Razer takes aim at Asus with the Black Widow V4 Pro 75% Wireless Gaming Keyboard, a direct response to the popular Azoth. This 75% form factor keyboard boasts enthusiast-grade internals, wireless connectivity, and hot-swappable switches. But does it justify its hefty $300 price tag?
Initial Impressions: A Mixed Bag
Key switches on the Razer Black Widow V4 Pro 75% Wireless.
The Black Widow V4 Pro’s first impression is somewhat underwhelming, primarily due to the included Razer third-generation tactile switches. While an improvement over standard gaming keyboard switches, they fall short of the premium feel expected at this price point, especially with the prevalence of linear switch preference among gamers and enthusiasts. The hollow clacking sound, though improved, doesn’t compare to the satisfying thock of pre-lubricated switches found on competitors like the Keychron Q1 HE.
Another concern is the build quality. While Razer touts an aluminum top case, it’s a thin layer over a predominantly plastic construction. Considering the $300 price, the extensive use of plastic feels like a cost-cutting measure, especially when compared to fully aluminum options like the GMMK 3.
Wrist rest for the Razer Black Widow V4 Pro 75% Wireless.
However, the included magnetic faux leather wrist rest is a definite highlight. Its plush cushioning and secure attachment provide excellent comfort during extended typing sessions.
Enthusiast-Friendly Features Shine
Despite the initial drawbacks, the Black Widow V4 Pro’s internal design caters to enthusiasts. The hot-swappable socket allows for easy customization with any 3-pin or 5-pin MX switch. Swapping in higher-quality, pre-lubricated switches significantly enhances the typing experience.
Custom switches inside the Razer Black Widow V4 Pro Wireless.
The gasket-mounted design, featuring silicon gaskets suspending the switch plate, provides a superior typing and gaming feel compared to traditional top mounts. Three layers of sound dampening further refine the acoustics. Razer also utilizes an FR4 switch plate, a popular choice among enthusiasts for its balanced flexibility and weight, contributing to a deeper, more satisfying thock. Furthermore, Razer incorporates a built-in dampening solution similar to the popular “tape mod,” further enhancing sound quality.
Mainstream Appeal: Wireless Connectivity and OLED Display
Volume wheel on the Razer Black Widow V4 Pro 75% Wireless.
Beyond enthusiast features, the Black Widow V4 Pro offers mainstream appeal with versatile wireless connectivity. 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and USB-C options are available, with the 2.4GHz dongle supporting a high 4,000Hz polling rate. The integrated OLED display, similar to the Asus Azoth series, allows for customization with images, GIFs, keyboard information, system stats, and an audio visualizer.
The multi-function Command Dial offers convenient volume control and customizable functions for media playback, brightness adjustment, application switching, and even web scrolling, effectively replacing dedicated media keys.
Razer’s Signature RGB Lighting
The Razer Black Widow V4 Pro 75% Wireless washed in RGB light.
Razer’s renowned RGB lighting shines on the Black Widow V4 Pro. The smooth, vibrant lighting effects, enhanced by the FR4 plate and diffused edge lighting, create a visually stunning experience. Per-key RGB customization, preset effects, multiple layers, and onboard profile storage are all accessible through the intuitive Razer Chroma software. Chroma Connect further expands integration with other RGB devices and applications, including synchronized lighting effects with games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Diablo IV.
Battery Life: A Significant Disappointment
The impressive RGB lighting comes at a cost: battery life. Even with moderate settings, the battery drains in as little as 10 hours, requiring frequent charging. The lengthy charging time further compounds the issue, making wired usage almost necessary. This significantly diminishes the value proposition of the wireless functionality.
Final Verdict: Price Hinders Recommendation
The side of the Black Widow V4 Pro 75% Wireless.
The Razer Black Widow V4 Pro 75% Wireless offers a solid foundation for a high-end custom keyboard with its hot-swappable sockets, gasket mount, and enthusiast-grade internals. However, its $300 price tag is difficult to justify given the subpar stock switches, predominantly plastic construction, and disappointing battery life. Competitors like the Asus ROG Azoth offer similar features at a lower price. While the Black Widow V4 Pro has potential, waiting for a significant price drop is recommended before considering a purchase.
