On February 16, Razer revealed the next iteration of its gaming keyboard lineup, in the form of the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro. This new addition to the Razer keyboard product line is loaded with features for gamers to take advantage of, with the Razer Command Dial and the dedicated macro keys being a major selling point for the BlackWidow V4 Pro.
The lighting effects of this keyboard, like its predecessors including the Razer BlackWidow V3, are featured on a per-key basis. Each effect will interact with the Razer Chroma RGB lighting system, which in turn is featured in programs such as Razer Synapse. The BlackWidow V4 Pro will also have an underglow effect on two sides of the main keyboard, with three more on the included wrist rest. The Command Dial and the eight macro keys are across the left side and left edge of the keyboard, and they can all be programmed for both ordinary tasks and gaming. While gamers can use Razer Synapse to customize each key and lighting effect to their taste, the customizability options are stated by Razer to go even farther, with 100 custom modes said to be programmable by users.
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro will come with two different key switch options, the silent, linear Razer Yellow switches, and the tactile, clicky Razer Green switches. While both switch types are fully functional and boast a 100 million keystroke lifespan, gamers will have to decide which experience is right for them when picking up a mechanical keyboard. The Razer BlackWidow V4 also comes with media keys, doubleshot ABS keycaps, a detachable USB-C cable, and USB passthrough functionality for gamers that want to take advantage of it for their setup. The USB passthrough ports are located just behind the F1 and F2 keys.
Much like the Razer Leviathan V2 Pro soundbar, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro does not come with a cheap price tag. The keyboard retails for $229.99 in the US and is available for purchase from Razer and authorized retailers such as Amazon, starting February 16. While the price tag puts it $90 higher than the Razer BlackWidow V3, it should come as little surprise for longtime Razer users.
Though the starting price point is considerable, with an array of features for gamers and consumers to consider, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro may end up being one of the top gaming keyboard choices on the market today. Only time will tell how practical those options are for consumers.
