I disagree with your hotswap take. If a $50 keyboard can do it then any brand of keyboard can. Hotswap means reparability and upgradability. You might be able to take dead/broke switch and swap it out, or take scratchy switches and lube them or buy nicer switches. All those things are doable on non-hotswap boards but if you need to desolder and resolder switches which is a large barrier of entry for a novice.
I think folks underestimate the value of having something you can buy off the shelf. Most people aren't "enthusiasts". I don't have a collection of keyboards, nor the time to wait for a group buy, or other such jank order. I own 1 keyboard. I replace switches as they break, or maybe to mess around. In the past, I would need to replace the entire keyboard. I went with the GMMK Pro. It happened to be on sale and I needed a keyboard. It is always in stock and had "most" of what I wanted. Is it the best? Probably not. Again though, I needed a keyboard replacement, not something that I order and it gets here when it gets here.
They have fuses of different current ratings for the cables on different devices. Like if you were to try using a Razer keyboard USB-C cable on the Kiyo Pro Ultra, you will burn the fuse and render the cable unusable.
Then just grab or find Another Usb C cable that can fit to all of your devices. I don't understand why this would become an issue, this is so insignificant to worry about 🤷♂️
regarding the hot swap switches, imho it is an essential feature for mechanical keyboards. It is just a matter of time until one of the switches stops working or starts double clicking, and sure, you can replace them by soldering, but this is so much easier and everyone can do it so less keyboards will end in a landfill.
This. Hotswappability has more uses than just the extra customisation. Many years ago, my corsair keyboard started double-clicking on one of the switches. I don't own a soldering gun and don't know how to solder, so fixing that was out of my reach. I had to replace the keyboard. If it was hotswap, I could've just replaced the faulty switch and kept using it.
@@grubbygeorge2117but most of gaming keyboard hotswap socket is feagile so its kinda pointless. Got mine broke after accidentally pulled too hard (the swirches are fine)
@@Riju ive had my old custom keyboard that i always change the switches for 8 years and it still working fine. Its just the pcb / switch solder quality.
Agreed. Fully custom can still offer soldered options but the drawbacks of hotswap (can be less stable switches in the sockets) are minimal and/or can be mitigated. Mainstream mechanical really should be predominantly hotswap.
you dont have to swap the switches to other razer ones you can certainly use third party switches for a cheaper price with better performance (depending on preference)
But, if you really want a cheaper price, there are so many hot swap boards out there these days, plenty with RGB, knobs, scroll wheels, etc, for a lot less money in the first place...and if you don't need a scroll wheel or knobs, then you can spend a lot less money, so much less, that you can still afford to buy Razer switches if you want and still end up spending less overall. Just doesn't feel like it really fits anywhere other than for fans of the company. To each their own though, and it does at least sound pretty decent right out of the box, so that's always a positive.
Mountain Everest Core is what you're looking for. I have one but I can't go back to normal keys after low profile keys so I'm using a diff keyboard atm.
Wait no they aren’t? 75% is arguably the most popular form factor and a bunch of them have knobs. Monsgeek M1, Drop Sense 75, Keychron Q1, just from the top of my head. There are definitely way more
Coming from someone that dove down the keyboard rabbit hole somewhat recently and went mainstream from the get go, I actually think this is a great idea by Razer for a few reasons. - gives newcomers that option of customization just incase they may get more interested down the line. I never thought I’d be as deep into keyboards and customs as I am now. This targets people like me who want something from a trusted brand yet is feature packed to the end user. Will be great for the end user if this their first board and will most likely have loyalty towards Razer as a brand. - Razer will most likely get more sales towards their switches,keycaps,etc considering the customizability. Even having it as an option could be enticing to people that never did a custom before. Good move for the financials and I think we start to see more accessories drop to help personalize your board even more. - Also proving to everyone that they are actually listening to users and giving people what they want. I’ve never been a big fan of Razer personally but great to see them implementing feedback and fixing old issues (poor stabilizers, overall board quality for some models,etc) This is a good move on their end when you look at it from multiple perspectives. I’ve never bought a Razer keyboard but this is the first time I give it a shot 💪🏽
Did you end up buying this keyboard? I'm looking for a new keyboard and been looking at reviews. Trying to decide between the Asus Azoth and the Blackwidow v4 75. I like the magnetic wrist rest idea, so maybe I will go for the v4 75. Although most reviews seem to suggest the Azoth is better.
Nice video. I have to assume that the people who are enthusiastic about these are the same type of people as audiophiles.. but for me, its been most of year, and i've stopped. From over a decade of using mechanicals, i'm at the point where i'm using a keyboard that i know won't be improved upon to any significant degree (like with audio equipment). The og razer huntsman. Thanks ebay and your reviews. I both love audio feedback, and i'm also in an isolated environment. My first mechanicals were at school in the early 90's. Even the v2's are okay, i have the mini and got used to it thanks to keybinding, but to me lack the audio feedback. The were exactly it and good enough to end the journey :)
Glad that mainstream brands are finally doing 75% keyboards. I'm still keeping my K2 Pro, but at least some more people will be able to enjoy the superior keyboard format ;D.
its a nice board but i feel like 8k polling rate was an odd choice here since most regular 3-5 pin switches won't be able to take advantage of that fully, this board with 1k polling, switch options or a barebones and an adjusted price to suit would be a BIG W
Most thorough review I've seen and I've been watching videos about this board for a few days. I want one, I really like how it looks for some reason. Price is way too high, especially compared to other good keyboards that are getting more affordable all the time. I hope if I wait for black friday/holidays maybe it'll get discounted somewhere, but I know it's pretty new still. Price is almost 2X what I would want to pay for it lol.
3:45... Maybe because the keyboard has no wireless mode... If you're gonna charge the mouse with the keyboard cable, then how are you supposed to use the keyboard... 🤷♂
Typically I love HWC videos. This one wasn't quite it for me. Seems as though you almost came into the review with a predetermined judgement. Very much hung up on some small negatives that I feel kept you from giving the board a fair review. The orange switches are very good for what they are, but buyers aren't locked into razer switches. They can purchase any compatible 3 stem switch. It's disappointing because it would seem that Razer put out a great product, but you seemed to skim over most of the positive points of this board. Great out-of-the-box sound, above average build quality, above average stabs & lubrication, good build quality, and an attention to detail that most all other "gaming" keyboards lack. The asus board is the only one worth noting tbh. For gaming first customers that want something with a premium "enthusiast" feel without having to dive in to the enthusiast keyboard space, I feel like this is top 3 along with maybe that Asus board, and wooting. I do agree there are a few oversights with this board (no such thing as a perfect product), but I just had hoped the positives of this board would have been touched on a bit more.
