Hot Swap Excellence in the Razer BlackWidow V4 Review

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links

If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Key Takeaways

• Razer’s BlackWidow V4 75% is a compact mechanical keyboard that appeals to both experienced and beginner users with its advanced customization options and per-key lighting.
• Despite some design exclusions and the potential voiding of warranty with certain upgrades, the keyboard offers a premium option for gamers looking for a customizable and immersive gaming experience, especially if they are already invested in Razer’s products.
• The keyboard’s features include a compact design, a media roller and dedicated media buttons, and Razer’s Gen-3 Orange Tactile Mechanical Switches which provide a satisfying bump and a quieter typing experience.

Razer’s newest addition to the BlackWidow line blends compact design, advanced customization options, and plenty of mechanical magic. As Razer’s debut into the hot-swappable mechanical keyboard scene, the BlackWidow V4 75% aims to appeal to enthusiasts and beginners alike. While experienced users will appreciate the level of personalization offered in this compact body, newcomers to mechanical keyboard customization will also find it offers an easy entry point that doesn’t sacrifice quality or features.

Razer BlackWidow V4 75%

Recommended

9/ 10

$181$190 Save $9

Razer introduces the BlackWidow V4 75% mechanical keyboard, featuring hot-swappable keys for the first time. However, it omits features like the number pad, USB pass-through, and command dial found on the V4 Pro.

Brand

Razer

Backlight

Razer Chroma™ RGB

Wired operation

Detachable Type C Cable

Material

5052 Aluminum Alloy Top Case

Wrist rest

Magnetic Pleather

USB Passthrough

None

Polling rate

Up to 8,000 Hz

Memory

Hybrid onboard storage – up to 5 profiles

Key Caps

Doubleshot ABS Keycaps

Pros

• Orange switches make their return
• Pre-installed tape mod
• Razer’s first hot-swappable key switches
• Magnetic wrist rest is plush and stays cool
• Per-key RGB lighting

Cons

• Expensive
• No dedicated macro keys
• No USB passthrough
• Warranty is void if you upgrade stabilizers

$181 at Amazon See at Razer

When combined with Razer’s other products, like their mice and headsets, as well as their supported Synapse RGB accessories and lights, you can achieve one of the most customizable and immersive gaming experiences.

Despite some exclusions to its design and the potential to nullify its warranty if you plan on taking full advantage of all of its optional upgrades; the BlackWidow V4 75% looks to be a premium option that could be worth the asking price, especially if you’re already invested in Team Green.

Paul Antill / MakeUseOf

Design and Features

Out of the box, the BlackWidow V4 75% looks like a smaller twin version of their full-sized BlackWidow V4 Pro. But it is what’s inside this condensed design that makes it one of the best keyboards released by Razer to date. For $190 you can get its classic black design, or for another $10, it’s all white.

Paul Antill / MakeUseOf

Compact, but not Compromising

The keyboard boasts a compact design, ideal for users with limited desk space. But, despite its smaller size, the BlackWidow V4 75% hasn’t lost many capabilities, having a complete function row, well-placed arrow keys, and a multi-function roller and media buttons.

Paul Antill / MakeUseOf

The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% keyboard features a media roller located in the upper right corner as well as two dedicated media buttons. That said, I would have liked to see the roller include a press-to-mute function to free up the second media key for different quick access options.

Another noticeable absence is the lack of a pass-through USB port, with only one USB-C port to connect to your PC.

Paul Antill / MakeUseOf

The included USB-A to USB-C cord is well-constructed. Not being permanently attached, it’s great for those who have transitioned to USB-C devices or prefer coiled cables. Interestingly though, the connector rather fat, making it incompatible with Razer’s other devices, including some of their mice.

Paul Antill / MakeUseOf

Made of pleather, the magnetic wrist rest is plush, comfortable, and stays cool, even with extended use.

Paul Antill / MakeUseOf

With it sloped against the keyboard’s bottom edge, I found that it stayed in place securely, including during more heated Overwatch 2 matches.

Paul Antill / MakeUseOf

Return of the Orange

The keyboard features a socketed PCB preloaded with the brand’s Gen-3 Razer™ Orange Tactile Mechanical Switches, offering a tactile and quiet typing experience without compromising on performance. This is perfect for users who want precision without the constant click-clack noise.

