It is nonetheless bizarre to suppose that Razer, a model identified for PC gaming peripherals, solely launched its first wi-fi gaming keyboard in 2020 (opens in new tab). We’ve not seen tonnes of wi-fi keyboards from Razer since, although there was the superb 65% Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini Hyperspeed (opens in new tab), and the very good productiveness suite board (opens in new tab). However not loads for full-sized gaming keyboard followers—till now.
Razer has simply introduced its latest wi-fi gaming keyboard with the BlackWidow V4 Professional (opens in new tab). From the appears to be like of it, this board is ready to hold ahead many options we have beloved in earlier Razer keyboards (opens in new tab), but additionally one we have by no means been too keen on: the worth. Retailing at $US230 or $AU400, this beast is not low-cost.
To be honest, it does look to be a really feature-complete piece of package, particularly for followers of that Razer aesthetic. It’s going to include the total complement of particular person key-based RGB lighting results in addition to underglows beneath the chassis and wrist rests. It could be a vibrant centrepiece of any desktop, although you will need to cope with Razer’s Synapse software program for full customisation.
The BlackWidow V4 appears to be like good on the keys and switches entrance too. You possibly can select between Razer’s mechanical clicky inexperienced switches or the quiet yellow ones relying in your type. To customize additional you have acquired 5 devoted macros with three on the facet, and a brand new knob which has been dubbed the Razer Command Dial.
I am simply going to say it. I like knobs. On keyboards. A tactile, twisty dial is a reasonably large promoting level for me, and never sufficient boards characteristic them. This one boasts eight default modes for doing on a regular basis duties like zooming or switching tabs, and as much as 100 you may customise your self. This might imply scrolling via paperwork, media changes, or for folk who like to make use of artwork packages it may be used to regulate brush sizes and the likes.
Talking of media changes, there’s additionally a devoted media curler above the quantity pad with 4 buttons put aside for additional controls. I fairly like having a setup only for media on a keyboard. It is good to vary these settings with out having to enter the person app. Plus, the curler appears to be like prefer it’d be enjoyable to make use of which is admittedly all I care about right here.
The final characteristic I actually just like the look of is the USB 2.0 passthrough. Certain, it is solely 2.0, however any USB passthrough on keyboards is at all times a blessing. It is a lot extra handy with the ability to plug non permanent issues in through the keyboard than discovering a port on the pc itself. I am hoping we’ll see extra USB passthrough on keyboards sooner or later.
There’s tonnes of options packed into this board, but it surely all comes all the way down to the worth. There are in any case some wonderful finances gaming keyboards (opens in new tab) on the market. The Razer BlackWidow V4 Professional appears to be like prefer it’ll be a way more fancy wi-fi board on your PC gaming setups, with an equally fancy value to match.