Oh by making it the only option, they are forcing it on you in some way. Switches are not "a small negatives" they could offer their other options, you pay for them. And it doesn't matter how good your product is, if it's too expensive for what it is. The Wooting pretty much is the only relevant product here.
the pcb actually supports 5-pin switches, so even more options :) and for the more enthusiastic users that want to get inside (void their warranty) and mod it even more, the pcb also has screw holes that allow for screw-in/clip-in stabilizers, if they dont like plate-mounted stabilizers that this board comes with by default.
@@aresuna6683 yup! I feel like these things were overlooked in the review. I watched badseedtechs review after and felt like he reviewed it much more fairly and touched on all the positives as well as the negatives.
yea it really does sound like he has already made up his mind before even making the video. Also putting the "TRUTH" on the thumbnail is implying that other reviewers are wrong/lying about their reviews is kinda sus lol
TH-cam recommended me this literally the day after I've finally thrown away into the trashbin all of my Razer products which I had left and bought all the new devices from another company. I don't know why it is so hard to find criticism towards Razer on the internet, but I'll leave my 2 cents here. Razer is a nightmare. I was a blind supporter for 10 years, had over 6 or 7 of their products. Everything except mousepad became broken in some way just after 2-3 years of extensive use. Don't buy their overpriced products. All of them apart from what's shown in the video are made in a way you won't be able to repair them. My Huntsman v2 had 1 switch broken in just 3 years of use, and then I found out internally it's specifically made so that to change 1 switch you have to soldier an entire backplate, peeling off every switch. Other products had other problems. Synapse 3 had flaws. The only god thing about them is "prestige" and "money hype". Please don't fall into the trap. I'm typing this from a much cheaper full hot swap mechanical keyboard.
razer seems to msrp for blackfriday deal, because I often find many of their devices (even the good ones) about 50% off during those sales. I'm happy with the best mouse I've ever owned the Razer Viper mini for the amazing price of 20 bucks
I feel like 75% layout is made for programmers. And yet, some companies fail to deliver by not including DEL, HOME/END/PG UP/DN and PRINT SCREEN keys, and instead go for INSERT or even SCROLL LOCK. Sure, you can put some of them under FN combo, but there's no reason to have INSERT as primary key ever.
I have completely forgotten what Insert is. Does anyone still use it? I don't think I've ever used it. I recently swapped a compact numeric keypad for a TKL and this is the perfect size.
@@mrcvry In code editors, pressing INSERT will usually toggle overwriting anything on right side as you type. I don't see why would anyone use it over DELETE, which works like BACKSPACE but in other direction. INSERT is basically misclick annoyance.
@@SirRFI I remember this key being around a couple of decades ago, but I haven't seen it since. It is not on any of my other keyboards. Only the Razer has it. Probably a Windows thing. 😄
@@mrcvry I see a lot of keyboards with INSERT. I'd argue the least used keys are SCROLL LOCK, PAUSE BREAK and the one that simulates mouse right-click, usually located next to RIGHT CTRL.
@@SirRFI 40 year old remnants of IBM. It's clear that only Windows still uses it. 😆 A waste of keys. Customized keyboards are becoming more and more interesting.
I was wondering why you had the headset on the whole time 😭. But fuckk. That headset mic is so nice. I also bought this on release, and received it, and it’s the best gaming keyboard I’ve had.
@@j.b.7133 overpriced definitely, trash is a strong word Lol. Aside from the wireless capability of the Asus board, not many identical build really beat this board. The Wooting is the one stand out tho.
There are a lot of options that beat this board. Many of which you can customize with your choice of switches...If you're going to pay this much I'd just go custom and make sure every single part of it is what I want. @@Reveries0129
I have one. I quite like it. With a coiled cable for aesthetics and a further tape mod in the spacebar keycap, its a fun mech keyboard that didnt require me to experiment before I got something I really enjoyed
Actually, you DO need the hot-swappable switches. Unfortunately, Razer's orange switch fails after a couple of months and starts keychattering. Other switches fix the problem. But then that makes your point it should have been bare bones.
So I've tried many custom keyboards. Sadly the low-profile market isn't saturated one bit... Anyhow, here came razer to save the day with their Deathstalker V2. But, I didn't like the red switches. So I replaced them with the Keychron Banana optical switches, which are superior to what was their own brand switch. I'd say hot-swap has been there for Razer already. But, noone seemed interested enough.
probably because the best reason for a hotswap to exist would be the ability to use whatever switches you want. but then those companies are including their own brand switches and that of course adds to the price, which only means less of an incentive to use other switches or even buy said hotswap board to begin with also those razer switch packs are pretty damn expensive if you stick to the same brand stuff
Razer has no switch factory. Razer, Logitech, Keychron are all buying elsewhere. They often use Kailh. No need to buy from Razer. I just switched to the Keychron Bananas too. 😄
@@mrcvry Yes it is cheap. But, they are not factory lubed, like the Razer's blackwidow V4 switches. So count in a lubing station and some lube to make them equal to the Razer's deliverable.
I think I'll check this one out when they release a white one. I see that it's listed on a few stores now, so I came back to watch this video again. Thanks for the thorough review as always! Not a lot of the bit tech tubers are doing keeb reviews, and the enthusiast community pretty much shuns them, so this was really helpful.
Saying a keyboard doesn't need hotswap in part because it doesn't come in a barebones state is a shockingly bad take. I agree that it being offered as a barebones *would* have been nice, but there are other crucial upsides to being hotswap such as sustainability. Being forced to purchase a new keyboard, just because some keys (such as WASD) start actuating multiple times after a single press, or keys straight-up no longer functioning, is incredibly frustrating. There's a reason why even the Wooting 60HE - despite not supporting standard cherry profile switches - is still hotswap with similar hall effect switches. Even the Azoth - the keyboard you kept comparing the Blackwidow to - is hotswap and doesn't come as a barebones. This is a feature that should be a *standard feature* in mechanical keyboards in my opinion, standard switch design, hall effect, optical, or otherwise. And I'm thankful that Razer and Asus are stepping into that space.
