The Razer BlackWidow V3 is a full-size mechanical gaming keyboard and is the wired version of the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro. It is very solidly built and has excellent ergonomics, including two tilt settings and a wrist rest; it has full RGB backlighting, with individually lit keys that can be customized with Razer Synapse 3 software, and macros can be set for any key. The linear Razer Yellow switches on the unit provide a light, responsive gaming experience with low operating force and short pre-travel distance, but may increase unintentional typos. For those who prefer a tactile feel, the clicky Razer Green switches are also available. This keyboard is also available in a TenKeyLess size, the Razer BlackWidow V3 TKL.
Razer’s products often come in a color palette of black, green, and gray that looks striking to some and dull to others; the BlackWidow V3 is also available in shades of black to match this theme, but the BlackWidow V3 Quartz Edition we are reviewing is differentiated from the rest of the lineup by its powder pink pigment. This color may be controversial, but there is no denying that it distinguishes Razer’s Quartz collection.
We also did not expect to replace the volume rollers on the base BlackWidow V3 model. The rollers on the Black model have grooves on them to make them easier to roll. By replacing that groove with a spiky one, the Quartz edition BlackWidow V3 looks like it belongs in an accessory store for teenage girls. This one small change makes a dramatic difference in the style of the keyboard.
The BlackWidow V3 Pro has a standard 104-key key layout, excluding the media keys and roller wheel. The keys are Razer’s new DoubleShot ABS keycaps, which show no wear after about three weeks of testing and tens of thousands of words typed. While we cannot speak to long-term durability, the double-shot process is intended to prevent wear by adding thickness to the lettering and overlaying it on top of the lettering. The switches have a keystroke resistance of 80 million, so even the most frequent and aggressive users should be good for several years.
The Razer Yellows offer a very comfortable typing experience thanks to a new silicone damper that significantly reduces noise. Gamers will also value some of the advantages of the linear Razer Yellows switches, including the 0mm reset point.