Razer’s new wireless suite of products runs the gamut of device types: Keyboard, mouse, and headphones. The BlackWidow V3 Pro is the keyboard part of that triad (and Razer’s first wireless mechanical keyboard ever), featuring dark, classy style and high build quality. The body of the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro is sturdy and feels like it was built to last. The included wrist rest is comfy and, better yet, detachable for your discretion. The wrist rest features a very plush leatherette feel and will definitely help protect your typing posture. On the upper right side of the typing surface, you’ll find a multi-functional rotary control similar to the one found on Razer’s Huntsman Elite keyboard. I prefer to keep this set to controlling the volume, but you can do quite a bit with it if you program it.
The Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro allows gamers to connect it to their computers and devices with three different methods. The first is by way of Razer HyperSpeed Wireless. This mode is enabled by using the special dongle included in the BlackWidow V3 Pro’s box.. The second means of connection is wired, by way of a USB-C cable. Lastly, the final means of connecting the keyboard is with Bluetooth and you can pair it with up to 3 devices! The wireless capability is really where the BlackWidow V3 Pro shines – afterall, if you didn’t want to connect wirelessly, you would just be purchasing a dedicated, wired keyboard.
Of course, the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro is completely compatible with Razer’s Synapse configuration software and allows the user to customize its lighting profiles as well as key profiles. However, there is a strange issue that occurs when you change the connection method of the keyboard with Synapse running. Synapse will, for lack of a better word, “forget” that the keyboard is plugged in, forcing the user to exit out of the program and restart – sometimes Synapse will actually crash altogether. Hopefully, this is a software issue that can be patched out.
The clicky, tactile feel of Razer’s green key switches is pronounced, making both playing games as well as typing documents a satisfying experience. I should note that the keys don’t feel nearly as crisp as the optical-mechanical key switches found on the Huntsman series – although that series does not have a wireless offering (yet). The BlackWidow V3 Pro is also available with Razer’s new yellow key switches providing a less-clicky/less-tactile typing experience. I have met people who love both kinds of mechanical keys (clicky and quiet) and I love that Razer has made each available for consumers. No matter what kind of key switch you select, the key caps on the BlackWidow V3 Pro are made with Razer’s “Doubleshot” ABS molding technique. The key caps are made from two different layers of plastic. The outer layer is the colored shell while the inner layer is transparent and allows for maximum light transmission. I recently upgraded my Huntsman’s keycaps to the Doubleshot ABS ones and would never go back – the feel is so much better than traditional key caps.
The price point on the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro wireless keyboard comes in at a hefty $229.99. This is actually the biggest detractor of the BlackWidow V3 Pro. It’s high price point is especially painful when considering that it doesn’t come with the latest optical-mechanical key switches.
Unlike many wireless products, Razer has kept the Chroma RGB lighting functions on this keyboard. Of course, it does affect the keyboard’s battery life, but Razer has been very forthcoming with its predicted battery life. With full lighting enabled, Razer predicts the BlackWidow V3 Pro will last anywhere from 5 to 13 hours of use depending on the lighting mode. If you decrease the Chroma RGB brightness to 50%, you can get anywhere from 14 to 25 hours from the keyboard. If you want to stretch your battery life out and turn off all the lighting, you can get a staggering 192 hours out of the BlackWidow V3 Pro! That’s 24 days with 8 hours of use each day!
Overall, the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro wireless gaming keyboard is a solid choice for your keyboard-clicking needs, but the price may keep some away. If you don’t absolutely need wireless capability, you should also look at Razer’s Huntsman line.
