Razer has expanded its BlackWidow V4 series with a compact tenkeyless (75%) version of its Pro model, delivering high-end features in a more streamlined form. While it follows the design principles of its predecessors, this version brings refinements that set it apart, catering to gamers and keyboard enthusiasts alike. It maintains the premium build quality and performance expected from the BlackWidow lineup while introducing unique elements that enhance its versatility.
One of the standout additions is the Command Dial, offering a fresh way to interact with your PC and customize functions on the fly. This feature, paired with a hot-swappable switch design, makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy personalizing their peripherals. Despite being based on an already well-regarded keyboard, these thoughtful updates help it carve out its own identity in the competitive gaming keyboard market.
With its space-saving layout, the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% removes the number pad and trims down the middle column, creating a compact yet highly functional design. The reduced footprint is ideal for those who need extra desk space while retaining essential keys for gaming and productivity. Solid construction, vibrant lighting, and responsive mechanical switches round out the experience, making this keyboard a compelling option for serious gamers and tech enthusiasts alike.
Design and Functionality
The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% embraces a compact yet durable design, offering a tenkeyless layout that removes the number pad while keeping essential keys intact. This makes it a great choice for those who want to free up desk space without compromising on usability. Despite its smaller size, the keyboard maintains a solid and weighty feel, thanks to its high-quality aluminum chassis that enhances both durability and stability.
Razer has ensured that aesthetics remain a priority, with RGB lighting playing a key role in its visual appeal. Each key is individually backlit, providing vibrant illumination that enhances visibility in dim environments. Additionally, RGB strips along the base of the keyboard add an extra layer of dynamic lighting, all of which can be fine-tuned through software for a personalized experience.
Connectivity options cater to both wired and wireless users, offering Bluetooth 5.1 alongside a 2.4GHz wireless mode for low-latency gaming. A USB-C wired option is also available for those who prefer a direct connection, ensuring seamless performance in competitive settings. The ability to switch between multiple devices quickly makes it a versatile choice for both gaming and productivity.
One of the most innovative additions to this model is the Command Dial, positioned in the upper-right corner of the keyboard. It allows users to navigate through different functions with ease, acting as a convenient control hub for various system adjustments. The dial’s customizability through software makes it even more useful, enabling tailored commands that suit different workflows.
For those who enjoy custom mechanical keyboards, this model supports hot-swappable switches, making it easy to replace or upgrade key switches without extensive modifications. Whether sticking with Razer’s third-generation Orange tactile switches or swapping them out for a different feel, users have plenty of flexibility. The ability to personalize the typing experience further reinforces its appeal in the enthusiast market.
Structurally, the keyboard is designed with comfort and stability in mind, featuring a gasket-mounted FR4 plate and layers of foam padding to reduce vibrations. This results in a firm, consistent keystroke that feels responsive while maintaining a level of acoustic dampening. Whether typing or gaming, the build quality contributes to an enjoyable and precise experience.
Key Features
The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% brings a blend of compact efficiency and premium functionality, making it a standout in Razer’s lineup. It features a tenkeyless layout, reducing its footprint while preserving essential keys for gaming and productivity. This makes it a great option for those who want a space-saving design without sacrificing core functionality.
One of its key highlights is the Command Dial, a multi-functional control system that provides an intuitive way to adjust settings on the fly. Positioned in the upper-right corner, it allows users to switch between preset modes or program custom commands, enhancing efficiency across different tasks. Whether adjusting volume, media playback, or even creative workflow shortcuts, the dial adds a layer of convenience.
For those who enjoy personalizing their keyboards, the hot-swappable switch design is a major advantage. This allows users to swap out switches without soldering, making it easy to experiment with different mechanical switches. By default, it comes with Razer’s third-generation Orange tactile switches, known for their smooth keystrokes and firm feedback.
RGB lighting is another key aspect of its design, with per-key illumination and underglow strips adding a dynamic aesthetic. The lighting can be fully customized through Razer Synapse, offering different effects and the ability to sync with other Razer peripherals. This makes it easy to create a cohesive gaming setup with synchronized lighting patterns.
Wireless connectivity ensures flexibility, with support for both Bluetooth 5.1 and 2.4GHz wireless modes. The included HyperPolling dongle allows for a high polling rate, minimizing input lag and making it ideal for competitive gaming. For those who prefer a wired connection, the USB-C port provides a reliable option with seamless performance.
The OLED screen, integrated into the Command Dial, enhances the user experience by displaying system information and animations. Users can configure it to show real-time PC stats such as CPU and GPU temperatures, battery life, or even custom graphics. This small but effective addition brings an extra layer of functionality to the keyboard.
