Battle of the 75%'ers -- Razer Blackwidow V4 vs Asus ROG Azoth

In this video, I am going to compare the Razer Blackwidow V4 to the Asus ROG Azoth. If us gamers lived in a bubble or maybe the clock was turned back a few years, the Blackwidow V4 75% would be a 5-star keyboard. But in today’s environment, that rating doesn’t hold. The Razer Blackwidow doesn’t have a fatal flaw; in fact, it’s actually a pretty decent gaming keyboard. The Blackwidow’s challenge is where its positioning itself in the current, keyboard marketplace.
===========================================
Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
1:44 - Keyboard Features / Design Choices
2:53 - Keyboard Sound Test
8:33 - Keyboard Software Apps
9:34 - Wrap-up
===========================================
DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate, I earn a percent commission from qualifying purchases
===========================================
Razer Blackwidow V4 75%: amzn.to/483qCHI
===========================================
Follow Me:
KZbin: kzbin.info/door/8M6...
Twitch: / mynusten
Twitter: / mynusten
Instagram: / mynusten
===========================================
My Gear:
Camera: Sony A6700 amzn.to/3qm7G5Y
Lens: Sony E 15mm F1.4 G APSC amzn.to/43UsNdf
Mic: Sony Digital XLR Adaptor Kit amzn.to/440e3tg

[@mynusten]

Post production comment: At the 1:04 mark, I state "...Razer Azoth..." and I meant to say ROG Azoth.

[@mynusten]

Post Production MynusTen here: Do note, the Razer Blackwidow V4 CAN accept third-party switches. My mistake in the video. Thanks to @breadles_ for clarifying!

[@MarbsMusic]

Excellent review! I picked up the Razer V3 65% and you can't get a wrist rest from them, as it's taller than other keyboards to me this made it unusable and thus it was returned. Was going to pickup the V4 75 but decided to pass... still on the fence on the new G Pro X TKL but will probably pick one up. I have been trying a new Corsair K65 Pro mini that is 65% with optical and it's very nice. The typing thought just isn't on par with the Azoth but I do like it for gaming so I'm switching back and forth. One nice thing is most of my accessories are Corsair except for my mouse which is Logitech. The big deal though it I don't have issues with iCue or Ghub... AC for me isn't good but at least it's not the Razer software :) I think right now I would love to have a 65% that sounded and felt like my Azoth. While the new Logitech is lager since it's TKL, going to give that one a shot soon, definitely looking forward to your review on it!

[@mynusten]

@MarbsMusic thanks for the support and comments! Makes all the effort to make videos enjoyable! 75% is the smallest I can go as I am still married to F-keys, but the form factor is attractive. The Razer Blackwidow is an excellent 75%'er, but only at a certain price point. My new Logitech G Pro X TKL arrives on Monday and going to give this one a solid work out before publishing my review. I also have the new Logitech G Pro Superlight 2 mouse coming next week. Its that time of the year when all sorts of gaming goodies are released.

[@NOOBLOTION]

W video my man. I just got my first paycheck ever and i was gonna get one of them. Gonna get the azoth!

[@mynusten]

@Booblotion many thanks for the comments and engaging with the community. Really appreciate it. Enjoy the Azoth...its still my go to board right now until Wooting comes out with a 75% or TKL. Congrats on the 1st paycheck!

[@dw8555]

Razer switches do not need to be used on the Blackwidow V4 75%.

[@mynusten]

@dw855 very interesting as the community has given mixed reviews on this point. So the definitive answer is gamers can swap out switches, but only to Razer switches?

[@Eclipse4589]

@@mynustenyou can use any 3 or 5 pin switches

[@mynusten]

@@Eclipse4589 Thanks for the confirmation on this point!

[@blakeoverland2008]

@@mynustenI personally have the ink blacks on the v4 75% and had no issues

[@mynusten]

@@blakeoverland2008my absolute favorite switches...Gateron Ink Black V2s hold a special place in my keyboard inventory.

