Razer has finally responded to Asus’s game-changing Azoth keyboard with the Black Widow V4 Pro 75% Wireless. This keyboard offers a 75% form factor, hot-swappable switches, wireless connectivity, and a customizable OLED display, all wrapped in a sleek package. But at $300, does it live up to the hype?
My initial impression of the Black Widow V4 Pro wasn’t entirely positive. While I was excited about its enthusiast-grade features, I found Razer’s third-generation tactile switches to be underwhelming. The hollow clack, though an improvement over some gaming keyboards, fell short of the satisfying feel of other high-end options.
The build quality also left me wanting more. Razer boasts an aluminum top case, but it’s actually just a thin layer of aluminum on top of a mostly plastic construction. This felt like a cost-cutting measure at such a high price point, especially when other keyboards like the GMMK 3 offer premium materials at a more reasonable price.
However, the Black Widow V4 Pro shines when you delve into its internals. The hot-swappable design allows you to experiment with different switches, and the gasket mount provides a much smoother and more enjoyable typing experience than a traditional top mount. Razer has also included three layers of sound dampening, contributing to a quieter and more refined feel.
Razer went above and beyond with the use of FR4 for the switch plate, a material known for its ability to produce a satisfying ‘thock’ sound. Additionally, the keyboard incorporates a clever alternative to the popular ‘tape mod,’ effectively absorbing high-pitched frequencies.
Beyond its enthusiast-grade features, the Black Widow V4 Pro incorporates elements that only a mainstream brand like Razer could offer. It boasts 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and USB-C connectivity, along with a whopping 4,000Hz wireless polling rate. The inclusion of an OLED display, similar to the Asus ROG Azoth, is a welcome addition, allowing you to customize it with photos, GIFs, or system information.
Razer has also incorporated a unique Command Dial, which can be used to adjust volume, mute audio, or access other functions like media controls and brightness adjustments. This feature eliminates the need for dedicated media keys, creating a cleaner and more intuitive layout.
Of course, no discussion of Razer would be complete without mentioning its iconic RGB lighting. The Black Widow V4 Pro boasts stunning RGB effects, with smooth transitions, perfect diffusion, and extensive customization options through Razer Chroma. The integration with other RGB peripherals and apps, including support for popular games, adds another layer of depth and immersion.
Unfortunately, all this brilliance is overshadowed by the keyboard’s abysmal battery life. With the OLED screen and RGB lighting active, I barely managed a full day of use before needing to recharge. Even worse, the charging time is incredibly slow, making it a frustrating experience.
Ultimately, the Razer Black Widow V4 Pro 75% Wireless is a decent keyboard with some innovative features. However, its hefty price tag and disappointing battery life make it difficult to recommend. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line keyboard, you might be better off exploring more budget-friendly options or waiting for a significant price drop.
