The Razer Huntsman V2 is the updated version of the original Razer Huntsman, and it's Razer's first keyboard with an 8000Hz polling rate, which provides remarkably low and consistent latency performance. The Razer Linear Optical switches on our unit feel light and very responsive thanks to their low operating force and short pre-travel distance. However, if you prefer a different feel, it's available with Razer Click Optical switches. Also, it has customizable RGB backlighting, dedicated media keys, and a multi-function knob that controls volume by default. All its keys are macro-programmable, either directly from the board using the Macro key or from the Razer Synapse 3 software. Unfortunately, while it feels very well-built, some of its larger keys wobble and have a different sound and feel than other keys. We tested the full-size variant, but it's also available in a TenKeyLess size, the Razer Huntsman V2 TKL.
Our Verdict
The Razer Huntsman V2 is an outstanding gaming keyboard with remarkably low latency. The Razer Linear Optical switches on our unit have a very short pre-travel distance and a light operating force, providing a very responsive feel. You can set macros to any key directly on the board or using the Synapse 3 software. It has customizable RGB backlighting, two incline settings, and a comfortable leatherette wrist rest. However, while it feels very well-built, the larger keys wobble a bit, and some have a different sound and feel than the smaller ones.
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Remarkably low latency and an effective update rate of 8000Hz.
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Short pre-travel distance and light operating force.
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Customizable RGB backlighting.
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All keys are macro-programmable.
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Larger keys wobble and feel different than smaller keys.
The Razer Huntsman V2 is great for office use. It feels excellent to type on, and it has a nice leatherette wrist rest and two incline settings. The Razer Linear Optical switches on our unit feel light to type on, and they're very quiet, which is great for a quiet office. However, they provide no tactile feedback, and the pre-travel distance is short, meaning that they may feel too sensitive for some people. Also, it feels very well-built, but unfortunately, the larger keys wobble a bit, and some of them have a different sound and feel than the smaller keys.
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Excellent typing experience.
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All keys are macro-programmable.
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Very quiet Linear Optical switches.
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Has two incline settings and a wrist rest.
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Wired-only.
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Larger keys wobble and feel different than smaller keys.
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Linear switches may be too sensitive for typing.
The Razer Huntsman V2 isn't designed for use with mobile devices or tablets since it's a wired-only full-size board.
The Razer Huntsman V2 is great for programming. The Razer Linear Optical switches feel light and are very quiet to type on; however, they provide no tactile feedback, and the pre-travel distance is short, meaning that they may feel too sensitive for some people. It has customizable RGB backlighting, and you can set macros to any key directly from the board or the Synapse 3 software. The board has two incline settings and a nice leatherette wrist rest. It feels very well-built, though the larger keys wobble, and some of them have a different feel and sound compared to smaller keys. Unfortunately, you can't pair it to multiple devices at once since you can't use it wirelessly.
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Excellent typing experience.
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Customizable RGB backlighting.
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All keys are macro-programmable.
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Very quiet Linear Optical switches.
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Wired-only.
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Larger keys wobble and feel different than smaller keys.
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Linear switches may be too sensitive for typing.
The Razer Huntsman V2 is inadequate for a home theater PC setup. Since it's a wired board, the board needs to be connected directly to the PC. Also, it doesn't have a trackpad, so you'll need a mouse to navigate the interface.
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Customizable RGB backlighting.
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Wired-only.
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No built-in trackpad.
This keyboard offers outstanding raw performance. It has remarkably low single-key and multi-key latency. This performance is also extremely stable thanks to an effective update rate of 8000Hz that isn't bottlenecked by other latency components and matches its maximum polling rate of 8000Hz. Overall, this keyboard provides an exceptionally consistent and responsive experience suitable for gaming in any genre at any competitive level.
- 9.0 Gaming
- 7.4 Office
- 1.0 Mobile/Tablet
- 7.8 Programming
- 3.8 Entertainment / HTPC
- 9.3 Raw Performance
- Updated Jan 11, 2024: After receiving community feedback, we investigated the latency results for this keyboard and found our original displayed results were missing data points. We've retested the Multi-Key Latency and confirmed 200 samples. Our corrected results show marginally more Key Press latency but significantly less key release latency.
- Updated Nov 29, 2023: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed Razer Huntsman V3 Pro to the Switches section of this review.
- Updated Nov 29, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3.1, which adds a new estimated PCB latency test to the Single-Key Latency section and a new Analog test to the Switches section of this review. You can see the full changelog here.
