Mechanical keyboards can be a deep rabbit hole for enthusiasts. Once you venture beyond the ready-made options from well-known manufacturers and step into the custom world, costs can soar into the hundreds, with a dizzying number of decisions to make for something most people don’t give a second thought. But when Razer introduced a new addition to its BlackWidow line, I realized there’s a simpler path into the realm of custom keyboards. The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% gives you the flexibility to enjoy it as it comes or gradually modify it to perfectly suit your needs. Much like prebuilt gaming PCs from brands like iBuyPower and CyberPowerPC, this keyboard is built with easily replaceable components, making it a great entry point for DIY enthusiasts.
An upgrade to the standard V4 75% model released last year, the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% retains Razer’s signature orange tactile switches while adding wireless functionality and an OLED display. With these new features, the price jumps nearly 60%, launching at $300. It supports Bluetooth pairing with up to three devices, boasts a 4K Hz polling rate, and can run for up to 2100 hours in low-power mode, during which it drops to a 1,000 Hz polling rate to extend battery life.
If ultra-fast polling rates don’t impact your gaming, you might still enjoy the integrated OLED display, which offers various modes including animated gifs (like the iconic Nyan Cat), static images, text banners, system stats, and CPU temperature readouts. Additionally, the customizable control dial lets you assign keyboard shortcuts for speeding up tasks in software like Adobe Photoshop.
After trying the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, it became clear why this keyboard stands out. It allows users to experience the custom keyboard world without the overwhelming research and effort, as Razer handles all the hard work. And it’s available at retail stores like Best Buy or online starting September 24, so getting one is as simple as making a purchase.
For those wanting to fully customize their setup, the option is still there. Razer’s presentation showcased several tailored versions of the BlackWidow V4 Pro, each reflecting unique tastes—from sleek designs to quirky keycaps, some of which weren’t for me (ceramic keycaps are certainly an acquired taste). If more companies follow in Razer’s footsteps, we might soon see a shift toward keyboards that not only feel perfect under our fingers but also sound and look just the way we like.