[@El_Diogro]

Can you make a video comparing the huntsman v3 pro mini keyboard vs blackwindow v4 75%.... Which switch is best for FPS?

[@Creamworks]

Thank you for this comparison! What do you mean by "the switches are swappable but you need to buy Razer switches"? Do they have a proprietary switch socket so that 3rd party switches don't fit?

[@mynusten]

@Creamworks it appears the 3-stem plugs are proprietary to Razer boards; however, the top part is a box style switch, so it looks like you can add third-party keycaps.

[@aleksandrmikhailov3255]

@@mynusten yes, you can

[@hamburger--fries]

I swapped out the switches on the Razer to TTC Blue White Silent. Also added Teddy Bear 🧸🐨 stuffing in the base and thicker foam over the PCB. Sounds much better. I have a Razer mouse and didn't want Razer mouse software and Asus Keyboard software running taking up resources and potential conflicts.

[@mynusten]

Awesome and creative! Gaming keyboards today are just so much more fun to use in-games and at work. I bought my second Asus Azoth with clicky blue switches and have been loving the click-clack...my kids don't much like it though. 🤣

[@SOHAM_0000]

Hey brother love from india🇮🇳❤i am really confused between the asus rog azoth and the newly launched razer huntsman v3 pro tkl which has got a rapid trigger but the azoth has a nice custom feel which should i buy in late 2023? And also make a video on it? Eagerly waiting for ur answer:)

[@mynusten]

@SOHAM_0000 thanks for watching my conent! The great news is us gamers have TONS of options. Adjustable mechanical switches are a great technology and I am truly impressed with it. Unfortunately, there is no perfect keyboard with the tech that I have tried, so I've gone back to my Azoth. So far, Wooting has the best tech, but you have to either like a full-sized keyboard (not for me) or a 60% layout (again, not for me). If you have to pull the trigger now, I'd go with the Azoth as it will give you a fantastic gaming and productivity / work keyboard. I am hoping to get back to making videos next year as the day job has been very, very busy.

[@66chargeup99]

I don’t understand why reviewers and the brand need mention“ comes pre-lubed switches” Like it’s a luxury. come on…. I paid for a mechanical keyboard and it doesn’t come pre-lubed?

[@mynusten]

@66chargeup99 it wasn't long ago when gamers would buy any mechanical gaming keyboards where the switches weren't lubed. Logitech still doesn't lube their mechanical keyboard switches. For those manufactuers who do lube their switches, reviewers usually check as the machine process to lube switches is hit-or-miss. When I was building my own keyboards, I'd lube my own switches and its a tedious process. Having a machine do it saves time, but sometimes the machines use too much or too little lube. At this stage its a trust but verify check on the manufacturer.

[@deckstor1]

Take the review with a pinch of salt. I really dont mind a wired keyboard and furthermore the sound/feel of the BlackWidow's tactiles are far better in my opinion. Seems more of a preference game. Also not a fair comparison to compare a heavily discounted Azoth $200. The true price difference is $60 if you look at it at retail price. But to be fair, if someone absolutely wants wireless or an additional screen, then that's a different perspective because they become non-negotiables anyway.

[@mynusten]

@deckstor1 absolutely all fair points and definitely agree that key switches usually come down to preferences. I love the blue clicky switches, but my family has threatened to run me out of the house if I don't divroce myself from the blues.🤣 In regards to price, the Azoth has been discounted for certain, but I'd say this is the new market price for the Azoth...typical product life cycle. Razer makes great products and I'm a lifelong Razer customer, but after using both keyboard intensly, my feel is the Blackwidow V4 was overpriced at launch. Really appreciate you taking the time to watch the video, assess my views and post some constructive thoughts! Awesome stuff!

[@deckstor1]

@@mynusten Appreciate you taking my comment well. Cheers.

