1.Price, specs, and availability2.Design and features3.Typing and customization4.The competition5.Should you buy it?
However, Razer might have scored a permanent spot in my setup.
Is this customizable, hot-swappable option worth the investment?
Available from multiple third-party outlets or Razer’s first-party store, the BlackWidow V4 75% is widely stocked.
I took it for a spin over the weekend for this review, and the verdict is glowing.
This review was made possible with a review unit provided by Razer.
The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.
The magnetic wrist rest hides the only otherwise visible Razer text logo, but it’s too good to pass up.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Razer sells clicky Green, linear Yellow, and tactile Orange switchesthrough its official store for $24.99.
However, a$190 keyboardis still a steep investment.
Razer threw in someclicky Green alternativeswith my sample, and the included puller can easily remove keycaps and switches.
The keyboard’s case has an almost unsightly metallic border but the typing experience is stellar.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
The stock BlackWidow V4 75% (Orange switches) setup felt great while typing this entire review.
For fun, I left most keys with Orange switches and swapped the arrow keys for Green.
As I mentioned earlier, Razer has dramatically improved its Synapse companion app.
Rubber adjustable kickstands and feet keep the BlackWidow V4 75% sturdy, even without a desk mat.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
You don’t need an account to use Razer Synapse, and a guest account works perfectly fine.
BlackWidow V4 75%: Should you buy it?
It’s refreshingly open, but the stock tactile Orange switches are a perfect starter point.
A standard USB-C cable is included, and can be replaced if your alternative fits into the cutout.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
A thick, engraved volume mute icon lacks RGB backlighting alongside a vague circular motif for the multi-function button.
Side-mounted RGB strips aren’t overly bright but look great on a reflective surface.
Swapping keycaps and switches with the included puller is straightforward, helping with impulsive changes.
Mixing linear, clicky, and tactile switches provides a unique experience.
Swapping the horizontal roller to control webpage zoom serves me better than anything else.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Hypershift allows custom shortcuts for almost any key while holding Fn.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Lighting options appear slim at first glance, but are still varied without needing Razer’s Chroma app.(Image credit: Ben Wilson | Windows Central)
Cooler Master offers an extremely similar hot-swappable option in its CK720 keyboard.
Razer will forever be known for its RGB obsession, and I’m totally fine with it.
