The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is an exceptional gaming keyboard that features Analog Optical switches. These linear switches have an adjustable pre-travel distance that you can customize to your liking. You can also enable its analog mode to mimic the feel of an analog joystick or program the keys to perform two actions with one keypress. It provides an excellent typing experience and shouldn't cause any fatigue thanks to the inclusion of two incline settings and a plush leatherette wrist rest. It has full RGB backlighting, macro-programmable keys, as well as a USB passthrough. Unfortunately, its analog mode only works for games that support gamepads and requires a fair amount of adaptation to make full use of it. Also, it's a wired-only keyboard, so it's not the most ideal for use with mobile devices or a home theater PC.
Our Verdict
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is an exceptional gaming keyboard. It has remarkably low latency, full RGB backlighting, and macro-programmable keys. It features Analog Optical switches that are easy to actuate, and it allows you to customize the pre-travel distance to your liking. You can also use its analog mode for finer movement control; however, it only works in games that support gamepads, and it might take a while to train your fingers to apply the appropriate amount of force.
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Customizable pre-travel distance and low operating force.
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Macro-programmable keys.
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Full RGB backlighting.
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Excellent typing quality.
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Good ergonomics.
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Analog mode only works if game supports gamepads.
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is a wired-only keyboard that can't be used with mobile devices.
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is great for office use. It has good ergonomics and provides a light typing experience. However, its Analog Optical switches are linear and don't give any tactile feedback, making it harder to know if a keystroke is registered. Also, typing noise is on the louder side and might not be ideal for quiet offices.
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Full RGB backlighting.
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Excellent typing quality.
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Good ergonomics.
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Loud typing noise.
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is great for programming. It's very well-built, and it provides a light and comfortable typing experience. Every key is macro-programmable, and there's full RGB backlighting if you like working in the dark. Unfortunately, it's a wired-only keyboard with no multi-device pairing feature, which might disappoint those working on two computers. Also, while most keys work on macOS and Linux, there's no software for customization on those platforms.
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Macro-programmable keys.
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Full RGB backlighting.
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Excellent typing quality.
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Good ergonomics.
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Wired-only.
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No multi-device pairing.
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is inadequate for use with a home theater PC. It's a wired-only keyboard, so you need to run a cable from the couch to your PC, which isn't ideal if you're worried about kids or pets tripping over wires. Also, there's no trackpad, which means you need a separate mouse to navigate the user interface. On the upside, it has dedicated media controls and backlighting.
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Full RGB backlighting.
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Excellent typing quality.
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Wired-only.
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No trackpad.
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Large size.
- 9.5 Gaming
- 2.7 Mobile/Tablet
- 8.0 Office
- 8.1 Programming
- 5.4 Entertainment / HTPC
- Updated Aug 31, 2022: Updated the "White Shot" to better reflect real-life observations of poor color mixing; the text and backlighting score has been updated accordingly.
- Updated Aug 15, 2022: Updated review to add comparison to the newly reviewed SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless.
- Updated Mar 05, 2021: Review published.
- Updated Mar 03, 2021: Early access published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog in black, and there are no other variants. You can see our unit's label here.
Compared To Other Keyboards
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is an exceptional mechanical keyboard. However, its analog mode has some limitations, and it might take a long time to train your fingers to apply the appropriate amount of force, as most gamers are likely to bottom out the keys in the heat of the moment.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best gaming keyboards, the best mechanical keyboards, and the best RGB keyboards.
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 Analog and the Corsair K100 RGB are both exceptional wired gaming keyboards; however, they're also quite different. The Razer uses Analog Optical switches that can function like an analog joystick, and you can customize the pre-travel distance to your liking. On the other hand, the Corsair uses more traditional Cherry MX Speed switches and is available with Corsair OPX switches as well. That said, the Analog Optical and the Cherry MX Speeds are both linear switches that require about the same amount of force to actuate and don't provide any tactile feedback. Feature-wise, the Corsair has an extra column of dedicated macro keys that the Razer lacks and a dial that you can customize to perform various functions.
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog and the SteelSeries Apex Pro are exceptional gaming keyboards with fairly similar features. Razer's Analog Optical and SteelSeries' Omnipoint switches are both linear with adjustable pre-travel distances. The difference is that the Analog Optical lets you program two actions in one keypress or use it like an analog joystick. Other than that, the SteelSeries has a customizable OLED screen and software support for macOS, which the Razer lacks.
