These two wired keyboards appeal to different buyers. Razer’s BlackWidow V4 75% is a compact mechanical keyboard designed around switch swapping and a conventional typing feel. SteelSeries’ Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 is larger and built around adjustable magnetic switches and Rapid Trigger. The better choice depends on whether you want to change the physical switch or change how its actuation behaves in software.
The meaningful differences
| BlackWidow V4 75% | Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 75%, with arrow keys | Tenkeyless, with full function row |
| Connection | Wired USB-C | Wired USB-C |
| Switches | Hot-swappable mechanical | OmniPoint 3.0 magnetic |
| Adjustable actuation | No | Yes |
| Rapid Trigger | No | Yes |
| Wrist rest | Included | Included in the linked product image/listing; confirm bundle at checkout |
The comparison comes from manufacturer product details and the specific Amazon AU listings, not personal testing.
Pick Razer for switch swapping and a tighter footprint
A 75% layout trims the width beyond TKL while preserving dedicated arrow keys. The BlackWidow V4 75% is a good match if you want a compact keyboard that can accept compatible replacement mechanical switches later. The linked listing uses Razer Orange tactile switches. If you want another feel out of the box, check the selected variant and other listings rather than assuming the switch choice can be changed at checkout. The included wrist rest is useful if you want a matching set on your desk.
Razer BlackWidow V4 75%
Layout: 75%
Connection: Wired USB-C
Switches: Hot-swappable mechanical; Orange tactile in linked listing
- Compact layout keeps arrow keys
- Switch swapping
- Included wrist rest
- You need wireless
- You want magnetic adjustable actuation
Pick SteelSeries for adjustable key response
SteelSeries’ OmniPoint 3.0 magnetic switches are the reason to buy the Apex Pro TKL Gen 3. You can adjust actuation and use Rapid Trigger, which changes how quickly a key resets as you release it. That is a more specialist feature than hot-swap sockets. The keyboard also includes an OLED display and media controls. It takes more desk width than a 75% board and does not give you a wireless connection.
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3
Layout: Tenkeyless
Connection: Wired USB-C
Switches: OmniPoint 3.0 magnetic
- Adjustable actuation
- Rapid Trigger
- OLED display and media controls
- You require wireless
- You want a simple plug-in-and-forget board
Verdict
Buy the BlackWidow if a compact 75% layout and mechanical switch swapping are what you actually want. Buy the Apex Pro if adjustable magnetic actuation is the feature you are shopping for. They are not substitutes for one another: a hot-swap mechanical socket does not turn the Razer into a Rapid Trigger keyboard, and the SteelSeries’ magnetic switch system is not a general hot-swap platform. Check the exact switch and bundle details on the Amazon AU listing before purchase. Sources: Razer and SteelSeries.