It is well known that not all things are created equal. Some off-brand “cola” drinks can never stand up to the red-labeled fizzy black joy drink that we all know. And it is like this in the realm of gaming keyboards too.
You get keyboards, and then you get KEYBOARDS. If you know, you know.
There is a hierarchy even in the KEYBOARDS category and at the very tippy top of that heirachy sits the Hunstmans V3 Pro from Razer.
The true Apex Predator of top tier gaming keyboards.
The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro is a high-end mechanical keyboard that targets the premium gaming market. It is designed for both competitive gamers and enthusiasts who demand precision, speed, and durability.
Technical Aspects
1. Switch Technology: Razer Optical Switches
The standout feature of the Huntsman V3 Pro is the use of Razer’s Optical Switches. Unlike traditional mechanical switches, which rely on physical contact for actuation, optical switches use light-based actuation. This design offers a few key advantages:
- Faster Actuation: Because there is no debounce delay (the time it takes for a switch to stabilize after a press), the optical switches are much faster than traditional mechanical switches. Razer claims up to 30% faster actuation.
- Durability: The absence of physical contact reduces wear, extending the lifespan of the switches. Razer rates these switches for 100 million keystrokes, compared to the 50-70 million of many mechanical keyboards.
- Options for Tactile or Linear Feedback: The Huntsman V3 Pro offers both tactile clicky (for those who prefer tactile feedback) and linear (for smooth keypresses) switch options, catering to different user preferences.
2. Key Stabilization and Precision: Razer Analog Optical Switches Gen-2
For the first time in a Huntsman keyboard, Razer has introduced Analog Optical Switches in the V3 Pro model. These switches offer analog input, meaning they can detect varying levels of pressure. This technology allows for gradual actuation, similar to an analog joystick, providing finer control in games. The benefits include:
- Variable Actuation Points: Users can customize the actuation point of each key, from a light tap to a full press. This provides tailored responsiveness based on user preferences and the specific game or application.
- Dual Key Mapping: The keyboard supports dual-function key mapping, allowing different actions to be performed based on how hard the key is pressed. For example, a light press could make a character walk, while a full press could make them run.
3. Polling Rate and Responsiveness
The Huntsman V3 Pro features a 1000Hz polling rate, which is now standard for high-end gaming keyboards. This ensures minimal input lag, giving gamers an edge in fast-paced, reaction-based gameplay.
4. Build Quality and Materials
Razer has paid significant attention to the build quality of the Huntsman V3 Pro:
- Aluminum Chassis: The keyboard’s frame is made of an anodized aluminum top plate, providing both durability and a premium feel. The metal construction also enhances structural rigidity, preventing flexing during intense gaming sessions.
- Doubleshot PBT Keycaps: The keycaps are made from doubleshot PBT plastic, which is more durable and resistant to wear than ABS plastic. This ensures that the legends on the keys won’t fade or wear down over time, even with heavy use.
5. Lighting and Aesthetics: Razer Chroma RGB
Razer’s signature Chroma RGB lighting system is integrated into the Huntsman V3 Pro. This allows for customizable lighting effects, with 16.8 million colors available. The RGB can be synced with other Razer peripherals or compatible devices for cohesive setups.
- Per-Key Lighting Customization: Each key can be individually lit, allowing for intricate lighting designs and reactive effects based on in-game events.
- Underglow and Side Lighting: The V3 Pro also features underglow lighting, adding an additional level of aesthetic customization.
6. Programmability and Software
The keyboard is fully programmable through Razer Synapse 3 software:
- Custom Key Mapping: Users can remap any key to another function, macro, or shortcut.
- Profiles and Cloud Storage: Different profiles can be saved directly to the keyboard’s onboard memory or to Razer’s cloud system, allowing users to access their custom settings from any computer.
- Macro Recording: Razer Synapse supports on-the-fly macro recording, which is especially useful for MMO or productivity tasks that require repetitive keystrokes.
7. Ergonomics and Comfort
- Magnetic Wrist Rest: The Huntsman V3 Pro comes with a detachable magnetic wrist rest, covered in plush leatherette for comfort during extended gaming sessions.
- Adjustable Feet: The keyboard also includes adjustable feet to set the keyboard at different angles based on user preference.
8. Connectivity
The Huntsman V3 Pro features a wired connection with a detachable USB-C cable. This provides a stable and lag-free connection, with the option to replace the cable if needed. Some competing keyboards offer wireless functionality, which the Huntsman V3 Pro lacks, but Razer’s choice of wired-only ensures zero latency.