[@Tvv1SteR]

1:02 Razer Azoth. Yep, the combination of these two keebs is the best one. 😉

[@Cuda3601]

Great vid The azoth is a really nice keyboard but i simply wont buy it because of armory crate i have had countless problems with it and it just feels like bloatware

[@mynusten]

Yea, I hear you 1,000% Armoury Crate is a tough app to swallow, but to enjoy the Azoth, I've learned to live with it. My hope is Asus will put some serious UX engineers behind Armoury Crate and make it a more friendly app. Thanks for the comment and watching my content; really appreciate it!

[@_dylanzz]

if the v4 pro had a wireless version I wouldn't think twice

[@mynusten]

@ARESDFL yea, agree that 2.4 GHz is an important feature now-a-days. One thing that has really impressed me recently are the keyboards with adjustable actuation points. Going to post a comparison of a couple new keyboards with this tech...and this make me move back to a wired board. Its really cool tech! Thanks for watching my content and posting....really appreciate it! 👊

[@_dylanzz]

@@mynusten that's very interesting, looking forward to that upload!

[@chrisandsofia1919]

The choice between these two really comes down to your personal perspective - if you’re a gamer-first then the wireless and screen might be must-haves. Otoh, if you’re a custom keyboard enthusiast who just happens to be a gamer, then the Razer might be more attractive because it requires much less modding to perfect the sound and feel, as they’ve pretty much almost nailed the sound right out of the box.

[@mynusten]

@chrisandsofia1919 absolutely great points and thanks for sharing. Really appreciate the comments. 👍

[@kyosukeshidou1370]

WRONG .. ROG looks more like an enthusiast keyboard than Razer , also let me tell you that Enthusiast HATES the USB-C Placement on the Razer , they prefer the slot on the left side instead of middle IF you think Custom Keyboard Enthusiast pick Razer because of the sound then you are dead wrong.. lmao .. Blackwidow V4 75% sounds HOLLOW , the only thing that made it sounds DEEPER than Azoth was the FR4 Plate and Orange Tactile Switch .. Azoth sounds more DAMPENED since it has Poron Foam and Silicon Foam underneath unlike razer which only have extremely thin foam with pre-installed tape mod , Azoth also uses the Red Switch which makes it sounds more of a high pitched ROG Azoth only needs to change the switch to make it sounds good or tape mod to make it poppier .. doesn't need more than that , but changing the keycaps to SA Profile make it sounds even deeper

[@mynusten]

@@kyosukeshidou1370 thanks for your input and sharing. End of the day, gaming keyboards often come down to personal preferences and love the passion you bring to your comments. For me, the gaming keyboard is the equivalent to driving gloves, ski boots, biking helemt. Once you find the right one, it feels so perfect and makes the sport that much more enjoyable. Thanks for watching and engaging! Really appreciate it.

[@iamdickel8574]

for me the Scope II 96 Wireless is the best gaming keyboard right now not including those expensive + custom keyboard ofcourse. overall, its a wireless, full 96 keys, almost TKL size, Thock sound than Azoth and good price

[@mynusten]

The Scope II 96 is an excellent keyboard and as I try other brands' new keyboards, the Scope II 96 is even more of a champ. Absolutely appreciate the need for a near, full-sized keyboard and the need for a 10-key numpad. Many thanks for watching my video and making a comment!

[@iamdickel8574]

@@mynusten yes due to i'm not gaming much on my PC and i use the numpad for excel, inputting 2FA and calculating

[@kyosukeshidou1370]

NEW Azoth sounds better than Scope II 96 .. and you wanna know why Scope II sounds better than Azoth before?? because it uses the improved Linear NX Snow.. now Azoth uses that one too on their new Moonlight White Azoth

[@mynusten]

@@kyosukeshidou1370 Thanks for the input! That is interesting. I swapped my switches not too long after the keyboard's release. I really look forward in seeing what Asus does with this keyboard and version 2.

[@yazidxury5962]

100th sub!