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is essentially the Razer Huntsman Elite, but with Analog Optical switches as they're nearly identical in their exterior designs. The difference between the Analog Optical and the linear optical switch is that the Analog Optical has an adjustable pre-travel distance and lets you use the keyboard like an analog joystick. Also, it allows you to program the keys to perform two functions with one keypress. The Elite's linear optical switch requires less force to actuate, which is both a good and bad thing because even though it makes it easier to actuate, it's overly sensitive for general typing, leading to more typos.
The Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro and the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog are both outstanding full-size gaming keyboards. The Huntsman V2 is wired-only and comes with unique Analog Optical switches, which are very light to press and have a linear feel for a responsive gaming experience. They also have an analog feature, allowing you to use the keys like a joystick. The V3 Pro, on the other hand, is available with two types of mechanical switches, so you can get the ones you prefer, and it's wireless, so you can connect it with up to three devices at once.
The Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition and the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog are both fantastic gaming keyboards. They both come with linear optical switches, but the Tournament Edition has the Razer Linear Optical switches, while the V2 Analog has the Razer Analog Optical switches, which are a bit heavier to press but offer a much better typing experience. As the name suggests, the V2 Analog has a feature that allows you to control the keys like an analog joystick, providing greater control over fine movements. It's also a full-size option with a wrist rest, while the Tournament Edition is TKL and doesn't come with a wrist rest.
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog and the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini are both gaming keyboards with an adjustable pre-travel distance. The Razer is a full-size wired unit that uses Optical switches, while the SteelSeries is a compact (60%) keyboard with magnetized Hall Effect switches. The SteelSeries is more consistent with their implementation of this adjustable pre-travel distance feature, but the Razer has an Analog Mode, so keypresses emulate joystick controls on a gamepad.
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog and the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL (2023) are mechanical gaming keyboards with switches that allow you to adjust the actuation point of individual keys. The Razer is a full-size model that uses Razer Analog Optical switches. In addition to being able to adjust the actuation point, this keyboard also allows you to set an analog mode which makes keys mimic analog joystick controls. On the other hand, the SteelSeries has a smaller TKL (80%) form factor and has OmniPoint 2.0 switches. While these switches don't have an analog mode, the adjustable actuation points are more precise and predictable than those on the Razer, and you can adjust the action points within a wider range. The SteelSeries also has an OLED screen which the Razer lacks.
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog and the Wooting two HE are premium wired-only gaming keyboards with adjustable pre-travel distances and an analog mode that mimics joystick controls. However, the Wooting implements this technology much better than the Razer, as it performs more consistently and accurately. Also, the range in which you can adjust your pre-travel distance is much wider on the Wooting as it uses a different type of switch than the ones found in the Razer.
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog and the Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED are very different keyboards. The Razer is a wired-only keyboard that features Analog Optical switches, while the Logitech is a low-profile, wireless keyboard that's available with tactile, clicky, or linear switches. The Razer lets you customize the pre-travel distance, perform two actions in one keypress, or use the keyboard like an analog joystick. On the flip side, the Logitech has an extra column of dedicated macro keys and a multi-device pairing feature. The Logitech has better compatibility because it can be used with mobile devices and has software support for macOS.
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog and the ASUS ROG Claymore II are both full-size gaming keyboards, but the Razer is wired, and the ASUS is wireless. The ASUS has a modular numpad that you can place on either side of the board or remove it completely for a TKL size. Also, it has a volume control, a USB passthrough, four dedicated macro keys, a plushy wrist rest, and lower latency. You can use it wirelessly via its USB receiver, and it's available with linear and clicky ROG RX Optical Mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Razer has proprietary linear Razer Analog Optical switches, which let you use the keys like an analog joystick, and you can customize the pre-travel distance to your liking.
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog and the Razer BlackWidow Elite are very similar overall. The main difference is that the Huntsman has linear analog switches that let you use the keyboard like an analog joystick, while the BlackWidow uses more traditional mechanical switches and is available in three switch types, tactile, clicky, and linear. The only other difference is that the Huntsman has LED lighting on the sides to create an underglow effect. Both keyboards offer an excellent typing experience, but the Huntsman's switches might be too sensitive for some and might cause more typos.
