I didn’t think any analog keyboard could outperform my beloved SteelSeries — but then I tried Razer’s new magnetic Huntsman

Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Tenkeyless 8KHz: One-minute review The Huntsman line has long been a distinguished marque in the gaming keyboard world, and now this new analog addition seeks to add Hall Effect technology to the formula.

<![CDATA[ <article> <h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-razer-huntsman-v3-he-magnetic-tenkeyless-8khz-one-minute-review"><span>Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Tenkeyless 8KHz: One-minute review</span></h2><p>The Huntsman line has long been a distinguished marque in the gaming keyboard world, and now this new analog addition seeks to add Hall Effect technology to the formula.</p><p>It looks like a high-performing machine. The all-black colorway might be a little drab, but the floating keycaps and subtly brushed metal faceplate add touches of class. The bright RGB backlighting also helps to sell its gaming prowess.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="xJcMLsDG3NHDRoiXFzsPDi" name="Razer_Huntsman_V3_HE_keyboard_ 2.JPG" alt="three-quarter view of Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Tenkeyless 8KHz on desk with pink wall in background" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xJcMLsDG3NHDRoiXFzsPDi.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1920" height="1080" attribution="" endorsement="" class="inline"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Future)</span></figcaption></figure><p>What’s more, it’s built exceptionally well. That faceplate feels incredibly smooth and solid, while the keycaps are planted and have a great-feeling texture. At the same time, the V3 HE is also very light and compact — doubly impressive when you consider it includes quite a few navigation keys. </p><p>Razer’s Synapse software can be used to customize the inputs of the V3 HE. You’ll find plenty of analog adjustments here, and there’s even a handy visualizer to display key travel in real time, although this isn’t available for every analog setting. The software is easy to use and I didn’t experience any major issues during my time with it.</p><p>Once you’ve dialled in your preferred settings, gaming with the V3 HE is a joy. The keys are very tactile and provide plenty of feedback without feeling heavy. However, due to the height of the keycaps and the lack of wrist support, I found typing quite uncomfortable.</p><p>This is perhaps the major drawback of the V3 HE, along with its price, which is quite high for a keyboard lacking wireless connectivity. However, its gaming performance and build quality are to be admired, and might just make it worth the outlay.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="DXHv8qDQNrj5TchiHcACQo" name="Razer_Huntsman_V3_HE_keyboard_ 3.JPG" alt="Close-up of navigation keys on Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Tenkeyless 8KHz on desk" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DXHv8qDQNrj5TchiHcACQo.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1920" height="1080" attribution="" endorsement="" class="inline"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Future)</span></figcaption></figure><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-razer-huntsman-v3-he-magnetic-tenkeyless-8khz-review-price-and-availability"><span>Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Tenkeyless 8KHz review: Price and availability</span></h2><ul><li><strong>$139.99 / £139.99 / AU$229.95</strong></li><li><strong>Preorders available now</strong></li><li><strong>Expensive for a wired keyboard</strong></li></ul><p>The Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Tenkeyless 8KHz costs $139.99 / £139.99 / AU$229.95 and will be available later this year, but you can preorder it now. A mini 65% variant will also be available for $20 / £20 / AU$30 less.</p><p>It's undeniably expensive for a wired gaming keyboard. However, it’s still cheaper than some of its rivals, such as the <a href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/keyboards/steelseries-apex-pro-tkl-gen-3-review">SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL</a>, another fantastic analog keyboard. This is easily one of the best analog keyboards I’ve tested. It also features an integrated OLED screen for a visually appealing way to access various settings and adjustments, and it can display certain in-game information as well.