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Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%: Brief review
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is the company’s latest premium wireless gaming keyboard, featuring hot-swappable mechanical switches and various connectivity options.
Iit presents a quite impressive stature, with its angular, slab-like design reflecting its gaming purpose. The RGB lighting enhances this aspect, and the light bars along the bottom edges are a particularly elegant addition, showcasing just the right degree of extravagance. Despite this, it’s neither as heavy nor as cumbersome as one might suppose, and its compact configuration promotes a smooth experience.
The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% includes a leatherette wrist rest that puts the competition’s offerings to shame, thanks to its intricate design and soft padding for utmost comfort. While it may initially appear too thick, you will likely become accustomed to it as you settle in.
A small OLED display is located in the upper right corner of the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, operated via a button on the side of the keyboard and a scroll wheel, which can be configured to execute various actions, such as controlling the volume and switching between applications, among others (additional functionalities are accessible through Synapse, Razer’s peripheral software). Other keyboard configurations are available through this display, although the options are somewhat limited. However, overall, it is user-friendly and functions effectively.
The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is compatible with Synapse 4. During my usage, I encountered a few technical glitches, including incorrect battery readings and unsuccessful firmware updates. Nonetheless, these problems eventually resolved themselves with updates and resets, and I experienced little difficulty afterwards.
When functioning properly, Synapse 4 provides useful customization options, featuring a wide array of binds and shortcuts for both the keys and the scroll wheel. Everything is well organized and straightforward to navigate.
The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% truly excels when it comes to gaming performance. The Gen-3 Tactile mechanical switches are responsive yet dampened enough to provide a satisfying experience. The compact design and recessed doubleshot PBT keycaps are stable and easy to press. However, if you prefer a different configuration than the default setting, the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is hot-swappable, enabling you to choose your own switches and keycaps according to your preferences.
Typing on the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is also an enjoyable experience, with the cushioned wrist pad providing ample support. My only minor grievance is the relatively shallow six-degree tilt provided by the feet, but this did not detract from comfort levels for me.
Switching between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes is hassle-free, although I did not observe significant improvements when using the included HyperPolling Wireless Dongle, which boosts the polling rate maximum to 4K. Convenient keyboard shortcuts also allow for seamless transitions between three Bluetooth-connected devices, making the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% quite adaptable if you operate multiple systems.
The battery life of the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is satisfactory but not extraordinary. I found it could endure a couple of days of assorted use while alternating between the different wireless modes. Charging from empty to full takes a little over two hours, which is average.
There’s no denying that the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is a well-constructed and notably commendable gaming keyboard. However, the worth of its considerable price tag is debatable, particularly when other options, such as the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog and Steelseries Apex Pro, provide exceptional analog performance at a lower cost. Yet, for mechanical enthusiasts, it is undoubtedly at the pinnacle of the category.
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% review: pricing and availability
- $299 / £299 / AU$499
- Currently available in Black
- Premium tier of the market
The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is priced at $299 / £299 / AU$499 and is available now in a single color: black. Included in the package is a USB-C-to-A cable, the HyperPolling Wireless Dongle, a key cap remover, and three extra switches.
The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% ranks at the top of Razer’s gaming keyboard offerings in terms of price. It is pricier than the remarkable Huntsman V2 Analog, which we consider the best gaming keyboard at present. Unlike the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, the analog feature allows you to define the actuation point precisely. However, it lacks the hot-swappable capability of the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, so users are limited to the optical switches, and it is only available in a wired format.
Other notable competitors in the premium segment are also priced lower. The Steelseries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3, for example, is a standout model that also includes analog switches, and is priced at $269 / £259 (about AU$456).
Value: 2 / 5
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%: specifications
| Layout | TKL |
| Switch | Razer Mechanical Switches Gen-3 (Tactile) |
| Programmable keys | Yes |
| Dimensions | 13 x 6.3 x 1.6 inches / 329 x 160 x 40mm |
| RGB or backlighting | Yes (customizable) |
| Response time | Not stated |
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%: design and features
- Robust body
- Expertly crafted
- Synapse 4 compatible
The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% appears rather conventional from the front, yet a 3D perspective highlights how monolithic this keyboard truly is. The design is compact, although the keys are adequately spaced to facilitate usage, even if you tend to be clumsy like me.
RGB illumination adorns the keys and strips along the lower edges, enhancing its overall visual appeal.
This keyboard also includes a wrist rest, which is significantly more cushy and padded compared to many offered by competitors. Initially, I found it a bit too thick, as it elevates your hands higher than is typical. However, you do sink into it, and after a short period, I adapted. The two-stage feet help you achieve a more comfortable arrangement, though neither position elevates the board as much compared to other keyboard feet.
Moreover, it exudes a more stylish look than many alternatives, thanks to its high-quality leatherette material featuring a subtle herringbone design. The wrist rest attaches magnetically to the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% with the perfect amount of strength, making it effortless to detach yet secure enough to stay in place.
