One of the first times I remember seeing an optical analog gaming keyboard hit the mainsteam was the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog launch in 2021 – what feels like naffing ages ago now. Since then, we’ve seen keyboards gain more controller-like tech, like rapid trigger inputs and Hall Effect switches, but optical analog boards are where it all started, and the Huntsman v2 Analog remains a fine option today – especially when it’s going cheap.
When this keyboard was new, it retailed for $250, although with this current discount, a brand-new one (with its 1-year Razer warranty) is down to $70 from Woot. That works out to 72% off, which I needn’t say is quite something.
The trick to the Huntsman V2 Analog’s switches is how they provide progressive – not just binary – inputs, allowing for controler-like precision. This is handy for everything from FPS titles to racing games if you haven’t got a controller around. In my original 2021 review of this keyboard, I noted there is a bit of a learning curve to using them, but it can be quite rewarding when you get it down. The only thing to note with these light, linear switches otherwise is that there are quite noisy when they bottom out.
The brains of this keyboard’s operation is Razer’s Synapse 3 software, where you can programme the actuation point (at which the switch registers an input) as well as map any key to a specific controller input. In my racing games, for example, that usually meant putting right and left triggers on W and S for acceleration and braking, alongside a left thumbstick to left or right to A and D for turning. Subsequent software updates have also added rapid trigger to the Huntsman V2 Analog for near-instant actuation and reset to help it keep up with the competition, alongside dual actuation to map two inputs to one switch.
As you’d perhaps expect from a keyboard that cost $250 at launch, the fit and finish here is excellent, with a thick chassis and such quality touches as textured PBT keycaps, a magnetic wristrest, and tactile media controls. You also get the added vibrancy of Razer’s Chroma per-key RGB lighting, which can be controlled in Synapse, plus the convenience of a pair of USB-A ports on the rear of the full-size layout chassis, complete with support for USB pass-through. If I recall correctly, this ‘board requires two USB ports to plug into your PC (a USB-C for the keyboard and a USB-A for the passthrough), so it’s good Razer at least gives you one back for hooking up other devices via the keyboard.
If you’re after a powerful gaming keyboard at a bargain price, look no further than this deep Woot discount on the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog.
