Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini Hyperspeed Review
While I’m not entirely sure that the new Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini Hyperspeed warrants its price tag, I can’t deny that it’s exceptionally well built. Boasting a slew of the usual features we’ve come to expect from Razer devices, in addition to taking up only 60% of a typical keyboard, the V3 Mini excels in what it’s trying to accomplish – providing a durable, compact device that moves around the house as easily as you do.
The V3 Mini comes ready to go out of the box sporting 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and USB-C connectivity. And while the 2.4 GHz mode requires an included dongle, there’s no such peripheral for Bluetooth functionality. This may not seem to be an issue, but as a small example, I was incredibly disappointed to find the V3 Mini isn’t capable of connecting to my PlayStation 5. I mentioned the exorbitant price tag earlier, but having to seek out a working Bluetooth dongle makes the cost that much harder to swallow.
Maybe I’m wrong in my assessment of the V3 Mini. Maybe you’ll pick one up and think it’s worth every penny and then some. But as I sit here and type this review on it, I struggle to find the words to justify what Razer is asking for it. And don’t get me wrong – what’s here is as solid as solid can be. Naturally, it’s a sleek, low-profile keyboard that’ll wholeheartedly get the job done. Plus, if you’re looking for an array of RGB options to spruce up your time in front of the computer, the V3 Mini’s 16.8 million colors are guaranteed to provide a setting that will tickle your fancy.
Keys to the Kingdom
Putting the bells and whistles aside, though, Razer’s latest in its line of ‘Minis’ shines brightest when you feel just how smooth the keystrokes are. I’ve been testing the yellow mechanical switches that are built with lower actuation points. These genuinely do create for a more satisfying experience, as my fingers tend to roll off the keys in a much more effortless way. So much so that it took next to no time to get adjusted to the V3 Mini after years of using a Mac keyboard.
In addition, the noise dampeners work excessively well to mute loud key presses in the midst of the most intense moments. And the sound that is produced is a refined, satisfyingly subtle tap. It’s not as if the unit is silent, but the noise it does make is nowhere near that of the alternative green switches.
Which, speaking of, kudos to Razer for building the V3 Mini with versatility in mind. Swapping between the two sets of keys/switches is a total breeze, with each one of them popping off with little to no effort. I don’t exactly think anyone needs to add an additional fee to the already exorbitant cost, but if you’re dying to blow through some cash, the option is there for you.
However, what has undoubtedly impressed me the most over the past couple of weeks has been the V3 Mini’s battery life. Razer claims to offer 200 hours of battery life before needing a recharge, and while I haven’t put a stopwatch to it, I haven’t had to plug it in since taking it out of the box. When it finally comes time to do so, the battery can be fully charged in around five hours.
Though, for as good as the battery, and the switches and the RGB options are, I can’t help but feel that a large chunk of what you’re paying for isn’t so much the technology behind the keyboard, but more so, the logo underneath it.
Everybody’s Got a Price
I really have enjoyed my time with the Razer Blackwidow V3 Mini Hyperspeed. And if I try hard to forget the ridiculously long name and hefty price tag, I find myself enjoying the keyboard so much more. I expect it to last years, and if you’re someone that uses their computer every day, maybe that’s where you’ll decide if this thing is worth next week’s groceries.
***A review unit was provided by the publisher***
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