The doubleshot PBT keycaps are lightly textured and give a premium feel when touched. This quality also applies to the stock Gen-3 Tactile mechanical switches, but since this is a hot-swappable keyboard, you can replace them if they don’t suit your preferences.
A small OLED display is situated in the top right corner of the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%. This display can show GIFs and permit certain adjustments, accessible by holding a button located on the side of the keyboard. However, there are limited settings, including those for RGB effects and polling rate (with a 4K maximum when using the included HyperPolling Wireless Dongle).
Pressing the side button cycles through as many as six presets for the scroll wheel’s functionality; it can adjust volume, switch between applications, and zoom in or out, with inward clicks of the wheel performing related actions.
The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is compatible with Synapse 4. While using this software, I encountered a few issues, such as the battery indicator displaying inaccurate readings and the keyboard tab disappearing from the window. Firmware updates also failed multiple times, but after several updates and restarts, it functioned more smoothly.
Synapse provides typical customizations, including key rebinds, but its range is extensive. You can map mouse buttons, as well as various Windows and media shortcuts (more than many other peripheral software platforms provide) to the keys and also to the scroll wheel. The Hypershift feature allows for an additional layer of binds by pressing the Hypershift button, designated to a key of your choice.
Design & features: 4 / 5
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% review: performance
- Exceptional stock switches
- Excellent for gaming and typing
- Moderate battery life
Experiencing gaming with the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is delightful. Razer’s Tactile mechanical switches are responsive with minimal travel and sufficiently damped to provide light yet gratifying and controlled presses, characteristic of top mechanical keyboards. The keys are gently indented, striking the right balance between stability and accessibility.
In terms of typing, that responsive yet dampened feel is a significant advantage, offering ample feedback and bounce for moving effortlessly across the keys. However, the previously mentioned thickness of the wrist rest created an initially unfamiliar typing posture for me, but I quickly adjusted and afterwards found it to be very comfortable.
The various connectivity
All modes operate quite smoothly as well, though I can’t claim to have observed significant enhancement when utilizing the 4K polling rate provided by the HyperPolling Wireless Dongle. Transitioning between the 2.4GHz/HyperPolling and Bluetooth modes is relatively swift, yet I did encounter a slight lag, and a key press was necessary to activate the keyboard after connecting to a different device.
Additionally, there are three Bluetooth profiles available, which can be easily accessed via the fn key along with the number keys 1-3. Once more, switching in this manner to manage multiple devices is efficient and reliable.
The battery ran out after a few days of diverse usage, as I toggled between the different wireless modes (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and the HyperPolling Wireless Dongle). This isn’t particularly commendable, and the charging duration of over two hours from empty isn’t great either. Nonetheless, these metrics are not overly concerning.
Performance: 4 / 5
Should I purchase the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%?
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Value | The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is among the most costly; rival flagship gaming keyboards are available for less, yet provide comparable performance. | 2 / 5 |
| Design and features | The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is exceptionally crafted, and even the included wrist rest is outstanding. However, Synapse 4 does present some minor issues. | 4 / 5 |
| Performance | The switches and keycaps are superb, and they are also great for typing. However, since it’s not designed as an analog board, the actuation points are not adjustable. | 4 / 5 |
| Overall | Other than a few minor issues with the Synapse software, there isn’t much that detracts from the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%. Its craftsmanship and performance are praiseworthy, but its exorbitant price is difficult to justify, particularly when other notable options with analog switches are available at a lower price. | 4 / 5 |
Acquire it if…
Refrain from purchasing if…
Alternate options
| Header Cell – Column 0 | Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% | SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3 | Razer Huntsman V2 Analog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Layout | TKL | TKL | TKL |
| Switch | Mechanical (Tactile) | Analog (Hall-effect magnetic) | Razer Analog Optical Switches |
| Programmable keys | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 13 x 6.3 x 1.6 inches / 329 x 160 x 40mm | 14 x 5 x 1.7 inches / 355 x 129 x 42mm | Not specified |
| RGB or backlighting | Yes (customizable) | Yes (customizable) | Yes (customizable) |
How I evaluated the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%
- Assessed for more than a week
- Utilized for gaming, productivity, and browsing
- PC gaming experience for over a decade
I assessed the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% for more than a week, during which I utilized it for gaming, work, and general browsing.
I engaged in games such as Counter-Strike 2 and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, FPS games that evaluate the keyboard’s responsiveness, precision, and ergonomics effectively. I ensured to utilize all the various connectivity options, ranging from wired and Bluetooth connections to the HyperPolling Wireless Dongle.
Having over 10 years of PC gaming experience, I have tried many keyboards during this time. Moreover, I have reviewed various gaming keyboards with different sizes, switch types, and price ranges.
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