Razer is updating its flagship keyboard with the BlackWidow V4 Pro, a no-compromise model that breathes new life into this range.
The keyboard gamer Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is a major upgrade compared to the V3 we tested two years earlier. It retains a simple and modern chassis as well as the brand’s traditional green and yellow switches.
It differs from the previous generation with the return of dedicated macro keys on its left side, accompanied by three additional buttons on the edge and a fully customizable wheel. In summary, Razer seems to have created a direct competitor to Corsair’s K100 RGB, and we don’t mind!
Will he manage to convince us as much as his main adversary? This is what we will see in this complete test of the BlackWidow V4 Pro, a keyboard offered at the disproportionate price of 280 euros.
Sobriety, embellished with good ideas
We liked the design of the BlackWidow V3 and Razer decided to continue the adventure with a similar chassis. The body is again made of plastic, on which sits a black metal plate which contributes to the good rigidity of the keyboard. Thus, we particularly appreciate here the sobriety of the whole.
First novelty that is obvious: the addition of RGB lighting that runs through the edges of the keyboard and extends to the wrist rest, this time magnetized, and very comfortable. It benefits from a textured imitation leather covering of the most beautiful effect and is very pleasant to use, while no longer suffering from the problems of the V3.
The switches are again positioned on the metal plate and are topped with the same rough ABS keys. If their texture hits the mark and limits the accumulation of grease, we would have preferred to find PBT keys, which are much more durable. RGB lighting is logically part of it and we still regret that certain characters do not benefit from it, especially on the row of special characters…
The action button dedicated to multimedia controls has here been replaced by four separate buttons. Their finish gives them a remarkable premium appearance, but completely prevents the symbols on them from being “read”. It is therefore necessary to memorize their functions. The large volume control wheel is still present, still as practical and pleasant to use.
Like Corsair’s K100 RGB, the BlackWidow V4 Pro now has several additional and customizable buttons on its left side. There are thus five macro keys, an action wheel and three side buttons, present on the left edge. These are also very sensitive and therefore require a little practice before being mastered, especially when the user has to reposition the keyboard. The wheel would also have benefited from being a little further from the rest of the keys. It is not uncommon to hit them when you want to operate the latter…
Another good idea: the use of two separate USB C cables for the connection with the PC. We regretted the presence of an inseparable double cable on the Huntsman V2 Analog and Razer seems to have corrected the situation here. Thus, only one cable is needed to use the keyboard and the second can be added to take advantage of the USB-A port on the back of the keyboard.
The presence of these removable cables removes one of the good ideas of the BlackWidow V3 which was equipped with a cable management system under the chassis. Here, we only have the usual two-position retractable feet, which allow you to modify the inclination of the keyboard.
A knob, buttons, a perfect cocktail of features
We bring out the usual Razer Synapse driver software to customize the operation of the BlackWidow V4 Pro in detail. The tool is still just as easy to use and allows you to reassign all the keys on the keyboard using numerous functions. Similarly, RGB lighting can be changed with different settings.
The five macro keys, as well as the three side buttons, can be configured in the same way as all the other keys on the keyboard. By default, they notably allow quick access to the screen capture interface or the Game Bar.
Different presets are also associated with the wheel. For example, you can change the brightness of the keyboard, change the active application or even activate the Windows zoom. Switching between the different modes is done simply by pressing the latter which has a color code for each of them. Operation is not always practical, depending on the number of functions created, but Razer had the good idea to add a pop-up indication for each change.
Of course, the user retains the possibility of creating his own actions for this wheel. The options here are a bit more limited than for the other keys, but thankfully macros are available. The possibilities are therefore virtually endless and the default settings can be disabled.
The profiles here could have taken on their full meaning with this wheel and the buttons associated with it. Unfortunately, the actions of the wheel are completely independent of the profiles and it is therefore impossible to automatically switch between the functions. In addition, the latter’s custom actions require Synapse to be launched.
Finally, if it matters at all, the BlackWidow V4 can be used at a frequency of polling of 8000 Hz. However, with these many buttons and its wheel, it seems rather to be positioned as an all-purpose keyboard, both in games and for creative and office uses.
like deja vu
Finally, it is almost in terms of performance that the Razer BlackWidow V4 disappoints a little. Indeed, Razer has made it simple here by using the same mechanical switches as the previous generation. The keyboard is offered with a choice of the yellow switches discovered on the V3 Mini HyperSpeed or the traditional green ones which we are going to talk about here.
During our test of the BlackWidow V3, we appreciated the responsiveness of these green switches which, as we recall, are very noisy due to the audible click they emit when activated. The activation point is 1.9 mm and the required activation force is 50 g.
Small novelty however: the brand with snakes has applied the same acoustic treatment as on the V3 Mini with a double layer of insulation and lubrication of the stabilizers. However, it is difficult to take advantage of it on our test unit because of its switches clicky but there is indeed a very contained resonance.
In this version, the keyboard will delight typists and fans of touch switches. However, we recommend the version equipped with yellow switches (linear) for players looking for a keyboard cut for demanding and nervous games.
In summary, even if it offers excellent performance, we would have liked the BlackWidow V4 Pro to benefit from more qualitative switches, which is not lacking at Razer. The pill is all the more difficult to swallow when you know that this new version is charged at a high price.
Price and Availability of the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro Keyboard
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro keyboard is available at the recommended price of 280 euros.