Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro review: More than enough buttons, too much software

If you’ve ever wanted more buttons on your keyboard, the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro might be for you. It expands the full-sized keyboard layout to include a column of macro keys and three non-mechanical buttons on the left edge of the keyboard. The keyboard also has a volume rocker and a so-called Command Dial that lets you rotate the input to control zoom, scroll through a long spreadsheet, or adjust Photoshop’s brush size.

Despite Razer’s gaming focus, the BlackWidow V4 Pro fits well into work settings with its extreme layered programmability, solid but imperfect typing, and USB-A pass-through port. Easily dim the RGB backlight and get to work with complex key bindings; You can launch frequently used apps and websites with the press of a key, and navigate through programs with the watch face.

But many of the BlackWidow V4 Pro’s best features require the Razer Synapse app to remain open, and while this isn’t a new complaint, the introduction of the multi-function drive sharply highlights this limitation.

Do you have enough keys?

The BlackWidow V4 Pro is billed as a gaming keyboard, but I spent hours on it. The most convenient function of the keyboard is additional programmable keys. The 5-key macro bank doesn’t compare to the 18-key one on the 2014 Corsair K95, but it still has all the keys I need from a working keyboard, including my favorite numeric keypad and then a few more.

The layout has great potential for advanced users. I often put macros in the function bar, but the BlackWidow V4 Pro’s extra keys meant I didn’t need it. I’ve used the bonus key bank for everything from launching commonly used programs to quickly typing long lines of text or manipulating Photoshop layers. The built-in memory (with five profiles) and the ability to associate keyboard shortcuts with specific applications gave me plenty of options to customize the board to suit the specific type of work I did.

However, the three side macro keys are not used that often. They’re not visible from a typical seated position, so you’ll need to take your hands off the main rows of the keyboard and feel them to figure out which of the buttons you’re about to press.

I also tended to accidentally press the side buttons. I usually set up the keyboard while I work, and when I lift the keyboard by its left side (my main side, since my right hand usually holds the mouse), I press one of the side buttons. I could get around this by programming the side keys to do nothing, but that’s a waste of keys. I’d rather have the “M6″key in the macro column, like the Corsair K100 and K95 and Logitech G613, rather than those non-mechanical side pieces.

A full set of programmable media keys completes the layout, but their legends are hard to read due to their shiny design and dark gray on black style. I also don’t like the dedicated mute buttons, especially when the game has a volume control. A volume wheel that can adjust and mute the sound (by pressing it, for example) seems more intuitive and saves space.