The Razer Huntsman V2 is an opto-mechanical gaming keyboard with rich feature set.
A Short History of the Razer Huntsman Series
Razer started to use optical switches back in June 2018 and immediately had big success with it: The Razer Huntsman became one of the most sold gaming keyboards worldwide. Later in 2018, the Huntsman Elite followed. A tenkeyless version was then released in 2019, the 60% version Huntsman Mini followed in 2020. With the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog, the first keyboard of the second generation was announced in February 2021. The switches of the keyboard are not only optical but also analog. The analog inputs enabled advanced control in games that usually only joysticks have to offer. In September 2021, Razer finally announced the Huntsman V2 (without analog switches) and its tenkeyless version.
Razer Huntsman V2: Switch Update
Just like all other Huntsman keyboards, the Razer Huntsman V2 features opto-mechanical switches. This means that the switches are actuated by a beam of light instead of establishing a metal contact. The keyboard though can only tell if a key is pressed or not, unlike the Huntsman V2 Analog which can also tell how far a key is pressed down. Thus, the “normal” Huntsman V2 does not support analog input.
Razer reworked their optical switches for the Huntsman V2: Silicon sound dampener were added to reduce the noise. Furthermore, additional lubing was performed in order to ensure that operation is as smooth as possible. The keyboard is available with either linear switches (“red”) or clicky switches (“purple”).
No more underglow, but still crammed with features
Overall, the Huntsman V2 looks very similar to the Huntsman Elite or the Huntsman V2 Analog. One difference is that there is no more underglow. But don’t worry, the keyboard can still put up an amazing RGB lighting show. As usual, Razer Synapse is there to configure lighting effects and handle in-game-integration. Also the digital dial, four dedicated media keys, on-board memory, a game mode, n-key rollover and a leatherette wrist rest made it into the Huntsman V2. Moreover, it’s really good to see that the keyboard comes with double-shot PBT keycaps – those are more resistant to wear than common ABS keycaps.
Razer Huntsman V2 TKL
The smaller versions of the keyboard without numpad is called Razer Huntsman V2 TKL. This tenkeyless version also lacks the digital dial and has no dedicated media keys. But apart from that, the feature sets are basically the same. Just like the bigger Huntsman V2, the TKL version is also available with either linear or clicky switches.
Tech Specs for Razer Huntsman V2
Further Information on Amazon.com
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Mechanical Keyboard Score
The mechanical keyboard score is our overall score for a keyboard. The score is based on the available ratings and critics and makes an easy comparison between different mechanical keyboards possible. It is also used for our mechanical keyboard ranking.
Reviews
April 5, 2022
"The Razer Huntsman V2 TKL is almost perfect. It's expensive for something this compact and is missing a couple of vital features. Still, its quiet but fast switches, features, and durability make it a fantastic companion for any gamer."
December 9, 2021
"
The Razer Huntsman V2 is a marvellous gaming keyboard, offering excellent build quality, light and clicky switches, some serious power and sharp lighting. While its cost may be high, you won't find many better general-purpose gaming keyboards than this one.
"October 25, 2021
"The Razer Huntsman V2 TKL is a high-quality mechanical keyboard, but the ticking stabilizers with the clicky Razer Purple switches cancel out the company’s sound dampening efforts. You can buy this keyboard with silent red switches instead, but aside from noise complaints, the 8,000 Hz polling rate on this board seems to be more of a gimmick than a necessity."
October 1, 2021
"The Razer Huntsman V2 combines innovative optical switches with quieter keycaps and gorgeous RGB lighting for a mild upgrade over its predecessor."
September 27, 2021
"The new design brings a wealth of improved features and holds off on unnecessary frills to keep the price reasonable, and the noise at a minimum."
September 24, 2021
"The Razer Huntsman V2 optical gaming keyboard is a joy to type and game on, while also offering a quieter mechanical experience for anyone who will use it around those less appreciative of the clickity-clacks standard to mechanical models. And though it does feature an 8,000 Hz polling rate, this feature isn't as relevant on a keyboard as it is on a mouse, and the price might put the Huntsman V2 out of reach."
September 16, 2021
"The Razer Huntsman V2 is an expensive gaming keyboard but delivers with premium features, like programmable keys that can store up to two functions, robust media keys and premium keycaps atop admirable optical mechanical switches. But most won’t notice the 8,000 Hz polling rate, and there are no macro keys."
September 16, 2021
"Razer's Huntsman V2 TKL is a gaming keyboard that will win you over with its smooth switches."
September 16, 2021
"The Razer Huntsman V2 is fast and packed to the brim with features but falls flat on acoustics."
September 16, 2021
"Razer's range-topping keyboard gets even better with the newest switches, insane performance and sound dampening foam that leaves the feel the same but makes the Huntsman V2 a keyboard you can also take to the office."
