Razer BlackWidow V4 X Keyboard Synapse Software Review

I'm Kova Tech, and in this guide I'll walk you through everything I covered in my video walkthrough of the Razer BlackWidow V4 X using Razer Synapse. If you own the BlackWidow V4 X (or are thinking about it), Synapse unlocks powerful customization — from macros and per-key Chroma lighting to game-triggered profiles and Hypershift layers. Below I'll show you how to use those features to boost both gaming and productivity.

Quick tour: the Synapse interface

After installing Razer Synapse you'll land on a visual of the keyboard. The on-screen graphic is interactive — you can click keys directly to remap them or assign macros. The macro keys sit on the left side of the layout and are separate from default keys so you can customize without losing the base functionality of the keyboard.

Customizing the scroll wheel and media controls

The scroll wheel defaults to volume up/down, but you can change that. Click the wheel in Synapse and choose the roller function you want: system volume, microphone volume, scroll up/down, or even Windows/Office zoom controls. It's flexible for both gaming and content work.

Profiles: switch automatically per game or app

Synapse supports multiple profiles. You can add, rename, duplicate, export, or reset profiles. More importantly, you can bind a profile to a specific game or application so Synapse automatically switches when the game launches. For example, you can create a MudRunner profile and have the keyboard switch to it only when MudRunner runs.

Macros and key remapping — what you can assign

Click any macro key (like M1) to assign actions. Options include:

• Record keystroke sequences — record combos like Command+Shift+T and replay them with one press.
• Turbo — repeat a key press automatically (from 1 up to 20 repeats).
• Alphanumeric — send letters or numbers.
• Function keys — F1 through F24 mapping.
• Number pad, navigation, modifiers, symbols — all standard keyboard functions are available to assign.

Mouse functions and inter-device combos

Mouse functions are similar but with mouse actions (left click, scroll repeat, etc.). The Inter-Device option lets you combine inputs from two Razer devices — for example hold a keyboard key as a modifier and click a mouse button to trigger a shortcut. That opens up creative macro combos across peripherals.

Switching profiles and brightness controls

You can toggle or cycle profiles manually if you prefer. Brightness is adjustable via the software or directly on the keyboard using Fn + 11/12 — Fn+12 increases brightness, Fn+11 decreases. Choose whichever workflow feels faster for you.

Hypershift — double your key bindings

Razer Hypershift gives you a whole second layer of key functions. Think of it as a secondary mode: standard mode holds your normal bindings, Hypershift assigns alternate actions so one physical key can do two different things depending on mode.

Programs, multimedia, and text macros

Synapse supports a range of macro types:

• Launch program/URL — point to an executable or paste a website URL to open it from a keypress.
• Multimedia — play, pause, skip, volume controls for media apps.
• Windows shortcuts — refresh, copy, paste, close app, etc.
• Text function — insert canned text or emojis (useful for repeated phrases or signatures).

For example, you can save “Hello everyone” to a macro and paste it into Notepad or chat with a single keypress — handy for streamers or productivity workflows.

Gaming mode: stop accidental interruptions

Gaming mode disables disruptive keys like Windows, Alt+Tab, or Alt+F4 so you don't accidentally minimize or quit while in a match. Toggle Gaming Mode in Synapse to prevent these interruptions.

Lighting: brightness, idle behavior, and Chroma effects

Synapse gives full control over per-key Chroma RGB with 16.8 million colors and multiple effects. Key lighting options include:

• Brightness control — change via software or the dial on the keyboard.
• Switch off lighting — set lights to turn off when the display sleeps or after an idle period (e.g., 5 minutes).
• Effects — breathing (color fade), static, wave, spectrum cycling, and more.

For example, breathing will fade from green to red to blue; static locks a single color. These visuals are great for matching build aesthetics or signaling profile changes.

Putting it all together — practical tips

• Create a profile per game or workflow: bind games to profiles for automatic switching.
• Use Hypershift to avoid adding more physical keys while still getting extra bindings.
• Combine keyboard and mouse via Inter-Device for powerful macro combos.
• Use text macros for common chat messages or long strings you type often.
• Enable Gaming Mode to avoid accidental interruptions during play.

Conclusion

Razer Synapse transforms the BlackWidow V4 X from a premium mechanical keyboard into a flexible control surface for gaming and productivity. From macro recordings and Hypershift layers to per-key Chroma lighting and game-specific profiles, the software adds serious value. If you want to see my dedicated hardware review of the BlackWidow V4 X, check out my other guide for a full hands-on look.

Thanks for reading — see you in the next walkthrough.