Razer’s latest mechanical keyboard, the $ 250 Huntsman V2 Analog, is similar to the company’s previous models, but the biggest differences are in the keys. The optical switches on this model support adjustable actuation (the amount of movement required to register a pressure), allowing almost infinite customization through Razer’s Synapse software.
Perhaps the most attractive feature of these keys is that, instead of being limited to the usual on / off nature of key activation, they can be programmed with analog inputs to emulate a controller’s joysticks for smoother levels and variable movement. and control. You will be able to program the keyboard so that pressing a key lightly will make you walk slowly in the game, while pressing it fully will make you run normally – like an analog stick.
(Note that the game’s support for using analog inputs and a mouse simultaneously will vary, but using this feature requires Synapse software. And programming an analog input for a key will replace your original use case, so you’ll need to roll back or switch to a different profile.)
Based on this feature, the Razer keyboard also allows players to program two distinct functions that normally require two buttons on a key, with one firing at an actuation distance and the other when you press the key fully. You could equip a grenade with the press of a soft key and then throw it by pressing the key all the way down, just to give an example.
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Image: Razer
In fact, Razer switches can be customized to your specific gaming preferences or any other use case. The Huntsman V2 analog keys have a standard stroke of 3.6 mm, but you can adjust the distance to 1.5 mm much smaller or anywhere between these values. It is important to note that this does not change the feel of the keys when you press them, but a shorter actuation will allow you to type a little more smoothly, without worrying that the keys will not register a press.
This is how it works: instead of relying on separate physical mechanisms to delineate between the actuation states, the switch sensor evaluates the distance pressed by evaluating the amount of infrared light that reaches it. The built-in animation shows this in action.
The Huntsman V2 Analog from Razer has an aluminum frame, a set of dedicated buttons for controlling the media and a dial for adjusting the volume, all of which look great. The Razer includes Doubleshot PBT keycaps, which are said to get better over time than standard keycaps, and you will also receive a soft wrist rest that contains RGB lights and can be magnetically attached to the keyboard. As you might expect, the keyboard itself has stunning Chroma RGB lights around it too.
The cable that powers the Huntsman V2 Analog is USB-C, but the Razer includes an adapter so you can connect it to the USB Type A ports. And if you want to use the single USB 3.0 Type-A port on the keyboard to an accessory, it has a second USB Type-A cable hanging from the back that you can connect to the PC.
By the way, if this is your first time to hear about this type of analog key technology and adjustable actuation, the keyboard company Wooting has surpassed Razer with similar keyboards dating back to 2016. The current keyboards of this company cost about US $ 150, much less than the $ 250 Huntsman V2 Analog from Razer. Whether the Razer model can justify its high price will depend on its thirst for RGB Chroma lights, dedicated media buttons and optional USB-C connectivity.
The Huntsman V2 Analog is now available exclusively on Razer.com until February 9, when it will be launched at more retailers.