Thursday, April 18th 2024

Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Line With Analog Optical Switches Gen-2 Unleashes Precision

In the competitive world of gaming, where every millisecond counts, the tools you wield can make the difference between defeat and victory. Every keystroke matters.
At Razer, we've always been at the forefront of innovation, pushing the envelope to deliver the ultimate gaming experience. Our latest achievement, the Huntsman V3 Pro line of esports gaming keyboards, is equipped with the revolutionary Razer Analog Optical Switches Gen-2, featuring Rapid Trigger and Adjustable Actuation, epitomizing our commitment to cutting-edge technology.

Zero Debounce Delay: A Leap in Keyboard Technology
Optical Switches have set a new standard in the gaming world, transcending the limitations of traditional Mechanical Switches by eliminating debounce delay. This means the signal is sent instantly when you actuate the key, thanks to the light-based actuation mechanism of Optical Switches, enabling a level of performance that's unparalleled in the gaming sphere.
Rapid Trigger and Adjustable Actuation: The Next Frontier
Our journey in switch innovation started in 2018 with the launch of the Razer Huntsman and Huntsman Elite, introducing gamers to Razer Optical Switches. We redefined the boundaries of precision and speed, allowing pros to take their games to the next level.

We continued pushing forward and broke new ground yet again in 2019, with the Razer Tartarus Pro, introducing the world to Razer Analog Optical Switches. This groundbreaking technology combined analog input, adjustable actuation, and dual-step actuation, redefining the gaming landscape.

But we didn't stop there. The Huntsman V3 Pro line advances this legacy, setting new standards with Razer Analog Optical Switches Gen-2. These switches offer Rapid Trigger with up to 0.1 mm sensitivity and a fully-adjustable actuation throughout the entire key travel of 0.1 mm - 4.0 mm, surpassing traditional Hall-Effect Magnetic Switches in both precision and reliability.

The Distinction Between Light and Magnetism
As the name suggests, while both offer Rapid Trigger capability, Hall-Effect Magnetic Switches and Analog Optical Switches operate on fundamentally different principles.

Hall-Effect Magnetic Switches depend on a magnetic field detected by a sensor on the PCB, which can be influenced by temperature and external magnetic forces.

Analog Optical Switches have none of those drawbacks. By harnessing the properties of light, exceptional precision and accuracy can be achieved and maintained, no matter the condition of the environment. Furthermore, every single switch on every Razer Huntsman V3 Pro is calibrated at the factory-level to ensure gamers get the most precise performance.

Tested by Pros. Endorsed by Pros.
Feedback is paramount when it comes to the designing of the next keyboard for Esports Pro Players. With our latest Huntsman V3 Pro line, we did exactly that. Esports Pro Players demand keyboards that can match their rapid gameplay and provide customizable control with features like faster actuation, higher precision and complete control with their keyboards. As a result, most mechanical gaming keyboards out there simply didn't cut it any longer.

Hundreds and thousands of hours were poured in the prototyping phase, and it was only through countless feedback and constant improvements, that we were able to achieve the sweet spot with our Analog Optical Switches Gen-2, capable of Rapid Trigger of up to 0.1 mm sensitivity, and Adjustable Actuation through the full travel distance of 0.1 mm - 4.0 mm. In addition, every Huntsman V3 Pro is calibrated at the factory, ensuring top-tier precision and performance out of the box.

Esports Pro Players now have a keyboard that can react instantaneously to every swift movement they make and are able to fully customize a keyboard with varying actuation points for different keys - a feat that wasn't possible previously with Mechanical Switches featuring fixed actuation points.

The Optical Latency Advantage: Peak Gaming Performance
Our Optical Switches not only redefine switch technology but also offer significant advantages in latency. Rigorous testing on the Huntsman V3 Pro line armed with our Analog Optical Switches Gen-2 has shown an astounding average of just 1.7 ms ensuring your gameplay remains uninterrupted and responsive, even in the most intense gaming sessions.