Thank you for your notes regarding the Azoth, I'm curious about this but I just love my Azoth, probably the best keyboard I've had in many years. Definitely my favorite from a mainstream company since Northgate... and sadly those haven't been offered in over 20 years...
If you recently got a keyboard (which I'm assuming you did since the Azoth is relatively new), just stick to it. This one looks like a good offering but it won't be a substantial upgrade.
The Azoth is a little bit overpriced too (~230 $ atm), but still way better value. You definetly should swap the switches on it, but it has PBT keycaps, top tier wireless technology, top tier battery, and an OLED screen. The stabs were very good on my unit (just relubed it a tiny bit), but it does support screw-in stabs too. Btw the new ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 wireless uses new switches which are pretty good, different form factor but packed with features. As far as I know the The Blackwidow V4 75% and the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 has the same MSRP.
@@HardwareCanucksI was wondering the same. I got the azoth and it ruined me. Now I'm building a tiger80 and looking into qk100 lol. Would you say the Razer is better type experience and game experience than the azoth? Azoth just sounds cool like a Warcraft name haha. When someone asks me which keyboard is that I'm like Azeroth I mean azoth.
Like Mike, you do a proper, unbiased reviews. Well done. ..Kinda getting sick of Ibrahim's adverts posing as reviews lately. Really lets the team down.
They need to get into the barebones market for metal/aluminum cases. Figured a company like razer could make quality case that isn’t just plastic for enthusiast.
The only reason I would get this is realy for Razer's chroma lighting. There are far far better boards and switches to go for (I love the Akko cream black switches) but I would get this board if they offered different sizes, especially 80% tkl, in the future. I just love the fire lighting effect.
😰 in the briefing notes I had 31 switches, but when the switch boxes arrived (very late) needed to include the visuals along side the correction text 👍 pls forgive and don’t tell Steve 🤞 -D.
Love the keyboard. However, I'm on my second one as I kept getting double typing with the orange switches. Today I swapped to the yellow and hopefully, this will eliminate the issue.
yeah as trxyix9056 say probably had some faulty switches, but razer replaces them if you can check with them and open a ticket in support, they said they gonna send me a replacement set, i asked to send yellows instead but that aint happening as they replied they only send the original switches ;) i also had issues with double registers, had to replace with some ajazz sunrise yellows i had laying around. alot of people had issues at least with the first batch it seems, i also got it a couple weeks after release so yeah, check with them for a replacement while it still stands
@@Pew_Pew_Pizza yeah volume rockers on razer never worked good lol, my blackwidow elite had the common for pretty much everyone volume rocking back and forth without touching it it's was a mess, I also thought to get a refund for the 75 bw v4 but I still can't find a decent replacement I don't want hall effect I was thinking about keychron lemokey it's the only one I kinda like, but still prefer the RGB of razer and their implementation on games it supports
You forgot to mention the fact that the stabilizers can be replaced for screw in stabilizers - imagine this with V2 Staebies lightly lubed with XHT-BDZ :) - even stock - this is easily THE BEST SOUNDING off the shelf gaming / overall board I've ever heard - IMHO - and Im talking from an enthusiast perspective - I have 2 Rama M65-B boards and a mode sonnet and This is on a par sound wise - from what I hear
Azoth is great, but the software really holds it back. It bonked one of my ram sticks RGB permanently somehow, and to this day, still will not even detect the keyboard - so the gimmick that is the OLED screen, is useless to me. Disappointing how software is an afterthought for these companies.
@@HardwareCanucks Seeing as how they pride themselves on their Chroma it’s actually pretty cool to see this implemented. I wonder if it does this on sleep to wake as well. Anyway, thank you for confirming. I enjoy your videos. Keep it up.
Hotswap is just essential, when a switch dies or double clicks, repairability and better for longevity. Should of been done a long time ago, if a cheap keyboard can do why cant a expensive name brand keyboard cant do it
07:32 >"But like, it's not an incredibly innovative product..." Okay, and the Azoth you namedropped 10 seconds before as a superior alternative is "innovative" because it has wireless?
It would be nice to have a barebones keyboard that works with Razer synapse.
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I bought this keyboard January this year. I am already getting so many of my keys double typing even though I press it once. Anybody else getting this problem? If so, how did you fix/prevent this. Thanks in advance 👍
Isn't the problem with ABS, that they become shiny in the future? I don't see an issue with the material or the durability, but having some keycaps starting to shine more over time due to being used more often is something that doesn't happen with PBT.
Not all ABS and PBT plastics are manufactured the same way. Depending on the process some high quality and will shine much later than some pbt but generally yes…. Pbt and Abs also have different acoustic properties that affect the overall build of keyboards differently. Some like it high pitched some like it low.
Why this form factor have "INS" "PGUP" and "PGDWN". I've never used those buttons in my life. If there was "HOME" "END" and "PRT". Now that I would understand.
I know right? It's like companies do these form factors just for sake of doing them, not understanding why they exist. I do use PG UP/DN sometimes, can't say the same for INS. Ideally I'd want Akko 5075S Shine-Through's layout, but with PRINT SCREEN instead of knob.
If only it was wireless I would have picked it up... I went with the Asus Azoth and can highly recommend is the battery holds up for days it actually insane
Seems like this is the only videos where Yellow and Orange switches are compared, personally I don't hear much of a difference, but my GF will and that is why I'm still not sure if this one is right for me. Currently on fence between Blackwidow V4 75% (Orange Switches) and Blackwidow V4 Pro (Yellow Switches), I had green switches before and it was really bad
I think its about time Razer jumped into this market and in a real way for people who like enthusiast keyboards... unlike their really really bad attempt at IEMs
Finally saw one of these in person and for what it is it's not bad but having to deal with Razers crappy software would still keep me from ever buying another Razer product. If I wanted a 75% with a wheel I'd personally get a monsgeek M1 for $100 barebones and have a VIA compatible KB.
Because it only comes with orange tactile and forces you to buy the yellow linear, hard pass. If this had came with the yellow linear as an option (like all other Razer keyboards do) then I would probably have gotten it.
