I recently tested the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro, a flagship gaming keyboard with unparalleled performance and customization options. This cutting-edge keyboard was made to elevate your gaming experience with its responsive switches, customizable RGB lighting, and customizable macros.
Review
The Razer Blackwidow V4 Pro is a wired-only keyboard. It has a full-sized layout, an aluminum plate, and dual plastic feet on its rear edge, offering two adjustable incline angles. Additionally, it comes with a plush wrist rest that attaches magnetically, enhancing typing comfort with added support. The under-glow lighting is synced so when you attach the wrist rest it lights up as well from the sides. It comes with two braided USB-A to USB-C cables. One cable is designated for powering the keyboard, while the second one is intended for the USB passthrough feature.
The keyboard has full RGB backlighting, illuminating each key individually. You can adjust brightness levels and personalize lighting effects through Razer Synapse.
It has 4 media keys with a volume roller above them that sits uniformly with the body. A command dial is on the left which can control RGB brightness, Window zoom, Horizontal and Vertical zoom, Track jogging, Photoshop brush size, and more. You can change what the dial controls from the Razer Synapse app, and push on the dial to change modes. The command dial can be configured for whatever you want, whether it be for productivity or gaming. From Synapse you can enable a hypershift button that adds a second layer or programmable keys.
The keyboard has five dedicated macro keys under the command dial and an additional three macro buttons on its left side. The placement of these buttons was not very well thought out, and I kept accidentally pushing them while adjusting the position of the keyboard.
It has double-shot ABS keycaps which have a nice texture that avoids fingerprints. They are made of a thicker ABS and are shine through for the Chroma lighting inside. Underneath the keycaps are pre-lubed stabilizers which are very noticeable when you type, and you can choose between the 2020 launched Razer Green, Orange, and Yellow switches. The keyboard has some dampening to reduce sound, and there is was noticeable vertical or horizontal wobble while typing and gaming.
The keyboard offers full compatibility with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. However, the customization software is exclusively available for Windows, and certain OS-specific buttons don’t function in macOS.
What’s in the box
- Razer Blackwidow V4 Pro
- Magnetic Wrist Rest
- Two USB-A to USB-C charging cables
User Reviews
Customers like the comfort of the keyboard, saying it has a plush leather material and the wrist rest is comfortable. They also like the rolling volume knob. However, some customers have reported issues with the performance of the keys, saying they don’t function properly. Opinions are mixed on macro keys, value, quality, ease of setup, and lighting.
Verdict
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is a powerhouse gaming keyboard that offers exceptional performance with its Razer Mechanical Switches. The tactile feedback and responsiveness of the keys make it ideal for gamers looking for precision and speed in their gameplay. The Razer Command Dial and dedicated macro keys provide users with easy access to a wide range of commands, enhancing the overall gaming experience. While the keyboard lacks wireless functionality, its wired connection ensures minimal input lag, crucial for competitive gaming. The customizable Razer Chroma RGB lighting allows users to personalize their setup and create an immersive gaming environment.
Overall, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is a top-tier gaming keyboard that caters to the needs of serious gamers who prioritize performance and functionality in their peripherals.