To achieve this number, the following hardware equipment and testing methodology were used.

Hardware
  • Oscilloscope
  • USB Protocol Analyzer
  • Solenoid
  • Laptop
  • Test Keyboard
Steps
  • Set the actuation point to the shallowest setting on the Test Keyboard and enable Rapid Trigger
  • Set Rapid Trigger to the highest sensitivity setting
  • Position Solenoid tip on the surface of the keycap with Test Keyboard on a flat surface
  • Ensure Test Keyboard is connected only to the USB Protocol Analyzer
  • Configure USB Protocol Analyzer to trigger upon actuation
  • Ensure Laptop is connected only to the USB Protocol Analyzer with Channel 1 connected to the Solenoid and Channel 2 to the USB Protocol Analyzer
  • Initiate testing
With the resulting waveform recorded and saved, the difference between the trigger of the Solenoid and the key press report from the USB Protocol Analyzer is the resulting true latency, devoid of any additional latency induced by the OS and/or PC software.

The Never-Ending Quest for Innovation
At Razer, our innovations are driven by the needs and aspirations of the gaming community. The Huntsman V3 Pro line is more than just a series of gaming keyboards; it's a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible, ensuring that gamers and esports pros have the best tools to achieve victory. We remain committed to innovation, driven by our community's needs and aspirations, always striving to deliver the exceptional.

Stay tuned for more innovations, as we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in gaming technology and redefine the gaming landscape unlike any other.

For more on the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro line of esports gaming keyboards, please visit Razer.com.
Source: Razer
Add your own comment

55 Comments on Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Line With Analog Optical Switches Gen-2 Unleashes Precision

#26
pixbin
Gmr_ChickThe thing I don't like about ASUS is their obnoxious "gamer aesthetic" they tend to get carried away with on things like their motherboards and GPUs and peripherals. I can't stand their ROG Eye logo. But the BIGGEST con I hold against them is Armoury Crate, which I'm pretty sure we should just refer to as a virus at this point. It's literally the main reason I avoid ASUS like the plague, and that's very unfortunate because I loved their BIOS and the looks of their Crosshair boards. I said virus earlier because, before I got my X670E Aorus Master, I'd purchased the X670E Hero, which meant having to install Armoury Crate...But things didn't work out with the board and I ended up trading it for the Master. But even after using ASUS' own Armoury Crate Uninstall tool, I've STILL got bits and pieces of it floating around my system - can't get rid of it no matter what I do. Been this way for months.
Armoury Crate, What specific problem did you have?
Posted on Reply
#27
Guwapo77
ZoneDymoMostly really bad quality experiences and also their general "mountain dew-esc" marketing nonsense, its just a bit of a fake brand that does more "wooh we are gamurs yall" and less letting the products talk for themselves.
Are you buying the entry level Razer products?
Posted on Reply
#28
529th
Am I the only one that can barely see the details in the last 2 photos? Also what's the polling rate? Personally I don't like a full 4mm key travel either.
Posted on Reply
#29
Legacy-ZA
Guwapo77Are you buying the entry level Razer products?
Even if you are, is your product supposed to break?

All I can say is, keyboards and mice have become rediculous expensive, people are paying for logos and brand names, no wonder the leather jacket man doesn't want to offer GPU's near the $175 mark anymore when gamers are willing to fork out $250 for a keyboard. :roll:
Posted on Reply
#30
KillSwitx
I have the wooting 60he great HE board but for some reason I always go back to “normal” mechanical keyboards with the ttc silver v2s

got myself the razer 75% v4 and love it. Now and then go back to the wooting but I have mixed feelings with HE keyboards … or should I say switches.
All in all it’s all about what you prefer
Posted on Reply
#31
Arco
Got my Razer Basilisk V3 Pro on sale. Good mouse. Like it better than the G901.

My G903 (The older variant forgot the name.) got the infamous double click issue then finally died to a 4 foot carpet drop. It did serve for multiple years so I'm not unimpressed.