</p><p>If you’re looking for a decidedly more budget-friendly analog keyboard, you can’t do much better than the <a href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/keyboards/monsgeek-fun60-ultra-review">MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra</a>. Not only is this much cheaper than the Huntsman, but it also performs very admirably and has multiple wireless connectivity modes to boot. </p><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-razer-huntsman-v3-he-magnetic-tenkeyless-8khz-review-specs"><span>Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Tenkeyless 8KHz review: Specs</span></h2><div ><table><tbody><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Layout</p></td><td ><p>TKL</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Switch</p></td><td ><p>Analog (Razer Hall Effect Magnetic) </p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Programmable keys</p></td><td ><p>Yes</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Dimensions</p></td><td ><p>14.2 x 5.5 x 1.6 inches (361 x 139 x 40mm)</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>RGB or backlighting</p></td><td ><p>Yes (customizable)</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="EhSv5oafiUdsU5AS2zaxX6" name="Razer_Huntsman_V3_HE_keyboard_ 4.JPG" alt="Close-up of arrow keys on Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Tenkeyless 8KHz on desk" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EhSv5oafiUdsU5AS2zaxX6.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1920" height="1080" attribution="" endorsement="" class="inline"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Future)</span></figcaption></figure><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-razer-huntsman-v3-he-magnetic-tenkeyless-8khz-review-design-and-features"><span>Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Tenkeyless 8KHz review: Design and features</span></h2><ul><li><strong>Great build quality</strong></li><li><strong>Bright RGB lighting</strong></li><li><strong>Copious customization options</strong></li></ul><p>In line with Razer’s other products, the V3 HE looks like a premium product. I especially liked the floating keycaps and the brushed metal faceplate, which add elements of sophistication. The all-black colorway is a little austere, but the bright and customizable RGB backlighting does well to liven things up, especially since those aforementioned floating keycaps increase the illumination.</p><p>Equal to its appearance is the build quality of the V3 HE. Despite the plastic material, the chassis is incredibly solid, while that faceplate feels lusciously smooth. The double-shot PBT keycaps have a gratifying texture to them as well, and are as planted and as stable as you could wish for.</p><p>Another nice touch is the recessed USB port. This encloses the jack completely, adding security and creating a neater look. The included cable should prove long enough to accommodate most setups, and what’s more it’s braided, which is more common on the <a href="https://www.techradar.com/news/best-gaming-mouse">best gaming mice</a>. This improves flexibility, although it’s thicker and seems more durable than those on said mice.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="y3z7C5dUwLKMxSTKLjND3B" name="Razer_Huntsman_V3_HE_keyboard_ 5.JPG" alt="Close-up of escape key on Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Tenkeyless 8KHz, on desk with pink wall in background" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/y3z7C5dUwLKMxSTKLjND3B.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1920" height="1080" attribution="" endorsement="" class="inline"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Future)</span></figcaption></figure><p>Despite the strong build, the V3 HE is also very light, which pleasantly surprised me. It’s also quite compact, yet still features some useful keys for navigation. And there are plenty of Fn shortcuts dotted around, including those for tweaking certain aspects of the V3 HE, such as the RGB, actuation point (between 0.1mm and 4mm), and Rapid Trigger sensitivity. Thankfully, these shortcuts are also labelled.</p><p>For further customizations, you’ll need to download Razer’s Synapse peripheral software. Alongside those mentioned above, you can adjust the Rapid Trigger sensitivity of upstrokes and downstrokes independently, map up to four inputs to a single key, select up to four keys to have a secondary function on their release, and decide which key takes priority when two are pressed at the same time (with numerous options to choose from). There are also a few pre-made profiles catering to certain game types and scenarios, as well as a remapping suite with a large selection of assignments at your disposal, including gamepad buttons, sticks, and triggers.</p><p>I was glad to see the inclusion of a visualizer that shows the travel of your presses in real time by filling up a bar. This bar is also marked with your currently set actuation point in millimeters, so you can see when you’ve passed it. It’s a shame there’s no visualizer for the Rapid Trigger function, given this can be a little tricky to comprehend. For the most part, though, Synapse is clearly laid out and easy to use.