Razer BlackWidow V4

The BlackWidow V4 is Razer's mainstream full-size gaming board. Razer's page lists six programmable macro keys on the left, four media keys and a multi-function roller, doubleshot ABS keycaps with extra-thick walls, a 5052 aluminum alloy construction, a detachable braided USB-C cable, per-key Chroma RGB with two-sided underglow, up to 8,000 Hz polling and a magnetic leatherette wrist rest. It is sold with Razer's own Green (clicky, tactile) or Yellow (linear) switches, which Razer rates for 100 million keystrokes. CGMagazine is the one independent review of this exact model that was read for this entry. Its reviewer used the Green switches and found them too loud, comparing the sound to an older typewriter, while noting that friends and family liked it. The same reviewer adapted to the typing quickly, said the actuation point felt deeper than on the shallow keyboards they were used to, and praised the cushioned wrist rest, the volume wheel and play/pause button, and the depth of the RGB customization. They did not need the macro keys but liked having them. The larger BlackWidow V4 Pro has more reviews, and they are a useful guide to the shared parts rather than proof about this board. TechRadar's V4 Pro review quotes the Razer switch figures as 1.9 mm and 50 g for Green and 1.2 mm and 45 g for Yellow, and PCMag's V4 Pro review found the Yellow linear switches quiet and the ABS keycaps soft-sounding. The V4 Pro adds extras such as USB passthrough and a command dial; Razer's page for this model does not list them. The switches are fixed to the board, so this is a pre-built gaming keyboard rather than a customization platform. Razer's hot-swap design is in the BlackWidow V4 75% instead.