Hopefully the V3 will serve me well! :)
Posted on Reply
#32
529th
The new Wooting 80HE should be an interesting KB Have one on order with Gateron Magnetic Jade switches and I might check this KB out for a personal comparison/review.
Posted on Reply
#33
chop
NaterI was looking at the Basilisk V3 Pro. I "upgraded" to a MX Master 3S coming off of a G700s that I've had for nearly a decade, but that thing eats a AA NiMH battery in less than a day, and destroys them in a few months.

But I got back into Warzone and quickly realized something was off. I never noticed till now that the Master 3S only has a 125Hz polling rate. And it doesn't work wired, which is annoying as hell.

The no brainer is getting a G502X, but I'm very hesitant as myself and my kids burned out 3 G502 Hero's in less than a year. There's a reason they go on sale for $35 and they've sold 50,000+ on Amazon - they're JUNK.

What other mice come close to the V3 Pro and G502X+ in features/fit/function?

My Corsair keyboard is also freaking terrible. Keycaps just fall off in the middle of gaming. Also had horrible quality issues with they're lower end headsets, so I've crossed them off my brand list.
I have a Basilisk V3 Pro. It's the best, most comfortable and feature-rich mouse I've ever used, and I am NOT a Razer fanboy. It's actually the first Razer product I've ever bought.
Posted on Reply
#34
Guwapo77
Legacy-ZAEven if you are, is your product supposed to break?

All I can say is, keyboards and mice have become rediculous expensive, people are paying for logos and brand names, no wonder the leather jacket man doesn't want to offer GPU's near the $175 mark anymore when gamers are willing to fork out $250 for a keyboard. :roll:
This is truly a problem with the market and I agree with you. I am someone who has gone though so so so many keyboards and mice that I have come to the conclusion that sub $100 on either of those devices are hardly worth it. I'll replace them more than paying for the expensive one originally...let's not even talk about all the e-waste I have accumulated. I have used off brand and Logitech gaming devices...off brand I have had software issues. Logitech mice and keyboards just start falling apart regardless of the price segment. A couple weeks ago I bought a new Logitech G502 X for my MacBook because Razer's software doesn't support MacOS (at least from what I read). That G502 felt so damn cheap and I know it won't last long with any extensive game play and that mouse was $130. Oh and the software sucks on Mac. Works good for now. ...I should have just gotten the Basilisk V3 Pro Wireless. /sigh

To your final point, am I suppose to boycott and wait for the industry to bend to my will? Or do I have to put things into perspective...prices are going up EVERY WHERE. I can't buy a box of cereal at the same price I did last year, but I expect my computer peripherals to be the same price a decade ago?

It took me a long time and I do mean a long time to leave Logitech and others...but the Razer products I have bought recently have been worth every penny. As soon as Razer products start to feel like and last as long as Logitech products, I'm dumping them too.
Posted on Reply
#35
529th
If you like a product, buy 2 so when you replace it the cost won't be more for the same item later on, or in a hard lesson learned 25yrs ago, they no longer make the mouse, lol
Posted on Reply
#36
KithKhan
My 2 cents/review as a dad who games with his kids, an esports coach for four teams for six years, a computer science teacher, and a PC scratchbuilder/overclocker/hardware enthusiast:

Razer Huntsman TKL w/ optical switches is the best keyboard I've ever owned, hands down. If you haven't tried an optical switch keyboard you should! But is so sensitive it takes some getting used to. Durability and cleaning have not been an issue even around younger kids who snack while using it despite being told not to. Comparisons to HyperX Alloy Origins and Corsair and Razer's older keyboards with normal mechanical switches, which were all fine but not the feeling that an optical switch provides.

Most of the Deathadders I've owned have similarly been great, although on a recent one V2 has the grippy rubber sidesections delaminating after fairly little use. I wish it were a bit lighter, but that's not enough to make me change to another mouse. The original one from 2011 or so finally bit the dust in 2022 after hard continuous use, so I'd anecdotally say durability is good.

