Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro Review: Immersive Gaming with State-of-the-Art Design
Razer's BlackWidow V4 Pro mechanical keyboard is a gamer's delight, with customizable keys, impressive typing speeds, and stunning RGB backlighting. However, the key to getting the most out of this keyboard lies in understanding its strengths and weaknesses, which we explore in this comprehensive review.
This isn't just another gaming keyboard. The BlackWidow V4 Pro, the latest addition to Razer's reputable line of gaming peripherals, is a full-size, wired mechanical keyboard that's garnering attention in the gaming community. It boasts an array of features designed to give users an edge in their gaming sessions.
The BlackWidow V4 Pro stands out with its top-notch build quality. It's a blend of aluminum and plastic, lending it a robust feel. The keyboard's chassis houses sturdy switches, promising longevity with a rating for 100 million presses. That's a lot of game time!
Next, let's talk about size. This beast of a keyboard is larger than average. With its additional column of dedicated macro keys, it stretches beyond the standard dimensions of its peers. But fear not! It comes with a plush wrist rest that you can attach or detach as you please, balancing comfort and size for your convenience.
Finally, we can't forget to mention the available variants. The BlackWidow V4 Pro comes with either Razer Green or Yellow switches, each offering a unique typing experience. The Green switches are clicky, loud, and satisfying, while the Yellow switches are smoother and quieter.
Excited yet? We certainly are. Join us as we dig deeper into the specifics of this intriguing piece of gaming technology. Buckle up and let's go!
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is best suited for enthusiastic gamers and typists who seek comfort, customization, and an immersive experience.
- Full-size, programmable mechanical gaming keyboard
- Choice of clicky Green or linear Yellow switches
- Per-key and underglow RGB backlighting
- Doubleshot ABS keycaps and hardy switches rated for 100 million presses
- USB passthrough port
- Larger and heavier than most full-size keyboards
- Inconsistencies observed in Green switches
- Customization software only fully functional on Windows
- Frequent updates and high resource consumption by Synapse 3 software
Given its robust features and performance, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is an excellent buy for dedicated gamers and typists. However, its size and software requirements could be a drawback for those with limited desk space or not using Windows.
Test Results
Design
Let's kick off with the design of the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro. It's quite the beast in size, making a grand impression right out of the box. With a blend of sturdy materials and a thoughtful layout, it exhibits both durability and practicality. Add to that, the full RGB lighting and comprehensive connectivity options serve to elevate your gaming setup.
Boasting a full-sized layout with an added column of dedicated macro keys, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro requires a significant footprint. It measures 18.4 inches wide, 6 inches deep, and 1 inch tall, or 1.75 inches with keycaps. With the detachable wrist rest, the depth extends to 8.9 inches. While its large size necessitates ample desk space, it offers the advantage of an expansive, unrestricted typing area.
The BlackWidow V4 Pro is impressively robust, combining aluminum and plastic materials in its build. The lower chassis is made of plastic with a top plate of aluminum, providing a blend of lightweight durability and rigidity. The keycaps are made of ABS plastic, offering a high-quality feel with pleasant textured tops. Despite the overall sturdy construction, some inconsistencies were noticed in the Green switches with different force requirements on some keys.
The keyboard offers a selection of ergonomic features designed to enhance user comfort. Two sets of flip-out feet, equipped with rubberized anti-slip pads, allow for angle adjustment. A plush, padded, leatherette-covered wrist rest offers additional support during extended typing sessions. The keys themselves have concave tops, accommodating comfortable finger placement and reducing the chance of missed keystrokes.
The BlackWidow V4 Pro comes with full RGB backlighting featuring individually-lit keys and 18 programmable zones. The keyboard's backlighting extends to the wrist rest, adding 20 more zones of underglow. Despite the comprehensive lighting and customization options, a slight red hue was noticed when the keyboard was set to white backlighting. This minor issue aside, the overall backlight clarity is outstanding.
