Razer
BlackWidow V3
AUTHOR:Onie T.
TESTED BY:James L.
Published:

The Razer BlackWidow V3 is a wired, full-size mechanical keyboard available with either clicky or linear switch options. It serves as the predecessor to the BlackWidow V4, with the V3 being released in late 2020 and the V4 following in 2023. Built with an aluminum top-plate, it offers improved rigidity and reduced board flex, making it ideal for intense gaming sessions.

The keyboard features a dedicated multi-function roller wheel, media keys, and comes with an included wrist rest, making it ready for gaming right out of the box. The BlackWidow V3 is typically priced around $139.99 USD and is available in Quartz Pink and Classic Black colorways from various online retailers. Special editions such as the Halo Infinite and EVISU versions can also still be found online.

The BlackWidow V4 includes additional features like programmable macro keys and a higher polling rate of 8000 Hz, compared to the V3's 1000 Hz, and is available for $169.99 USD on the Razer store.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

THE GOOD

  • Latency

    The keyboard has low latency, making it an excellent choice for pro gamers who need fast response times.

  • Build Quality

    The aluminum top-plate adds extra rigidity to the keyboard, reducing flex during use.

THE BAD

  • Ergonomics

    It's a bulk, high-profile keyboard. While it comes with a wrist rest, prolonged use could still lead to wrist strain.

THE REST

  • Overall

    This keyboard is perfect for serious gamers who want a full-sized keyboard and prioritize speed. However, the clicky mechanical switches are loud, which might not be suitable for quiet office environments.

LINKS
Where to buy*
AmazonNewegg

*This website uses affiliate links. Purchases made through these links may provide compensation to Linus Media Group.

Hardware
HardwareNotes

In the Box, the BlackWidow V3 includes a wrist rest, stickers, and user documentation. The aluminum top-plate enhances the keyboard's rigidity and minimizes board flex during intense gaming sessions. However, the frameless design, combined with the aluminum, makes the typing sound louder, especially with the Razer Green clicky mechanical switches - making it less suitable for quiet environments.

The frameless design also allows the RGB lighting to shine through nicely, for those who enjoy vibrant lighting effects. The keyboard includes a programmable media key and roller wheel for adjusting settings like volume and brightness. Razer also added cable-routing grooves, allowing the user to direct the stiff, non-detachable USB Type-A cable, which is 2 meters long, as needed.

For the price, the ABS keycaps are a bit of a letdown, although they are shine-through and double-shot for durability.

In the Box

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Front of the box.

Dimensions
The keyboard is placed on a 900 x 400 mm desk pad next to a Logitech MX Master 2S mouse.

The keyboard is placed on a 900 x 400 mm desk pad next to a Logitech MX Master 2S mouse.

Height
Width Max
Depth W/ Palm Rest
Depth
Weight
Construction
The right side of the keyboard containing the navigation keys, media control, and numpad.

The right side of the keyboard containing the navigation keys, media control, and numpad.

Chassis Material
Base Plate Material
Base Plate Color
Stabilizers
Keycaps
The left side of the keyboard.

The left side of the keyboard.

Keycap Material
Lettering
Shine Through Keycaps
Connectivity
The keyboard is connected by a USB Type-A undetachable cable.

The keyboard is connected by a USB Type-A undetachable cable.

Wireless
Wired
Bluetooth
Bluetooth Version
Multi-Device Pairing
Receiver
Receiver Storing
Battery Type
Computer Side Connector
Keyboard Side Connector
Cable Length
Detachable Cable
USB Passthrough
Features & Software
Features & SoftwareNotes

The BlackWidow V3 is powered by Razer's Synapse 3 software, though this software is only compatible with Windows, despite the keyboard itself being compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. It features per-key RGB backlighting, which users can customize, along with key functions and macros. Up to four profiles can be saved on the keyboard itself, with up to six profiles available in the software.

Additionally, the keyboard supports Razer's Snap Tap functionality through the Razer Synapse 4 software version, which allows for inputs between two selected keys without having to release the first one.

Software
Software
Mandatory Registration
Number Of Profiles
Onboard Memory
Cloud Sync
Macro Programming
QMK Firmware Compatible
VIA Key Configurator Compatible
Windows Compatible
MacOS Compatible
Backlighting
RGB Software
Backlighting
Backlighting Color
Per Key Illumination
Performance
PerformanceNotes

The Razer Green mechanical switches in the BlackWidow V3 are clicky and non-hot-swappable. They feature an operating force of 51.74 gf, a pre-travel distance of 2.41 mm, and a total travel distance of 4.39 mm. When used in its only mode - wired - the keyboard achieves decently low latency, averaging 7.1 ms.

Keystroke
Latency
Sound Sample
Productivity & Efficiency
Productivity & EfficiencyNotes

The BlackWidow V3 comes with a solid plastic wrist rest, while the newer BlackWidow V4 has a cushioned wrist rest for improved comfort. The keyboard offers three incline angles of 4°, 7°, and 10°, but due to its high profile, it may still lead to wrist strain during extended use, even with the wrist rest in place.

Ergonomics

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The keyboard ergonomics at an angle of 4 degrees, with the adjustable leg in.

Board Size
Board Type
Palm Rest Included
Low Profile
Incline Angles
/ /
Key Alignment
Numpad
Dedicated Function Row
Dedicated Arrow Keys
Key Spacing
Ghosting & Rollover
KRO Wired
KRO Receiver
KRO Bluetooth
Ghosting
Test Configuration
Tested Settings
Firmware Version
Software Version
Polling Rate (Wired)
Polling Rate (Wireless)
Debounce Time

FREQUENTLY COMPARED KEYBOARDS