[@mynusten]

@yazidxury5962, I greatly appreciate everyone who has subscribed to my budding KZbin channel and I never thought in just over a month-and-a-half, I'd have 100 peeps subbing to my channel. This means a lot to me and really appreciate everyone who has clicked the sub button. 🥰

[@villekoskela9073]

Nice comparision! I have azoth

[@mynusten]

@villekoskela9073 thanks for the nice comment; really appreciate it. Still working on my KZbin video production craft and finding ways to improve with each video. Agree with you on the Azoth...I have two. 😍

[@villekoskela9073]

@@mynusten as a 35y old adult viewer I like your matter-of-fact style without any 'unnatural' humour. I like this style keep it up! I think you are focusing on right things/features on the product

[@mynusten]

@@villekoskela9073 Many thanks for the encouragement! Its fun to reach in to find my creative energy and really learning a lot. Planning to do a 1-year anniversary, long term review on the Azoth as its the keyboard I keep coming back to. I switched over to clicky blues and these switches drive my kids nuts. 🤣

[@villekoskela9073]

@@mynusten my only complain is that the lower row keys are a little bit too high to be used without wrist rest. It causes uncomfy feel on my wrist. Im used to use low profile Varmilo VA88. I play FPS games and I do tilt my keyboard. Sencondly I prefer Cherry MX Red Silent seitches as I want to let my family sleep well lol 😅

[@Zweps]

Just so you're aware you can use other switches on the blackwidow, I'm using cherry mx switches "if you took a switch out before doing this review you would've realised this"

[@mynusten]

Yup. Heard that after posting my video. Thanks for adding to the comments and I’ll pin a note at the top with this point highlight. 👍

[@j1nw0o]

I bought the white azoth just a few days ago. Is anyone else having the issue where the button right in the middle of the dial will rattle when you hit the spacebar ? I know it's something small but it's something that's managing to drive me crazy and I just want to know if this is something with my unit or if its something that's just a thing with the Azoth

[@eckz8659]

Yes and armory crate always messes something up anytime I try to use it, so I've put this keyboard on my pegboard (again) and likely won't ever use it. I'm now looking at the black widow, I don't like that it's not wireless though. :(

[@xCaptainAroniousx]

i bought a flare a few months ago and forgot it wasnt wireles... 6 months later, still a perfect keyboard but this damn wire i am sick of it, i cant take it anymore... sooo, i got an Azoth in route as we speak lol

[@mynusten]

@anthonyd1306, you are going to enjoy the Azoth...I've bought two already. 😁 It's not the perfectd customized keyboard, but that gaming glory costs hundreds of dollars. The Azoth is a solid board for only a couple $100 and its fully customizable. Enjoy!

[@augustomantero8266]

You don’t need to buy razer switches. You can pretty much buy any

[@chronicmayhem]

I already have a razor death adder, V3 Pro and synapses really never given me a problem

[@mynusten]

Agree with you! Razer makes excellent products and the Razer Blackwidow V4 75% is solid. Unfortunately, its priced too high relative to other options in the market. My feel is Razer is will reduce is pricing on the V4. Thanks for watching my content and appreciate the input!

[@jayj97921]

Hot swappable and niche keyboard are overhyped and overrated... they get no technology updates at all in the past decade, no wireless etc, latency controls etc. I think what razor/asus has done now, is expose the masses to such niche keyboards, and I believe to take up the market share in that area. I believe gamers or keyboard enthusiast will soon realize just how overpriced niche keyboards have been in the past, this will probably trigger a mass reduction in niche keyboard demand now that razor/asus has made it mainstream.

[@mynusten]

@jiahong9777 absolutely 100% agree with your statement. Asus ROG has opened the curtains for the masses to experience higher quality keyboard experiences. Maybe the Azoth doesn't feel like a $500 custom keyboard, but its not too far off. That said, customized keyboards are expensive, but that's mostly because these smaller companies don't have the economies of scale for large, bulk purchases from downstream manufacturers / suppliers. Asus does have the capital and interest, so I tip my hat to those business managers who saw the revenue opportunity.

