Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Review: "a Satisfying Balance Of Luxury Feel And Handy Functionality"

The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% continues the trend we've seen in gaming consoles since the beginning of the year, including out-of-the-box features and custom designs for those who are investing heavily and ready to take on the hobby. We saw Corsair do just that with the K70 Pro Mini Wireless. Asus did it with the ROG Azoth, and now one of the best gaming keyboards on the market is getting the same treatment.

The original Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is a beast in its own right, but it's 75% thinner and has a heavy emphasis on high-quality custom design. It's much more than just a replacement keyboard. The inclusion of a variety of fan-favorite modes means this is one of the best typing experiences I've ever had, especially on a Razer keyboard that prioritizes speed over feel and sound.

I've had the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% in my hands for a month now, here's how it works.

design

As the name suggests, the Razer BlackWidow V4's form factor is 75% smaller than the giant Pro model. However, there's still a nice array of RGB lighting on both sides, although these don't extend to the bracelet, which is oddly included in the box. However, this is a removable card, and like many others in its class, the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% uses a few special tricks to improve the typing experience. The main body is assembled at the joints with a laminated epoxy resin insert that covers the motherboard and provides a deeper, softer feel with every keystroke. Razer has followed this trend, but also has 75% of the V4 glued to the back of the card for ultra-clear audio.

Each stabilizer is lubricated at the factory, and although it's mounted on the deck itself rather than on the PCB, there are contact points on the main board if you want to upgrade. However, please note that opening the package will void the warranty.

Aesthetically, this is a Razer keyboard. The wedge-shaped design, durable black aluminum construction, textured palm rest and matte finish are consistent with the previous Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro. Below you'll see two legs pushed forward to lift the tail even further than the already tapered silhouette, creating a set of dewclaws with a beautiful profile. I obviously prefer the higher position and this is one of the most comfortable I've ever found.

Functions

The addition of Hot Swap removed 75% of some features from the full-size Pro version. There's no USB pass-through, and the command line is also removed from the equation. This means that the added flexibility and macro functionality of a full-size device is lost. However, if you prefer to prioritize typing, the V4 is 75% worth the sacrifice.

Razer Orange Gen 3 switches are pre-installed and provide greater depth and tactility. Additionally, the design of the rack ensures that everything sits securely on your back. The switches have 3.5mm travel and require an actuation force of 50g, which is less than the Cherry MX Brown and is also much lighter.

However, you may not be able to stick with it - hence the appeal of a warm ensemble that can change. The board has 3 and 5 pin switches and I was able to quickly and easily replace the entire bridge without yanking or moving it.

When I got to the top, I was in for a surprise. I used the Razer BlackWidow V4 at 75% for about a day without reading the full specs. When I realized that the keycaps were made from ABS and not the PBT quality I was expecting, I was surprised. They have a very good texture and are especially pleasant to the touch compared to cheaper plastics.

The 75% form factor means I've never lost the key I use every day for productivity. This affects keyboards that are 60% and sometimes 65% smaller. Like the Asus ROG Azoth, the BlackWidow V4 75% has a carefully curated list of navigation keys with built-in arrow keys in the bottom right corner. I prefer Asus's segregated keys, but Razer's has everything in one unit. While I didn't have much trouble with accidental presses while working or playing, it did take me a few milliseconds to remember where I was on my back, which can be crucial to mastering the layout I'm using.

The V4 75% also retains the media keys in the top right corner, but like the Pro, the function bars at the top are hard to read due to a brush effect. Here you will also find the volume control of the original model.

This is a closely related issue that once again contradicts the BlackWidow series' previous reputation as Razer's line of wireless gaming keyboards. However, this does mean that you'll have an easier time relying on the 8,000Hz polling rate, although casual gamers shouldn't be running at those speeds. Of course, you can also use the Razer Synapse software to customize macros, set RGB models, and save presets in five built-in profiles.

Performance

Few gaming keyboards love the sound and feel of the keys. Trumpet, ping, and reverb work when you trade the clicky feel for higher speed and macro features. That said, I've been impressed with the overall experience of the latest hot-swappable options to hit the market over the past 12 months, and the Razer is no different.

Replacing them won't be a problem, they are some of the best switches Razer has ever made. The distinct click at the actuation point takes some getting used to, and it feels heavier than the lighter ROG NX switches I'm used to, but once you're there, it's impressive how connected the feel is to the journey itself. After a few days of playing, I was particularly pleased to ride the decks, not only because of the speed of operation, but also because of the rich and smooth sound of each key.

These touch buttons don't work as well in fast-paced games as they do in more casual adventure or strategy games. I'm by no means a fast Apex Legends player, but I've noticed the extra weight disappears a bit in games, and the linear keys are better suited for repetitive typing. However, offline this deck is absolutely compelling and competes well with Assassin's Creed: Odyssey and Eastward.

Is it worth buying the Razer BlackWidow V4 with a 75% discount?

Believe it or not, the Razer BlackWidow V4 represents 75% of the cheapest gaming keyboards from major brands on the market. The Asus Azoth costs $249.99/£269.99 but offers wireless connectivity, dual PBT knobs, faster ROG NX switches and a slightly thinner button layout. Overall, this is the best keyboard. However, if you value comfort, the BlackWidow's strap and increased height may negate these benefits.

The Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless is slightly cheaper, a much smaller package (60%) that still offers interchangeable buttons and wireless connectivity for $179.99/£169.99. If you're looking for a smaller footprint, saving $10 off Razer's $189.99 MSRP might make sense here.

However, the Razer product is a very good choice. It provides fantastic hot-swappable capabilities while maintaining the speed needed for more demanding games, and comes with all the switches and media controls you need for everyday use. These tactile switches feel great in the hand, and if you need to swap them out for something faster, the board also offers a lot of flexibility. 75% would recommend the V4 to anyone looking to enter the world of custom desktops while upgrading from a mid-range gaming console, especially if you don't require a wireless connection.

Here's how we tested the Razer BlackWidow V4 at 75%.

I used the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro for four weeks for all types of work and play, running everyday tasks like Apex Legends, Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Doom Eternal, and Eastward. I also removed the switches completely and replaced them with a set of Cherry MX Browns. For more information on how we test game consoles, please see GamesRadar+'s full hardware policy.

We 've rounded up many of the best Razer keyboards on the market , but if you're looking for something a little cheaper, check out the best membrane gaming keyboards or the cheapest gaming keyboards right now .

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