible to go back to the standard Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro now, as its sound seems excessively loud and harsh in comparison. The 75% version, however, has made a significant improvement in the overall typing experience; it’s quieter and more soothing, and the keys feel firm yet responsive. These enhancements also boost gaming performance.
Currently, I’m not particularly fond of mechanical keyboards nor do I fully grasp the advantages of a modular layout, but the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% does offer some appealing features. For instance, it supports hot-swappable switches that can accommodate both standard 3-pin and 5-pin types. You also have the freedom to install your own screw-in or plate stabilizers. A tool is provided for effortlessly removing the keycaps and switches, and three extra switches are included in the package. While the fundamental features and sound-absorbing qualities of the keyboard remain constant, the typing experience and aesthetic can be entirely tailored to your preferences.
The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% offers a combination of adaptability, longevity, and durability that keyboard aficionados value, along with unique features not commonly found in custom-built keyboard frames. A notable feature is the OLED display; this two-inch screen is positioned on the upper right corner of the keyboard and can show an array of information such as keyboard or system details, audio levels, entertaining screensavers, personalized GIFs, and even allows interaction with both the keyboard and your computer using the OLED display, Command Dial, and Mode Button.
Functions on this keyboard include audio and media control, app switching, detailed zooming and scrolling, adjusting RGB lighting intensity, and creating personalized keyboard profiles within Razer Synapse which can be quickly switched. While the usefulness of an OLED display on a basic black-and-white keyboard like the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% may seem questionable, it does offer an additional level of functionality and customization.
Razer Synapse 4 support gives you full control over that OLED display and related controls, as well as the per-key and dual underglow Razer Chroma RGB lighting that looks stunning in typical Razer fashion. On top of that, there are various power-saving features to squeeze out more battery life, Razer HyperShift support to basically have endless keyboard shortcuts, and Razer Snap Tap support that aims to give you a competitive edge in first-person shooters.
I’d like to complete my list of advantages with a focus on its excellent performance. Whether it’s the superior typing experience that enhances gaming performance, or the refined acoustics that minimize distractions and are less likely to interfere with your headset, these features have already been discussed at length. However, I must emphasize that the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% delivers outstanding performance, regardless of whether you choose to use a cable or the included Razer HyperPolling Wireless 2.4GHz dongle.
The Bluetooth 5.1 compatibility allows you to link with a variety of devices at your convenience, while the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% model has a compact design that can easily be accommodated in most bags or backpacks. However, I would advise against using Bluetooth for competitive gaming purposes.
BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%: The bad
The cons highlights
- Besides the obvious weakness of costing more than most people would ever spend on a keyboard, the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% does have a few other flaws.
- Most of them are minor quirks, like a few keys randomly displaying the wrong RGB colors or a key sometimes double inputting.
- Battery life also isn’t the most impressive without using the Power Saving mode, and polling rates are limited in a strange way.
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, while impressive, may not be worth the high price tag of $300 for most people. Even with its luxury features, many find it hard to justify such an expense, more so when the standard version is offered at a much lower cost. However, I do think this keyboard justifies its expensive price, but whether you should buy it is something you’ll need to decide based on your own budget and needs.
As for those imperfections, I noticed a few quirks during my time using the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%.
For one, the “B” key specifically sometimes doubles inputs when I capitalize it (giving me “Bb” instead of just “B”), and closer inspection seems to suggest the reset point for that switch, in particular, is very slightly lower than the other switches. I also noticed that whenever the keyboard is in wireless mode, the “F” and “G” switches randomly change to red and blue, respectively — regardless of my Razer Chroma settings. Pressing either button fixes it for a few hours. The OLED display sometimes turns off completely, disregarding my power settings, too.
The listed concerns are relatively minor and can potentially be addressed through software upgrades in the future, although they’re worth noting. However, the battery life on this keyboard is somewhat disappointing. Given its RGB lighting capabilities, I’m not surprised by this finding; it’s well known that RGB lights can drain batteries quickly. Nevertheless, other companies like Alienware and Logitech have managed to extract more battery life from their wireless RGB keyboards compared to what Razer has achieved here. In wireless mode specifically, I had to charge the keyboard every other day. There are numerous power-saving options available that can extend battery life significantly, but these often come at the expense of features such as the RGB lighting or OLED display.