[@yazidxury5962]

Is it true Blackwidow can only use Razer switches?

[@mynusten]

@yazidxury5962 this question has been asked by another user and I think the answer is unknow. Based upon the Razer website, I get the impression you have to buy Razer switches. That said, maybe a KZbinr will test out other 3 pin switches on the Blackwidow. All that said, not sure why Razer went with three-pin, when 5-pin, hot-swappable switches has really become the norm. Thanks again for watching my content and raising a very good question!

[@breadles_]

They can fit other mx atyle switches, randomfrankp used his own tactiles in the unit they sent him for review

[@mynusten]

@@breadles_ Many thanks for the comment and clarification!! Really appreciate you watching my video and commenting. 👍

[@breadles_]

@@mynusten you're welcome

[@amirkaragozlu]

it sucks that i cant purchase wireless devices where i am at so i ll settle with the razer this time

[@mynusten]

@amirkaragozlu Wow! I didn't know that there are countries in the World that won't let you buy wireless gaming periphreals. That is a big bummer, for sure.

[@RubyisCute]

If you go to the rtings review, you can see the black widow is a much faster keyboard.

[@mynusten]

@RubyisCute interesting and I am assuming you are talking about latency from key switch activation to actual in-game response. If so, this would make sense as the Razer Blackwidow V4 is a wired keyboard where the Azoth is meant to be used as a wireless keyboard. Having used the Azoth in both wired and wirelss mode, I hard hardpressed to tell the difference given the timings are in miliseconds, but its a good point to raise for those gamers where this is a critical factor. Thanks for highlighiting this point and engaging in the comments section! 👍

[@RubyisCute]

@@mynusten The Multikey latency is 39ms on the Azoth and the Razer is 5.7ms. The Azoth is actually not that great of a gaming keyboard in that regard. Just say you are running and strafing in COD and holding a grenade button on your keyboard, you will have a 39 ms delay for your grenade to be released.

[@mynusten]

@@RubyisCute In general, wired keyboards are almost always going to be more responsive over wireless keyboards. The 2.4 Ghz tech is still slower. That said, the weekest link when it comes to FPS or BR online gaming is server proximity and home interest speeds. Overall, the Razer is a good keyboard, but for what you get, my feel is its overpriced. As a side note, when I game, I always plug in my Azoth and run it in wired mode. Thanks again for the extra input on the Razer keybaord!

[@alehamst29]

the problem is the rog azoth is 300 dollars and the blackwidow V4 is 200

[@mynusten]

@alehamst129, ouch! That is spendy. In the US, its regularly on sale for around $200 and I just bought my second one with clicky blue switches. Love the Azoth.

[@alehamst29]

@@mynusten do you recommend for me to save for the azoth?

[@mynusten]

@@alehamst29 at $300, I can’t recommend anyone to buy a keyboard for that much. If the Azoth comes down in price, pull the trigger!

[@HSGG_]

Where can i buy the razer azoth

[@mynusten]

@HS_GG this will depend where you live, but I usually buy all my gaming gear from Amazon.com as it usually has sizable inventory, a number of sellers and simple return policies in the event I don't like the tech. On the US Amazon.com website, I regularly see the Azoth on sale for around $200, but this may vary depending on where you live. Its a very solid keyboard and will give you 90% of a customized board but with modern features like 2.4 GHz wireless, bluetooth and an OLED screen that I find pretty helpful. Thanks for watching my content and posting!

[@mynusten]

@@josetama18 That's a good catch! I'll pin a comment at the top that this was a slip. Still learning the content creation process and working to get better with each video. Thanks for watching my content and engaging! 👍

[@mynusten]

@@josetama18Many thanks! Still lots to learn, but comments like this make all the work to creat content rewarding!

