Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Review

Kris Brooks Updated: Aug 17, 2023 3:34 PM Posted: Aug 17, 2023 1:01 PM ET Category: Hardware Reviews 0

It's truly exciting to witness companies branching out into new market segments. Razer has done just that with its new Razer BlackWidow V4 75%, a keyboard inspired by the custom keyboard community and easily the best its ever released. It offers a remarkable set of features, including their new hot-swappable 3-pin Orange Tactile V3 switch, gasket-mounted PCB, and layers of sound-dampening foam. These additions elevate the keyboard to a whole new level and, with any luck, mark the beginning of a whole new era of Razer keyboards.

The BlackWidow V4 75% keyboard is not only Razer's first 75% layout keyboard but also marks its bold entrance into the enthusiast market. Razer has remained attentive to the gaming community's pulse, so rest assured that it offers excellent responsiveness, programmability, and RGB lighting. But it’s also paid attention to the ever-expanding enthusiast keyboard community. The V4 75% is, in essence, a custom keyboard produced at production scale, but requires no personal assembly and has the full suite of Razer Synapse features.

Sporting Razer's signature features like Chroma RGB, an Aluminum Top case, and Doubleshot ABS Keycaps, the BlackWidow V4 75% is well-equipped. It introduces exciting features such as compatibility with 3-pin and 5-pin hot-swappable switches, a gasket-mounted PCB, and even a pre-applied tape mod — a coating of tape on the back of the PCB, honing its acoustics with more pop, and drawn directly from the custom keyboard community.

The 75% layout delivers a complete and comfortable typing experience while sacrificing only the Numpad, along with some navigation and editing keys. This layout retains essential keys such as the function row, Delete, Page Up, Page Down, Insert, as well as two dedicated media keys and a multifunction roller.

The Razer BlackWidow V4 75 presents a substantial leap in keyboard quality, particularly when measured against its counterparts. Throughout gaming marathons and everyday typing, the V4 75 exudes an air of refinement and emits a polished sound that exceeds the vast majority of gaming keyboards. Gone are the hollowness and higher-pitched typing acoustics that characterized previous releases. The typing experience has matured significantly, enhanced by the introduction of the gasket-mounted PCB, FR4 plate, pre-lubed stabilizers, and the sound-dampening prowess of the PORON foam nestled within the chassis. This not only assures a softer typing feel but also absorbs high frequencies generated during typing. Two layers of sound-dampening foam are strategically positioned between the PCB and bottom layer, removing unwanted pinging and reverberations. The result is an immensely improved auditory experience.

Notably, this release also marks the debut of a brand new switch from Razer. The new Gen 3 Orange Switch by Razer boasts a long pole tactile design, offering a delightfully poppy and reactive typing experience. They have a strong tactile bump early in the keystroke, making them feel almost bubbly, but are exceptionally smooth thanks to factory pre-lubing. The overall sound profile stands leagues apart from Razer's previous models, highlighting the meticulous attention invested in the V4 75.

For the enthusiasts eager to sample Razer's switches, they’ll also be sold separately in packs of 35. Razer’s Green and Yellow switches will also be available.

Seamlessly fitting into the BlackWidow lineup, the V4 75% maintains the brand's hallmark characteristics. The inclusion of per-key lighting is a given, but the standout feature here is the exquisite 2-side underglow lighting that is, simply put, the chef’s kiss. With an impressive 9 lighting zones on each side, it's a true visual delight. Razer's software suite is impeccable, effortlessly syncing with existing Razer products without any convoluted setup.

For those already accustomed to the Razer ecosystem, integrating the V4 75% is a breeze, requiring only the customization of lighting configurations via Synapse. The Razer mechanical switches, equipped with LED lenses and transparent housings, amplify the RGB light projection, enhancing key illumination.

The V4 75 boasts five onboard profiles, catering excellently to on-the-go gamers and LAN party enthusiasts. It also has a detachable Type-C cable for an easy and solid connection. Razer's dedication to improvement is evident in their separation of the USB connector from the primary PCB by incorporating its own daughterboard. This thoughtful enhancement effectively alleviates the stress that the gasket-mounted PCB's movement during keystrokes might otherwise exert on the USB port. Despite the form factor the V4 75% still retains two media buttons and a multi-function roller that has some of the best feeling knurling to provide users with an excellent point of contact. Finally, is the included magnetic plush leatherette wrist rest. It feels firm and comfortable providing enough padding to reduce fatigue and stress while keeping your wrists at the optimal angle for extended gaming sessions.

The BlackWidow V4 75%, while impressively functional in its default state, doesn't shy away from personalization. If the included Orange Tactile switches don't align with your preference, you can simply unplug and swap in alternate switches without the need to desolder. The keycaps are also easy to replace, just be sure to choose a set that supports the 75% layout. As a design that encourages enthusiast-level engagement with your keyboard, the tech-minded may even find fun in disassembling the keyboard and modifying its layers of foam — though, as always, this is at your own risk.

In the realm of gaming keyboards, the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% takes things to the next level. Its layout balances functionality and compactness and excellent aesthetics with a wonderful typing and gaming experience. Combined with its mid-range price, it's a perfect choice for both keyboard enthusiasts and beginners looking for advanced features and accessibility.

The product described in this article was provided by the manufacturer for evaluation purposes.

Long time tech, gadget and all around geek. I love cars, computers and movies and most importantly my family.