Most mechanical keys on the keyboard have two states, on or off. The switches inside the new $ 250 Huntsman V2 analog keyboard from Razer detect degrees of motion, allowing users to define their own depth of actuation, apply degrees of pressure as with an analog joystick, or even have a key performing various functions, depending on how far it is pressed.
One of Razer’s most popular keyboards is now slightly better and very different from traditional models. Using the same analog switching technology similar to that found on the Wooting One keyboard I reviewed in 2018, the Huntsman V2 Analog allows an unprecedented degree of control in most conventional mechanics. Traditional keyboard switches are activated when they are pressed to a certain depth. The Razer analog optical switch measures a beam of light that passes through a lens at the base of the switch stem. As the switch goes down, the lens opens wider, letting more light through. When measuring the amount of light, the keyboard knows how far the key is pressed and can use this data to do interesting things.
An example that comes up every time analogue keyboard keys are mentioned is a car’s accelerator pedal in a racing game. A standard keyboard switch offers no degree of precise control. You are either pressing the accelerator or not. An analog button can be pressed a little to give the car some gas or it can be pressed all the way to speed it up. Its WASD keys can determine not only in which direction you are running, but also how fast you are. (One problem: Huntsman’s analog key support works by simulating the pressing of gamepad buttons. If a game doesn’t support simultaneous gamepad and mouse / keyboard input, as some don’t, you won’t be able to use the analog keyboard features in conjunction with a mouse.)
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog also allows you to define your own articulation depth. It is the extent to which the key must be pressed to be registered as a pressure. If you have a light touch, you can set the shallowest depth, requiring less pressure to type. If you’re as heavy as me, greater depth can prevent you from accidentally pressing the wrong keys while your sausage fingers try to dance on the keyboard. Controlled by Razer’s Synapse software, each key on the keyboard can be individually configured, resulting in a keyboard whose sensitivity you can completely configure to meet your specific typing and execution needs.
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Even cooler, you can set a switch to activate at two different depths. This function can be used to streamline the game’s actions. You can define a single key to, say, equip a grenade with a light touch or throw it with a stronger touch. For snipers with an ideal reload point, you can press lightly to start reloading, then harder to hit the right spot on the meter. Or, set a button that can target a specific player and then cast a healing spell. Of course, all of these things can be achieved with macros, but the addition of analog functionality adds an additional layer of control.
It is good to see such an important player in the gaming peripherals market embrace this niche technology. If anything can make keyboard and mouse players stop using their gamepads and return home, it’s the analog keyboard buttons.
It helps that these specific options come on one of Razer’s best keyboards. The new Huntsman is equipped with all the features of the older models, such as Chroma lighting, fully programmable keys, integrated configuration profiles for players on the move, thick braided fiber cable and a very useful USB 3.0 port. The switches are covered by beautiful textured PBT plastic keys. The top plate is made of aluminum, giving the keyboard a good weight. The included magnetic palm rest is not only comfortable, but also extends the dim light of the keyboard when connected.
And it wouldn’t be a modern gaming keyboard without the damn multifunctional dial in the upper right. I don’t hate the dial, nor am I a fan. I don’t know why a keyboard needs a dial. I use it as a volume control every now and then, when I haven’t forgotten it’s there. I convinced myself that it only exists because the dials look cool and retro.
If you don’t mind analog control, there’s no reason to buy this particular Huntsman model. For $ 250 it is definitely the most expensive side of Razer’s typing equipment. If you’re interested in a keyboard with definable degrees of switch depression, the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is the perfect piece of technology to press.
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