With the Blackwidow V4 Pro, Razer has introduced a new gaming keyboard in the upper price segment. MeinMMO editor Benedikt Schlotmann tested the keyboard and reveals whether the model is worthwhile for you.
With the Blackwidow, Razer offers a keyboard series that, according to the manufacturer, is “the first choice of pro gamers around the world” (via razer.com). These are mechanical gaming keyboards with a number of features. With the Blackwidow V4 Pro, Razer has now presented the latest iteration. Above all, the keyboard offers more adjustments in detail compared to its predecessor, the Blackwidow V3 Pro.
I took a look at the keyboard in a test for MeinMMO and I’ll tell you how the keyboard performs in the review. You can also find out for whom the keyboard could be worthwhile.
Features and technical details:
Scope of delivery, design and construction
What does the scope of delivery look like? In addition to the keyboard, the box includes instructions, a set of stickers and two “USB-C to USB-A” cables. On top of that, the scope of delivery includes a palm rest with an imitation leather look, which is connected to the keyboard with a magnet.
How is the keyboard structured? The keyboard comes in the well-known full-size layout and uses green switches. However, the layout of the keyboard comes with a few special features:
The keyboard requires two USB ports on the computer. One cable for the power and the general functions of the keyboard, the second connection optional for “USB passthrough.” You can also use the keyboard with just one cable.
The keyboard relies on an active and extensive illumination. Because not only the keys of the keyboard are illuminated, but also the chassis of the keyboard and the palm rest. This certainly looks very chic, even if it is not absolutely necessary.
Too bad: Compared to its direct predecessor, the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro, the V4 Pro does without a wireless connection. A feature that I was very happy to use in the predecessor and in the Logitech G915.
Different views of the Razer Blackwidow V4 Pro.
processing
The keyboard feels of high quality. The body of the keyboard is made of a metal alloy, the media keys and the rotary knobs are also made of metal and not plastic. These are also improvements compared to the predecessor.
The keyboard switches are not interchangeable, the keycaps can be easily removed and replaced with others.
Razer uses the double-shot molding process for the keys. These keys offer better durability than regular ABS keys and have the same rough finish as PBT keycaps. It’s still a pity that the high-priced keyboard doesn’t have keycaps made of PBT. But you have to give Razer credit for the fact that other manufacturers only partially do this.
software
“Razer Synapse” is used as software. The software is quite large and occupies significantly more storage space than comparable software suites, such as those from Roccat or Logitech. The software itself is a bit confusing, but all functions are explained with tooltips and are self-explanatory.
In the software itself, all keys can be reconfigured and the macro keys set up. On top of that, you can configure the “gaming mode” and specify whether certain keys should be deactivated when playing.
On the next page you can read everything about the ergonomics, the buttons and the final conclusion. Here I explain whether the keyboard could be worthwhile for you.