Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro Review UK 2025: Worth £230 for Gaming?

I’ll be honest: spending £230 on a keyboard sounds absolutely mental. That’s proper enthusiast territory, the kind of money that makes non-gamers question your sanity. But after three solid weeks with the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro on my desk—gaming through Baldur’s Gate 3, CS2, and Helldivers 2, plus writing thousands of words for work—I’ve got some thoughts. And spoiler: this thing is brilliant, but it’s definitely not for everyone.

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Price checked: 19 Dec 2025 | Affiliate link

Razer’s gone all-in with this flagship mechanical keyboard. We’re talking hotswappable switches, a command dial, dedicated macro keys, 8000Hz polling, and RGB lighting that could probably be seen from space. It’s the kitchen sink approach to keyboard design. The question is whether all these features justify that hefty price tag for UK gamers in 2025.

Let me walk you through exactly what I found after proper real-world testing. No marketing fluff, just straight talk about whether the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro deserves a spot on your desk.

Quick Verdict

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 based on three weeks of testing
💷 Current Status: Check current pricing
✅ Best for: Content creators, streamers, and gamers who want every feature in one premium board
❌ Skip if: You’ve got a small desk, tight budget, or prefer minimal 60% layouts
🔗 Check latest price:

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is the most feature-packed gaming keyboard I’ve tested this year. The hotswap switches alone make it future-proof, whilst that command dial proved genuinely useful once I stopped treating it as a gimmick. Build quality is excellent, typing feel is spot-on, and gaming performance is flawless.

But that £230 price point? It’s steep. Really steep. And the massive footprint won’t suit everyone. If you’ll actually use the macro keys, command dial, and hotswap functionality, it’s brilliant. If you just want a solid mechanical keyboard for gaming, there are cheaper options that’ll do the job.

What I Actually Tested

Right, let’s talk about how I put this keyboard through its paces. I don’t just type a few paragraphs and call it a review—I properly lived with this thing for three weeks straight.

Gaming sessions included:

• 40+ hours in Baldur’s Gate 3 (perfect for testing those macro keys for spell shortcuts)
• Competitive CS2 matches (where that 8000Hz polling and rapid trigger response matter)
• Helldivers 2 co-op sessions (testing durability during intense button-mashing)
• Strategy games like Manor Lords and Cities Skylines 2 (where the command dial shines)

Work usage:

• Writing 15,000+ words across multiple articles
• Photo editing in Photoshop (command dial for zooming and brush sizes)
• Video editing in DaVinci Resolve (dial for timeline scrubbing)
• Daily Discord, Slack, and email (standard productivity stuff)

I tested with Razer’s Green switches initially—the clicky ones that sound like a mechanical typewriter on steroids. Brilliant tactile feedback, but my housemate threatened to chuck it out the window after three days. Swapped to Yellow switches (linear, quieter) and everyone was happier. That’s the beauty of hotswap.

What You Actually Get in the Box

Unboxing the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro, you get a proper premium experience. None of that disappointing “where’s the rest of it?” feeling you sometimes get with expensive tech.

In the box:

• The BlackWidow V4 Pro keyboard itself (it’s an absolute unit, proper heavy)
• Magnetic leatherette wrist rest (genuinely comfy, not the usual rubbish)
• Keycap puller and switch puller tools
• Braided USB-C to USB-A cable (detachable, thank god)
• Extra rubber feet for different typing angles
• Quick start guide and Razer stickers (because of course)

What’s noticeably missing? Spare switches. At £230, I’d expect Razer to chuck in a few extra switches for testing different feels. Corsair includes them with the K100. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it feels tight when you’re paying flagship prices.

The wrist rest deserves special mention. It’s magnetic, so it snaps on securely but removes easily for cleaning. The leatherette material is comfortable even during 4-hour gaming sessions, and it doesn’t slide about like cheaper foam rests. Small detail, but it matters when you’re using this thing daily.

Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro Build Quality and That Command Dial

Let’s talk construction. The BlackWidow V4 Pro is built like a tank. Aluminium top plate, solid plastic base, and it weighs a proper ton—1.5kg without the wrist rest. During intense CS2 matches where I’m hammering keys, it doesn’t budge a millimetre. No flex, no creaking, just solid.

The command dial—that circular controller in the top-left—initially felt like a gimmick. I’ll admit I rolled my eyes when I first saw it. But after programming it properly? Game changer. I’ve got it set to control volume by default (with a satisfying click for each step), but pressing it switches modes. In Photoshop, it controls brush size. In DaVinci Resolve, it scrubs through the timeline. In strategy games, I’ve mapped it to zoom or cycle through unit groups.

Is it essential? No. But it’s genuinely useful once you stop ignoring it. The tactile feedback is excellent—proper clicky rotation with distinct steps, not that mushy feeling you get on cheap dials.

The eight macro keys on the left side took some getting used to. For the first week, I kept accidentally hitting M1 when reaching for Tab. Annoying as hell. But once I adjusted my hand position slightly, they became brilliant for MMOs and productivity. I’ve got them programmed for:

• Discord mute/deafen (proper handy during gaming sessions)
• OBS scene switching for streaming
• Photoshop layer shortcuts
• Baldur’s Gate 3 spell rotations

The media controls and volume roller sit in the top-right corner, perfectly positioned. I use them constantly—way more than I expected. Dedicated media keys might seem old-fashioned, but they’re brilliant when you’re mid-game and need to skip a Spotify track without Alt-Tabbing.

RGB lighting is… well, it’s Razer. Ridiculously bright, customisable down to individual keys, and if you’re invested in the Chroma ecosystem with other Razer peripherals, it all syncs up nicely. I’m not a massive RGB person (I run mine on subtle white), but the backlighting is genuinely useful for late-night gaming sessions. And yes, you can turn it off completely if rainbow vomit isn’t your thing.

Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro Performance: Real-World Testing

Performance is where the BlackWidow V4 Pro needs to justify that premium price. And honestly? It delivers. But let’s break down what actually matters versus marketing nonsense.

Gaming Performance

The 8000Hz polling rate is proper overkill for most people. To put it in perspective, most keyboards run at 1000Hz, which means they report to your PC every millisecond. The BlackWidow V4 Pro reports every 0.125 milliseconds. Can you feel the difference? In competitive CS2, maybe there’s a tiny edge. In single-player games? Not a chance.

But here’s what I did notice: zero input lag, ever. Key presses register instantly, every single time. No missed inputs during rapid sequences, no ghosting when I’m pressing 6+ keys simultaneously in complex game combos. The anti-ghosting works flawlessly across all 104 keys.

I tested with both Green switches (clicky, tactile) and Yellow switches (linear, silent). For gaming, I preferred the Yellows. They’re smooth, require 45g actuation force, and the lack of tactile bump means faster double-taps. The Greens are brilliant for typing (more on that below) but the click gets distracting during intense gaming sessions.

That hotswap functionality? Absolute game-changer. Literally. I swapped from Greens to Yellows in about 15 minutes using the included switch puller. No soldering, no technical knowledge needed. Just pull out the old switches, pop in new ones. This means you can customise different sections—maybe linear switches for WASD and gaming keys, tactile switches for typing keys. Or just try different switches until you find your perfect feel without buying multiple keyboards.

Typing Experience

I’ve written over 15,000 words on this keyboard during testing, so I’ve got a proper feel for typing performance. With Green switches installed, it’s genuinely excellent for writing. The tactile bump and audible click provide satisfying feedback that helps reduce typos. My typing speed increased by about 5-8 WPM compared to my previous membrane keyboard.

But—and this is important—Green switches are loud as hell. Like, your Discord mates will hear them through your microphone loud. My housemate could hear me typing from the next room. If you share space or game at night, go for Yellow or Orange switches instead.

The keycap quality is solid. Double-shot PBT plastic means the legends won’t fade, and the texture is slightly textured (not slippery like cheap ABS). The font is typical Razer—angular and gaming-focused—which you’ll either love or hate. I’m neutral on it.

Key stabilisers are well-lubed from the factory. The spacebar, Enter, and Shift keys don’t rattle like cheaper keyboards. There’s a tiny bit of wobble on longer keys if you press them off-centre, but it’s minimal and doesn’t affect typing.

Wrist Rest Comfort

The magnetic wrist rest makes a proper difference during long sessions. I did a 6-hour Baldur’s Gate 3 marathon, and my wrists felt fine afterwards. The leatherette material doesn’t get sweaty like foam or fabric rests, and it’s easy to wipe clean.

