I've long been curious and fascinated by Razer's proprietary optical switch technology. They're supposed to be extremely quiet, extremely responsive, and extremely durable. Of course, I haven't personally owned a keyboard with those switches because, well, I can't afford it. And with this press release I got from Razer, I am even more intrigued.
The elevator pitch is as follows:
Available in both full-sized and tenkeyless layouts, with near-zero input latency, best-in-class acoustics and unparalleled key feel, the new Huntsman V2 range delivers Razer’s most responsive, high-performance keyboards to date.
So, what changed since the first Huntsman that launched in 2018? I think the most pertinent upgrade is the new optical switch, but it also features 8k hyperpolling tech, Doubleshot PBT keycaps, and improved acoustics based on community feedback. I really wanna get this keyboard now.
“We broke new ground with the original Huntsman, bringing Optical Switches to mainstream gaming for the first time. The improvements and refinements in the new Huntsman V2 range now give players a high-performance, gaming-focused keyboard that feels even smoother, responds even quicker, and sounds quieter than before."
- Mitchell, Head of Sales & Marketing of Razer’s Peripherals Business Unit.
2nd Generation Optical Switches
This is what really sets the Razer keyboards apart. The 2nd generation of Razer Linear Optical switches has been tweaked and refined based on player feedback. One of the biggest changes is the addition of a silicon sound dampener, which aims to reduce the "clack" sound of a key bottoming out, which should improve the typing experience. It'll also be great for when you're typing stuff up and there's a sleeping baby in the room, which is the main reason I don't use blue switches anymore. The keys also have more lube, and as we all know, the more lube, the better.
What separates the optical switches apart from regular mechanical switches is the way the keys are actually activated. These switches use an infra-red beam of light to activate the switch signal, which should completely eliminate the debounce delay - the delay built into traditional switches to ensure a true keypress. And because the optical switches don't have any debounce delay, the Huntsman can take advantage of the Razer Hyperpolling tech, surpassing the 1000 Hz polling rate of most keyboards, reaching polling speeds of 8000 Hz. Whether that makes an actual real-world difference, I've yet to test out for myself.
With the infra-red switch activation and 8000 Hz polling rate, the Huntsman V2 is supposed to have near-zero latency, which theoretically makes it the fastest keyboard in the world right now.
Upgrades and Changes
The Huntsman V2 now features Doubleshot PBT keycaps for added durability. And supposedly, the legends on the keys are fade-proof thanks to the two-stage molding process. The caps also have a textured finish for a bit more finger grip.
As mentioned earlier, the new Huntsman is supposedly a bit quieter with sound dampeners. The top plate is made with matte aluminum, which keeps the keyboard rigid, which minimal flex. It also comes with a wrist rest, which is pretty cool.
Customizability
The full layout version comes with a multi-functional digital dial and 4 dedicated media keys. And with Razer Synapse 3, the Huntsman V2 has 7 preset Razer Chroma lighting effects, and all these settings can be saved on the on-board memory, so it keeps them wherever you take the keyboard.
The TKL version is essentially the same, but without the dial and the media buttons, and of course the numpad.
Razer Huntsman V2 full layout specs:
• Razer™ Optical Switches
• 100 million keystroke lifespan
• Razer™ HyperPolling Technology with up to true 8000 Hz polling rate
• Multi-functional digital dial with 4 media keys
• Razer Chroma™ RGB customizable backlighting with 16.8 million color options
• Razer Doubleshot PBT Keycaps
• Plush leatherette wrist rest
• Hybrid onboard storage – up to 5 keybinding profiles
• Fully programmable keys with on-the-fly macro recording
• N-key roll-over with anti-ghosting
• Gaming mode option
• Braided fiber cable
• Aluminum matte top plate
Razer Huntsman V2 TKL
• Razer™ Optical Switches 100 million keystroke lifespan
• Razer™ HyperPolling Technology with up to true 8000 Hz polling rate
• Razer Chroma™ RGB customizable backlighting with 16.8 million color options
• Razer Doubleshot PBT Keycaps
• Plush leatherette wrist rest
• Hybrid onboard storage – up to 5 keybinding profiles
• Fully programmable keys with on-the-fly macro recording
• N-key roll-over with anti-ghosting
• Gaming mode option
• Detachable USB-C braided fiber cable
• Aluminum matte top plate
Pricing
Here are the prices as per the press release:
Razer™ Huntsman V2 - Optical Gaming Keyboard (Clicky Purple Switch) - SGD$299.90 | ₱10,990.00 | RM899.00
Razer™ Huntsman V2 - Optical Gaming Keyboard (Linear Red Switch) - SGD$309.90 | ₱11,599.00 | RM949.00
Razer™ Huntsman V2 Tenkeyless - Optical Gaming Keyboard (Clicky Purple Switch) - SGD$239.90 | ₱8,790.00 | RM699.00
Razer™ Huntsman V2 Tenkeyless - Optical Gaming Keyboard (Linear Red Switch) - SGD$254.90 | ₱9,290.00 | RM749.00
However, actual real-world prices from places like Datablitz are actually a bit cheaper. According to this post on their socials, the TKL version with purple switches costs ₱7,995.00, not ₱8,790, and in this post, the full layout linear switch is ₱10,495, not ₱11,599.