Wish there just a quality keyboard from a name brand for gaming thats 75% TKL hot swap and software not required all the time to adjust the features. Options for lube or non lubed and better stock stabilizers from stock Added knobs for volume, other hotkeys are a plus. Bluetooth, wireless are a plus should be included also since a cheaper a keyboard can do it
Ive just returned mine like a lot of people actually cuz the keyboard has a fatal manufacturing flaw that will have it failing on you within weeks(Took me almost 2 months, amazon took it back and refunded me. Keys repeatedly double strike or triple strike. Ordered a Huntsmans V2 TKL instead and its going well.
I want to like Razer but after having major QA issues with several high-priced products from them, the cool asthetics just aren't enough to compensate anymore. Sorry. I need reliability.
I just tossed a great keyboard because the spacebar switch died and 3 other keys were sticking thanks to water that spilled. Hot swap would have saved me $$$$$
You guys took a look at NuPhy and their low-profile hot-swap mechanical keyboards (Air60 and Air75) a while ago but I'd love if you could revisit them and their more recent offerings. The Field75 is quite an interesting 75% keyboard imo and I'd like to hear your take on it, though it appears to be sold out currently (as of the time of this comment). The Air75 V2 isn't out yet but it's coming soon (end of Sept I think), so I think that might be worth looking at too once it's out.
Wow, that keyboard does look interesting. The standout is their claim that they're using PBT double-shot with shinethrough. The $170 is already competitive against the Razer offering just by the keycaps alone.
Razers optical keyboards are hot swappable. (For example death stalker v2) It would be better to say this is razers first hot swappable keyboard that they openly advertise
i have used many mech keyboards and I have settled with logitech mx key mini. yes i don't play games and love how low the keyboard and it's very quite ALSO its very low price but very good quality product
While I like the Asus board, Armoury Crate absolutely ruins it for me. It makes Synapse look like it was coded on stone tablets and handed down from the Alimighty.
As someone who has used a good number of the "mainstream" gaming keyboards AND gotten elbows deep into full custom keyboards, I kinda feel like I wish the mainstream gamer keyboards wouldn't try so hard to be something they aren't We're getting into this weird world where interest for custom keyboards has reached a bit into the mainstream world, products like this can be very confusing. Aside from the massive focus on RGB, this keyboard not only offers nothing unique over a custom, but it literally does every single solitary part of it worse. The fact is that you can now buy a CNC'd anodized aluminum custom keyboard kit for less than this cheap plastic Razer kit. With good budget switches and cheap PBT keycap clones you can be set for basically $200 and have a muuuuuuuch nicer board on your desk. Like....Razer and Asus there's literally no point in doing what you're doing - you're just confusing your audience
I disagree with your hotswap take. If a $50 keyboard can do it then any brand of keyboard can. Hotswap means reparability and upgradability. You might be able to take dead/broke switch and swap it out, or take scratchy switches and lube them or buy nicer switches. All those things are doable on non-hotswap boards but if you need to desolder and resolder switches which is a large barrier of entry for a novice.
I think folks underestimate the value of having something you can buy off the shelf. Most people aren't "enthusiasts". I don't have a collection of keyboards, nor the time to wait for a group buy, or other such jank order.
I own 1 keyboard. I replace switches as they break, or maybe to mess around. In the past, I would need to replace the entire keyboard.
I went with the GMMK Pro. It happened to be on sale and I needed a keyboard. It is always in stock and had "most" of what I wanted. Is it the best? Probably not. Again though, I needed a keyboard replacement, not something that I order and it gets here when it gets here.
I never understood why Razer's USB-C connections are all different - it's very annoying when you just want to use one cable to charge your devices.
and it defeats the purpose of the USB-C port entirely
Exactly. I hope they start to make the same housing on peripherals so it fits everything.
-D.
They have fuses of different current ratings for the cables on different devices. Like if you were to try using a Razer keyboard USB-C cable on the Kiyo Pro Ultra, you will burn the fuse and render the cable unusable.
@@Khemotherapy that’s actually good to know and I didn’t realize it! Thanks.
Then just grab or find Another Usb C cable that can fit to all of your devices.
I don't understand why this would become an issue, this is so insignificant to worry about 🤷♂️
regarding the hot swap switches, imho it is an essential feature for mechanical keyboards. It is just a matter of time until one of the switches stops working or starts double clicking, and sure, you can replace them by soldering, but this is so much easier and everyone can do it so less keyboards will end in a landfill.
This. Hotswappability has more uses than just the extra customisation. Many years ago, my corsair keyboard started double-clicking on one of the switches. I don't own a soldering gun and don't know how to solder, so fixing that was out of my reach. I had to replace the keyboard. If it was hotswap, I could've just replaced the faulty switch and kept using it.
@@grubbygeorge2117but most of gaming keyboard hotswap socket is feagile so its kinda pointless. Got mine broke after accidentally pulled too hard (the swirches are fine)
@@WilliamcbellCbells-oz1gc its with any board
be it custom or gaming
@@Riju ive had my old custom keyboard that i always change the switches for 8 years and it still working fine. Its just the pcb / switch solder quality.
Agreed. Fully custom can still offer soldered options but the drawbacks of hotswap (can be less stable switches in the sockets) are minimal and/or can be mitigated. Mainstream mechanical really should be predominantly hotswap.
you dont have to swap the switches to other razer ones you can certainly use third party switches for a cheaper price with better performance (depending on preference)
But, if you really want a cheaper price, there are so many hot swap boards out there these days, plenty with RGB, knobs, scroll wheels, etc, for a lot less money in the first place...and if you don't need a scroll wheel or knobs, then you can spend a lot less money, so much less, that you can still afford to buy Razer switches if you want and still end up spending less overall. Just doesn't feel like it really fits anywhere other than for fans of the company. To each their own though, and it does at least sound pretty decent right out of the box, so that's always a positive.
@@mr.guillotine37664 words. Razer chroma game integration.
@@sadman.saqib.zahin01i simply use the same rgb settings on all games
@@maximyllion I don't like razer's keyboards, but damn they got some heck of a nice integration in so innovative ways
If they offered it Barebones, I could consider it. The options available for barebones rgb keyboard with a volume wheel are fairly slim
I think selling board, switches, and keycaps separately is the next step for Razer. And maybe a switch tester.
