Razer BlackWidow V4 (Green Switch) — In-Depth Review

November 24, 2025

 

Razer Black Widow V4 (Green Switch) — In-Depth Review

Razer Black Widow V4 (Green Switch) — In-Depth Review

First Impressions & Build Quality

Right out of the box, the Black Widow V4 feels very premium. The top plate is made from 5052 aluminium alloy, which gives it a solid, satisfying heft. Overclockers UK+2Technoworld+2 The build feels robust — it’s not a flimsy “just plastic” keyboard, which is something you notice when pressing hard or typing fast.

The included magnetic wrist rest, wrapped in a soft leatherette material, snaps flush to the keyboard and provides real comfort for long sessions. Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park+1

Switches & Key Feel

This version uses Razer Green switches, which are the classic clicky, tactile switches. shop.ultracore.co.uk+1 They require about 50g of force and have a 1.9 mm actuation point. Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park If you like audible feedback — that “click-clack” sound — these are very satisfying for both gaming and typing.

To tame some of the harsher noise, Razer has added sound-dampening foam under the PCB and pre-lubricated stabilizers. dl.razerzone.com That helps, but don’t expect a whisper-quiet keyboard — this is still a clicky switch design.

Keycaps & Durability

The keycaps are doubleshot ABS, which means the legends (letters/numbers) won’t rub off even after a lot of use. Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park The walls of the keycaps are extra-thick too, making them more durable in the long run. Overclockers UK

Controls & Features

One of the standout features here is the 6 dedicated macro keys on the left side. Clove Technology This is super useful for gamers who want quick access to abilities, or for streamers who need hotkeys.

On top of that, there is a multi-function roller (for volume, brightness etc.) and 4 media keys for pause, play, skip, and more. Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park These controls feel premium and very handy.

Lighting & Customisation

The keyboard supports Razer Chroma RGB, with per-key lighting and underglow on both sides. Clove Technology You can really make it shine (literally) and sync with other Razer gear or Chroma-supported games.

Through Razer Synapse, you can set up your macro keys, lighting profiles, and more. It also supports on-board memory for up to 5 different profiles, which is super useful if you use the keyboard for different games or tasks. dl.razerzone.com

Performance & Gaming

Thanks to the Green switches, the keyboard gives very precise, tactile feedback — great for gaming where you need to feel exactly when a key press registers. The actuation point is optimised, which means your input is likely to be very responsive. shop.ultracore.co.uk+1

Razer also quotes a polling rate up to 8,000 Hz for this keyboard (according to their spec sheet), which is insane in theory, though real-world gain beyond a certain point may depend on other factors (PC, game, USB). dl.razerzone.com

Comfort & Ergonomics

  • The leatherette wrist rest is a very welcome touch and adds long-session comfort. Scan UK

  • Key stabilizers are pre-lubed to reduce rattling. Clove Technology

  • The sound-dampening foam makes the typing experience more pleasant; it's not completely “silent”, but it's less harsh than a raw “clicky” keyboard might be. dl.razerzone.com

Reliability & User Feedback

While the keyboard has many strengths, there are some reliability concerns raised by users:

  • Multiple reports on Reddit of key chattering, “double typing” or keys not registering reliably. > “I’m on my third keyboard … all three have failed the same way. Keys repeatedly double or triple strike” Reddit+1

  • Some users recommend reducing the polling rate (e.g., to 125 Hz) to mitigate input issues. Reddit

  • Others mention that although the keyboard is great for gaming, the brightness or visibility of secondary legends (on non-US layouts) isn’t ideal. > “All special functions … are not illuminated … when I want to do any kind of writing … it is impossible to see the printed functions.” Reddit

So, while many have a positive experience, there are a non-trivial number of users with early manufacturing or quality-control problems.

Pros & Cons Summary

Pros:

  • Clicky, tactile Green switches — very satisfying feel

  • Sturdy aluminium top plate

  • 6 programmable macro keys — great for gaming or productivity

  • Multi-function roller + media keys for easy control

  • Dampened sound + lubricated stabilizers

  • Magnetic wrist rest for comfort

  • Durable doubleshot keycaps

  • Beautiful, customizable RGB with underglow

  • On-board memory for profiles

Cons:

  • Loud switch — may not be ideal in shared/quiet environments

  • Some reports of double-typing / chattering issues Reddit+2Reddit+2

  • Secondary key legends may not light up well (depending on layout) Reddit

  • Price could be high for some, depending on retailer (you’re paying for build quality + extras)

Who Is This Keyboard For?

The BlackWidow V4 with Green switches is especially good for:

  • Gamers who like a clicky, tactile feel and want extra macro keys

  • Streamers or power users who want on-the-fly macro control

  • Typists who enjoy the sound and feel of tactile switches

  • RGB lovers who want full Chroma customisation, including side underglow

It might be less ideal for:

  • People in shared or quiet spaces (because of the loud switches)

  • Users who have had bad experiences with input reliability (unless they’re prepared to RMA / troubleshoot)

  • Those who prioritise very quiet keyboards (they might prefer linear or silent switches)

Final Verdict

Overall, the Razer BlackWidow V4 (Green Switch) is a very compelling mechanical gaming keyboard — it's well-built, feature-rich, and offers a classic, satisfying clicky key feel. Its dedicated macro keys, media controls, and premium build make it more than just a run-of-the-mill gaming keyboard.

However, the reliability concerns raised by some users are worth weighing up. If you're buying, check the return policy, and consider whether you’ll tolerate or mitigate any possible input issues.

My verdict: If you want a high-quality, clicky, fully-featured keyboard and don’t mind the potential noise (and risk), this is a strong choice. But if you’re more cautious about longevity or need ultra-quiet operation, you might want to compare with other options.