Razer launched the excellentBlackWidow V4 Prokeyboard earlier this year. And, after a long wait, we’re finally getting two non-Pro versions of this keyboard—the standardRazer BlackWidow V4and the downgradedBlackWidow V4 X. They retain most of the features from the Pro model, minus a few downgrades.
The BlackWidow V4 costs $170 and connects to your PC over a USB-C cable. Like the BlackWidow V4 Pro, this keyboard features an 8,000Hz polling rate and Chroma RGB with customizable two-side underglow and per-key lighting. You can also save these lighting settings to five individual profiles, which may be called upon at any time.
Additionally, this affordable keyboard has six customizable macro keys and extensive onboard media controls (four buttons and a roller). And it comes with a magnetic wrist rest. Really, it’s just a slightly-less-flashy version of the BlackWidow V4 Pro, though it’s still quite flashy on its own.
Razer’s BlackWidow V4 X is more down to earth. It costs $130 and doesn’t include any underglow lighting or wrist pads. Not to mention, it uses a permanently-attached USB cable, and it lacks the 8,000Hz polling rate seen in the other BlackWidow V4 keyboards.
But the cheaper V4 X is still quite nice, especially if you’re trying to fit a full-sized keyboard at a small desk. It offers Chroma RGB customization, six macro keys, a volume roller, and ABS Doubleshot keycaps. The only disappointment is the reduced polling rate (Razer hasn’t shared the maximum polling rate of this keyboard).
Both of these new BlackWidow keyboards use foam insulation to reduce keyboard noise. And they’re available with Green Clicky or Yellow Linear switches—if you want a silent and silky experience, get the Yellow switches. Razer’s Green switches are for the clicky crowd. (Note that these switches are not hot-swappable.)
You can buy theBlackWidow V4orBlackWidow V4 Xtoday at the Razer webstore. If you’d prefer a keyboard with a bit more control, I suggest that you check out theBlackWidow V4 Pro, which adds a multifunction dial and USB passthrough (for a mouse or another accessory).
Razer BlackWidow V4
The standard Razer BlackWidow V4 mechanical gaming keyboard offers deep customization with Chroma RGB lighting, six macro buttons, four media controls, and a multifunction volume rocker. It also packs an 8000Hz polling rate and comes with a premium wrist rest.
Razer BlackWidow V4 X
Razer’s simplified Razer BlackWidow V4 X keyboard includes most of the standard BlackWidow V4’s features. That said, it lacks an 8000Hz polling rate, its RGB lighting is less detailed, and it doesn’t come with a wrist rest.
