Crafted My Own Keyboard from Scratch for the First Time, Thanks to Razer's Comprehensive Offering
When I took a gander at the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, I could tell Razer was gunning for a change from their usual mass-market approach with this keyboard. It was their attempt to muscle into a niche market controlled by tiny, specialist companies known for their wildly passionate fan bases who live and breathe the freedom to create their own masterpiece keyboards.
But that was just the warm-up. Now Razer has stepped things up a notch, venturing deeper into the realm of custom keyboard building with the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Barebones—their first, genuine offering for keyboard aficionados searching for a gaming-focused foundation. I got a chance to build my own keyboard using their components, and after testing it out, let me tell you, they didn't miss a beat.
So, what's this BlackWidow V4 75% Barebones all about?
My colleague already gave the lowdown on the original Razer BlackWidow V4 75%, which was Razer's inaugural foray into building a keyboard catering to enthusiasts who needed full-on customization. This bad boy featured a gasket-mounted design, premium stabilizers, sound-dampening layers, and an expansive ecosystem of custom switches and keycaps, all with the goal of providing an unparalleled typing and gaming experience.
However, there are folks out there who prefer to use their own switches and keycaps and don't need Razer's pre-boxed hardware. For them, the Barebones edition is the answer—straight-up, no-frills base keyboard ready for your personal touch.
Building a keyboard from the ground up
Let's start with the money talk.
The standard, pre-assembled Razer BlackWidow V4 75% retails at $199.99, whichever black, white, or new Phantom Green colorway you go for.
The Barebones version, on the other hand, comes without switches, keycaps, or the magnetically-attached leatherette wrist rest, leaving only the keyboard base. It costs $139.99 for the black version, and a curious $149.99 for the white one. There's no Barebones option for the new Phantom Green design or the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%. If you want everything Razer, though, you can pick up a set of mechanical switches for $74.97 in Green Clicky, Yellow Linear, and Orange Tactile tones, a full Razer Phantom Keycap set for $34.99 in black and white, and a Razer Ergonomic Wrist Rest for $19.99.
I lucked out with a black 75% Barebones set, green clicky switches, and white Phantom keycaps, although I couldn't grab it in white due to stock issues.
Now, let's talk assembly. Swapping out switches and keycaps is a repetitive process, but the Barebones' high-quality foundation makes it a breeze. You'll appreciate features like an aluminum top plate, two layers of sound-dampening foam, a PCB board already reinforced with fire-retardant tape, and support for Razer-specific functions like Synapse, 8,000Hz polling, and Chroma RGB lighting. The gasket-mounted deck is already lubed up, and even has holes for screw-in stabilizers for greater convenience.
I wasn't tied to Razer's offerings—while I didn't have spare switches or keycaps on hand, I was definitely eager to understand the fuss surrounding custom keyboard building. The actual knitting-together of the keyboard was monotonous but straightforward, with no issues to speak of while I stomped around on the gasket-mounted deck. Snapping on the keycaps was just as easy.
To be honest, I'm not a die-hard custom keyboard fan, but I have to admit the stark panda-esque black-and-white design appealed to me, and the clicky switches were a winner too. The BlackWidow V4 75% Barebones serves as an ideal ground for those who want to craft their dream keyboard—and if you don't mind getting your components elsewhere, the price difference might not faze you.
Is Razer the one for you in this custom keyboard game?
If I had to pick a keyboard that usually winds up in my hands when I don't have another waiting in the wings, it would still be the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, but I can see the appeal of creating your own keyboard. With the BlackWidow V4 75% Barebones, Razer has unveiled a top-tier base for those who seek to piece together their own wired keyboard suitable for gaming and work, boasting broad compatibility with the components custom keyboard enthusiasts frequently modify.
It's a giant leap forward for Razer, which typically dwells in the premium space for ordinary consumers rather than those captivated by customization. Now, they cater to both camps, at least with their keyboards. Granted, some might argue the Barebones' price feels a bit out of whack compared to the fully assembled BlackWidow V4 75%, but make no mistake—the Barebones is an outstanding foundation for those who wish to create their own beautifully-crafted keyboard.
You can pick up the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Barebones right now from $139.99 at Razer for the black version, and $149.99 for the white.
Razer BlackWidow V4 75% BarebonesBuy now: $139.99 at Razer (Black) | $149.99 at Razer (White)
The price tag on the Barebones compared to its fully assembled sibling might raise eyebrows, but if you source your switches and keycaps elsewhere, that price disparity might not affect you. Either way, it's a fantastic foundation for building your very own custom keyboard.
👉Check it out: Razer.com
👀Also consider: Razer Mechanical Switches 75% Set (Green, Orange, or Yellow) for $74.97 at Razer | Razer Phantom Keycaps Set (Black or White) for $34.99 at Razer
- For individuals who prefer using their own switches and keycaps, the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Barebones offers a no-frills base keyboard ready for personalization.
- The Barebones edition comes at a lower price point compared to the pre-assembled version, costing $139.99 for the black version and $149.99 for the white one.
- The keyboard base for the Barebones edition features an aluminum top plate, sound-dampening foam layers, and reinforced PCB board, making it an ideal foundation for custom keyboard building.
- With the Barebones edition, Razer has expanded their offerings to cater to both mass-market consumers and enthusiasts seeking customization in their keyboards.
- If you're looking to build your own wired keyboard suitable for gaming and work, the Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Barebones can serve as a top-tier foundation for your custom keyboards, especially when you source your switches and keycaps from elsewhere.
