Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Review: My Favourite Keyboard

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Before we dive into the review, here’s a bit of backstory. I’ve been a big Razer fan for years, but recent experiences had me second-guessing the brand. Issues like a faulty Razer Kishi Controller and PS4 Razer Thrasher headphones (7.0) that wore out too quickly almost made me give up on Razer altogether. However, the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro has completely changed my perspective. So, how did Razer manage to pull me back? Let’s find out.

Analog Optical Switches for Precision

The Huntsman V3 Pro uses analog optical switches, making it stand out from many other gaming keyboards. For those unaware, these switches allow you to control how far a key is pressed; hence, you have more control in games. For instance, you can press lightly to walk and push fully to sprint, giving you an “advantage” in games. It takes some time to get used to this, but it was a game-changer for me. Even in single-player games, it makes gameplay much more immersive in certain scenarios. These switches also respond faster than traditional mechanical ones. Whether you’re gaming or typing, each press feels sharp and immediate. There’s no delay, which makes the keyboard a great choice for competitive play. The actuation is smooth, with consistent performance across all keys. There are already some players claiming this is cheating. Meanwhile, other brands are adopting the new technology. I think it will soon be the industry standard. Let’s see..

Space Bar Switches: Room for Improvement

I have to reflect on the design of the spacebar. Unlike the other keys that feel uniform and balanced, the space bar relies on a single switch in the center. This design choice results in a slightly uneven feel and sound, especially if you press the space bar closer to its edges. I think the experience would be significantly improved if Razer had incorporated two or even three switches beneath the space bar. This adjustment could distribute the pressure more evenly and harmonize its sound with the rest of the keyboard. While this is a relatively minor drawback, it’s an area where the Huntsman V3 Pro could have truly excelled. Hopefully, future iterations of the keyboard will address this and make an already fantastic product even better.

Compact and Durable Design

You might be wondering why I chose 60% over the full size. First, I wanted this keyboard specifically for gaming, so I did not need many of the features of a full keyboard. And second of all, I wanted a minimalist design and clean look, and that is exactly what the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini brings! This 60% keyboard is small, portable, and perfect for gamers like myself who need a clutter-free setup. The aluminum top plate details add to its durability and overall quality feeling. The keycaps are made from double-shot PBT plastic, which doesn’t wear down or shine over time. This helps maintain the keyboard’s clean look after months, possibly years of gaming.

Wrist Rest

Unlike the full-size version of the Huntsman V3 Pro, the 60% model has no magnetic wrist rest. While this might be a downside for some, the keyboard’s low profile and compact design keep it comfortable for most users during extended sessions. And for me, wrist rest meant less space on my desk, so it was a pass anyway. Adjusting your desk (or chair) setup can enhance comfort if needed. I use a gaming chair with adjustable armrests, so I do not feel any pressure on my wrist when gaming.

RGB Lighting: Fire and Reactive Steal the Show

Razer’s Chroma RGB lighting is a highlight of this keyboard. You can access an impressive range of effects through the Razer Synapse app, but my favorites are Fire and Reactive modes.

• Fire Mode: This makes the keyboard look like it’s on fire. The vibrant orange and red hues flicker, giving it a dynamic and striking appearance.
• Reactive Mode: This mode leaves a trail of light where you type, creating a cool effect that’s fun to use during casual typing or gaming sessions.

These modes bring personality to the keyboard without feeling over the top. Whether you prefer subtle or bold lighting, the Huntsman V3 Pro’s customization options will have something for you.

Razer Synapse: Customization Made Simple

Razer Synapse is the software used to customize the Huntsman V3 Pro. It’s user-friendly and offers plenty of options for tweaking your setup.

With Synapse, you can:

• Remap keys to fit your gaming or work style.
• Adjust RGB lighting with countless effects and colors.
• Create profiles for different games, saving specific settings for each title.

Setting up macros is straightforward, even if you’re not experienced with customization tools. If you’re into RGB like me, you can use Chroma Studio to design lighting effects. For gamers who love tinkering with their gear, Synapse is a great tool. However, if you’re not a fan of software-based customization, this reliance on Synapse might feel like a drawback.

Issues with Razer Synapse

It is worth noting that there are slight issues with the Synapse app. First, it will always run in the background if you want your custom RGB’s, wasting CPU power. This can be an issue if you are running older hardware. I tested it on an older machine, and it was bugging a lot. But since you are reading a -+200$ keyboard review, I am guessing your machine is not from the Stone Age so you will be fine!

The second issue I found when using the app was the start-up. Sometimes, the app won’t start immediately, so your keyboard will rock its standard RGB until the app boots up in the background. I noticed this only after restarting or updating my PC. So, it is not something that will ruin your overall experience.

Sound of the Keycaps

One of the coolest aspects of the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro, for me, is its sound. The clicks are not quiet yet are not too loud, and they are absolutely beautiful! Warning: If you don’t like mechanical keyboard sounds, this keyboard might not be the best fit. For enthusiasts who love a keyboard that “talks back,” this is an absolute treat. However, the space bar is a slight outlier in this symphony. Since it has only one switch in the middle, its sound feels slightly out of harmony with the rest of the keyboard.

While the other keys produce a uniform sound, the space bar’s tone is less profound and slightly clunky, which might bother users who pay close attention to acoustics. This doesn’t affect its functionality or the overall experience significantly, but it’s worth noting for those particular about the auditory feedback of their keyboards. Despite this minor quirk, the sound profile of the Huntsman V3 Pro still ranks as one of its standout features.

Adapting to the 60% Layout

Switching to a 60% keyboard can take time if you’re used to full-sized or tenkeyless models. There are no numpad or dedicated arrow keys, which means you’ll need to use function layers for some commands. Once you adapt, the compact layout feels freeing, especially for gamers who want more mouse space or a cleaner desk setup, like myself.

Final Thoughts

The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro 60% is a reliable, high-performance keyboard designed with gamers in mind. It delivers precision, speed, and customization, even in a compact form. While it lacks a wrist rest and relies on function layers, its portability and solid build make up for these trade-offs. It would be perfect if the space bar had another switch or two. All things considered, I rate this keyboard 95 out of 100. Good game, Razer! For more reviews and news, stay tuned to our website.