Rankings
The BlackWidow V4 X (2023) is a full-size wired keyboard that combines ultra-fast 8000 Hz polling, per-key RGB, six macro keys, and quiet linear Yellow switches with a premium aluminum build. It delivers top-tier performance but is heavy, lacks USB passthrough, and depends on Razer software.
The BlackWidow V4 X is a full-size wired keyboard featuring fast 8000 Hz polling, per-key RGB, six macro keys, and quiet linear Yellow switches. It offers premium build quality but is heavy, has a short warranty, and some users experience early key failures.
The BlackWidow V4 is a full-size, aluminum-cased keyboard with clicky Razer Green switches, extensive macro support, and high-end Chroma RGB lighting. It offers an ultra-fast 8 kHz polling rate but is heavy, non-hot-swappable, and relies on Razer Synapse software.
The Tartarus Pro is a left-hand ergonomic keypad featuring 32 programmable analog optical switches, rapid trigger technology, and per-key RGB lighting. It excels in customization and low-latency input but demands Razer software and has a steep learning curve.
The Razer Tartarus V2 is a one-handed macro keypad with 32 programmable mecha-membrane keys, per-key Chroma RGB lighting, and a 1000 Hz polling rate. It excels in customization and ergonomics but relies heavily on Razer Synapse and lacks onboard storage.
The Redragon K585 DITI is a compact 42-key wired keypad offering hot-swappable switches, extensive macro support, and RGB lighting. It targets gamers and streamers who need a space-saving, customizable input device, though its software and wrist-rest magnets are weaker points.
The Corsair K55 RGB PRO is a full-size membrane keyboard that offers six macro keys, IP42 dust-and-spill protection and five-zone RGB lighting, targeting budget-conscious gamers and streamers. While it delivers solid functionality, its plastic build and lack of per-key lighting keep it from competing with higher-end mechanical options.
The MageGee One Handed Professional Gaming Keyboard is a 35-key macro pad with blue clicky switches, RGB lighting and a built-in palm rest. It offers plug-and-play compatibility and six programmable macro keys, but the plastic build and lack of software limit its durability and customization.
| Attribute | | | | | Razer BlackWidow V4 X Macro | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
42 keys | — | — | — | — | 35 keys | 12 keys | 104 keysbest | |
— | 1,000 Hz | 1,000 Hz | 8,000 Hzbest | 8,000 Hzbest | — | 1,000 Hz | 8,000 Hzbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 590 g | 363 gbest | 363 gbest | 1,138.5 g | 1,027 g | 467 g | 590 g | 1,483 g |
— | — | — | — | — | — | 5 zonesbest | — | |
— | 24 monthsbest | 24 monthsbest | 24 monthsbest | 3 months | — | 24 monthsbest | — | |
— | — | — | 45 g | 45 g | — | — | 50 gbest | |
42 keys | 32 keys | 32 keys | — | — | 35 keys | 110 keysbest | — | |
— | — | 2.03 mbest | 2 m | 2 m | 1.5 m | 1.82 m | 1.98 m |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | Razer BlackWidow V4 X Macro | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Performance(3) | ||||||||
Polling Rate (Hz) | — | 1000 Hz | 1000 Hz | 8000 Hz | 8000 Hz | — | 1000 Hz | 8000 Hz |
N-Key Rollover (keys) | 42 keys | full keys | — | full keys | full keys | 35 keys | 12 keys | 104 keys |
Onboard Memory | — | false | false | true | true | — | true | true |
Software & Compatibility(1) | ||||||||
Software Support | true | true | true | true | true | false | true | true |
Lighting(1) | ||||||||
Backlighting Type | RGB | per-key | Per-key | per-key | per-key | RGB | Zonal | Per-key |
Warranty(1) | ||||||||
Warranty Period (months) | — | 24 months | 24 months | 24 months | 3 months | — | 24 months | — |
Switches(3) | ||||||||
Switch Type | Redragon | Analog Optical | Mecha-Membrane | Yellow Linear | Yellow Linear | Blue Clicky | Membrane | Razer Green |
Hot Swappable | true | — | — | — | — | — | — | false |
Actuation Force (g) | — | — | — | 45 g | 45 g | — | — | 50 g |
Build & Design(5) | ||||||||
Form Factor | One-handed | ergonomic left-hand | One-handed | full-size | full-size | One-handed | Full-size | Full-size |
Key Count (keys) | 42 keys | 32 keys | 32 keys | — | — | 35 keys | 110 keys | — |
Weight (g) | 590 g | 363 g | 363 g | 1138.5 g | 1027 g | 467 g | 590 g | 1483 g |
Case Material | Plastic | — | — | aluminum | aluminum | Plastic | — | Aluminum |
Keycap Material | Textured | — | — | ABS | ABS | Plastic | ABS | ABS |
Connectivity(3) | ||||||||
Connectivity Type | Wired | USB 2.0 | Wired | USB | USB 2.0 | Wired | Wired | Wired |
Cable Type | USB-C | braided fiber | — | braided USB-C to USB-A | braided USB-A to USB-C | USB-A | USB-A 2.0 | USB-C to USB-A |
Cable Length (m) | — | — | 2.03 m | 2 m | 2 m | 1.5 m | 1.82 m | 1.98 m |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the budget-friendly price, generous macro layout and hot-swap capability, but criticize the weak wrist-rest magnets and rudimentary software.
