(Credit: Razer)
Razer is making a new push into keyboard customization with its first barebones mechanical keyboard. It comes without any keys; instead, buyers pick out switches and keycaps they want.
The Razer BlackWidow V4 75% Barebones is a stripped-down version of the BlackWidow V4 75%, its first hot-swappable keyboard. At $139.99, it's $60 less than the fully assembled version.
(Credit: Razer)"Stripped down to its core, the barebones version of the award-winning BlackWidow V4 75% retains the same build quality, while giving users complete freedom to install their own 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical keyboard switches and custom keycaps," Razer says in its announcement.
The BlackWidow V4 is also brand-agnostic, so you can swap in switches from other vendors. “Most standard 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical switches are compatible,” the company says. A 2-in-1 keycap and switch puller is included.
(Credit: Razer)The barebones keyboard is also certified to work with Razer's Gen-3 mechanical switches, which come in three varieties that each offer a slightly different feel and typing sound. Customers can then pair the switches with Razer's keycaps sets.
Building the keyboard adds to the cost. But Razer says it designed the product to appeal to “keyboard modders and DIY enthusiasts” who want more control over customizability. “This marks not just the debut of a new product, but the beginning of a new era in Razer’s gaming keyboard legacy,” the company adds, teasing more custom keyboard products to come.
The barebones BlackWidow V4 75% is available now on Razer.com. The product is dubbed the 75% because it’s a compact keyboard that dumps the traditional numpad on the side.