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro employs a wired connection via two braided USB-A to USB-C cables. One cable powers the keyboard, while the other enables the use of the keyboard's USB 2.0 passthrough port. This wired-only approach may limit mobility, but it ensures a stable and fast connection, essential for competitive gaming scenarios.
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro doesn't skimp on extra features. Most notable is the Razer Command Dial located in the top-left corner, supporting up to eight programmable functions. This, along with eight dedicated macro keys, LED indicators, and a maximum polling rate of 8000Hz, provide users with a variety of customization options and advanced controls for a personalized and efficient typing or gaming experience.
Typing Experience
Next up, we delve into the typing experience. A keyboard's performance heavily hinges on its keystrokes, typing quality, noise levels, and latency. The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro, offering a choice between two distinct types of switches, provides a range of experiences catering to different user preferences.
The keystrokes on the BlackWidow V4 Pro are commendable. The keys are well-spaced, minimizing errors during rapid input. They also feature a slightly textured surface for added grip, contributing to a smoother typing experience. Razer's Green and Yellow switches differ in characteristics - Green switches actuate at 1.8mm with a 51g force, while Yellow switches actuate at 1.2mm with a 45g force. The Green switches exhibit a tactile bump and an audible click, whereas the Yellow switches are smooth and silent.
The BlackWidow V4 Pro delivers a high-quality typing experience. Tests show stable keys, leading to high typing speeds and accuracy. The Doubleshot ABS keycaps are durable and comfortable, enhancing the overall typing quality. However, there's a slight inconsistency among Green switches, with some requiring different amounts of force to operate.
Typing noise largely depends on the choice of switches. The Green switches produce a clean, satisfying click, yet they are significantly louder. On the other hand, the Yellow switches are much quieter due to their linear action. Internal sound-dampening foam effectively reduces case ping and reverb, adding to the overall typing comfort.
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro's latency is remarkably low, thanks to the 8,000Hz hyperpolling rate. The wired connectivity minimizes lag, delivering an extremely responsive experience. This high polling rate ensures virtually instantaneous key actuation, making it a suitable choice for competitive gaming or fast-paced typing tasks.
Software
Last but not least, we discuss the keyboard's software aspect. With Razer's Synapse 3 software driving customization and a range of programmable keys on the board, users get to tailor their typing and gaming experiences. We also look into its compatibility with different operating systems.
The BlackWidow V4 Pro features robust programming capabilities. The Synapse 3 software allows for extensive customization. Keys, volume roller, media keys, and even the command dial can be programmed to fit user preferences. The keyboard includes eight dedicated macro keys - five on the left flank and three on the chassis. These are disabled by default but can be easily activated and programmed via the software. Macros can also be programmed to any key, offering high flexibility.
The BlackWidow V4 Pro offers wide compatibility. It works seamlessly with Windows, macOS, and Linux. However, the Synapse 3 customization software is only available for Windows, limiting some functionality on other operating systems. For instance, some OS-specific buttons may not function correctly on macOS. However, the vast majority of the keyboard's features and functions work flawlessly across the mentioned platforms.
Customer Reviews
In this chapter, we'll delve into what actual customers think about the keyboard. By analyzing the customer reviews, we hope to provide potential buyers with a clearer perspective of the product. These reviews capture the experiences of customers, shedding light on the benefits and shortcomings of the product.
Benefits
Most reviewers express a high degree of satisfaction with the keyboard's performance and functionality. The product shines in gaming and typing scenarios, with users praising the quick actuating keys, particularly the Razer yellow switches for their quiet typing. The aluminum casing, as opposed to a plastic one, provides much-needed rigidity, and the plush wrist rest sets the keyboard apart from many competitors, offering exceptional comfort. Furthermore, customers appreciate the lighting controls offered via the Razer Synapse 3 program, considering it one of the best among Razer's keyboard options.