Click here

Paul Antill / MakeUseOf

Sure, they can be fun to type and game on, but unless you and everyone around you plan on using a good set of headphones, it can get annoying rather quickly. These factory-lubricated switches were a fan favorite for years but were eventually discontinued, to much dismay. The previous switches used monochrome LED, while the new design features Chroma RGB with full-color backlighting support thanks to its transparent casing.

Paul Antill / MakeUseOf

Compared to Razer’s other switch options—Razer Green and Yellow switches—Orange tactile switches are known for their satisfying bump, offering a pleasant typing experience while maintaining a more subdued sound. For many, this made it the best of both worlds, with an excellent feel without an overwhelming clicky sound.

Paul Antill / MakeUseOf

The Green switches provide a loud click with a noticeable bump, with an actuation point of 1.9mm and an actuation force of 50g. In comparison, the Yellow switches—my personal favorite—deliver a smooth and quiet keystroke with an actuation point of just 1.2mm and an actuation force of 45g.

Razer

Keycaps

The keycaps themselves are made of doubleshot ABS, which may be a bit disappointing for those who prefer sturdier PBT material. Razer has seemingly taken the disadvantages of ABS keycaps into account, however, improving their design with a textured feel that’s intended to resist wear and reduce exposure to oils from the user’s hands, which contribute to unwanted shininess and degradation over time.

Paul Antill / MakeUseOf

While the provided switches are three-pin, the BlackWidow’s PCB is a five-socket design, accommodating Razer’s own switches as well as third-party options, which is a welcome addition. Customizers can also get right to work, with the keycap and switch puller included in its box.

Paul Antill / MakeUseOf

Backplate

Interestingly, that’s not to say that all customization is encouraged by Razer. Even though the design allows for users to swap out the BlackWidow V4’s plate-mounted stabilizers for the screw-in variety, doing so will automatically void your warranty.

Paul Antill / MakeUseOf

Fair warning to those who may think that Razer’s full customization support is unwavering—it’s not. On one hand, this is great for users who want the ultimate control over personalization, though that instant sacrifice may have you reconsider the tradeoff.

Razer

In addition to its switch customizability, the BlackWidow V4 75% internal construction has taken even more cues from popular modification designs. These include a gasket-mounted FR4 plate for a “poppier” sound, two layers of sound-dampening foam to prevent unwanted reverb from the aluminum body, and a PCB fire-retardent “tape-mod” that comes pre-installed from the factory. For those unfamiliar with the practice, for years, enthusiasts have taken it upon themselves to use painter’s or duct tape to help deaden the reverberation sound from within the deck. While this step is like a rite of passage for every new keyboard, eliminating the need to open it up for this seemingly simple mod makes you feel like Razer understands its community and users’ wants.

Lighting

Together we have 18 lighting zones that are fully customizable with Razer Synapse with reactive effect support for 200+ games. The side strips provide additional illumination while its all-transparent switch housing ensures maximum RGB shine-through without unnecessary or distracting bleed.

Paul Antill / MakeUseOf

It boasts per-key lighting and under glow for an immersive lighting experience that looks incredible whether you’re using one of its presets or diving deep into the software to customize fully.

Paul Antill / MakeUseOf

With Overwatch 2, for example, the keyboard will change color to match the skin of your character, while the WASD keys stand out with their distinct color. Similarly, your ultimate and ability cooldowns change color or flash when they are ready to use.

Paul Antill / MakeUseOf

It’s one of those integrations that, until you’ve tried it, sounds like a gimmick, but once you have, can hook you into that ecosystem. When paired with their Basilisk V3 Pro, which we are also reviewing, the synced effects are even cooler. Taking things even further, we added the Synapse-compatibleYeelight Cubes for an even more immersive lighting experience that filled our gaming room.

Paul Antill / MakeUseOf

75% the Size, 100% Worth It

Despite Razer’s decision to use less durable ABS caps, lack of pass-through, and its questionable decision to void the warranty if you want to take full advantage of its modification options, the BlackWidow V4 75% delivers a big punch in its debut. If you’ve already invested in the Razer ecosystem, or you’re willing to pay the Razer tax, the BlackWidow V4 75% is one of the best compact mechanical keyboards that will impress long-time keyboard customizers and those looking to get into the hot-swap lifestyle for the first time.

Razer BlackWidow V4 75%

Recommended

9/ 10

$181$190 Save $9

Razer introduces the BlackWidow V4 75% mechanical keyboard, featuring hot-swappable keys for the first time. However, it omits features like the number pad, USB pass-through, and command dial found on the V4 Pro.

$181 at Amazon See at Razer

Also read: