Razer isn’t reinventing the wheel with its BlackWidow V4 Tenkeyless HyperSpeed, but it does mark a subtle shift.
For the first time, Razer is offering a gaming keyboard with modder-friendly features that are long associated with the custom mechanical keyboard scene. While there’s nothing groundbreaking here, but it’s a sign that even the biggest gaming brands are paying attention—and taking action.
Just enough custom
It comes pre-loaded with Razer Orange Gen-3 tactile switches, which Razer says are quieter and smoother than earlier versions, but you can now replace them with any 3- or 5-pin MX-compatible switch. For those who always wanted to fine-tune their typing experience, that alone puts it ahead of most of Razer’s past output.
Customisations here are pretty basic; it’s more or less pre-applied staple mods found on pre-built keyboards designed for the custom mechanical keyboard hobby:
Dual-layer dampening foam (case and plate foam)
Pre-applied PCB tape mod — you can remove it to change the sound signature.
Factory-lubed stabilisers — you can replace them with your own, but it also means voiding your warranty if there’s internal damage.
Razer also utilises a top-mounted steel plate to secure the mechanical switches, which isn’t a common feature in the custom mechanical keyboard hobby, but is more or less the standard for gaming keyboards. The top case is made from 5052 aluminium, while the bottom is made from ABS plastic, presumably to keep costs down and facilitate the use of kickstands.
A little late to the party? Maybe not
If you were into custom boards five years ago, none of this will impress you. Razer isn’t breaking new ground here—they’re catching up. Wooting unlocked a new meta with the customisation-friendly 60HE, and ASUS followed suit not long after with the Azoth, with third-party aluminium cases available for both.
Compared to that, Razer’s latest model feels modest and essentially lets you swap switches, sounding slightly better out of the box. But at least, they’ve arrived. For the most part, there still aren’t many alternatives that prioritise gaming performance while offering even basic modder-friendly features out of the box.
Still built for gamers
Razer’s priorities haven’t changed, and this is a gaming keyboard first and foremost. However, there isn’t anything new, and this is what you get:
HyperSpeed Wireless with low-latency performance
Tri-mode connectivity (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired)
Per-key RGB with Chroma support
Dedicated roller and media buttons
980-hour battery life (power-saving mode)
Availability
The BlackWidow V4 Tenkeyless HyperSpeed doesn’t suddenly make Razer a player in the custom mech world. But it’s an acknowledgement that the lines between gaming keyboards and modder expectations are starting to blur. For gamers who’ve dabbled in customs or want a quieter, better-feeling board, it’s a step in the right direction, even if only a slightly progressive one. Now available at Razer.com, Razer stores, and select retailers for USD 179.99.