Complaints
Nevertheless, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Several issues have been flagged by users. The manual seems to be poorly written, with some customers reporting it as misleading or lacking crucial information. Some users found the need for the Synapse software to unlock the keyboard's full features to be inconvenient. The embossed characters on the media keys are reportedly difficult to see, especially when the backlight is on, which can be a hassle. Furthermore, the side macro keys tend to be accidentally pressed when moving the keyboard, causing unwanted actions. Lastly, the price point of the keyboard has been a major sticking point for many customers, who believe it to be unjustifiably high.
Customer Conclusion
Summing up, while the keyboard has noteworthy benefits such as quick response, comfort, and excellent lighting controls, it falls short in areas like documentation, user-friendliness, and pricing. However, the response from the customer base is mixed, with some willing to overlook the drawbacks due to the keyboard's superior gaming performance and productivity options. Prospective buyers need to weigh the merits and demerits based on their needs, preferences, and budget. If you value top-notch performance and don't mind the additional software and the price, then this keyboard could be a worthy addition to your setup. However, if the drawbacks mentioned are deal-breakers for you, it may be worth exploring other options.
Customer Questions/Answers
Is the Razer Blackwidow V4 Pro a wireless keyboard with detachable cables?
No.
Is the Razer Blackwidow V4 Pro keyboard wireless?
No, the Razer Blackwidow V4 Pro is a wired keyboard.
Can the keycaps on this keyboard be changed?
Yes, you can replace the keycaps on this keyboard.
Why does this keyboard come with two cables?
One cable powers the keyboard, while the other serves to connect and power USB devices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro offers a host of appealing features for gaming enthusiasts. With its sturdy build, adjustable ergonomics, and vibrant backlighting, it's certainly a standout in the gaming keyboard market.
The keyboard’s high-quality build is evident in its blend of robust materials. Razer’s promise of switches lasting 100 million presses offers durability that hardcore gamers will appreciate. With an additional row of macro keys, the BlackWidow V4 Pro might require more desk space, but it provides utility to users who value extra programmable options.
Let's not forget the keyboard’s versatile backlighting. The full RGB, per-key lighting customization, and underglow bring a touch of personal flair to your gaming setup. However, users should note the minor red hue visible when the lighting is set to white.
Finally, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro's typing experience varies based on the choice of switches. The Green switches are loud and clicky, providing tactile feedback that many gamers will find satisfying. The Yellow switches, on the other hand, offer a quieter, smoother typing experience.
Overall, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro proves to be a reliable, feature-rich gaming keyboard. Its few minor drawbacks do little to overshadow its strengths. Whether you're a casual gamer or a seasoned professional, it's a strong contender for your next keyboard purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro?
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is a high-end, full-sized mechanical gaming keyboard. It's part of Razer's BlackWidow lineup and is available in a black colorway. The keyboard features clicky Green or linear Yellow switches, customizable per-key RGB lighting, and eight dedicated macro keys. It also comes with a plush wrist rest and a multi-function 'Razer Command Dial' for additional functionality.
Is the BlackWidow V4 Pro worth it?
The worthiness of the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro depends largely on your specific needs. If you're a gamer or a typist who values programmability, robust build quality, and customizable lighting, this keyboard may well be a worthwhile investment. However, some potential drawbacks include the size and weight of the keyboard, the inconsistency of the Green switches, and the limited compatibility of the customization software with non-Windows operating systems.
Is the Black Widow V4 Pro Wireless?
No, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is a wired keyboard. It uses USB-C to USB-A cables for connectivity and requires one cable for power, while the second one is used for the keyboard’s USB 2.0 passthrough port.
Is Razer Huntsman or BlackWidow better?
Both the Razer Huntsman and the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro are high-quality mechanical keyboards with their own set of strengths. The BlackWidow V4 Pro stands out for its robust build quality, customizable lighting, and the inclusion of the 'Razer Command Dial'. On the other hand, the Razer Huntsman is known for its fast actuation and light-weight keys, thanks to Razer's optical switches. Your choice between the two would depend on your specific preferences and requirements.
What is the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro's compatibility with different operating systems?
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. However, its customization software, Synapse 3, is only fully functional on Windows. Some OS-specific buttons may not be functional on macOS.