Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro review: More than enough buttons, too much software
Enlarge / Razer's BlackWidow V4 Pro wired mechanical keyboard. (credit: Scharon Harding)
| Specs at a glance: Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro | |
|---|---|
| Switches | Razer Green (clicky) or Yellow (linear) |
| Keycaps | Doubleshot ABS plastic |
| Connectivity options | USB-A cable |
| Backlighting | Per-key RGB |
| Size (with wrist rest) | 18.3*9.35*1.73 inches (466*237.5*44 mm) |
| Weight (with wrist rest) | 3.37 pounds (1,530 g) |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Price (MSRP) | $230 |
| Other | 1x USB-A passthrough port, detachable wrist rest |
If you've ever wished your keyboard had more buttons, Razer's BlackWidow V4 Pro may be for you. It expands the full-size keyboard layout to include a column of macro keys and three non-mechanical buttons on the keyboard's left edge. The keyboard also has a volume roller and a so-called Command Dial, which lets you twist your inputs to control zoom, scroll through a long spreadsheet, or tweak the size of a Photoshop brush.
Despite Razer's gaming focus, the BlackWidow V4 Pro fits well in work settings thanks to its extreme, multi-layer programmability, a strong but imperfect typing experience, and a USB-A passthrough port. It's easy to dim the RGB lighting and get to work with complex key bindings; you can launch frequently used apps and sites with a keypress and navigate programs with the dial.
But many of the BlackWidow V4 Pro's best features require you to keep Razer's Synapse app open, and while this isn't a new complaint, the introduction of the multi-function dial puts a harsh spotlight on this limitation.