Experience
The Razer Hunstmans V3 Pro is a great keyboard in all regards.
That is the least you’d expect for a keyboard with that price tag attached to it. But make no mistake, this is by no means an entry level keyboard and is designed for those who know what they want and aren’t afraid to take the wallet out for it.
The Huntsman V3 Pro took some getting used to for me coming from a clickity clackity mechanical switches to the light as a feather optical switches that Razer used, the Razer Analog Optical Switches Gen-2. Those switches are so sensitive that even thinking about pressing a key results in a key being pressed…
Ok – so not that bad. But they require barely any pressure to work.
BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE…
Included on the Huntsman V3 Pro is the ability to change your keyboard’s actuation height or Rapid Trigger sensitivity right from the keyboard itself with the use of FN + some other keys. And yes, you read that right – there’s no need to crack open Synapse (but we do love Synapse) or even the keyboard itself. These settings can be changed quickly, on-the-fly, even while in game.
I had a great deal of fun playing with the different settings both from the keyboard and within Synapse. The Huntsman V3 Pro really is a versatile keyboard and can be adjusted to such a degree that I highly doubt that there’s a person out there who won’t a setting they like. And if it’s a size thing, there’s always the Huntsman V3 Pro Tenkeyless and Mini versions available. But those are reviews for another day.
Using the keyboard for mostly gaming and typing, with a sprinkling of editing/design on top, I can honestly say that I found settings that matched any use of I put on the Huntsman V3 Pro.
More response and “clicky” for gaming? THe Huntsman V3 Pro has you.
Smoother, ligther press for longer typing and less work fatigue? Huntsman V3 Pro says its done.
Anything inbetween? Huntsman V3 Pro is up for whatever challenge you throw at it.
And all of these preferred settings can be saved either in Synapse or onto the keyboard itself and swapped between in a jiffy.
So that’s feel – but what about look?
Straight out the gate, the Huntsman V3 Pro comes with the expected amount of RGB that you would want on a keyboard and all of it fully customisable through Razer Chroma. Obviously Razer’s Ambient Awareness option is always there too for an awesome experience, especially if this not your first piece of RGB-ladden Razer gear you’ve added to your system. But even if it was, still loads of fun to be had with all the different options within the Razer software suite.
Beyond the bright lights, there is a lot more to the Huntsman V3 Pro’s look than just some flashy bits to distract the average user. Razer has poured insane amounts of energy, time and love into making the Huntsman V3 Pro look like a top tier keyboard – from the brushed aluminium top plate all the way to the textured doubleshot PBT keycaps.
If all of this hasn’t got you salivating yet, then Razer has so kindly included on the Huntsman V3 Pro a small feature that I’ve grown rather fond of. This feature is the multi-function digital dial and dedicated media control buttons. Not only do I like the look of it, the use of them simplifies so much so quickly.
While the media control buttons and wheels certainly aren’t a new and groundbreaking addition, especially since it was rather common on keyboards 10 to 15 years ago, I still love it!
Verdict
Now if you hadn’t figured it out by now, I really can’t find much at fault with the Huntsman V3 Pro gaming keyboard from Razer and so I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking at keyboards in this price bracket.
The only real “flaws” I can see with this keyboard would be the price tag and the cable.
The price tag sits in the “couple of thousands” category, which puts this incredible piece of tech far out of reach for the vast majority of computer users and caters to a very niche section of the market. That being said though – the Huntsman V3 Pro is a top-tier/high-end/premium grade keyboard and, surprisingly, I can see why it sits with the price tag it does.
The other flaw, which for me isn’t really a flaw, but I only mention it because I know some users out there prefer wireless keyboards. The cable really isn’t a problem and not having to monitor and manage another battery is a boon for me. Wireless mouse? Absolutely. Wireless keyboard? Meh…
So wired keyboard may be a flaw to some, but not to me.
And so, with that being said – if you can afford it, the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro gaming keyboard really should feature high on your list of options, so high that there’s nothing else above it.
The Huntsman V3 Pro is the true Apex Predator of top-tier gaming keyboards.
…one might even go so far as to say one keyboard to rule them and in RGB bind them…
A MASSIVE SHOUT OUT TO APEX INTERACTIVE FOR GIVING US THIS KEYBOARD FOR REVIEW.