Mountain Everest Core is what you're looking for. I have one but I can't go back to normal keys after low profile keys so I'm using a diff keyboard atm.
nearly every keychron keyboard has rgb and a volume wheel with arguably better quality.
Wait no they aren’t? 75% is arguably the most popular form factor and a bunch of them have knobs. Monsgeek M1, Drop Sense 75, Keychron Q1, just from the top of my head. There are definitely way more
gmmk pro
Especially for D4 Corsair's integration is also very good. Illuminates active abilities and goes bonkers when a unique , legendary item drops
Coming from someone that dove down the keyboard rabbit hole somewhat recently and went mainstream from the get go, I actually think this is a great idea by Razer for a few reasons.
- gives newcomers that option of customization just incase they may get more interested down the line. I never thought I’d be as deep into keyboards and customs as I am now. This targets people like me who want something from a trusted brand yet is feature packed to the end user. Will be great for the end user if this their first board and will most likely have loyalty towards Razer as a brand.
- Razer will most likely get more sales towards their switches,keycaps,etc considering the customizability. Even having it as an option could be enticing to people that never did a custom before. Good move for the financials and I think we start to see more accessories drop to help personalize your board even more.
- Also proving to everyone that they are actually listening to users and giving people what they want. I’ve never been a big fan of Razer personally but great to see them implementing feedback and fixing old issues (poor stabilizers, overall board quality for some models,etc)
This is a good move on their end when you look at it from multiple perspectives.
I’ve never bought a Razer keyboard but this is the first time I give it a shot 💪🏽
Did you end up buying this keyboard? I'm looking for a new keyboard and been looking at reviews. Trying to decide between the Asus Azoth and the Blackwidow v4 75. I like the magnetic wrist rest idea, so maybe I will go for the v4 75. Although most reviews seem to suggest the Azoth is better.
Nice video. I have to assume that the people who are enthusiastic about these are the same type of people as audiophiles.. but for me, its been most of year, and i've stopped. From over a decade of using mechanicals, i'm at the point where i'm using a keyboard that i know won't be improved upon to any significant degree (like with audio equipment). The og razer huntsman. Thanks ebay and your reviews. I both love audio feedback, and i'm also in an isolated environment. My first mechanicals were at school in the early 90's. Even the v2's are okay, i have the mini and got used to it thanks to keybinding, but to me lack the audio feedback. The were exactly it and good enough to end the journey :)
Glad that mainstream brands are finally doing 75% keyboards. I'm still keeping my K2 Pro, but at least some more people will be able to enjoy the superior keyboard format ;D.
its a nice board but i feel like 8k polling rate was an odd choice here since most regular 3-5 pin switches won't be able to take advantage of that fully, this board with 1k polling, switch options or a barebones and an adjusted price to suit would be a BIG W
Most thorough review I've seen and I've been watching videos about this board for a few days. I want one, I really like how it looks for some reason. Price is way too high, especially compared to other good keyboards that are getting more affordable all the time. I hope if I wait for black friday/holidays maybe it'll get discounted somewhere, but I know it's pretty new still. Price is almost 2X what I would want to pay for it lol.
3:45... Maybe because the keyboard has no wireless mode... If you're gonna charge the mouse with the keyboard cable, then how are you supposed to use the keyboard... 🤷♂
Typically I love HWC videos. This one wasn't quite it for me. Seems as though you almost came into the review with a predetermined judgement. Very much hung up on some small negatives that I feel kept you from giving the board a fair review. The orange switches are very good for what they are, but buyers aren't locked into razer switches. They can purchase any compatible 3 stem switch. It's disappointing because it would seem that Razer put out a great product, but you seemed to skim over most of the positive points of this board. Great out-of-the-box sound, above average build quality, above average stabs & lubrication, good build quality, and an attention to detail that most all other "gaming" keyboards lack. The asus board is the only one worth noting tbh. For gaming first customers that want something with a premium "enthusiast" feel without having to dive in to the enthusiast keyboard space, I feel like this is top 3 along with maybe that Asus board, and wooting. I do agree there are a few oversights with this board (no such thing as a perfect product), but I just had hoped the positives of this board would have been touched on a bit more.
Oh by making it the only option, they are forcing it on you in some way. Switches are not "a small negatives" they could offer their other options, you pay for them. And it doesn't matter how good your product is, if it's too expensive for what it is. The Wooting pretty much is the only relevant product here.
the pcb actually supports 5-pin switches, so even more options :) and for the more enthusiastic users that want to get inside (void their warranty) and mod it even more, the pcb also has screw holes that allow for screw-in/clip-in stabilizers, if they dont like plate-mounted stabilizers that this board comes with by default.
@@aresuna6683 yup! I feel like these things were overlooked in the review. I watched badseedtechs review after and felt like he reviewed it much more fairly and touched on all the positives as well as the negatives.
i mean its a prebuilt so its fair that he judges the switches it comes with. more switches arent free lol
yea it really does sound like he has already made up his mind before even making the video. Also putting the "TRUTH" on the thumbnail is implying that other reviewers are wrong/lying about their reviews is kinda sus lol
TH-cam recommended me this literally the day after I've finally thrown away into the trashbin all of my Razer products which I had left and bought all the new devices from another company.
I don't know why it is so hard to find criticism towards Razer on the internet, but I'll leave my 2 cents here.
Razer is a nightmare. I was a blind supporter for 10 years, had over 6 or 7 of their products. Everything except mousepad became broken in some way just after 2-3 years of extensive use.
Don't buy their overpriced products. All of them apart from what's shown in the video are made in a way you won't be able to repair them. My Huntsman v2 had 1 switch broken in just 3 years of use, and then I found out internally it's specifically made so that to change 1 switch you have to soldier an entire backplate, peeling off every switch.
Other products had other problems. Synapse 3 had flaws.
The only god thing about them is "prestige" and "money hype". Please don't fall into the trap. I'm typing this from a much cheaper full hot swap mechanical keyboard.
razer seems to msrp for blackfriday deal, because I often find many of their devices (even the good ones) about 50% off during those sales. I'm happy with the best mouse I've ever owned the Razer Viper mini for the amazing price of 20 bucks
I like that it's not using some "gamer" looking font
Razer switched to regular looking fonts on all their Keyboards a few years ago.