- Updated Nov 15, 2023: We've found that latency results are impacted by the placement of the testing solenoid, so we retested this keyboard for consistency with other reviews. This review has been updated, and you can find more information regarding this retest here.
- Updated Sep 11, 2023: We've added a link to the Razer BlackWidow V4 to this review's Macro Keys and Programming section.
- Updated Aug 30, 2023: We've added text to this review for the new tests added in TBU 1.3.
- Updated Aug 30, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3, which overhauls how key input is evaluated. We've added new tests for Single Key Latency, Multi Key Latency, Data Transmission, and Chord Split. We've also introduced a new Raw Performance usage and adjusted how the Gaming and Office usage scores are calculated. You can see the full changelog here.
- Updated Jun 12, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update introduces new Backlight Features and Backlight Clarity test boxes. We've also added a new Switches test box, added additional test comparisons to our Hardware Customizability test box that we introduced with our last Test Bench. For an in-depth look at our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
- Updated Mar 22, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.1. This update adds several new tests addressing Hardware Customization, Macro Keys And Programming, and Wireless Mobile Compatibility. We've also added new objective evaluations to the Typing Noise test, and we've simplified several tests and removed several others that were no longer relevant. For an in-depth look at all our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
- Updated Oct 07, 2021: Review published.
- Updated Oct 04, 2021: Early access published.
- Updated Sep 30, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Sep 24, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Sep 22, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the Razer Huntsman V2 with Razer Linear Optical switches, but it's also available with Razer Clicky Optical switches. Also, we tested the full-size variant, but it's also available in a TKL size called the Razer Huntsman V2 TKL. Both sizes are available in black only. You can see our unit's label here.
Compared To Other Keyboards
The Razer Huntsman V2 is an upgrade of the original Razer Huntsman. The V2 includes extra features seen on other recent Razer boards, like dedicated media keys, a multi-function knob that controls the volume by default, PBT keycaps, and a wrist rest. Also, it's Razer's first board with an 8000Hz polling rate, delivering an exceptionally consistent gaming experience.
See our recommendations for the best gaming keyboards, the best mechanical keyboards, and the best Razer keyboards.
The Razer BlackWidow V4 and the Razer Huntsman V2 are wired mechanical gaming keyboards with maximum polling rates of 8000Hz. The BlackWidow V4 is available with linear or clicky mechanical switches. It also has dedicated macro keys, and several small build quality features the Huntsman V2 lacks, including a layer of sound-dampening PCB foam and pre-lubed stabilizers. On the other hand, the Huntsman V2 is available with linear or clicky optical switches and has slightly more premium-feeling PBT keycaps.
The Razer BlackWidow V3 and the Razer Huntsman V2 are similar wired mechanical gaming keyboards, but the Huntsman V2 performs slightly better. The Huntsman V2 has much lower latency than the BlackWidow V3. It also comes with higher quality PBT keycaps instead of the ABS keycaps on the BlackWidow V3, and its wrist rest is plushier. It's available with Razer Linear Optical and Razer Click optical switches. On the other hand, the BlackWidow V3 is available with linear Razer Yellow and clicky Razer Green switches.
The Razer Huntsman Elite and the Razer Huntsman V2 are wired mechanical gaming keyboards, but the V2 performs better overall. The V2 is Razer's first keyboard with an 8000Hz polling rate, and its latency is lower than the Elite's. Also, the V2 comes with PBT keycaps, which feel more durable and are less prone to shine than ABS keycaps, and the typing experience is much better on the V2 due to an issue with our Elite unit's spacebar. On the other hand, the Elite has an RGB strip along the sides of its wrist rest and around the board itself, which fans of RGB may prefer. Both boards are available with Razer Linear Optical and Razer Clicky Optical switches.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Razer Huntsman V2 are both full-size mechanical gaming keyboards. The SteelSeries has proprietary linear OmniPoint switches that let you adjust the amount of pre-travel distance needed to input a keystroke, which lets you customize the switch's operating force to match your gaming or typing needs. The SteelSeries has a programmable OLED screen and a USB passthrough, both of which the Razer lacks. On the other hand, the Razer has one more incline setting, more dedicated media keys, and lower latency. The Razer is available with Razer Linear Optical and Clicky Optical switches.
The Corsair K100 RGB and the Razer Huntsman V2 are both full-size mechanical gaming keyboards. Both boards have dedicated media keys, a volume control knob, and exceptionally low latency. However, the Corsair also has a programmable multi-function wheel, a USB passthrough, and dedicated macro keys. It's available with linear Cherry MX Speed switches and Corsair OPX switches. On the other hand, the Razer is available with Razer Linear Optical and Clicky Optical switches.
The Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED is a wireless gaming keyboard, while the Razer Huntsman V2 is a wired gaming keyboard. The Logitech is a full-sized, low-profile keyboard. It's available with proprietary low-profile linear, tactile, or clicky switches. You can connect it wirelessly via its USB receiver or Bluetooth, and you can pair it with up to two devices at once. On the other hand, the Razer is a high-profile board with a wrist rest. All of its keys are macro-programmable, unlike on the Logitech. Additionally, the Razer has an 8000Hz polling rate, slightly lower latency, and standard-size switches. It's available with either Razer Linear Optical or Clicky Optical switches.
The Razer Huntsman V2 and the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro are wired gaming keyboards. The Huntsman V2 uses optical switches and has slightly better raw gaming performance. It's also quieter. The Huntsman V3 Pro uses analog optical switches that allow you to customize individual switches' pre-travel and reset distance.
The Razer Huntsman V2 and the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog are very similar boards, but each has unique features. The V2 is Razer's first board with an 8000Hz polling rate, and its latency is lower than the V2 Analog's. It's available with Razer Linear Optical and Razer Clicky Optical switches. On the other hand, the V2 Analog has Razer Analog Optical Switches, which you can set to act as an analog joystick. This makes the switches reactive to the amount of pressure you apply as you move the key downwards. The V2 Analog has a USB passthrough and an RGB strip that wraps around the sides of the board and the wrist rest.
The Razer Huntsman V2 and the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro are full-size wired gaming keyboards with very similar gaming performance. The Huntsman V2 has higher-quality PBT keycaps and is available with either linear or clicky Razer Optical switches. On the other hand, the BlackWidow V4 has additional dedicated macro keys, a higher maximum polling rate of 8000hz, and a multi-function roller bar which the Huntsman lacks. It's available with either clicky Razer Green or linear Razer Yellow switches.
The Razer Huntsman V2 is an upgrade to the original Razer Huntsman. The boards are similar, but the V2 includes a few extra features, like dedicated media keys, a multi-function knob that controls the volume by default, PBT keycaps, and a wrist rest. Also, it's Razer's first board with an 8000Hz polling rate, and it has lower latency than the original. Both boards are available with Razer Click Optical switches, but only the V2 is available with Razer Linear Optical switches.
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro and the Razer Huntsman V2 are high-end keyboards with outstanding gaming performance. The DeathStalker is a wireless, low-profile keyboard available in full-size or TKL form factors. It also has a wired version and is available with either clicky or linear low-profile switches. On the other hand, the Huntsman V2 is a wired-only keyboard available in either a full-size or TKL form factor with either clicky or linear switches. It also has PBT keycaps, an included wrist rest, and a higher maximum polling rate of 8000Hz.
The Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition (TE) and the Razer Huntsman V2 are wired mechanical gaming keyboards. The V2 is Razer's first keyboard with an 8000Hz polling rate, and its latency is slightly lower than the TE's. Also, the V2 comes with a nice plushy wrist rest, which the TE doesn't. On the other hand, the TE is a TenKeyLess board, which some people might prefer; however, its smaller size means it lacks some of the features that the V2 has, like a numpad, dedicated media keys, and a volume control knob. Both boards are available with Razer Linear Optical switches, but the V2 is also available with Razer Clicky Optical switches. The linear switches on our V2 unit feel a bit heavier than those on our TE unit, and some of the keys had a different feel and sound than others.
The Razer Huntsman V2 and the Corsair K70 RGB PRO are both wired-only mechanical gaming keyboards with very similar features, including a programmable volume control knob at the top and dedicated media keys. However, the Razer has better latency. On the other hand, the Corsair keyboard has a Tournament Mode to reduce distractions while gaming and its companion software is available on macOS.
The Razer Huntsman V2 and the Wooting two HE are both wired-only gaming keyboards with some key differences. The Wooting uses a specialized switch allowing you to adjust the pre-travel distance on a per-key basis. You can also enable an Analog Mode, which makes the keys act as joystick controls. On the other hand, the Razer uses linear Optical switches, which have a light actuation force and short-pre travel distance, but you can't customize them like the switches on the Wooting.
