Fully equipped for competitive gaming. For the first time, the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro offers Rapid Trigger and separately adjustable trigger points using second-generation optical analog key switches. We’ve tested the full-size version of the Huntsman V3 Pro and we’ll tell you if this gaming keyboard is good value for money.
Razer Huntsman keyboards have inspired many gamers since their launch in 2018, with the series clearly focused on the competitive gaming scene. However, since Dutch keyboard manufacturer Wooting first introduced Rapid Trigger, which allows users to trigger keystrokes in rapid succession, the demand for this feature in the competitive space has continued to grow.
Following in the footsteps of Steelseries, Razer has followed suit with the Huntsman V3 Pro, a highly configurable keyboard featuring analog optical switches and quick-trigger functionality in three different sizes (100%, TKL, 60%). We reviewed the full-size version of this Razer gaming keyboard, which has a recommended retail price of €289.99 / US$249.99 / £249.99.
The full-size version of the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro tested here, with a German QWERTY keyboard, offers a numeric keypad in addition to the F keys and arrow keys. There are also three media keys and a volume wheel, which can also be used to configure key sensitivity (trigger point and quick release functionality). RGB lighting is common on gaming keyboards, and the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro is no exception with its customizable RGB lighting.
The full-size version of the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro has a plastic body except for the top, which is black brushed aluminum. For the first time on a Razer keyboard, Doubleshot PBT keycaps are used, which have a more comfortable matte finish and better durability than ABS keycaps. The keyboard comes with a detachable USB Type A to Type C cable and a magnetic leatherette palm rest, which is noticeably flatter and harder than previous Razer palm rests.
Without the palm rest, the keyboard measures 445 x 139 x 39 mm and weighs 880 g. With the palm rest, the keyboard measures 445 x 224 x 39 mm and weighs 1133 g. In addition to the manual and a quick start guide with the most important keyboard shortcuts, the box also contains Razer stickers. To configure all the functions of the Huntsman V3 Pro, you must install Razer’s Synapse software, which requires at least Windows 10 (64-bit).
But the most interesting thing for e-sports players is Razer’s second-generation optical analog keys, which feature a freely configurable trigger point between 0.1 and 4.0 mm and a separate stabilizer for each key. In the style of Wooting keyboards, the Razer Huntsman Pro V3 series now has a quick trigger function, so that the keys can be reactivated immediately after being triggered, even when pressed, which can be especially important in fast-paced competitive shooters. In Valorant or CSGO 2, for example, you can perform quick lateral and stopping movements without letting go of the WASD keys. In the hands of highly skilled professional players, the speed of movement offered by the quick trigger function can be a decisive factor in ranked games.
In games, the analog-optical switches trigger smoothly and precisely, and the stabilizers, which, like the RGB lighting, are individually designed for each key, are well tuned. However, those who are used to typing or gaming on custom mechanical keyboards will be disappointed by the sound of the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro: When you press the keys, the sound is high-frequency and a bit scratchy, but that’s not the case. That’s not unusual for a gaming keyboard. On the other hand, there’s no reverb when hitting hard, but overall the Huntsman V3 Pro is clearly aimed at headset gaming, where the unpleasant keyboard sound is no longer noticeable.
In terms of ergonomics, the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro is clearly a gaming device and not a tool for avid typists. Thanks to its flat profile, the palm rest is ideal for quick movements on the WASD keys, but despite the two possible tilt angles of the feet on the back of the keyboard, the typing experience is only mixed when writing documents. In addition, the palm rest is barely padded and is only magnetically attached to the bottom of the keyboard, which means it can easily slip off.
The OEM profile Doubleshot PBT keycaps are extra rough to prevent your fingers from slipping on the keys, even during busy online games. Although the letters and numbers on the caps are translucent, the Razer Chroma RGB lighting, created by small light strips above each switch, is unobtrusive.
The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro has a small control panel located directly above the arrow keys, which displays the selected profile as well as whether Num Lock or Caps Lock is enabled. In addition to a custom profile that can be configured using Synapse software, Razer’s new gaming keyboard offers five pre-configured profiles, each with different trigger points and quick release sensitivities.
By pressing the Fn + Tab keys, the key trigger point can be adjusted in 10 steps from 0.1 mm to 3.6 mm in 0.4 mm increments using the wheel located on the top right of the keyboard, which also works without Razer Synapse software installed. A quick adjustment mode for the quick trigger functionality can also be enabled via Fn + Caps-Lock, allowing options between 0.1 and 1.0 mm in 0.1 mm increments, either for the entire keyboard or for individual keys.
However, if you want to create your own profiles or customize RGB lighting, you’ll need to use Synapse. While Razer’s Synapse peripheral software doesn’t have a great reputation, the California hardware maker has continued to optimize and refine it over the years. The issues with Synapse running in the background that were more common in the past were no longer apparent in our use.
Razer’s Synapse also has a “gamepad” mode for the Hunterman V3 Pro, in which the WASD keys act as the controller’s analog sticks and the Q and E keys act as trigger keys, similar to those on found on Wooting keyboards, which can be used for racing games, for example. It takes some getting used to, though, and it’s certainly easier to plug in and use a regular gamepad.
In the Trigger tab of the Synapse software, the trigger point for keystrokes can be set between 0.1 and 4.0 mm, either for individual keys or for the entire keyboard, with the default setting being 1.2 mm. The fast trigger feature, which resets keystrokes immediately after they are pressed for extremely fast keystrokes, can also be configured here between 1.0 mm and 0.1 mm. These settings are available for all keys except the Windows, Fn, Insert, Delete, Pos1, End, and Page Up/Down keys.
The backlight brightness can also be adjusted, although the maximum brightness doesn’t seem particularly high for a gaming keyboard, which is in keeping with the Razer Huntsman V3’s rather dim overall appearance. Different RGB lighting effects can be selected as presets, and there is also an “environment detection” function that adjusts the keyboard lighting based on the screen content.
Pour
+ Quick release feature
+ Individually adjustable trigger points
+ Selecting different profiles using shortcuts
+ Numerous configuration options
Against
– Unpleasant typing sound
– Hard palm rest
– Relatively high price
The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro offers some useful features for competitive gamers, with the Rapid Trigger feature and adjustable trigger point in online matches providing movement advantages for players with a higher skill level. The ability to select different profiles directly from the keyboard can also prove useful for everyday gaming, but opinions will continue to differ on the Synapse software.
The design is pleasantly simple and the RGB lighting is rather discreet, but the wrist rest is very hard and its use is limited outside of PC gaming. The same goes for the keyboard sound when typing, which is very unpleasant, even if the keyboard body does not emit any ping or hollow noise.
Price and availability
The relatively high recommended retail price of around €290 is typical for Razer. You can buy it in the company’s online shop, but also on Amazon, for example. The Steelseries Apex Pro Mini Wireless 60% keyboard with ISO layout has a recommended retail price of €260 / $240 / £220. The full-size Wooting Two keyboard with ANSI layout costs €220, while the 60% Wooting HE60+ keyboard with ANSI layout costs €210.
Transparency
The present review sample was made available to the author as a loan by the manufacturer or a shop for the purposes of review. The lender had no influence on this review, nor did the manufacturer receive a copy of this review before publication. There was no obligation to publish this review.
Translator: Ninh Ngoc Duy – Editorial Assistant – 405734 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2008