@@stigrabbid589 ROG keyboards made me think all of them were like that, good for Razer
I feel like 75% layout is made for programmers. And yet, some companies fail to deliver by not including DEL, HOME/END/PG UP/DN and PRINT SCREEN keys, and instead go for INSERT or even SCROLL LOCK. Sure, you can put some of them under FN combo, but there's no reason to have INSERT as primary key ever.
I have completely forgotten what Insert is. Does anyone still use it? I don't think I've ever used it.
I recently swapped a compact numeric keypad for a TKL and this is the perfect size.
@@mrcvry In code editors, pressing INSERT will usually toggle overwriting anything on right side as you type. I don't see why would anyone use it over DELETE, which works like BACKSPACE but in other direction. INSERT is basically misclick annoyance.
@@SirRFI
I remember this key being around a couple of decades ago, but I haven't seen it since. It is not on any of my other keyboards. Only the Razer has it. Probably a Windows thing. 😄
@@mrcvry I see a lot of keyboards with INSERT. I'd argue the least used keys are SCROLL LOCK, PAUSE BREAK and the one that simulates mouse right-click, usually located next to RIGHT CTRL.
@@SirRFI
40 year old remnants of IBM. It's clear that only Windows still uses it. 😆 A waste of keys. Customized keyboards are becoming more and more interesting.
I was wondering why you had the headset on the whole time 😭. But fuckk. That headset mic is so nice. I also bought this on release, and received it, and it’s the best gaming keyboard I’ve had.
Got the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro/Deathadder V3 pro so I thought why not complete the collection. I am loving Razer at the moment.
Same here bro. I never thought I’d be in razers ecosystem like this, but I’m DEEP lmao. They genuinely have so much good stuff now.
Wait until you try other keebs with different switches and keycaps.
Razer is overpriced trash.
@@j.b.7133 Like?
@@j.b.7133 overpriced definitely, trash is a strong word Lol. Aside from the wireless capability of the Asus board, not many identical build really beat this board. The Wooting is the one stand out tho.
There are a lot of options that beat this board. Many of which you can customize with your choice of switches...If you're going to pay this much I'd just go custom and make sure every single part of it is what I want. @@Reveries0129
Mfw the Razer Deathstalker V2 is hot swappable without them having even advertised it 🤯
I have one. I quite like it. With a coiled cable for aesthetics and a further tape mod in the spacebar keycap, its a fun mech keyboard that didnt require me to experiment before I got something I really enjoyed
Y funciona bien?
Actually, you DO need the hot-swappable switches. Unfortunately, Razer's orange switch fails after a couple of months and starts keychattering. Other switches fix the problem. But then that makes your point it should have been bare bones.
What switches do you recommend me buying ? Thank you
So I've tried many custom keyboards. Sadly the low-profile market isn't saturated one bit... Anyhow, here came razer to save the day with their Deathstalker V2. But, I didn't like the red switches. So I replaced them with the Keychron Banana optical switches, which are superior to what was their own brand switch. I'd say hot-swap has been there for Razer already. But, noone seemed interested enough.
probably because the best reason for a hotswap to exist would be the ability to use whatever switches you want. but then those companies are including their own brand switches and that of course adds to the price, which only means less of an incentive to use other switches or even buy said hotswap board to begin with
also those razer switch packs are pretty damn expensive if you stick to the same brand stuff
@@kharak6204 agreed!
Razer has no switch factory. Razer, Logitech, Keychron are all buying elsewhere. They often use Kailh. No need to buy from Razer.
I just switched to the Keychron Bananas too. 😄
BTW… I got a set of optical Keychron switches for €23.
@@mrcvry Yes it is cheap. But, they are not factory lubed, like the Razer's blackwidow V4 switches. So count in a lubing station and some lube to make them equal to the Razer's deliverable.
I think I'll check this one out when they release a white one. I see that it's listed on a few stores now, so I came back to watch this video again. Thanks for the thorough review as always! Not a lot of the bit tech tubers are doing keeb reviews, and the enthusiast community pretty much shuns them, so this was really helpful.
Saying a keyboard doesn't need hotswap in part because it doesn't come in a barebones state is a shockingly bad take. I agree that it being offered as a barebones *would* have been nice, but there are other crucial upsides to being hotswap such as sustainability. Being forced to purchase a new keyboard, just because some keys (such as WASD) start actuating multiple times after a single press, or keys straight-up no longer functioning, is incredibly frustrating. There's a reason why even the Wooting 60HE - despite not supporting standard cherry profile switches - is still hotswap with similar hall effect switches. Even the Azoth - the keyboard you kept comparing the Blackwidow to - is hotswap and doesn't come as a barebones.
This is a feature that should be a *standard feature* in mechanical keyboards in my opinion, standard switch design, hall effect, optical, or otherwise. And I'm thankful that Razer and Asus are stepping into that space.
Very nice but I would have paid a bit more for pbt caps to be included. Those ABS caps are going to look terrible after a while of regular use.
Wait...what mic was used when you record the polling rate part???
Thank you for your notes regarding the Azoth, I'm curious about this but I just love my Azoth, probably the best keyboard I've had in many years. Definitely my favorite from a mainstream company since Northgate... and sadly those haven't been offered in over 20 years...
If you recently got a keyboard (which I'm assuming you did since the Azoth is relatively new), just stick to it. This one looks like a good offering but it won't be a substantial upgrade.
Love the Azoth so much. But the Razer does sound better on the stabs.
-D.
@@HardwareCanucks dang so I need to check one out then... ;)
The Azoth is a little bit overpriced too (~230 $ atm), but still way better value. You definetly should swap the switches on it, but it has PBT keycaps, top tier wireless technology, top tier battery, and an OLED screen. The stabs were very good on my unit (just relubed it a tiny bit), but it does support screw-in stabs too. Btw the new ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 wireless uses new switches which are pretty good, different form factor but packed with features. As far as I know the The Blackwidow V4 75% and the ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 has the same MSRP.
@@HardwareCanucksI was wondering the same. I got the azoth and it ruined me. Now I'm building a tiger80 and looking into qk100 lol. Would you say the Razer is better type experience and game experience than the azoth? Azoth just sounds cool like a Warcraft name haha. When someone asks me which keyboard is that I'm like Azeroth I mean azoth.