The magnetic attachment is strong enough that it doesn’t shift during use, but easy enough to remove for cleaning or if you prefer typing without a rest. At 46cm wide, it matches the keyboard’s full width perfectly.

The Software Situation: Razer Synapse

Right, let’s address the elephant in the room: Razer Synapse. The software has a… reputation. It’s historically been bloated, buggy, and annoying. The good news? It’s better than it used to be. The bad news? It’s still not perfect.

What works well:

• Macro programming is straightforward once you figure out the interface
• Cloud sync means your settings follow you across multiple PCs (handy if you have a desktop and laptop setup)
• Command dial customisation has loads of options for different apps
• RGB customisation is extensive—individual key programming, reactive effects, the lot
• Key remapping is simple and works reliably

What’s annoying:

• You need to create a Razer account and log in (why? Just let me use my keyboard)
• Occasional update nagging when you launch it
• The interface feels cluttered with options you’ll never use
• Takes up about 500MB of RAM when running in the background

The command dial customisation deserves specific mention. You can create different profiles for different apps—when you launch Photoshop, it automatically switches to your Photoshop dial settings. Same for games, video editors, browsers, whatever. It’s almost too customisable; I spent an hour setting everything up initially.

Macro recording works well. You can record keystroke sequences with timing, or program them manually. I’ve got macros set up for common phrases in work emails, complex game combos, and Photoshop action sequences. The on-the-fly macro recording (press a key combo, record, press again to save) is particularly handy.

One tip: set Synapse to not launch at startup, then pin it to your taskbar. Launch it when you need to change settings, close it when you’re done. Your settings save to the keyboard’s onboard memory anyway, so you don’t need Synapse running 24/7.

Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro vs Competitors: Worth the Upgrade?

At £230, the BlackWidow V4 Pro sits in premium territory. Let’s see how it stacks up against the competition.

The Corsair K100 RGB is the closest competitor. It’s got similar build quality, a control wheel, and dedicated macro keys. But it lacks hotswap switches, which is a massive advantage for the Razer. The K100’s iCUE software is slightly more polished than Synapse, though. If you’re already invested in Corsair’s ecosystem, it’s worth considering. But for pure features, the BlackWidow V4 Pro edges ahead.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro takes a different approach with adjustable magnetic switches. You can change the actuation point from 0.4mm to 3.6mm per key, which is brilliant for customisation. But you’re locked into SteelSeries switches—no hotswapping to different brands. The OLED screen is handy for Discord notifications and system stats, but I found the command dial more useful day-to-day. The Apex Pro is about £50 cheaper, making it better value if adjustable actuation matters more than hotswap.

Honestly? If you want the most feature-complete package and plan to experiment with different switches, the BlackWidow V4 Pro is the one to get. If you want better value and adjustable switches, go for the Apex Pro. If you’re deep in Corsair’s ecosystem, the K100 makes sense.

The Honest Downsides

Right, let’s talk about what’s not perfect. Because at £230, this keyboard should be nearly flawless, and there are some legitimate limitations to consider.

The Price Is Steep

£230 is proper enthusiast money. That’s more than some people spend on their entire gaming setup. For context, you can get excellent mechanical keyboards like the Keychron V6 for £90, or the Ducky One 3 for £130. Yes, they lack the command dial and hotswap and macro keys—but they’re brilliant keyboards that’ll serve most gamers perfectly well.

The BlackWidow V4 Pro is only worth this price if you’ll actually use the premium features. If you just want a solid mechanical keyboard for gaming and occasional typing, you’re paying £100+ for features you’ll ignore. Be honest with yourself about whether you need dedicated macro keys, a command dial, and 8000Hz polling.

Massive Footprint

At 46cm wide and 16.6cm deep (without the wrist rest), this keyboard is enormous. I’m on a 140cm desk and it’s comfortable, but my mate tried it on his 100cm desk and returned it after two days. With a monitor, mouse, and mousemat, there just wasn’t enough space.

Measure your desk before buying. Seriously. If you’ve got a small setup or prefer minimal desks, look at the BlackWidow V4 75% instead—it’s got most of the features in a compact form factor.

No Wireless Option

The BlackWidow V4 Pro is wired only. For some people, that’s a dealbreaker. The 3m braided cable is detachable and high-quality, but if you want a clean wireless setup, you’ll need to look elsewhere. The Logitech G915 or Keychron K2 Pro offer wireless connectivity, though they lack some of the V4 Pro’s features.

