Razer's First Hot-swappable Keyboard Is Better Than I Expected

If you’re trying to make the jump from premade keyboards to more custom-built enthusiast keyboards, you’ve probably found yourself staring at long wait times, expensive component costs, and limited stock. So, when I heard that Razer was making a hot-swappable keyboard, I was intrigued by what the company was trying to offer.

I’ll admit, my hopes here weren’t extremely high. I don’t hate Razer products, but they never tend to offer the highest quality when it comes to pre-build gaming keyboards. I’m happy to say, though, that Razer has hit the nail on the head this time, and the BlackWidow V4 75% is a perfect introductory point for keyboard lovers who want a taste of the enthusiast life without all the sacrifices.

Hot-swapping switches

If you look strictly at the spec sheet for the BlackWidow V4 75%, you’ll find a laundry list of items often seen on custom keyboards, including a five-socket design, which will work with even more switches. Razer has also included a gasket-mounted FR4 plate, which means you can expect some flexibility when typing. It might not satisfy the hardcore enthusiasts out there, but it’s a nice start. Overall, this is Razer’s first time offering a hot-swap PCB, which means you can swap out the included switches for any other switches that fit it, without having to solder anything.

Hot-swappable designs are something that many custom keyboard enthusiasts lean towards, as they make it easy to swap out switch types for different builds. Seeing one offered in a Razer keyboard is exciting because it could open the door for more enthusiast-level features in mainline hardware. It also works as the foundation for what might be one of the best products Razer has ever made.

Gaming on the BlackWidow V4 75%

As far as gaming keyboards go, the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% sounds exceptional, especially compared to standard gaming keyboard switches. This sound design is made possible thanks to two layers of sound-dampening foam, as well as lubricated plate-mounted stabilizers, which help provide a smoother sound from the keyboard switches themselves. But, if you’re looking for the very clacky sound of a traditional mechanical keyboard, you’re likely to be disappointed by the way this one sounds.

There’s also the fact that this is a 75% keyboard, instead of a full-size, which is what many Razer keyboards offer. That means you won’t have access to the standard numpad that appears on full-sized keyboards, which may be a negative or positive depending on which way you lean. I, personally, enjoy smaller keyboards than the 75%, but Razer’s option here is a nice middle ground.

Of course, if you are planning to get this keyboard, some reviews recommend being aware of the compact form factor, which can make removing switches and replacing them somewhat tricky. It’s still doable, but you might find some resistance waiting when you try to remove the stock options.

Warranty trouble

It’s disappointing Razer’s two-year warranty is voided if you open the keyboard at all, which means you can’t really dig into the customization aspect that these types of keyboards typically offer. At the same time, if you’re just getting into enthusiast-level keyboards, you’re not going to want to open your keyboard up and risk messing it up anyway. This is pretty common with other custom-made keyboard companies, so it isn’t surprising to see Razer doing the same thing. If you truly want the freedom to go inside and mess around with your keyboard, I’d recommend actually building one yourself from the ground up. There are plenty of tutorials and guides on YouTube from people who know what they’re doing.

Like all Razer devices from the past, the BlackWidow V4 75% utilizes Razer Synapse, the company’s software, which allows you to create macros and customize the keyboard’s lighting and polling rate. It’s easy enough to use, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble working with it and setting it up.

The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% is available for $189.99, and offers several great features, especially for budding enthusiasts. If you’ve been thinking about getting a new gaming keyboard, and want to experience the extra freedom a hot-swappable keyboard offers, this is a great place to start. Just don’t expect the same level of customization options or the same flexibility as a truly custom-made keyboard.