Off-topic question: What mousepad is shown at 7:02? Love the appeal of it
Love the use of the Phanteks t30 box as a laptop riser 😂
Like Mike, you do a proper, unbiased reviews. Well done.
..Kinda getting sick of Ibrahim's adverts posing as reviews lately. Really lets the team down.
I watch these videos not only for the reviews, but also because of how beautiful everything looks. It's fucking gorgeous. Love the cinematography,
I really want a Huntsman version for the Razer V4 70%. I need those optical super fast switches ❤
exactly my thoughts
Now we wait for them to release a 100% version (probably never)
Or at least a regular TKL version
@@stigrabbid589 tkl is pointless next to 96 layout
Nice video, but where i can find those wallpapers you have? Damn!
They need to get into the barebones market for metal/aluminum cases. Figured a company like razer could make quality case that isn’t just plastic for enthusiast.
Theres just so many better barebones kits out there already though. Absolutely pointless to ask razer for an overpriced keeb that so many others nail.
Any idea if they are planning something similar in wireless? I love the design but wanna go full wireless on the table with my next buy.
your mic sounded good, nice video
The only reason I would get this is realy for Razer's chroma lighting. There are far far better boards and switches to go for (I love the Akko cream black switches) but I would get this board if they offered different sizes, especially 80% tkl, in the future. I just love the fire lighting effect.
1:08 damn, thats cool
Oh crap. you had a Text correction instead of a voice over correction at 6:07 don't let Steve at GN see that.
😰 in the briefing notes I had 31 switches, but when the switch boxes arrived (very late) needed to include the visuals along side the correction text 👍 pls forgive and don’t tell Steve 🤞
-D.
where to buy those extra switches? 9:50
From Razer directly.
-D.
What is the point of polling rate on keyboards? I assume with every keyboard if you press a key, it instantly reacts to that keypress?…
this keyboard is a great upgrade for the huntsman mini. The orange switches are far a superior upgrade over their red linear optical switches.
Love the keyboard. However, I'm on my second one as I kept getting double typing with the orange switches. Today I swapped to the yellow and hopefully, this will eliminate the issue.
hows it going😂 i think u get oldest batch instead of new? idk that what i heard from people
@@trxyix9056 I got the Akko v3 cream blue pros and they've been working great.
yeah as trxyix9056 say probably had some faulty switches, but razer replaces them if you can check with them and open a ticket in support, they said they gonna send me a replacement set, i asked to send yellows instead but that aint happening as they replied they only send the original switches ;) i also had issues with double registers, had to replace with some ajazz sunrise yellows i had laying around. alot of people had issues at least with the first batch it seems, i also got it a couple weeks after release so yeah, check with them for a replacement while it still stands
@@purfecto now its my volume roller smh. I'll have to see if they can replace it.
@@Pew_Pew_Pizza yeah volume rockers on razer never worked good lol, my blackwidow elite had the common for pretty much everyone volume rocking back and forth without touching it it's was a mess, I also thought to get a refund for the 75 bw v4 but I still can't find a decent replacement I don't want hall effect I was thinking about keychron lemokey it's the only one I kinda like, but still prefer the RGB of razer and their implementation on games it supports
Does the Razer Yellow switches sound really scratchy to anyone else? Just me? :3
You forgot to mention the fact that the stabilizers can be replaced for screw in stabilizers - imagine this with V2 Staebies lightly lubed with XHT-BDZ :) - even stock - this is easily THE BEST SOUNDING off the shelf gaming / overall board I've ever heard - IMHO - and Im talking from an enthusiast perspective - I have 2 Rama M65-B boards and a mode sonnet and This is on a par sound wise - from what I hear
Nuphy makes the best off the shelf boards imo.
Azoth is great, but the software really holds it back. It bonked one of my ram sticks RGB permanently somehow, and to this day, still will not even detect the keyboard - so the gimmick that is the OLED screen, is useless to me. Disappointing how software is an afterthought for these companies.
TH-cam CC's recognized the scrollwheel sound as laugh is hilarious.
Name another board with above 1000hz and any of the gasketing hotswap etc like this board has. That's the big thing for me.
Did YOU set the startup animation, or does it actually have one set from the factory?? Minor detail, but amusing if they did.
The animation is there by default. Then I have the fire Chroma preset.
-D.
@@HardwareCanucks Seeing as how they pride themselves on their Chroma it’s actually pretty cool to see this implemented. I wonder if it does this on sleep to wake as well. Anyway, thank you for confirming. I enjoy your videos. Keep it up.
Hotswap is just essential, when a switch dies or double clicks, repairability and better for longevity.
Should of been done a long time ago, if a cheap keyboard can do why cant a expensive name brand keyboard cant do it
This isn’t the first Razer hotswap. The Deathstalker V2 Pro has hot swappable switches. I’ve got mine with keychron browns.
The question isn't why you'd want a hot swap board. The question is why you'd want a Razer one.
Good mods, rgb, and looks
@@ExcaliburGT I get all that without their BS software.
@@JonathosDX there’s actually nothing wrong with their software. It works perfectly fine and does everything you need it to. Cope harder
It needs software. That's the problem.
@@JonathosDX it doesn’t need software it just makes it more customizable
i just want the case tbh wish it was sold as a barebons kit but with south facing leds
I want the v4 X but they have just yellow but i think orange sound better so if i buy the orange siwtches they come pre lubed ???
07:32
>"But like, it's not an incredibly innovative product..."
Okay, and the Azoth you namedropped 10 seconds before as a superior alternative is "innovative" because it has wireless?
Which headphones are you wearing?
It would be nice to have a barebones keyboard that works with Razer synapse.
I bought this keyboard January this year. I am already getting so many of my keys double typing even though I press it once. Anybody else getting this problem? If so, how did you fix/prevent this.
Thanks in advance 👍
refund
Isn't the problem with ABS, that they become shiny in the future? I don't see an issue with the material or the durability, but having some keycaps starting to shine more over time due to being used more often is something that doesn't happen with PBT.
There's a tradeoff. Doubleshot ABS tends to have nicer-looking legends than PBT.
Doubleshot abs sounds better too. There’s a reason on sound and quality why there’s a market for gmk keycaps aside from its branding.