Razer headsets sound pretty meh, the Dolby plug-in is truly terrible, and my kids have broken two. Sennheiser or Beyerdynamics are much better.

Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra webcam is a noticeable step up in picture quality from a Logitech Brio, Logitech 922, or generic Chinese brand 4k webcam, especially in less-than-ideal lighting conditions, but it is also extremely expensive, so niche product.

The old Razer Turret was super expensive, had trouble with the shorter than expected range of its wireless and Bluetooth connections, but held a charge and was a great wireless lapboard/mouse combo. The new wireless ones have amazing polling rates but shorter battery life and are less convenient as a portable platform, but the connection range seems to be fixed.

Prices are competitive if you wait for the occasional sale through their Amazon store. And it would be cool if their software required less frequent updates and had broader RGB setting compatibility, which I think is really the main point of running it in the first place.
Posted on Reply
#37
Guwapo77
KithKhanMy 2 cents/review as a dad who games with his kids, an esports coach for four teams for six years, a computer science teacher, and a PC scratchbuilder/overclocker/hardware enthusiast:

Razer Huntsman TKL w/ optical switches is the best keyboard I've ever owned, hands down. If you haven't tried an optical switch keyboard you should! But is so sensitive it takes some getting used to. Durability and cleaning have not been an issue even around younger kids who snack while using it despite being told not to. Comparisons to HyperX Alloy Origins and Corsair and Razer's older keyboards with normal mechanical switches, which were all fine but not the feeling that an optical switch provides.

Most of the Deathadders I've owned have similarly been great, although on a recent one V2 has the grippy rubber sidesections delaminating after fairly little use. I wish it were a bit lighter, but that's not enough to make me change to another mouse. The original one from 2011 or so finally bit the dust in 2022 after hard continuous use, so I'd anecdotally say durability is good.

Razer headsets sound pretty meh, the Dolby plug-in is truly terrible, and my kids have broken two. Sennheiser or Beyerdynamics are much better.

Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra webcam is a noticeable step up in picture quality from a Logitech Brio, Logitech 922, or generic Chinese brand 4k webcam, especially in less-than-ideal lighting conditions, but it is also extremely expensive, so niche product.

The old Razer Turret was super expensive, had trouble with the shorter than expected range of its wireless and Bluetooth connections, but held a charge and was a great wireless lapboard/mouse combo. The new wireless ones have amazing polling rates but shorter battery life and are less convenient as a portable platform, but the connection range seems to be fixed.

Prices are competitive if you wait for the occasional sale through their Amazon store. And it would be cool if their software required less frequent updates and had broader RGB setting compatibility, which I think is really the main point of running it in the first place.
You were spot on with the sensitivity of the optical keyboard. It did take some getting use to, but it was completely worth it. I can't put my stamp of approval on anything but the razer products I have bought so far. I got my son the Karaken V3 Pros, they have a good quality feel and my son loves them. I don't care for them much at all as I don't like the sound reproduction. I'm rocking the Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless (XBox version)...they get a solid A- if I had to rate headphones.
Posted on Reply
#38
529th
One thing I read about Razer mice and correct me if I am wrong, is that Razer services is needed for them to run correctly. Not sure if that's meant for switching between game profiles but I find that kinda eye-brow raising. Can anyone verify if it's mentioned solely with a Razer keyboard? I think I read that in the Synapse app.
Posted on Reply
#39
Gmr_Chick
vantilaDoes analog optic means that it's not binary and have analog gradual imput like an xbox controller?
In a way, yes. Analog switches are closer to how a controller works than mechanical and or non-analog optical switches work. You know how you barely move a control stick forward to make the character walk, and then put more force behind the stick in order to make the character run? You can do that with analog switches -- a gentle key press to walk, a heavier press on that same key to make the character run.
pixbinArmoury Crate, What specific problem did you have?
I've still got useless things from it left behind on my system, like being able to use the gaudy ROG font when typing up documents, etc. I honestly liked it better when Aura Sync was the only thing needed to control lighting on an ASUS board.
Posted on Reply
#40
neoMM24
Unless I miss something... but according to geizhals.at this keyboard is sold since 09-22-2023, what is the news here?
Posted on Reply
#42
529th
Totally forgot my Apex Pro TKL is capable of Rapid Trigger with a firmware update, lol - for saves money, whew
Posted on Reply
#43
Gucky
Guwapo77I would replace my keyboards every 1-2 years, but this one, I have no desire to replace it.
So once it is dirty you throw it away? :D
vantilaDoes analog optic means that it's not binary and have analog gradual imput like an xbox controller?
Usually yes.
Light sensors are able to send a variable signal by the amount of light it recieves.
It might be possible to make it gradual by increasing the sensor size and make the hole in the switch a slope. If more light goes beyond the slope into the sensor, the "stronger" it actuates.
Posted on Reply
#44
Arco
GuckySo once it is dirty you throw it away? :D
I personally keep my keyboards for half a decade before replacing them. My Razer Blackwidow is still going strong after 6-7 years with only a single LED color failing on one of the keys. My brother should get some good use out of it! :laugh:
Posted on Reply
#45
Gmr_Chick
I'm of the opinion that, if you be nice to your keyboards - regularly clean them, be a grown-ass person by not destroying the poor thing in a fit of gamer baby rage - there's no reason they shouldn't last 5 years or more.
Posted on Reply
#46
Guwapo77
GuckySo once it is dirty you throw it away? :D