The Razer Huntsman V2 is a full-size gaming keyboard, while the Razer Huntsman Mini is a 60% compact gaming model. The V2 comes with a wrist rest, dedicated media keys, and a volume control knob. Also, it has an 8000Hz polling rate, and its latency is lower than the Mini. On the other hand, while the Mini lacks some of the features the V2 has, it gives you more space on your desk to move your mouse, which some gamers may prefer. Both boards are available with Razer Linear Optical and Clicky Optical switches.
The Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro and the Razer Huntsman V2 are comparable mechanical gaming keyboards, but the BlackWidow V3 Pro is wireless while the Huntsman V2 is wired. You can use the BlackWidow V3 Pro wirelessly via its USB receiver, or you can pair it with up to three devices at once via Bluetooth. It's available with clicky Razer Green and linear Razer Yellow switches. On the other hand, the Huntsman V2 is the first Razer board with an 8000Hz polling rate, and it has slightly lower latency than the BlackWidow V3 Pro. Also, it comes with PBT keycaps instead of the ABS keycaps on the BlackWidow V3 Pro. It's available with Razer Linear Optical and Razer Click optical switches, which is advertised to be more durable and faster than standard mechanical switches.
The Razer Huntsman V2 and the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed are mechanical gaming keyboards of different sizes. If you prefer a full-size wired board with a Numpad and a dedicated F-row, the Huntsman V2 is a better choice. Also, its larger size gives room for dedicated media keys and a volume control knob. It has an 8000Hz polling rate, and its latency is slightly lower. It's available with Razer Linear Optical and Clicky Optical switches. On the other hand, the BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed is a better choice if you want a 65% wireless board that can pair with up to three devices at once via Bluetooth. It's available with linear Razer Yellow and clicky Razer Green switches.
The Razer Huntsman V2 and the Logitech G PRO X Keyboard are both high-end gaming keyboards that perform very well. However, they have a few differences. Firstly, the Razer is a full-size unit that has a better build quality and uses Razer's proprietary optical switches. It also has more software customization options and onboard memory. On the other hand, the Logitech is a TenKeyLess (80%) sized keyboard, which gives you more room on your desk. While it comes with Logitech's GX line of switch options, the circuit board is hot-swappable, so you can change these stock switches out with different ones if you prefer.
The Razer Huntsman V2 and the Razer BlackWidow Elite are very similar wired mechanical gaming keyboards. Both boards have RGB backlighting, plushy wrist rests, dedicated media keys, and a volume control knob. However, the Huntsman V2 is the first Razer board with an 8000Hz polling rate, and it has marginally lower latency than the BlackWidow Elite. It's available with Razer Linear Optical and Razer Click optical switches, which are advertised to be more durable and faster than standard mechanical switches. On the other hand, the BlackWidow Elite is available with linear Razer Yellow, tactile Razer Orange, and clicky Razer Green switches. Also, it has a USB passthrough, which the Huntsman V2 doesn't have.
The Razer Huntsman V2 and the Ducky One 3 are exceptional gaming keyboards. The Razer is a full-size model, but it's also available in a TKL format. It's available with Razer Linear Optical or Clicky Optical switches. It also has several extra features that the Ducky lacks, including a wrist rest, customization software, dedicated media keys, and a volume wheel. On the other hand, the Ducky is a full-size keyboard with multiple additional sizes available. You can purchase it in one of four colorways and a variety of stock Cherry MX switches, but it also has a hot-swappable PCB, so you can use whichever switches you prefer. Both keyboards also have superb latency, though it's lower on the Razer.
The Razer Huntsman V2 is a wired gaming keyboard, while the Razer Pro Type Ultra is a wireless office board. The Huntsman V2 has a gamer aesthetic, with its RGB backlighting and a Windows Key lock. Also, it has onboard memory, you can set macros directly from the board instead of only through the software, and it has dedicated media keys with a volume control wheel. If you prefer a plainer board, the Pro Type Ultra has white backlighting. Also, you can use it wirelessly, and you can pair it with three Bluetooth devices or one device via its unifying receiver.
The Keychron K6 and the Razer Huntsman V2 are designed for different uses. The Keychron is a 65% compact office board that you can use wirelessly via Bluetooth. You can pair it with up to three devices at once, and it's compatible with both desktop and mobile operating systems. It's available with a variety of Gateron and LK Optical switches. On the other hand, the Razer is a full-size wired gaming keyboard with dedicated media keys, a volume control wheel, and a wrist rest. It has an 8000Hz polling rate, and its latency is much lower. It's available with Razer Linear Optical and Clicky Optical switches.
