Key Takeaways
1. Razer’s new BlackWidow V4 HyperSpeed series offers slim, portable keyboards with full-size and TKL configurations, featuring tactile orange switches in a compact design.
2. The BlackWidow V4 Low-profile HyperSpeed is priced at $229.99/€229.99, while the TKL version costs $199/€189.99, with special discounts available.
3. The updated design includes a prominent triple-headed snake logo and a multi-function volume control knob, with macro keys only on the full-size model.
4. The lineup features three mechanical switch options: tactile orange, clicky green, and smooth yellow, but does not support hot-swapping for switches.
5. These wireless keyboards connect via Bluetooth or HyperSpeed RF, boasting a battery life of up to 980 hours in power-saving modes, though RGB lighting affects battery usage.
Razer sees the need for slim keyboards that are easy to carry and comfortable to use. Their latest BlackWidow V4 HyperSpeed series introduces sleeker wireless models with both full-size and TKL (Tenkeyless) configurations. This lineup also showcases Razer’s new orange tactile mechanical switches inside a more compact design. Notebookcheck has already evaluated the BlackWidow V4 HyperSpeed TKL to see how it performs.
Pricing Details
You can grab the standard BlackWidow V4 Low-profile HyperSpeed for $229.99/€229.99 from Razer.com or Amazon, where there’s currently a special discount. The smaller BlackWidow V4 HyperSpeed TKL is priced at $199/€189.99.
Design Changes
With these new offerings, Razer has updated its typical keyboard aesthetic. There’s now a more prominent section above the keys featuring the well-known triple-headed snake logo. However, only the full-size BlackWidow V4 Low-profile wireless model includes macro keys in this spot.
Both models come equipped with a multi-function volume control knob and a media button, alongside a trigger for Razer’s AI Prompt Master. The keyboards stand at 18.5mm/.73 inches tall at the front, making them slimmer than the DeathStalker V2 Pro.
Switch Options
The new BlackWidow V4 lineup includes tactile orange, clicky green, or smooth and silent yellow mechanical switches. In the Notebookcheck review, it was noted that the orange switches enabled comfortable typing with satisfactory feedback. Sadly, these wireless keyboards do not support hot-swapping for various switch types.
For those who are enthusiasts, the hot-swappable Razer BlackWidow V4 75% might be more appealing. However, the BlackWidow V4 Low-profile HyperSpeed TKL comes with layers of sound-dampening foam already installed. The lubricated stabilizers minimize key wobble during intense typing sessions.
Connection and Battery Life
These travel-friendly wireless keyboards connect via Bluetooth or HyperSpeed RF. They have a maximum polling rate of 1000Hz, with Razer focusing on long-lasting battery life. The company suggests that these devices can last up to 980 hours in power-saving modes. While the low-profile keyboards feature per-key Chroma RGB lighting effects, this will inevitably use up battery power.
Notebookcheck’s review of the BlackWidow V4 TKL found that Razer’s mechanical switches adapted well to the slimmer design. Despite some peculiar design decisions, consumers now have a viable alternative to the optical technology found in the DeathStalker series.
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