It is no secret that I love a good low-profile keyboard, so when I heard Razer was releasing the BlackWidow V4 Low Profile, I had to give it a try. After using it for a few weeks, I can say I am impressed. The keyboard brings the company’s signature performance characteristics into an ultra-thin form factor that challenges expectations, and it is both comfortable and responsive to use. This wireless gaming keyboard blends productivity and competitive gaming capability effectively, though its premium positioning highlights both its strengths and its limitations.
It is unusual to see a variant of the BlackWidow this thin, a design choice generally reserved for the DeathStalker range, but Razer managed to incorporate the core aspects of the BlackWidow here. Built with a brushed aluminum frame that measures less than an inch in height, the BlackWidow V4 Low Profile presents a more elegant style compared to the aggressive gaming aesthetics of its bulkier counterparts. The doubleshot PBT keycaps support this refined approach, offering durability without unnecessary flash. Internal sound dampening includes both plate and case foam, although the thinner profile inevitably reduces some of the acoustic richness compared with full-height alternatives.
Part of what makes this new keyboard so impressive is the inclusion of Razer’s low-profile mechanical switches, available in Green Clicky, Orange Tactile and Yellow Linear variants. These switches feature reduced actuation points—1.2 mm for Green and Yellow, 1.6 mm for Orange—with total travel distances of 2.8 mm across all options. The shortened throw offers clear advantages in competitive gaming, where rapid input registration can influence outcomes in titles like Counter-Strike 2 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. It is also simply satisfying to type on.
The shorter travel distance can take some getting used to, but once you get the knack of it, the BlackWidow V4 Low Profile delivers a solid and enjoyable typing and gaming experience. The quicker actuation provides a snappy response that enhances movement precision and weapon-switching speed. Razer’s HyperSpeed wireless technology maintains the low-latency connection needed for competitive play, while the inclusion of Snap Tap functionality—controversial in professional esports—offers additional advantages for rapid directional changes.
On the connectivity side, the BlackWidow V4 Low Profile features Tri-mode connectivity, offering several ways to connect the keyboard to suit your needs. Seamless switching between 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth and wired USB-C accommodates a wide range of scenarios. The keyboard also includes a convenient dongle storage slot and dedicated switching buttons, eliminating the fumbling typically associated with multi-device setups. Setup is quick, taking only a few minutes, and with Razer Synapse 4 you can easily import profiles to carry your settings across different machines.
Battery performance is equally impressive, offering up to 980 hours of operation in power-saving mode. An innovative battery status indicator uses the number-row RGB lighting to show remaining charge levels. This visual feedback system is more practical than a traditional percentage display, giving immediate awareness without software. Running the keyboard with full lighting reduces battery life, but in regular use I have gone days without the BlackWidow V4 Low Profile showing any signs of running low. This may change over time, but so far I am impressed.
Much like the DeathStalker, the BlackWidow V4 Low Profile also includes a series of programmable multimedia keys along with a roller that can be assigned to different functions. Media controls on a keyboard are nothing new, but the roller is particularly satisfying for volume adjustments. Combined with the other media and specialty keys, it adds to the keyboard’s design while proving useful for quick access to change a song or launch software.
“The shorter travel distance can take some getting used to, but once you get the knack of it, the BlackWidow V4 Low Profile delivers a solid and enjoyable typing and gaming experience.”
I have touched on it briefly, but it is worth noting how well built the BlackWidow V4 Low Profile truly is. The aluminum top plate provides structural rigidity while maintaining the slim profile, although some larger keys exhibit minor rattling that is noticeable in quiet environments. This acoustic compromise stems from the reduced internal volume available for dampening materials. Overall, the keyboard feels built to last, with a construction ready to withstand countless hours of gaming or simply everyday typing.
While I appreciate most of what the BlackWidow V4 Low Profile offers, the lack of a wrist rest is disappointing. The low profile naturally promotes better wrist positioning, but extended typing sessions still benefit from proper support. This omission forces users to purchase additional accessories, increasing the total investment required for optimal ergonomics. After long sessions at my desk, I do find my wrists become sore. There are alternative options available, but it would have been ideal for Razer to include a matching wrist rest to maintain the keyboard’s overall design consistency.
Thankfully, that is my only real gripe with what was included in the box. The BlackWidow V4 Low Profile offers solid key spacing and a layout consistent with Razer’s established design language, ensuring familiar placement for existing BlackWidow users. The transition between switch types noticeably affects typing feel, with linear switches providing the smoothest experience for both gaming and productivity tasks.
To get the most from the BlackWidow V4 Low Profile, Razer Synapse 4 software is essential. It provides a wide range of customization options, transforming the keyboard from a standard device into a personalized productivity tool. The software’s modular approach installs only the necessary components, preserving system efficiency while enabling extensive remapping capabilities for every key and button.
The BlackWidow V4 Low Profile also carries forward Razer Chroma RGB, maintaining the brand’s signature vibrant lighting and customizable effects. Per-key illumination delivers impressive visual displays while staying legible in different lighting conditions. Advanced users can design complex lighting sequences through Chroma Studio, though battery-life considerations limit the practical use of intensive patterns. As noted earlier, running Chroma reduces battery life, so disabling it is a reasonable choice if longevity is your priority.
Razer has done an excellent job of turning one of its most popular keyboards into a low-profile model, but that comes at a cost. The BlackWidow V4 Low Profile is one of the most expensive keyboards in the BlackWidow range at $229.99 US. That is a steep price for any keyboard, particularly considering the BlackWidow V4 Pro costs only $249.99—a $20 difference—and remains one of my favourite options on the market. For some, the V4 Low Profile may feel overpriced. That said, if you are specifically looking for a low-profile keyboard, this one more than delivers.
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Low Profile succeeds in offering a true alternative to established low-profile gaming keyboards while delivering the performance gamers expect from Razer. Its premium price reflects real engineering achievement in fitting full mechanical functionality into an ultra-thin package, although some design choices seem more marketing-driven than user-focused. For users seeking a versatile keyboard that performs well in both competitive gaming and professional productivity, the BlackWidow V4 Low Profile is a compelling, if costly, option.
- LOW PROFILE YELLOW MECHANICAL SWITCHES — With zero distance between actuation and reset points at 1.2 mm and only 40 g of force required, enjoy instant, rapid-fire inputs with incredible smoothness
- HYPERSPEED WIRELESS & BLUETOOTH — Game lag-free with ultra-fast 2.4 GHz wireless and pair a compatible Razer mouse to the same dongle via multi-device support; multi-task swiftly by toggling between 3 Bluetooth devices