Razer Synapse unlocks a wide range of customization options, allowing users to remap keys, adjust polling rates, and set macro commands. The software also includes a Snap Tap feature, which enables simultaneous opposing cardinal direction inputs—a function that has been controversial in competitive gaming. While this can be disabled, it remains an interesting feature for certain gaming scenarios.
Designed for durability, the keyboard incorporates a gasket-mounted FR4 plate along with multiple layers of sound-dampening foam. This helps to enhance keystroke consistency while reducing noise, creating a premium typing experience. Whether gaming or working, these structural elements contribute to its solid and refined feel.
Experience Using the Product and Performance
From the moment you start typing on the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, the quality of its switches and build is immediately noticeable. The third-generation Razer Orange switches provide a tactile yet non-clicky feel, making each keystroke firm and satisfying. Their 2.0mm actuation point ensures quick responsiveness, ideal for both gaming and fast-paced typing.
Gaming on this keyboard feels smooth and precise, with the 4000 Hz polling rate ensuring ultra-fast input registration. The difference may be subtle for casual users, but competitive players will appreciate the reduced input delay. Whether executing rapid key presses in shooters or managing complex skill rotations in RPGs, the keyboard remains consistent and reliable.
The compact 75% layout makes it easy to position the keyboard for an optimal gaming setup, freeing up desk space for wider mouse movements. Despite its smaller size, the absence of a number pad doesn’t feel limiting, as all essential keys remain within reach. For users switching from a full-sized board, the adjustment period is minimal.
One of the standout features in everyday use is the Command Dial, which proves more useful than expected. It allows quick adjustments to volume, brightness, and media playback without needing extra key combinations. Customizing it for specific tasks, such as cycling through browser tabs or zooming in on documents, adds further convenience.
Switching between wired and wireless modes is seamless, with Bluetooth 5.1 providing stable connectivity for everyday tasks. For gaming, the 2.4GHz mode with the HyperPolling dongle ensures minimal latency, delivering a near-instantaneous response. The keyboard’s power-saving mode extends battery life significantly when used wirelessly, automatically reducing unnecessary functions when idle.
Razer’s Synapse software makes customization effortless, allowing users to fine-tune lighting, macros, and key assignments. The ability to program the Command Dial and OLED display enhances functionality, whether for work or play. Setting up a custom OLED animation or system monitoring display adds a personal touch to the keyboard.
For those interested in keyboard modifications, the hot-swappable switches make customization simple. Swapping out Razer’s stock switches for alternatives, such as linear options, is straightforward and requires no soldering. This makes it accessible even for users new to mechanical keyboard modifications.
The build quality contributes to a premium feel, with a gasket-mounted FR4 plate and layers of sound-dampening foam ensuring a stable and comfortable typing experience. Each keystroke feels consistent, with minimal vibrations or rattling. This thoughtful design makes extended gaming and typing sessions more enjoyable.
RGB lighting remains a major highlight, with customizable per-key illumination and an underglow effect that enhances the overall aesthetic. Even at full brightness, the colors remain well-balanced without being overly harsh. The ability to sync lighting effects with other Razer peripherals allows for a visually unified setup.
The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% delivers an exceptional balance of performance, comfort, and customizability. Whether used for competitive gaming, casual play, or productivity, it consistently meets high expectations. Its combination of premium features and practical design makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a high-quality mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% refines the gaming keyboard experience by combining a compact layout with premium features. Its tenkeyless design provides a balance between space efficiency and functionality, making it ideal for gamers and professionals alike. With a sturdy aluminum frame and high-quality switches, it delivers a typing experience that feels precise and responsive.
Razer’s Command Dial adds a new level of versatility, allowing users to customize essential controls for a more streamlined workflow. Combined with hot-swappable switches, customizable RGB lighting, and an intuitive software suite, this keyboard stands out in both performance and personalization. The ability to swap out key switches effortlessly also makes it appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy fine-tuning their setup.
Wireless connectivity, fast polling rates, and solid mechanical switches ensure that gaming performance remains top-tier. Whether used in wired mode for ultra-low latency or in Bluetooth mode for convenience, the keyboard adapts well to different use cases. Its refined acoustics and stable build further enhance the overall experience, making each keystroke feel deliberate and satisfying.
With its combination of premium materials, thoughtful design, and innovative features, the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is a strong contender in the gaming keyboard market. It retains Razer’s signature performance while adding elements that cater to both casual users and enthusiasts. For those seeking a reliable, feature-rich keyboard in a compact form, it is an excellent choice that delivers on both functionality and comfort.