Personally, I prefer wired for gaming keyboards—no battery anxiety, no charging, no potential latency. But I understand the appeal of wireless for clean desk aesthetics.

Those Macro Keys Take Adjustment

The eight macro keys on the left side will annoy you initially. There’s no way around it. For the first week, I constantly hit M1 when reaching for Tab, or M2 when going for Caps Lock. It’s frustrating until your muscle memory adjusts.

And here’s the thing: you can’t remove them. They’re part of the keyboard. If you’ve got small hands or prefer compact layouts, this might be a persistent annoyance rather than a temporary adjustment. I adapted after about 10 days, but some people never will.

Green Switches Are Too Loud for Shared Spaces

If you go for Green switches (the clicky ones), be prepared for noise complaints. They’re 60+ decibels—about as loud as normal conversation. Fine if you live alone or have a dedicated gaming room. Not fine if you share space with housemates, family, or game late at night.

The good news? Hotswap means you can switch to quieter options. Yellow switches (linear) are much quieter at around 45 decibels. Or grab some O-rings to dampen the sound. But it’s an extra expense and hassle you shouldn’t need at this price point.

Should You Actually Buy the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro?

After three weeks of proper testing, here’s my honest take on who should buy this keyboard and who should save their money.

✅ Buy the BlackWidow V4 Pro if:

• You’re a content creator or streamer who’ll actually use the macro keys for OBS scenes, Discord controls, and editing shortcuts. The command dial is brilliant for timeline scrubbing and zooming.
• You want to experiment with switches without buying multiple keyboards. Hotswap functionality means you can try different feels until you find perfection.
• You’ve got the desk space for a full-size keyboard with extra macro keys. Measure first—46cm wide is no joke.
• You’re invested in Razer’s ecosystem with other Chroma peripherals. The RGB sync is genuinely impressive when everything works together.
• You play MMOs or strategy games where those eight macro keys and command dial provide genuine competitive advantages.
• You value premium build quality and don’t mind paying for it. This keyboard will last years.

❌ Skip the BlackWidow V4 Pro if:

• You’ve got a small desk or prefer compact layouts. Get the BlackWidow V4 75% instead, or look at 60% keyboards like the Razer Huntsman Mini (£100-120).
• Budget is tight and you just want a solid mechanical keyboard. The Keychron V6 (£90) or Ducky One 3 (£130) offer excellent quality without premium features.
• You need wireless connectivity for a clean desk setup. Check out the Logitech G915 (£180-200) or Keychron K2 Pro (£110-130) instead.
• You won’t use the macro keys or command dial. Be honest—if you’re just gaming casually and typing occasionally, you’re paying £100+ for features you’ll ignore.
• You share space and need a quiet keyboard. Even with Yellow switches, it’s louder than membrane keyboards. Look at low-profile options instead.

The Value Proposition

Here’s the reality: at £230, the BlackWidow V4 Pro is expensive. But if you’ll actually use the features, it’s the most complete gaming keyboard available right now. The hotswap switches alone add massive long-term value—you can refresh the feel in 2-3 years with new switches rather than buying a whole new keyboard.

For content creators and streamers, the productivity benefits justify the cost. I’ve saved hours of editing time using the command dial for timeline scrubbing and the macro keys for common shortcuts. If you’re making money from content creation, this is a business expense that’ll pay for itself.

For pure gamers? It’s harder to justify unless you play MMOs or strategy games where macros matter. The gaming performance is excellent, but a £130 keyboard will give you 95% of the experience for £100 less.

Final Verdict

The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is the best full-featured gaming keyboard I’ve tested in 2025. The hotswap switches, command dial, macro keys, and premium build quality combine to create something genuinely special. For content creators, streamers, and serious gamers who’ll use these features, it’s brilliant.

But it’s not perfect. The £230 price is steep, the footprint is massive, and those macro keys take adjustment. If you just want a solid mechanical keyboard without the bells and whistles, there are better value options.

Final Score: 4.5/5

It loses half a point for the price and size limitations. But if you’ve got the budget and desk space, and you’ll actually use the premium features? This is the gaming keyboard to get right now.

Keep an eye out for sales—I’ve seen it drop to £180-190 during Black Friday and Prime Day, which makes it much easier to recommend.