When it comes to keyboards, I have a few specific requirements: quiet mechanical switches, a 75% layout, tactile dials and knobs, wireless connectivity, and, of course, glorious RGB. The new Razer Blackwidow V4 75% meets all these criteria, except for wireless connectivity. However, for avid keyboard enthusiasts, the V4 adds features like hot-swappable switches, gasket-mounted FR4, tape-enhanced PCB, 8000Hz polling, and a plush wrist rest.
At $349, this is far from cheap, especially considering the absence of wireless connectivity compared to exceptional options like the Asus ROG Azoth, which offers that feature and more. However, if you’re part of Team Green and want a keyboard to match your Razer mouse, and you’re comfortable with Razer Synapse, then pay attention.
From the Azoth, it’s clear that Razer isn’t the first major brand to release a mod-ready keyboard. Let’s clarify what you get with this fourth edition of the Blackwidow keyboard. Most notably, as the name suggests, you get a 75% layout, losing the extra girth for a more compact yet functional board. A full row of number and function keys is still available, along with page navigation keys on the right.
Additionally, you get a deliciously tactile roller dial for volume and two programmable media buttons. These, like all other keys, can be remapped in Synapse to practically anything you want, and up to five different profiles can be saved to the V4’s internal memory.
The keycaps are all Doubleshot ABS, ensuring legends won’t fade over time, and they have a nice texture for comfortable use. The keys are, of course, backlit with Razer Chroma RGB, customizable to your heart’s content. The lighting is bright and clean, with multiple presets to choose from, and no worries about battery life since this is a wired-only board.
The V4 comes with third-generation Razer Orange Tactile mechanical switches, designed to actuate more quietly while still providing a tactile bump. Though not the quietest, they are fantastic for typing with a 3.5mm travel distance and a 2.0mm actuation point. At a 50g actuation force, it’s not the lightest, but it leads to fewer accidental key presses.
The switches come lubed with Krytox GPL 205g0 lubricant, enhancing the typing experience. While some may not feel a significant difference, the V4 offers a wonderful feeling and sounding board for most users.
In gaming, the V4 is responsive, matching up to faster switches like the Corsair K70 OPX switches. The smaller size of the board provides better access and movement for the mouse. The 8000Hz polling rate might be overkill for some, but it’s a feature appreciated by gaming prodigies.
The construction of the V4 is excellent, with a sturdy 5052 Aluminium alloy top case, side underglow for additional RGB, and a FR4 plate suspended by foam with Poron Gaskets for better sound dampening. The wrist rest, made with dense memory foam and magnets for easy attachment, is a nice addition.
The PCB is tape-enhanced, absorbing higher frequency sounds and reflecting lower frequency sounds for a better typing sound. With hot-swap sockets for the switches, you can swap out the Orange switches without soldering or disassembling the board.
The V4 supports 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical switches, and Razer includes a 2-in-1 switch and keycap puller in the box. While you can swap out the stabilizers on the V4 75%, Razer states that disassembling the board for this purpose will void the warranty, which seems counterintuitive for a board marketed as customizable.
Verdict
The new Blackwidow V4 75% is a great keyboard for gamers who also type a lot. I appreciate the design and clean aesthetic with beautiful RGB on the keys and sides. The Orange tactile switches are excellent for typing and responsive for gaming. However, I’m not convinced anyone should pay $350 for a non-wireless keyboard, and it’s unclear why Razer doesn’t offer the Blackwidow as such. At the same price, the impeccable ROG Azoth seems like the better overall board. Nevertheless, the Blackwidow V4 75% appears to be a durable and reliable choice for those not requiring wireless capabilities.
Razer Australia kindly provided the Blackwidow V4 75% to PowerUp! Gaming for the purpose of this review.