As a tech enthusiast, I recently discovered an intriguing difference between the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% and its more budget-friendly sibling. Unlike my V4 75%, which can reach impressive polling rates of up to 8,000Hz when connected, the V4 Pro 75% is only capable of 1,000Hz. This is quite surprising because in wireless mode, it can actually achieve a polling rate of 4,000Hz. Most users would never utilize an 8,000Hz polling rate on their keyboard or any other gadget, but it’s still puzzling that the V4 Pro 75% performs poorly in this area, especially when it’s connected to a power source.
BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%: Competition
If you’re considering the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% — either because you simply want an ultra-premium keyboard or because you’re a modular keyboard enthusiast — the first question you should really ask yourself is, “Do I want a wireless gaming keyboard?” If you do, the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is pricey but ultimately justifies its price with its sheer quality in design, typing, and performance.
If you don’t prefer the OLED display, it might be more beneficial for you to opt for the standard Razer BlackWidow V4 75%, priced at $189.99 on Best Buy. While it may not have an OLED screen like the Pro version, the quality and typing experience are quite similar. The OLED display on the Pro model is certainly a nice addition, but in my view, it doesn’t significantly influence the buying decision for most people.
Among the top contenders for the hot-swappable BlackWidow V4 75% is likely the Keychron Q1 Pro, which we have reviewed and found to be remarkably impressive. Unlike the mechanical switches in the BlackWidow V4, it employs magnetic Hall Effect switches within a gasket-mounted design. If you’re open to forgoing some of the more sophisticated features and design aspects of the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, you can purchase the Keychron Q1 Pro for just $239.99 at Best Buy, making it an attractive alternative.
Additionally, you might want to explore the GMMK 3 Pro keyboard as an alternative within the same price bracket. If your budget allows for it, you could opt for the high-end Angry Miao keyboards we’ve reviewed. However, there are numerous excellent enthusiast keyboards from niche companies available too. The allure of the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% lies in its comprehensive feature set and the post-purchase support provided by a well-established company.
BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%: Final thoughts
You should buy this if …
✅You want the absolute best that Razer can offer
While the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% may not boast every top-tier feature in Razer’s keyboard collection, it stands out as the most luxurious among them all when considering design, construction, and typing comfort. However, keep in mind that this premium experience comes at a premium price.
✅You want a great wireless keyboard with enthusiast-level customization
As an observer, I can’t help but admire the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, which showcases hot-swappable switches and a robust modular design that elevate its impressive wireless functionality. For those seeking more mobility or less clutter in their keyboard setup, this device certainly fits the bill. It continues to validate its premium price point.
You should not buy this if …
❌You don’t care about the hot-swappable switches and other enthusiast features
This keyboard offers an exceptional typing feel unlike any other I’ve tried, yet spending $300 might not be worth it for just that feature. If personalization through switch and keycap customization isn’t a priority, there are other fantastic keyboards available at more affordable prices.
It’s going to be genuinely difficult for Razer to top the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%. This is a marvelous keyboard with a gorgeous design and a resplendent typing experience. Combined with its compelling feature set and the modularity to make a keyboard enthusiast drool, and Razer may be converting me into one of those hardcore fanatics. I don’t know that I’ll ever want to swap out these excellent switches, but maybe it’s about time I invested in some custom keycaps.
It might be unexpected that Razer doesn’t provide a switchless, keycapless chassis for the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% (or its non-Pro version) for enthusiasts to customize their own keyboards. However, it’s possible that this feature could become available in the future, as it’s often seen in high-end, personalized keyboards where buyers can save money by providing their own switches. Currently, only a black version of the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is available, with no options for white or pink models, and there’s no choice to install different Razer switches. These additional features might be added in the future.
Currently, Razer’s top keyboard is the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, but at a price of $299.99 on Best Buy, it’s quite costly. While it excels in many areas, there are alternatives with comparable features that are more affordable if you don’t prioritize its modular design or sound-focused typing experience. Personally, my previous keyboards seem less appealing now.
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2024-11-19 17:40