Usually yes.
Light sensors are able to send a variable signal by the amount of light it recieves.
It might be possible to make it gradual by increasing the sensor size and make the hole in the switch a slope. If more light goes beyond the slope into the sensor, the "stronger" it actuates.
No it was typically a key getting stuck, the lights going out on half of it, or software going to hell...or something.
Posted on Reply
#47
Nater
Gmr_ChickI'm of the opinion that, if you be nice to your keyboards - regularly clean them, be a grown-ass person by not destroying the poor thing in a fit of gamer baby rage - there's no reason they shouldn't last 5 years or more.
I've been nothing but great to my Corsair K68 that I bought on a whim a few years ago, but the keys are constantly falling off. Middle of a firefight, there goes "W" flying across my desk.

I think in the process of cleaning it (popping the keys off) plus just general use, it's worn the posts/keycaps to the point they're just loose - but it's been doing it from the get go, and getting progressively worse over time. I wish I would have taken it back to Best Buy the next day.
Posted on Reply
#48
529th
NaterI've been nothing but great to my Corsair K68. Middle of a firefight, there goes "W" flying across my desk.
Honestly it doesn't sound like it if that type of stuff is happening. Gotta say I'm amused and laughing a little imaging it. No offense
Posted on Reply
#49
wNotyarD
NaterI've been nothing but great to my Corsair K68 that I bought on a whim a few years ago, but the keys are constantly falling off. Middle of a firefight, there goes "W" flying across my desk.
Yet another issue I had with my Logitech G810. More than once I joked I was losing Control as the keycap flew due to its broken stems, just like this picture off Google:

Posted on Reply
#50
Gmr_Chick
NaterI've been nothing but great to my Corsair K68 that I bought on a whim a few years ago, but the keys are constantly falling off. Middle of a firefight, there goes "W" flying across my desk.

I think in the process of cleaning it (popping the keys off) plus just general use, it's worn the posts/keycaps to the point they're just loose - but it's been doing it from the get go, and getting progressively worse over time. I wish I would have taken it back to Best Buy the next day.
I should probably clarify what I meant. While I still stand by my opinion, you of course have to account for the random production dud, in which case its poor quality is an inbuilt problem. Basically, you can baby the hell out of it, but due to a defect and/or design flaw, it's still going to have issues and you're probably better off either returning it if possible, or relegating it to your Tinkerers Box O' Parts.
Posted on Reply
Add your own comment
May 15th, 2024 21:53 EDT change timezone

New Forum Posts

Popular Reviews

Controversial News Posts