[@jonathanhinojos]

I’m not sure which one to buy 😖 I want to Wireless keyboard but also 75% and mechanic

[@mynusten]

@jonathanhinojos, if I had to choose, I'd go with the Asus ROG Azoth. I just bought my second one. Good luck in your decision.

[@jonathanhinojos]

@@mynusten thx, I just bought Asus Rog

[@proTAAA12]

@@jonathanhinojos how is it? can you tell us your thoughts about the new keyboard?

[@jonathanhinojos]

@@proTAAA12 It hasn't reached me yet

[@Thatoneguy78936]

No offense but dude is the father of the nerd emoji

[@mynusten]

LOL...being a techie, I wear the Nerd merit badge with honor. 🥰

[@Thatoneguy78936]

@mynusten haha, amazing video bro keep it up

[@mynusten]

@@Thatoneguy78936 many thanks for the kind comments and engagement. Really appreciate it.

[@eckz8659]

Haha

[@fajarkurniawan9434]

​​@@mynusten hahaha true, I don't mind people call me nerd. meaning I am better at tech than most people. also as game and comic enthusiast, even Geek badge I will proudly wear.

[@tapatsos]

The razer azoth. Nice one 🤣

[@user-qo4db7ib5q]

Wait for Air 75 V2

[@jonathanhinojos]

what is the air 75 v2? Is better than azoth and v4 75% apex?

[@user-qo4db7ib5q]

@@jonathanhinojos not really but low profile for my liking

[@straya_au_]

i nwwd to get new keyboard dont what ones and i dont like it very clicky

[@mynusten]

@straya_au_ what is your budget? We are living in good times for gamer keyboards, but there is a wide range of prices. Let me know and I'll give you some ideas. If you don't like clicky, stick with linear switches. They are smooth and quiet. Thanks for posting and watching my content! Much appreciated. 👍

[@K.A-87]

the asus keyboard cost 100 euros more

[@mynusten]

@Memento-Mori-87 I've heard the EUR pricing is steep...The EU has some steep tarrifs and VAT for sure.

[@rxgime5946]

u said razer azoth

[@mynusten]

Indeed. 😆 I caught that after I uploaded to video. I am still improving my KZbin video craft.

[@traaaaan]

You said razor azov and acer azov lol.

[@mynusten]

LOL...yea, I am still learning how to be more efficient in-front of the camera. The only way to get better is to keep producing content! Thanks for watching my video and posting. Helps a ton!

[@XDragoNaaK]

To be honest, asus' keyboards have bad lighting modes. Compared to razer it's literally nothing. I have asus rog strix scope nx tkl deluxe. Also wireless keyboards sucks because they have low battery most of the time because I use full brightness.

[@mynusten]

@XDragoNaak agree with you on the lighting between Razer and Asus keyboards. My feel for the Azoth is the RGB brightness is toned down a bit as its meant to be used as a wireless keyboard. The OLED also uses some extra battery juice. Wired vs. Wireless is an ongoing debate and for me, I prefer charging the board weekly in lieu of another cable. That said, I get the nuisance of charging. Thanks for watching and engaging in the comments section. Really appreciate it! 👍

[@flocksmcgocksgd7850]

Can’t wait for the k70 vs!!!!!!

[@mynusten]

Thanks for the reminder. For the K70, are you thinking the Max, RGB Pro, or the Low Profile?

[@flocksmcgocksgd7850]

@@mynusten they all are different but mine is the max. and I would love to know how mine compares to the asus ROG, I’m really considering getting it

[@mynusten]

@@flocksmcgocksgd7850 Thanks for the quick response and I'll do a comparison. I have the new Logitech queued for next week, but the K70 is next-up. It has been a minute since I used a Corsair keyboard. That said, all my cooling is Corsair...great company.

[@flocksmcgocksgd7850]

I lied I have the rgb tkl not the max😔

[@mynusten]

@@flocksmcgocksgd7850 no worries, my friend! I just ordered it and will have time to give the Corsair RGB TKL a solid workout next week. Looking forward to it. 👍