Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Keyboard Review: A Premium Typing Experience
Razer, known for its “By Gamers, for gamers” tagline, has traditionally focused on keyboards with flashy RGB lighting and high-performance specs. However, these keyboards often fell short when it came to providing a premium typing experience and customization options. That has changed with Razer’s latest offering, the BlackWidow V4 75%. This keyboard demonstrates that Razer understands what makes a good mechanical keyboard. It combines a sleek design, a satisfying typing feel, effortless customization, and impressive gaming performance. While the included tactile switches are not perfect for fast-paced games, they serve as a great hybrid solution for both gaming and typing.
Superb Switches
The BlackWidow V4 comes with Razer’s Gen 3 Orange tactile switches, which provide an excellent balance of responsiveness and smoothness. These switches feature a large, rounded, tactile bump that starts at the top of a keypress and extends almost to the bottom. Their tactility is similar to popular switches like Glorious Panda and Cherry MX Brown, making them comfortable for everyday use.
What sets the BlackWidow V4 apart is its hot-swap sockets manufactured by Kailh. These sockets allow you to effortlessly swap out switches without soldering, making customization a breeze. Kailh is renowned for its hot-swap sockets, ensuring reliability and compatibility. However, the switches’ north-facing LEDs may cause compatibility issues with certain switch and keycap combinations.
While the plate-mounted stabilizers on the BlackWidow V4 provide smooth keypresses initially, they may develop a slight rattle over time. Razer acknowledges this concern and offers mounting points for PCB-mounted stabilizers as an upgrade option. Additionally, adding switch films can help reduce any potential rattling.
Peak Productivity
When it comes to ergonomics, the BlackWidow V4 excels in every aspect. With its mostly aluminum build quality, intuitive layout, adjustable flip-out feet, and unobtrusive high-profile case, this keyboard is a pleasure to use. The included wrist rest attaches magnetically, ensuring stability and comfort at any angle.
Conclusion
The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% keyboard offers an exceptional typing experience and impressive customization options. With its superb tactile switches, easy switch swapping, and thoughtful design, it stands out as a premium mechanical keyboard. While it may not be ideal for fast-paced gaming, it strikes a balance that makes it suitable for both gaming and typing. With the BlackWidow V4, Razer has shown a significant improvement in delivering an enthusiast-oriented typing experience that lives up to its “By Gamers, for gamers” mantra.