Got the Blackwidow V3 Mini with ABS keycaps since release and they have no shine looking like ootb
Not all ABS and PBT plastics are manufactured the same way. Depending on the process some high quality and will shine much later than some pbt but generally yes…. Pbt and Abs also have different acoustic properties that affect the overall build of keyboards differently. Some like it high pitched some like it low.
I just got this keyboard and their caps are on the rough side, I don’t see these ever getting that shine tbh. They feel good af tho.
Wish this hot swap feature were available in 100% variant as well..
Is that new 2023 headset from razer? Will u review it soon?
Any information about wireless version ?
Tell me you are sponsored without telling me you are sponsored.
Why this form factor have "INS" "PGUP" and "PGDWN". I've never used those buttons in my life. If there was "HOME" "END" and "PRT". Now that I would understand.
I know right? It's like companies do these form factors just for sake of doing them, not understanding why they exist.
I do use PG UP/DN sometimes, can't say the same for INS. Ideally I'd want Akko 5075S Shine-Through's layout, but with PRINT SCREEN instead of knob.
@@SirRFI takes all of 5 seconds to remap it in Synapse.
@@filipbunalti Does it remap on firmware level, or just software that needs to be running in background? If the latter - it doesn't count for me.
@@SirRFI Former. It stays on the keyboard even after you close the software.
I have the Azoth, and I love it.
Just got it today and I like it. My old razor huntsman started tweaking.
My Huntsman red optical switches still going strong two years later.
@@LosDoyerss I had mine for close to 4
For tactical.. They sound heaps thoccy over their linear yellows...
If only it was wireless I would have picked it up...
I went with the Asus Azoth and can highly recommend is the battery holds up for days it actually insane
Seems like this is the only videos where Yellow and Orange switches are compared, personally I don't hear much of a difference, but my GF will and that is why I'm still not sure if this one is right for me. Currently on fence between Blackwidow V4 75% (Orange Switches) and Blackwidow V4 Pro (Yellow Switches), I had green switches before and it was really bad
I think its about time Razer jumped into this market and in a real way for people who like enthusiast keyboards... unlike their really really bad attempt at IEMs
WHERE IS THE caps light for this keyboard?
It illuminates the CAPS switch in white.
-D.
is that one switch for the spacebar
Finally saw one of these in person and for what it is it's not bad but having to deal with Razers crappy software would still keep me from ever buying another Razer product. If I wanted a 75% with a wheel I'd personally get a monsgeek M1 for $100 barebones and have a VIA compatible KB.
Because it only comes with orange tactile and forces you to buy the yellow linear, hard pass. If this had came with the yellow linear as an option (like all other Razer keyboards do) then I would probably have gotten it.
Wish there just a quality keyboard from a name brand for gaming thats 75% TKL hot swap and software not required all the time to adjust the features.
Options for lube or non lubed and better stock stabilizers from stock
Added knobs for volume, other hotkeys are a plus.
Bluetooth, wireless are a plus should be included also since a cheaper a keyboard can do it
I need the hot swap green switches because they become mushy after a year of use and i dont wanna buy a new keeb every year
Ive just returned mine like a lot of people actually cuz the keyboard has a fatal manufacturing flaw that will have it failing on you within weeks(Took me almost 2 months, amazon took it back and refunded me. Keys repeatedly double strike or triple strike. Ordered a Huntsmans V2 TKL instead and its going well.
I want to like Razer but after having major QA issues with several high-priced products from them, the cool asthetics just aren't enough to compensate anymore. Sorry. I need reliability.
I just tossed a great keyboard because the spacebar switch died and 3 other keys were sticking thanks to water that spilled. Hot swap would have saved me $$$$$
Any board today without hotswap is a waste of money.
why u didn't tested it with the greens? 🙄
Keychron Gang entered the chat... ⌨️ ⌨️ ⌨️
just upgraded to the Azoth from Razer Hunts Elite.. it is so much better. Don’t think I’ll be going back to razer keyboards for awhile.
Can you replace the switches with non-razer ones?
Yes. Any mx compatible switch will fit.
answer is purple is better, so I need to replace purple laser mechanic, show how to
woah didnt expect This is E to be here. Awesomeeeeee
You guys took a look at NuPhy and their low-profile hot-swap mechanical keyboards (Air60 and Air75) a while ago but I'd love if you could revisit them and their more recent offerings.
The Field75 is quite an interesting 75% keyboard imo and I'd like to hear your take on it, though it appears to be sold out currently (as of the time of this comment). The Air75 V2 isn't out yet but it's coming soon (end of Sept I think), so I think that might be worth looking at too once it's out.
Wow, that keyboard does look interesting. The standout is their claim that they're using PBT double-shot with shinethrough. The $170 is already competitive against the Razer offering just by the keycaps alone.
In general, the keyboard enthusiasts prefer south facing RGB or no RGB at all.. just gonna wait for the next gen lol
Razers optical keyboards are hot swappable. (For example death stalker v2)
It would be better to say this is razers first hot swappable keyboard that they openly advertise
just wish it was wireless and it would've been my perfect keyboard lowkey, i'd assume wireless is on the way but probably have some features stripped
if its not hall effect in 2024 whats the point tactile are out
This is the best 75% keyboard on the market. Face facts homies.
ISO version?
i have used many mech keyboards and I have settled with logitech mx key mini. yes i don't play games and love how low the keyboard and it's very quite ALSO its very low price but very good quality product
The yellow switches sound wayyyy to scratchy
While I like the Asus board, Armoury Crate absolutely ruins it for me. It makes Synapse look like it was coded on stone tablets and handed down from the Alimighty.
As someone who has used a good number of the "mainstream" gaming keyboards AND gotten elbows deep into full custom keyboards, I kinda feel like I wish the mainstream gamer keyboards wouldn't try so hard to be something they aren't
We're getting into this weird world where interest for custom keyboards has reached a bit into the mainstream world, products like this can be very confusing. Aside from the massive focus on RGB, this keyboard not only offers nothing unique over a custom, but it literally does every single solitary part of it worse. The fact is that you can now buy a CNC'd anodized aluminum custom keyboard kit for less than this cheap plastic Razer kit. With good budget switches and cheap PBT keycap clones you can be set for basically $200 and have a muuuuuuuch nicer board on your desk. Like....Razer and Asus there's literally no point in doing what you're doing - you're just confusing your audience