Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Low-Profile Tenkeyless 8KHz Keyboard Review - For the Pros
Buying a keyboard can be confusing. There is so much terminology, especially as you get into the more expensive models, that it is easy to get lost. They are also becoming more and more specialised, so getting one that suits your specific needs can be confusing. Do you want an all-rounder? Is it only for gaming? Is it mainly for work purposes? These answers will change what you look for in a keyboard. Thankfully, the new Razer Huntsman V3 Low-Profile Tenkeyless Keyboard makes it very clear who it has been made for. Razer has made this for one group of people, and that group are the Pros. E-sports pros, that is.
I have to say this upfront. This keyboard would generally not be for me. Sure, I am a gamer and have been for a very, very long time now, but I am just not good enough at any one game to fully appreciate all the features crammed into this keyboard. There are a host of tech and design choices aimed squarely at pros and no one else. That terminology I talked about in the opening paragraph, well, this keyboard has it by the bucketload, and unless you are the person it is aimed at, it will probably mean nothing to you.
But if it does mean something to you, well, I am confident in saying that the Razer Huntsman V3 could be exactly what you are looking for. From the ground up, it has been built to bring every possible advantage to pro gamers. From adjustable and rapid trigger modes, an 8000 Hz polling rate and a host of customisation options through the software, the Huntsman is packed to the gills with features to give competitors the edge. It even allows for rapid profile switching on the keyboard itself, no software required. Just a couple of key presses and the keyboard adjusts to an entirely new mode. This takes a little bit of learning and setup, but I can see it being a huge advantage in competitive gaming situations.
What is really impressive to me, the nuffy that isn’t good enough to take advantage of these features, is just how convenient it is to both customise and take these settings with you on the go. I’ve used the Razer Synapse software for years with my Wolverine controller and other bits and pieces, but with the Huntsman it really seems to come into its own. It is very easy to set up profiles for each game, then save them so they are accessible wherever you are and no matter the computer you are using. This is thanks to a web version of the app that can access all of your settings from your PC and update the keyboard on the go. I can see this being a huge hit with those travelling to compete in tournaments or even folks with multiple PCs around the house.
For more mundane uses, the Huntsman is no slouch either. It is lovely to type on, though it doesn’t offer the same tactile feedback that my current writing keyboard of choice does, but that is more of a personal preference thing as opposed to a fault in any way. It has a lovely slim line design and weighs almost nothing. Combine that with the fact that it is a Tenkeyless keyboard, and once again its travel credentials come to the fore. Also, I have to say I love the media controls. I am a sucker for well-implemented media controls on a keyboard, and these are right up there with the best I have ever used.
Perhaps the most impressive part of the whole keyboard, for me at least, is the build quality. I have come to expect a certain level of quality from Razer products, and this keyboard surpasses even those high expectations. It is wonderfully finished with metal, feels sturdy, and the designers clearly understood that this is going to be a board that is going to get thrown into backpacks and suitcases, so it exudes toughness. Even the USB-C plug in the back has been designed in a way to make sure that cords don’t place undue pressure on connections. Everything about the Huntsman says to me that this is one very well-considered and designed piece of tech that will last users a very long time.
That design and tech come at a price, though, and it is undeniably a steep one. $400 AUD is the asking price, and that is enough to make most choke on their coffee. This is certainly an instance of those who need it will find away and those who don’t will look for a cheaper option. While the price is eye-watering, considering the tech and design that has gone into it and the general cost of tech in the current world environment, it isn’t unjustifiable. It doesn’t feel, to me at least, that Razer are ripping people off here. It is a premium product at a premium price.
All in all, the Razer Huntsman V3 Low-Profile Tenkeyless Keyboard isn’t for me; in fact, it probably isn’t for most gamers. It is, however, perfect for a certain group of gamers, and Razer knows that. If you are looking to move into esports or a heavily competitive environment and you want any edge you can get your hands on, this is the keyboard for you. It is well-built, includes a host of features that are not only beneficial to your gameplay but also customisable on the go and does all that while still being the perfect size and weight to throw in your backpack. Frankly, if this is a keyboard for you and your gaming habits, I very much doubt you will find a better option in today’s market. Razer, once again, seems to be leading the way in the esport scene with this keyboard, and I love to see the innovation that they bring to this increasingly competitive market.
