Razer BlackWidow V4 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review

The Razer BlackWidow V4 is a full-sized mechanical keyboard packed with features tailored for gamers and productivity users.

It’s got Razer’s Green (clicky) or Yellow (linear) switches, with the Yellow being quieter and smoother, ideal for those who don’t want a loud clack. The Green switches are tactile and loud, better for those who love that classic mechanical feel but might annoy others in quiet spaces. Both are rated for 100 million keystrokes, so durability’s not an issue. The keyboard has a sturdy aluminum top plate, per-key RGB lighting, and a nice volume roller with media keys. The addition of six macro keys on the left is great for gamers or anyone needing quick shortcuts, and the 8000Hz polling rate ensures super low latency for competitive play.

On the plus side, it’s comfortable to type on, thanks to sound-dampening foam and pre-lubed stabilizers that keep things smooth and reduce rattle. Razer’s Synapse software lets you tweak lighting, macros, and profiles extensively, and the shine-through keycaps make it look sharp in low light. It’s a bit of a beast, though—bulky and wired-only, so it’s not ideal for small desks or if you want something portable. The ABS keycaps, while doubleshot, can wear down and get shiny over time, which is a bummer for a premium board. Some folks also find the Green switches inconsistent in feel, and the non-detachable cable’s a minor hassle.

Price-wise, it’s around $130-$150, which is reasonable for what you get, but it’s not perfect. If you don’t need the macro keys or want something less bulky, there are cheaper or more compact options like the BlackWidow V4 75%. If you’re into RGB, macros, and a tank-like build, it’s a strong pick, but it’s overkill for casual users.

Here’s a detailed rundown of its key features:

Mechanical Switches:
Choice of Razer Green (clicky, tactile) or Yellow (linear, quiet) switches.
Rated for 100 million keystrokes for durability.
Pre-lubed stabilizers for smoother keypresses and reduced rattle.

Per-Key RGB Lighting:
Fully customizable Chroma RGB backlighting for each key.
Shine-through doubleshot ABS keycaps for vibrant illumination.
Compatible with Razer Synapse for dynamic lighting effects and game integrations.

Programmable Macro Keys:
Six dedicated macro keys on the left side for custom commands or shortcuts.
Fully programmable via Razer Synapse for complex inputs or workflows.

High Polling Rate:
8000Hz HyperPolling rate for near-instantaneous input response, ideal for competitive gaming.

Media Controls:
Dedicated media keys for play/pause, skip, and mute.
Multi-function volume roller for quick audio adjustments.

Build Quality:
Aluminum top plate for a sturdy, premium feel.
Sound-dampening foam to minimize ping and enhance acoustics.
Magnetic plush wrist rest for added comfort during long sessions.

Razer Synapse Software:
Extensive customization for key remapping, macro creation, and RGB profiles.
Supports cloud-based profile storage for easy switching between setups.

Additional Details:
104-key ANSI layout (US version).
Wired USB-C connection (non-detachable cable).
Hybrid onboard storage for up to five profiles.
2-side underglow for extra RGB flair.

These features make the BlackWidow V4 a versatile choice for gamers who want low-latency performance and macro flexibility, as well as typists who value a solid, tactile experience with plenty of personalization options.