Test Results
Since this is a full-size board, it takes up a lot of space. However, there's a TenKeyLess variant called the Razer Huntsman V2 TKL that's smaller.
The Razer Huntsman V2 feels very well-built. Its body is made of solid-feeling plastic, and it has a metal base plate that helps the board feel rigid. There are six rubber pads on the underside that hold the board in place and an additional six on the wrist rest. The four incline feet also have rubber grips on them, but they don't hold the board in place as well. The keycaps are doubleshot PBT, which is an improvement over the original Razer Huntsman's ABS keycaps. Most smaller keys feel stable, but the larger ones, like the Spacebar, Shift, Enter, and Backspace, have some wobble, and they have a different sound and feel compared to the smaller keys.
The Razer Huntsman V2 is a straight board with good ergonomics thanks to its two incline settings and a plushy leatherette wrist rest. It has four inline feet with rubber grips to hold the board in place, but they aren't as grippy as the six rubber pads on the underside of the board.
The Razer Huntsman V2 has RGB backlighting that you can adjust on a per-key basis. You can adjust the brightness and change the lighting effects directly from the board or the customization software.
This keyboard has no dedicated macro keys, but you can record macros to any key directly on the keyboard or with the companion software.
If you're interested in another Razer gaming keyboard with dedicated macro keys, check out the Razer BlackWidow V4.
The Razer Huntsman V2 has a few extra features that the original Razer Huntsman doesn't have, like dedicated media keys and a multi-function knob that controls volume by default. All of its keys are macro-programmable, and you can set macros directly from the board using the Macro key.
The Razer Huntsman V2 feels excellent to type on, and the doubleshot PBT keycaps have a nice texture to them. The incline settings and wrist rest help reduce fatigue in your wrists, and the Razer Linear Optical switches on our unit feel light and responsive, thanks to the low operating force and short pre-travel distance. The board is also available with Razer Clicky Optical switches, which should have a different typing experience. Some of the larger keys, like the Spacebar, Shift, Enter, and Backspace keys, have some wobble to them, and some keys have a different sound and feel to them. If you have this board and experienced a similar issue, we'd love to hear from you in the discussions. We tested both the Typing and Gaming modes in the Keyswitch Optimization setting, but we didn't notice a difference when typing.
The Razer Linear Optical switches on our unit are very quiet, thanks to the sound dampening foam inside the board that helps reduce any pinging noises that might occur when you bottom out a key. However, it's also available with Razer Clicky Optical switches that should be much louder.
This keyboard uses Razer optical switches. If you're interested in a similar keyboard from the same lineup that uses Razer Analog Optical switches and allows you to customize the actuation and reset distance of individual keys, check out the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro.
Our Razer Huntsman V2 unit has Razer Linear Optical switches, which feel light and responsive thanks to their low operating force and short pre-travel distance. It's also available with Razer Clicky Optical switches. We tested the switches on the Gaming mode in the software, but the Typing mode seems to have the same keystrokes settings.
The Razer Huntsman V2 has remarkably low and consistent single-key latency performance. We ran our tests with the board set to its maximum polling rate of 8000Hz and set the Keyswitch Optimization mode to Gaming, which likely helps reduce debounce delay. This keyboard delivers an extremely responsive experience for gaming in any genre at any competitive level.
This keyboard provides outstanding multi-key latency performance that's exceptionally consistent owing to its effective update rate of 8000Hz, making this keyboard a standout choice for playing any game that requires additional keystrokes while multiple keys are pressed and maintained.
This keyboard has outstanding data transmission performance. It has full n-key rollover and can send multiple keystrokes per USB report. Furthermore, this keyboard has a maximum 8000Hz polling rate and a true 8000hz effective update rate to match, so performance isn't bottlenecked by scan rate or other latency components, providing exceptionally consistent latency performance.
This keyboard has excellent chord split performance, with low 4-chord and 8-chord split delay. It's well-suited for playing games requiring many simultaneous inputs, like rhythm games.
The Razer Synapse 3 software offers lots of customization for choosing lighting effects, remapping keys, setting macros, and creating profiles. There are also two Keyswitch Optimization modes: Typing mode adds a debounce delay to prevent extra inputs from a single keystroke, and Gaming mode has zero debounce and should make actuation extremely responsive.
All of the keys on the Razer Huntsman V2 work on Windows and Linux, and only the Pause, Scroll Lock, and Fn keys don't work on macOS. However, the software is only available on Windows, so you can't make any customizations on macOS or Linux.