Everyday users love the compact size, vibrant RGB and macro capabilities, while complaining about the weak wrist-rest magnets, unconventional spacebar placement, and limited software.
“Great for small desks - saves so much space.”
“RGB lighting is vibrant and fun to customize.”
“Macro keys are a game-changer for MMOs and stream decks.”
Choose the K585 for budget-friendly hot-swap capability and macro depth; choose the Tartarus V2 if you need advanced Razer ecosystem integration and richer lighting.
Choose V2 if you don't need analog control and want a cheaper macro keypad.
Choose the Tartarus Pro if you need premium build and deep software customization and are willing to pay a premium.
Professional reviewers commend the Tartarus Pro for its innovative analog optical switches, extensive customization options, and rapid trigger feature, but criticize the awkward dual-function key layout, the fact that Windows treats it as a controller, the lack of true onboard memory, and its premium price.
Everyday users love the solid build, smooth analog feel, vibrant RGB, and macro/profile flexibility, yet many complain about the steep learning curve of dual-function keys, the need to keep Synapse running, a stiff scroll wheel, and occasional hand fatigue.
Professional reviewers view the Tartarus V2 as a premium, niche input device that excels in customization and RGB integration, praising its ergonomic design and switch feel while criticizing its lack of onboard memory and heavy software reliance.
Everyday users love the ergonomic palm rest, the ease of assigning macros, and the vivid Chroma lighting, often calling it a "game-changer" for complex games. However, many complain about the mandatory Synapse connection, software bloat, noisy keys, and the inability to use the device offline.
Professional reviewers gave the keyboard a consistent 4.0/5.0, highlighting its fast actuation, high polling rate, robust build, and rich RGB features while noting the slightly hollow case tone and the absence of a USB passthrough.
Everyday users generally praise the keyboard's quiet linear feel, striking RGB lighting, useful macro keys, and comfortable magnetic wrist rest. However, a notable minority report premature key failures, out-of-the-box defects, and dissatisfaction with Razer's support, as well as the typical ABS keycap shine over time.
Professional reviewers gave the BlackWidow V4 a solid 4.0/5, highlighting its maximalist feature set, high polling rate, smooth linear switches, and premium aluminum construction while noting its large footprint and premium price.
Everyday users love the quiet, fast feel of the Yellow switches, the vibrant RGB, and the macro/roller functionality, but a notable portion report reliability problems such as keys failing early and ABS keycap shine.
Professional reviewers appreciate the plug-and-play simplicity, macro capabilities and OS support, while noting the cheap plastic chassis keeps it in the budget tier.
Everyday users like the compact form factor, satisfying clicky switches and macro convenience, but report early key failures and durability issues.
Professional reviewers commend the K55 RGB PRO for its comfortable typing, intuitive macro creation without needing software, and seamless Elgato Stream Deck integration, but note the limitations of zonal RGB, the all-plastic build, and the keyboard's sizable footprint.
Everyday users appreciate the quiet operation, macro convenience and detachable wrist rest, while recurring complaints focus on uneven RGB brightness, flimsy chassis, lack of per-key lighting and occasional iCUE hiccups.
Professional reviewers commend the robust aluminum chassis, high polling rate, and macro depth, while noting the lack of hot-swap capability and occasional software instability.
Users love the solid construction, satisfying clicky feedback, and vibrant lighting, but complain about sticky keys, Synapse crashes, and the large footprint.
