My Logitech keyboard died a week before Thanksgiving. In an effort to escape Logitech's software (and modern hardware quality control), I decided to give the Razer Huntsman V2 (w/ Razer Red switches) a chance.
Sure, it's not a custom mechanical setup with exotic Japanese switches, but it gives a premium enough feel. I love the sound dampening, the smoothness of the keys, and the relatively short actuation distance. It's not silent, per se, but it's the quietest keyboard in my house (including various laptops).
I've seen comments online suggesting the keys don't light up bright enough. I'm partial to more subdued keyboard lighting, and I can vouch for the fact that I haven't had to dim the board much. Other brands use lighting that glows substantially around the keys, instead of just through the letters. Some of Razer's marketing images show bright halos around the keys, and some show none at all. In practice, they glow a little at the top of each key, but not very much at all.
The only serious downside I encountered was with Razer's software. It's not very intuitive in general. But my specific complaint is that it isn't easy to use external tools to switch game profiles. I really wish these hardware companies would open source their software!
Now, for why I returned it in a week. The Huntsman V2 Analog popped up on sale over Black Friday weekend for only a few buck more than I spent. I figured it was a no-brainer upgrade--how wrong I was.
The analog version has added lighting around the base of the board (it looks great!) and offers analog functionality on every single key. Plus it has slightly stiffer springs. Unfortunately, it has none of the sound dampening of the regular Huntsman V2, and the keys give a loud, drum-like clack when bottomed out or rebounding.
Analog, on a keyboard, is a bit of a gimmick, but one cool thing the analog version offers is adjustable actuation points. This gives you the ability to tune your typing and gaming experience.
I agonized over the stiffer springs and loud typing. Ultimately, I returned the regular, quiet Huntsman V2 in favor of keeping the loud, but adjustable, Huntsman V2 Analog. Though I very seriously considered keeping both!!
| Brand | Razer |
|---|---|
| Series | Huntsman V2 TKL |
| Item model number | RZ03-03940200-R3U1 |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Item Weight | 2.03 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 14.27 x 5.54 x 1.36 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 14.27 x 5.54 x 1.36 inches |
| Color | Classic Black |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Manufacturer | Razer |
| Language | English |
| ASIN | B09C13WYDX |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Date First Available | September 16, 2021 |
