The wired Razer BlackWidow V4 is a popular enthusiast gaming keyboard with hot-swappable switches. To appeal to an even wider audience, the new wireless BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is set for release on September 24th. However, Razer did more than just cut the cord with their latest peripheral, adding a handy OLED screen. Not surprisingly, the resulting BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is apremium mechanical keyboardwith a $299.99 price tag.
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is one of the most advanced gaming keyboards yet, supporting a 4000 Hz wireless polling rate. Retaining some of the best features of the wired BlackWidow V4 75%, the cordless keyboard features hot-swappable switches and a tape-modded PCB for distinctive but pleasant typing. The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% also adds an OLED display, which can be customized to show notifications or keyboard status. The keyboard offers Bluetooth pairing and an incredible 2100-hour battery life with active power-saving to ease the transition to wireless connectivity.
Most users see 75% keyboards as a reasonable compromise between full-sized and ultra-compact 60% alternatives. While gamers won’t have access to a number pad, the BlackWidow V4 Pro offers the arrow keys and function row that smaller keyboards lack. Razer hasn’t listed a weight for the keyboard yet, but based on the wired version’s 1.8 lb/815-gram spec, it’s likely to be equally well-built. The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is reinforced by aluminum alloy and has extra-thick Doubleshot PBT Keycaps, addressing a weakness of the wired model.
OLED displaysare often seen as frivolous features on keyboards. Still, Razer strives to make the screen on the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% as functional as possible. With a Command Dial on the keyboard’s right edge, gamers can cycle through notifications, change various settings, or display custom graphics. Buyers should expect the usual dynamic Razer Chroma lighting, which results in a spectacular-looking gaming peripheral.
The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% fully embraces thehot-swappable keyboardtrend. A socketed PCB board inside the keyboard allows the fussiest gamers to replace the switches for a clickier or smoother typing feel. The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% ships with improved Razer Orange Tactile Switches by default. The third generation of these switches provides a tactile response to competitive gamers while promoting fast and accurate inputs.
For aspiring keyboard aficionados, the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% takes care of some of the more expert modifications. Buyers who dare to open up the keyboard will find tape applied to the PCB board. This material absorbs pinging that often annoys gamers and bystanders with furious mechanical switch action. Lubricant is pre-applied to screw-in stabilizers, virtually eliminating unsettling key wobbling. Finally, a substantial foam layer gives gamers the impression of typing on solid gaming gear, rather than an empty shell.
Mostkeyboards esports pros useare wired because of fear of added latency or signal interference. The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% addresses these concerns with optimized Razer HyperSpeed Wireless, capable of an unusual 4000 Hz polling rate. The previous BlackWidow V4 had a polling rate of 8000 Hz, but that was over a USB connection. Most casual gamers won’t benefit from inputs registering this quickly, but suitably powerful PCs are up to the task. To make the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% more versatile, Razer has equipped it with Bluetooth connectivity. Users will need to activate power saving for the longest battery life, but the keyboard can last for up to 2100 hours on a single charge.
Smaller keyboards sometimes lack creature comforts like a padded wrist rest. Fortunately, the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% ships with a magnetic leatherette cushion that attaches to the bottom of the device for a seamless look. Adjustable feet allow users to set the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% at different incline levels, turning it into a more than adequateergonomic gaming keyboard.
The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%’s $300 asking price will ultimately be the stumbling block for prospective buyers. Still, with breakthrough low-latency wireless connectivity and simple switch customization, it’s likely to become a favorite high-end keyboard. Game Rant will let readers know how its promising features translate to real-world performance after its September 24th release date.