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog and the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed are both outstanding mechanical gaming keyboards. If you prefer full-size wired boards, the V2 Analog is a better choice. It has a Numpad, dedicated media keys, a volume control knob, a USB passthrough, and a detachable wrist rest. It's available with Razer Analog Optical Switches, which are linear and let you adjust the pre-travel distance. They also have an analog mode, which lets you use the keys like an analog joystick. On the other hand, the HyperSpeed is better if you prefer a 65% compact 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.
Test Results
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is a larged full-size keyboard, and it takes up even more space if you use the wrist rest. If you'd prefer a more compact option that still has Analog switches, check out the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog.
The Razer Huntsman V2's build quality is excellent. It has a plastic frame reinforced with a metal plate that feels rigid, exhibiting little to no flex. The PBT keycaps are textured and feel high-quality, but not all the keys are stable as there's some rattle on the spacebar and right Shift. The feet aren't very grippy, so it's easy to move the keyboard around, but it's not bad enough to be an issue in regular use. The incline feet are stable and don't collapse when pushing the keyboard.
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog has good ergonomics. Without any incline setting, it naturally sits at a 3-degree angle. There are two incline settings, and it includes a leatherette wrist rest. It's comfortable to type on and shouldn't cause fatigue over time.
The Razer Huntsman V2 has full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys. Like the Razer Huntsman Elite, there are light strips on the sides of the keyboard and the wrist rest to create an underglow effect. The wrist rest has connectors to draw power from the keyboard, so you can't position it further away if you want the strips to light up. You can control the brightness directly on the keyboard, but you need the Synapse 3 software to customize the colors and effects. Unfortunately, when the keyboard displays white backlighting, there's red mixed in, which is very visible through the key legends.
The cable is braided and has two connectors, a USB-A and a USB-C. Both need to be connected to use the USB passthrough. If you don't have a USB-C port on your computer, a USB-C to USB-A adaptor is included in the box.
The Razer Huntsman V2 is a wired-only keyboard.
The Razer Huntsman V2 has many features. It has dedicated media controls at the top right corner of the keyboard and a USB-A passthrough on the left side. Every key is programmable through software, and you can also set macros on-the-fly.
- Razer Huntsman V2 Analog Gaming Keyboard
- Wrist rest
- USB-C to USB-A adaptor
- USB connector covers
- User guides
Razer's Analog Optical Switches are linear, which means they don't provide any tactile feedback, and they're very easy to actuate due to their light operating force. You can adjust the pre-travel distance from 1.5 mm to 3.6 mm; however, the results are very different from the actual settings. For example, we set the pre-travel at 1.5 mm, but the keys actuated at 1 mm in real usage, and when it's set to 3.6 mm, the real actuation point is 2.98 mm. Also, it seems like there's no difference between the various settings below 2 mm. You can see the differences between the settings and real usage here.
The analog mode lets you use the keys like an analog joystick, which is meant to provide finer movement control in some types of games, like racing games, FPS, and flight sims. It makes the keys feel like pedals, so you move faster as the key travels downwards. However, this feature only works in games that support gamepads, and Synapse 3 has to be running in the background. Some games can only receive inputs from a controller or a mouse/keyboard combo, but not both at the same time. In this case, you have to remap all of the controller's functions to the keyboard for the analog mode to function properly and not use the mouse at all, as any mouse input can cause erratic movements in-game.
If you'd prefer a keyboard that has a more consistent application of this adjustable pre-travel distance feature, check out the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless.
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog provides an excellent typing experience. The keys are stable, except for the spacebar and Right shift, which descend unevenly and rattle a bit. The PBT keycaps are textured and feel comfortable to type on. The keys are well-spaced, so it requires very little adaptation to type accurately. However, it isn't recommended to set the actuation point too low as it becomes overly sensitive and can lead to more typos. Also, there's no tactile feedback since the switches are linear. On the upside, typing on it feels light and responsive and shouldn't cause fatigue over time.
Even though the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog uses linear switches, typing noise is still on the loud side, so it might not be ideal for quiet office environments.
The latency is remarkably low. Most people shouldn't feel any delay.
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is customizable through the Synapse 3 software. In addition to customizing the backlight, you can adjust performance settings such as the actuation point and the debounce height. You can also program keys to perform two actions: one when the key is pressed, and the other when the key is released. Enabling the analog mode lets you use the WASD keys like an analog joystick, but it only works in games that support gamepads.
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog has decent compatibility. On macOS, the Pause/Scroll Lock key doesn't work, and there's no software for customization. All keys work on Linux, but like macOS, there's no software support.
