Razer has recently introduced the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, a new addition to their line of high-end gaming keyboards. This compact keyboard, priced at a steep €349.99, brings several premium features to the table. But is it worth the cost? Let’s quickly dive into the main features of Razer’s new release.
Compact and Efficient Design
The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% follows the 75% keyboard layout trend, which means it skips the numeric keypad and some navigational keys. This allows for a more compact design without compromising too much on usability. Certain keys, such as the enter key, are also designed more compactly to save space. However, this layout might take some getting used to for users who frequently use the number pad.
Bright and Durable RGB Lighting
Like most Razer products, RGB lighting is a big part of the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%. Each key comes with Razer Chroma RGB lighting, designed to provide maximum brightness and visual effect. The lighting shines from the center as well as the sides of each key for an immersive glow.
The keycaps themselves are made from PBT Doubleshot, known for their durability and resistance to wear. Even after extensive use, these textured keycaps maintain their matte finish and hold up well over time, making them a solid choice for both gamers and typists.
Mechanical Switches and Hot-Swappable Design
At the heart of the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% are Razer’s Orange Tactile Gen-3 mechanical switches. These switches offer a quiet typing experience while still giving you that tactile feedback that many gamers prefer. The actuation requires 50 grams of force, with 2mm of travel needed to register a keystroke. The total travel distance is 3.5mm, and it resets at 1.8mm.
One standout feature is its hot-swappable capability, meaning the switches can be removed and replaced without the need for soldering. Whether a switch breaks or you just want to customize certain keys, this flexibility allows you to easily swap them out using 3-pin or 5-pin connectors. This could be especially useful for customizing the AWSD keys for gaming or experimenting with different switch types to suit your typing preferences.
OLED Display and Custom Controls
One unique feature of the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is the small OLED screen located in the top right corner of the keyboard. Accompanied by a control dial, this screen lets users navigate through different settings, including lighting, polling rate, and even custom animations. This level of control right from the keyboard itself adds convenience, especially for those who like to adjust settings on the fly.
HyperPolling and Wireless Connectivity
When it comes to performance, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% truly shines. Thanks to Razer’s HyperPolling technology, the keyboard boasts an ultra-low latency with a polling rate of 4,000 Hz. This is especially crucial for competitive gaming, where every millisecond counts.
For connectivity, users can choose between Razer HyperSpeed Wireless, Bluetooth 5.1, or a direct connection via USB-C. The Bluetooth option also allows users to connect to up to three different devices and switch between them seamlessly.
Impressive Battery Life
One of the most impressive features of this keyboard is its battery life. Razer claims that the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% can last up to 2,100 hours on a single charge, which is about 87 days. However, this is with the power-saving mode enabled, which disables the OLED screen and RGB lighting. Still, this is a standout feature for those who want a wireless keyboard with extended battery life.
Noise Reduction and Build Quality
The mechanical switches are set on an FR4 plate, which is a type of fibreglass-reinforced epoxy resin. This, along with layers of foam, helps reduce noise while typing. Additionally, the keyboard includes stabilizers that are factory-lubricated with Krytox GPL 205g, a popular lubricant used to further reduce noise and provide a smoother typing experience.
Comfort and Pricing
To enhance user comfort, the keyboard comes with a magnetic wrist rest made of plush synthetic leather. This added support is especially useful for long gaming or typing sessions.
As for the price, the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% comes in at €349.99, which is certainly on the expensive side for a compact keyboard. However, considering the features and premium build quality, it might be worth the investment for those looking for top-tier performance and customization options.
Final Thoughts
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% packs an impressive range of features into its compact frame. With hot-swappable mechanical switches, customizable OLED display, ultra-fast polling rate, and extended battery life, it is clear that Razer has targeted high-end users who demand both performance and flexibility from their peripherals. While the price may be steep, those looking for a versatile, feature-rich keyboard could find the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% to be a worthwhile investment.
