The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is the second generation of Razer’s opto-mechanical gaming keyboard. It was revealed on February 4, 2021.
Optical Switches with Analog Input
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog features optical analog switches. This new switch technology is without a doubt the biggest upgrade from its predecessor (Razer Huntsman line). Optical means that the keys are actuated via a light signal. Analog means that the keyboard can not only differentiate between the two states “the key is pressed” and “the key is not pressed” but also knows how far down a key is pressed. This information is used in games to allow different nuances of inputs. For example, the movement speed of a character could be controlled by the distance a key is pressed down. Therefore, a similar control as with an analog stick on a gamepad is possible. Analog inputs are particularly useful in third-person games, shooters, racing and simulation games, but they might also become handy in other genres.
Enabling analog inputs is only one of the advantages of Razer’s Analog Optical Switches. Another one is that you can freely choose an actuation distance between 1.5 mm and 3.6 mm. You can therefore easily test different settings and select the one you like most. Moreover, the switches support a so called dual-step actuation. It is possible to program two functions at different actuation points of a single key. In so doing, actions that require two consecutive steps can conveniently be executed within a single keystroke. The Huntsman V2 is the first full keyboard featuring the Razer Analog Optical Switches. They have been seen before though, Razer’s Tartarus Pro gaming keypad (available since October 2019) also makes use of them.
Huntsman V2: Feature-Packed Gaming Keyboard
In addition to improving the switch technology, Razer also packed a few other upgrades into the Huntsman V2 Analog. The keyboard comes with doubleshot PBT keycaps, which are more durable than standard keycaps. Furthermore, a USB passthrough has been added. The Huntsman V2 Analog comes of course also with Razer’s famous Chroma lighting. There are countless illumination options, including various colors, brightness levels and tons of illumination effects. Dynamic lighting reacts to in-game events in supported games.
As for the rest, the Huntsman V2 Analog offers basically everything you need for high-performance gaming: full n-key rollover, fully programmable keys with macro support, a dedicated gaming mode, several onboard profiles and a polling rate of 1.000 Hz. Just like the Huntsman Elite, the keyboard is equipped with a digital dial and three other media keys for controlling audio, video and volume. Also a magnetic wrist rest is part of the box contents again.
Tech Specs for Razer Huntsman V2 Analog
Further Information on Amazon.com
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Reviews
August 18, 2021
"The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog pushes gaming’s boundaries thanks to analog optical switches and a software suite that can use them to their fullest; if anything, it may be ahead of its time. Excellent build quality, a great feel to the switches, synergy with Razer mice through HyperShift and a highly customisable lighting system combine for a premium design that rewards those who can stretch to its hefty price tag."
March 19, 2021
"For us, this keyboard over-complicates things and as a result is very time consuming to setup, but for those dead-set on entering the realm of analog keyboards then it's one to consider."
February 18, 2021
"The new Huntsman V2 Analog represents one of the biggest leaps forward in computer hardware in quite some time. While Razer's new board is marred by its extortionate price, there's no doubt that its feature set, complete with sturdy build quality and incredible Chroma backlighting, provides one of the most complete peripheral packages of the past few years."
February 5, 2021
"The Razer Huntsmans V2 Analog brings joystick control to the keyboard in an excellent, if expensive, package."
February 5, 2021
"The Razer Huntsman v2 Analog gaming keyboard combines the latest optical technology and Razers' own mechanical key switches to provide both the best typing and gaming experience we've had in a long time."
February 5, 2021
"The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is arguably the most innovative gaming keyboard in years, but its price limits it to a niche audience."
February 5, 2021
"The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog keyboard is premium in its feature set, design and price; although, dedicated macro keys would’ve been nice. Pressure-sensitive keys bring a fine level of control in supported PC games, and they're highly programmable, from their sensitivity to their reset point and functionality. For those who can put Razer’s new analog optical switches to work, this is as swanky as it gets."
