
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.
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.
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Front of the box.

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

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

The left side of the keyboard.

The keyboard is connected by a USB Type-A undetachable cable.
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.
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.
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.
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The keyboard ergonomics at an angle of 4 degrees, with the adjustable leg in.