The Razer Huntsman V2 TKL is a high-quality mechanical keyboard, but the ticking stabilisers and clicky Razer Purple switches cancel out the company’s efforts to dampen noise. Apart from noise complaints, the 8,000 Hz polling rate on this keyboard appears to be more of a gimmick than a necessity.
The muted aesthetic works well, and if you prefer a more colourful look, you can customise the RGB lighting that shines through each individual keycap. You can also replace the keycaps with any standard-sized set, which must be purchased separately.
[content-egg-block template=offers_logo hide=price]Given the price of the Razer Huntsman V2 TKL, it had better be a high-end keyboard. Fortunately, it is. The aluminium plate and thick plastic that covers the bottom half of the keyboard can withstand a lot of punishment. Furthermore, the PBT keycaps are not only extremely durable, but they also protect Razer’s own linear optical switches, which have a lifespan of 100 million keystrokes. With the braided and detachable cable, you’ll be hard-pressed to damage it.
In terms of cables, we appreciate the fact that it is detachable. While Razer did this to make transporting the keyboard easier, it also means you won’t have to replace the Razer Huntsman V2 TKL cable if it gets damaged. The Huntsman V2 TKL, like most high-end keyboards, includes a wrist rest. It’s a little narrow, but it’s still comfortable. We’d prefer a little more cushion, but this one isn’t too bad for long gaming sessions.
The only real disadvantage of this keyboard is that some key functions are missing due to its form factor. You won’t be able to use dedicated media keys or LED status indicators. While this is a minor complaint, other TKL keyboards, such as the aforementioned Logitech, still manage to fit them in.
Fortunately, this isn’t a deal-breaker, especially given how quick this keyboard is. It has an adjustable polling rate of up to 8,000Hz, just like Razer’s other top keyboards. Razer’s own 2nd-generation optical switches used here are so fast that they register in 0.2ms, a response time you won’t find anywhere else.
Aside from being extremely fast, these switches are also extremely quiet, thanks to a layer of foam inside their casing that dampens the sound. If you like the feel and responsiveness of mechanical or optical keyboards but dislike the click-clack noise, the Huntsman V2 TKL is for you.