Razer took advantage of the end of 2020 to unveil the new version of its high-end wireless mechanical keyboard: the Blackwidow V3 Pro. We’re not going to beat around the bush for three pounds. We are here facing a premium product, at a high price, and the list of features as long as the arm. With such a level of finish, Razer is aimed here at the most demanding gamers, but also at those who don’t mind investing a tidy sum in their favorite input device.
Right out of the box, the Blackwidow V3 exudes quality. Despite a plastic frame, the keyboard has a beautiful aluminum plate to support the switches of your choice, namely the Razer Green clicky, or the Razer Yellow (QWERTY only) if you prefer a linear race. The set is also quite heavy, with more than 1.2 kg on the scale. It must be said that under the keys hide a large battery, but also a state-of-the-art wireless transmission system. The keys feature a seamless cutout, particularly thick walls, and are molded in ABS so the lettering never fades, which makes us think this keyboard should stand up to the ravages of time and heavy use without any problem. . The dimensions remain classic for a full size model with 49cm in length, 6.1cm in height and 24cm in width. As often, Razer also offers us a wrist rest which is particularly comfortable here thanks to its thick gel padding. Finally, those who like to have a raised keyboard will be able to take advantage of two-story feet, offering 6 and 9 ° of additional tilt.
Guaranteed for 80 million keystrokes, Razer green switches have an activation distance of only 1.9mm, which allows foolproof responsiveness, especially since it only takes 50g of pressure to press the keys. The keyboard also has all the usual refinements of gaming peripherals with a 10-key rollover, a gaming mode (to lock the windows key), full support for Razer’s RGB Chroma system, with as always, 16.8 million colors. Better still, we also have a few multimedia keys, with pause / play, rewind and fast forward, while a wheel adjusts the sound. Moreover, the latter is particularly well thought out, since it protrudes a little from the keyboard, which allows to use it very easily, without having to go over the numeric keypad. In the center of the wheel there is also a button that allows you to completely mute the PC.
As always, the keyboard is fully configurable via Razer Synapse’s in-house software, whether to create countless light shows that react to your games and music, or to create your macros. Note in passing that the keyboard has an integrated memory that can store 4 different profiles, which guarantees you to find all your settings even when you change machines. Connection level, the Blackwidow V3 Pro therefore offers a wired mode via a USB-C socket which is quite off-center, too bad, we would have preferred to have a more central position. In wireless, the keyboard offers us two options: either a Bluetooth connection, or a 2.4Ghz connection (Razer HyperSpeed) which will be made via a dongle intelligently hidden in the keyboard, behind a small hatch. Finally, there is a small knob on the left side of the chassis that allows you to select the desired connection mode, which allows you to switch between the two on the fly, whenever you need to plug in the keyboard. to several machines at the same time.
Super pleasant to use, the BlackWidow V3 Pro remains firmly anchored on our desk thanks to the combination of its generous weight, but also via five large non-slip pads. Still, like any keyboard equipped with clicky switches, the use may be a little noisy for the uninitiated. Regarding autonomy, we managed to hold between 24 and 36 hours using the keyboard fully (no automatic standby, and full RGB), knowing that we can enjoy more autonomy by opting for more energy efficient settings. Finally, our only complaint will concern the wrist rest which is impossible to mechanically attach to the keyboard. Without hinge or magnetic system, the latter only remains in place thanks to 6 large non-slip pads, the efficiency of which is however welcomed.
Priced at 249.99 €, the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro is clearly part of the high end in terms of keyboard, but given the services offered, it is difficult to be able to say that the price is not justified. All the features possible on a wireless mechanical keyboard are available, and the overall quality of the device is beyond reproach. The build feels super solid, and it’s safe to say that this keyboard will last you a hell of a while before you switch the weapon to the left. Be aware, however, that if you’re ready to use a QWERTY model, it is possible to find the Blackwidow V3 Pro for a few tens of dollars cheaper. Finally, if you don’t care about wireless, multimedia keys, and the hyper-padded wrist rest, know that this keyboard is available in a wired version against 149.99 €.
