What is Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro?
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is a full-sized, wireless mechanical gaming keyboard designed as a flagship control centre for PC gamers and power users. Its core function is to provide a highly customisable, responsive typing and gaming experience.
The keyboard is distinguished by a programmable Command Dial and a suite of dedicated macro keys. It connects via a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle, Bluetooth 5.0, or a braided USB-C cable for wired use with pass-through charging.
Razer Inc., a Singaporean-American company specialising in gaming hardware, manufactures the keyboard. The BlackWidow line is one of its most established, and the V4 Pro represents the current top-tier offering in that series.
Who is Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro best for?
This keyboard is not a general-purpose peripheral; its high price and specific feature set target a distinct audience. It is engineered for users who demand extensive hardware-level customisation and immediate access to a wide array of commands.
- Dedicated PC Gamers: Particularly those playing MMOs, MOBAs, or complex simulation titles who can use the macro keys and dial for in-game actions.
- Content Creators and Streamers: Professionals who can program the extra keys and dial for software shortcuts, such as timeline scrubbing in video editors or scene switching in OBS.
- Keyboard Enthusiasts within the Razer Ecosystem: Users invested in Razer Synapse software and Chroma RGB lighting who want a premium, fully-featured board.
- Power Users with Deep Customisation Needs: Individuals who genuinely use macro keys and appreciate hardware controls for media and system functions.
Key features
Programmable Command Dial and Media Controls
The centrepiece is a large, knurled metal dial flanked by three media keys. By default, it controls system volume, but it can be remapped in Razer Synapse to perform almost any function, including scrolling, zooming, or cycling through profiles.
The dedicated media keys (play/pause, skip) provide instant, reliable control without needing a function layer.
Razer Mechanical Switches (3rd Gen) and Doubleshot ABS Keycaps
The keyboard uses Razer's proprietary mechanical switches. The Razer Green switches offer a pronounced tactile bump and audible click, and are rated for 100 million keystrokes.
The keycaps are doubleshot ABS, meaning the legends are moulded through a secondary layer of plastic so they cannot wear off. However, the material can develop a shine over time.
Multi-Function Digital Dial and 8 Macro Keys
Beyond the main Command Dial, a smaller digital dial above the numpad controls keyboard brightness and can be clicked to cycle through lighting effects. The left side features a column of five programmable macro keys, with three additional macro keys positioned above the function row.
Tri-Mode Connectivity and USB Passthrough
The board offers three connection methods: a HyperSpeed 2.4 GHz wireless dongle for low-latency gaming, Bluetooth 5.0 for multi-device use, and a wired USB-C connection. Wired mode also enables a full-speed USB 3.0 passthrough port on the keyboard's rear.
Plush Leatherette Wrist Rest with Magnetic Attachment
Included in the box is a large, padded wrist rest covered in a soft leatherette material. It attaches to the keyboard via strong magnets, ensuring a seamless and stable connection. The rest is generously sized to support the entire palm during extended sessions.
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro pricing
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is positioned as a premium flagship keyboard. At the time of writing, its retail price is typically around £220 / $230. There are no pricing tiers for the keyboard itself, though it is sometimes sold in bundles or at a slight discount during sales events.
The only variant choice is the type of Razer mechanical switch: Green, Yellow, or Orange. Assessing its value depends entirely on how much you will use its specialised features.
For the price, the official specifications indicate exceptional build quality, extensive programmability, and versatile connectivity. However, if you have no need for the macro keys, command dial, or USB passthrough, you are paying a significant premium for hardware you will not use.
What we like
- Comfortable wrist rest: The magnetic, plush wrist rest is exceptionally comfortable and integrates perfectly with the keyboard's chassis.
- Flexible connectivity: Tri-mode connectivity is flawlessly implemented, offering genuine flexibility for both gaming and multi-device productivity.
- Useful Command Dial: The programmable Command Dial provides tangible, useful control over applications and system functions beyond simple volume adjustment.
- Outstanding build quality: The solid aluminium top plate and zero flex give it a substantial, premium feel.
- Consistent switches: Razer's third-generation switches offer a consistent and responsive typing feel, with improved stability over previous iterations.
What could be better
- Heavy and large: The keyboard is extremely heavy and large, making it impractical to move and demanding significant desk real estate.
- ABS keycaps at this price: The continued use of ABS plastic keycaps, which are prone to developing a shiny finish with heavy use, feels like a cost-cutting measure.
- Software dependency: Razer Synapse software remains a requirement for full customisation, and while powerful, it can be bloated and occasionally intrusive.
- Aggressive aesthetic: The bold font on the keycaps and angular design may not appeal to users seeking a more minimalist or professional look.
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro verdict
The BlackWidow V4 Pro is an excellent investment for dedicated MMO players, streamers, and power users who crave extensive hardware customisation and have the desk space for it.
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is a formidable, feature-saturated keyboard that succeeds brilliantly in its core mission: to be an all-in-one command hub. It offers superb build quality, rock-solid wireless performance for gaming, and unique hardware features implemented in a genuinely useful way.
However, this highly specialised focus is also its main limitation. Its size, weight, and aesthetic are uncompromising. If you do not have a concrete use for the macro keys or dial, you are carrying around expensive, redundant hardware.
For everyone else, especially casual gamers, typists, or those who prefer a minimalist setup, its considerable cost and imposing presence are difficult to justify. In that case, a more streamlined, high-quality mechanical keyboard would offer better value.
