It is nonetheless bizarre to assume that Razer, a model recognized for PC gaming peripherals, solely launched its first wi-fi gaming keyboard in 2020 (opens in new tab). We have not seen tonnes of wi-fi keyboards from Razer since, although there was the wonderful 65% Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini Hyperspeed (opens in new tab), and the very good productiveness suite board (opens in new tab). However not lots 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 seems to be of it, this board is ready to hold ahead many options we have beloved in earlier Razer keyboards (opens in new tab), but in addition 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 equipment, 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 below the chassis and wrist rests. It will be a vivid centrepiece of any desktop, although you will need to take care of Razer’s Synapse software program for full customisation.
The BlackWidow V4 seems to be 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 fashion. To customize additional you’ve got received 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 function 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’ll be able to customise your self. This might imply scrolling via paperwork, media changes, or for folk who like to make use of artwork applications 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 further 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 seems to be prefer it’d be enjoyable to make use of which is absolutely all I care about right here.
The final function I actually just like the look of is the USB 2.0 passthrough. Positive, it is solely 2.0, however any USB passthrough on keyboards is all the time a blessing. It is a lot extra handy with the ability to plug momentary issues in by way of 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, however it all comes all the way down to the worth. There are in spite of everything some glorious price range gaming keyboards (opens in new tab) on the market. The Razer BlackWidow V4 Professional seems to be prefer it’ll be a way more fancy wi-fi board in your PC gaming setups, with an equally fancy worth to match.