Razer Blackwidow V4 Low-profile Tenkeyless Hyperspeed Review

Offers a distinct combination of low-profile, tenkeyless form factor, and mechanical switches and delivers it well, but it’s up against stiff competition from analogue low-profile competitors.

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It's a tricky moment to be a gaming keyboard. Do you jump on the Hall effect bandwagon to ensure you're bang on trend, and able to deliver that customisable actuation and rapid trigger response all the aspiring pros desire? Or do you stick with tried and tested mechanical keys, which still represent the vast majority of the gaming keeb market but don't offer the same customisation or response times as those analogue switch whippersnappers?

Razer's latest V4 incarnation of the BlackWidow—ahem, sorry, BlackWidow Low-Profile Tenkeyless Hyperspeed—sticks in old-school mechanical territory, but pairs that ol' reliable tactical switch feel with low-profile keys that have a shorter travel from starting position to the bottom of the keypress. It can be used wired or wireless, has three control buttons and a clickable volume roller, and the stated 980-hour battery life is impressive enough. But the real crux of this product is the feel of the keypress.

Which means it's a very subjective object to review. My review sample's fitted with Razer's proprietary orange low-profile mechanical switches, one of three options which also include 'crisp and clicky' green switches, and a 'smooth and silent' yellow option. That's a decent gamut of tactile options, but regardless of your switch choice, the most salient points that determine your feel are the low-profile design, and the construction quality of everything from the backplate to the keycaps.

And I wish I liked that sensation more, but sadly I don't. I find the quiet keycaps a bit loud, and the actuation slightly flimsy, and that's such a shame. Because there are lots of concrete positives about this board, particularly when it comes to the aesthetics. Razer's certainly not alone in the all-black-everything design school, but few brands match the jolly green giant for the visual appeal of that look.

Razer Low-Profile Clicky, Tactile, Linear (review unit: Tactile)

✅ You want an all-rounder keyboard: this one's just as comfortable during your work day as it is when you clock off and focus on WASD; the low-profile keys make for co

Source: PC Gamer