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The last time I tested a version of the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL, I enjoyed the tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard’s accurate optical analog switches and its LED array, which is useful for on-the-fly adjustments. But for a keyboard aimed at pro gamers, its relatively low maximum polling rate gave me pause. The new Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL 8K ($219.99) fixes that, bringing an esports-coveted 8,000Hz polling rate to what is already an excellent board. While it's probably not worth the upgrade to anyone but pro (and aspiring pro) gamers, the Pro TKL 8K is a strong contender thanks to its game-improving features, not just its high polling rate. It doesn't unseat the Editors' Choice-winning Sony Inzone KBD-H75 as our top keyboard pick for esports, but it's a solid alternative at a slightly lower price.
Design and Switches: Here to Win
If you’ve kept up with my keyboard reviews, you might know I have a soft spot for the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, our current favorite gaming keyboard for tinkerers. But while the BlackWidow courts a crowd more interested in cracking open their keyboards for DIY tweaks, the Huntsman V3 Pro TKL 8K targets gamers who want fast inputs and faster reaction times.
To that end, the Pro TKL 8K uses Razer's Analog Optical Gen-2 key switches, which have quicker reaction times than mechanical switches. Optical switches use infrared light and photoelectric sensors to detect key presses, unlike mechanical keyboards, which use metal contacts to detect how far a key is pressed. Optical analog switches take things even further, allowing for a full input range from 0% (the key is up) to 100% (the key is pressed all the way down).
This isn’t a new concept, as analog switches have appeared in older Razer keyboards, such as the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog. The difference here is that the Gen-2 switches bump the maximum actuation point up to 4mm (the previous generation maxed out at 3.6mm) and transmit analog inputs from all keys rather than just a subset, enabling them to mimic the movements of an analog thumbstick or joystick.
Dual-step actuation is also possible, allowing you to program two different actions on one key. For example, you might map an action that is triggered when the key is pressed halfway, and another when it is fully pressed. You can actually track the pressure of each key press on the LED array tucked just above the arrow keys, and edit settings on the fly using a few keyboard shortcuts.
Now, all of this makes for a top-notch keyboard for competitive play, but you shouldn't be shocked when I tell you that the older Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL can already do all of this. The Pro TKL 8K is mostly about adding a high polling rate to the mix, though Razer also throws in a few other minor improvements, which we'll discuss below.
Configurations and Controls: More of the Same
The Huntsman V3 Pro TKL 8K measures 1.5 by 14.3 by 5.5 inches (HWD) and, surprisingly, weighs only 1.6 pounds, a 0.4-ounce difference compared with the older Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL. Overall, it looks exactly the same, though the 8K model has a few more color options. It comes in black, white ($229), Esports Green ($249), and a special NiKO edition ($249), which features the professional Counter-Strike 2 player's signature. There’s also a full-size (non-TKL) version, available only in black, that costs $249. These are all expensive, to be sure, but they still don't hit the sky-high $300 of the Sony Inzone KBD-H75.
Razer also continues to sell the non-8K version of the Huntsman V3 Pro, which comes in full-size, TKL, and 65% versions.
Turning the keyboard over, you’ll find Razer’s mantra ("For Gamers. By Gamers") etched across the back of the board, and two adjustable feet that provide a slight tilt. The keyboard also includes a magnetic leatherette wrist rest. It’s not as plush as the rest on the aforementioned BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, but it gets the job done. In addition, you’ll find a volume dial at the top right corner of the board, alongside two media buttons.
I mentioned that both the V3 Pro TKL and the Pro TKL 8K use Razer’s Gen-2 Optical switches, but the Pro TKL 8K includes additional lubrication meant to make actuation smoother. (In side-by-side comparisons, it’s definitely smoother.) The 8K version also uses more interior foam: Each switch is seated in a foam layer, in addition to the foam on the bottom of the case that’s meant to reduce echoes and produce that familiar “thocky” sound profile that many gamers like.
In testing, typing on the keyboard felt great. Every key press offered sufficient resistance without tweaking any settings, and while the keyboard is still loud enough to guarantee instant banishment from any co-working space, the overall experience is immensely satisfying. The textured double-shot keycaps and Razer’s trademark per-key RGB sweeten the deal, too.
Software: Game-Improving Tweaks With Razer Synapse
Razer Synapse 4, the company's free customization utility, handles all the software-side tweaks. The app controls RGB lighting, macros, and many other features across six onboard profiles. You can either download the full app to your computer (Synapse is compatible with macOS and Windows) or use the Synapse Web Beta, which allows you to update your Razer profiles using a web page without a download.
The Huntsman offers a few game-improving modes that you can configure in Synapse. The first is Rapid Trigger mode, which allows you to release and press keys repeatedly at a much faster rate than is physically possible on standard mechanical keyboards, by removing the key's fixed reset point. The second is Snap Tap mode, designed to help prevent instances where two opposing keys are pressed simultaneously. With the mode on, it’ll register the last input as the priority and keep you moving, a useful tactic when you're strafing back and forth while shooting.
As I mentioned up top, the Huntsman is made for pro gamers, so when you combine Snap Tap and Rapid Trigger with customized actuation points, you’ll transform your gaming experience in a big way. I learned that firsthand when I imported Razer's custom Marvel Rivals profile onto my keyboard and played a few games. I mostly play with a controller, but the transition to keyboard was easy. After a few games against bots, I had already warmed up to the keyboard’s quirks.
Of course, the keyboard’s real selling point is its 8,000Hz polling rate; the Huntsman V3 Pro tops out at 1,000Hz. Polling rate refers to the speed at which your device sends your keystrokes or other inputs to your PC. A rate of 1,000Hz means that information is sent from the keyboard once per millisecond (ms). According to Razer, the average latency is around 0.58ms at 8,000Hz, versus the V3 Pro’s 1.78ms at 1,000Hz. That's a difference that might be imperceptible to casual players, but one that a seasoned esports athlete would notice.
The keyboard does not have wireless capabilities, however, so for those looking for 8,000Hz speed without the cord, keyboards like the Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless will better suit your needs, as long as you're open to a physically larger board.