</p><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="vF2PyPnePeN8GZQBJjvyLK" name="Razer_Huntsman_V3_HE_keyboard_ 7.JPG" alt="Close-up of top row of keys on Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Tenkeyless 8KHz with F5 keycap removed, on a desk with pink wall in background" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/vF2PyPnePeN8GZQBJjvyLK.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1920" height="1080" attribution="" endorsement="" class="inline"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Future)</span></figcaption></figure><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-razer-huntsman-v3-he-magnetic-tenkeyless-8khz-review-performance"><span>Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Tenkeyless 8KHz review: Performance</span></h2><ul><li><strong>Snappy and tactile</strong></li><li><strong>Comfortable and secure when gaming</strong></li><li><strong>Hard to type with</strong></li></ul><p>As with most Razer keyboards, the performance of the V3 HE is exemplary. The analog switches have plenty of tactility, being easy to press yet providing just enough resistance to allow for controlled presses; relative to other analog keyboards, I found it easy to hit certain actuation points. They also have a wonderfully springy response, which makes them feel snappy. But they’re quite clicky, too, with just enough dampening to prevent them feeling harsh.</p><p>The keycaps themselves are a boon when gaming, too. Their aforementioned texture not only feels great but should also help to prevent slips when things get sweaty. Prominent indentations improve finger security further, as well as helping you to avoid hitting the wrong key. </p><p>However, I found them less amenable to typing. Their sheer height means that even though the base of the V3 HE is reasonably thin, I still found myself having to angle my wrists upwards to an uncomfortable degree. I wish a wrist rest was included in the box like other Razer models, especially as Razer’s are some of the best in class thanks to their exceedingly plush padding.</p><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-should-i-buy-the-razer-huntsman-v3-he-magnetic-tenkeyless-8khz"><span>Should I buy the Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Tenkeyless 8KHz?</span></h2><h2 id="scorecard">Scorecard</h2><div ><table><tbody><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p><strong>Attributes</strong></p></td><td ><p><strong>Notes</strong></p></td><td ><p><strong>Rating</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Value</p></td><td ><p>Cheaper than some other premium analog keyboards, but a lot more expensive than others, too.</p></td><td ><p>3.5 / 5</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Design and features</p></td><td ><p>The Huntsman looks sleek and is built incredibly well. It’s a shame there’s no wrist rest, though.</p></td><td ><p>4.5 / 5</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Performance</p></td><td ><p>The analog switches are tactile and very customizable, but the tall keycaps make typing a chore.</p></td><td ><p>4 / 5</p></td></tr><tr><td class="firstcol " ><p>Overall</p></td><td ><p>The Huntsman V3 HE is a fantastic gaming keyboard with analog switches that perform as well as you could wish for. It would seriously benefit from a wrist rest, and it’s expensive compared to some others in the space, but its performance and build are matched by very few. </p></td><td ><p>4 / 5</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><h2 id="buy-it-if-2">Buy it if…</h2><div class="product"><p><strong>You want great analog performance</strong><br>I haven’t experienced many analog switches better than these, and their copious adjustments should please every gamer out there.</p></div><div class="product"><p><strong>You prize build quality</strong><br>The sleek floating keycaps are attractive, while the super solid yet super light and compact design is a marvel.</p></div><h2 id="don-39-t-buy-it-if">Don't buy it if…</h2><div class="product"><p><strong>You’ll be typing alot</strong><br>I found the keycaps too tall to type comfortably with for long periods.</p></div><div class="product"><p><strong>You want the best value</strong><br>The V3 HE is expensive, especially when you consider its wired-only connectivity and TKL layout.</p></div><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-razer-huntsman-v3-he-magnetic-tenkeyless-8khz-review-also-consider"><span>Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Tenkeyless 8KHz review: Also consider</span></h2><div class="product"><p><strong>SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3</strong><br>Another high-performing analog keyboard, the Apex Pro also has the build quality to match the Huntsman’s. It’s more expensive, but it does at least come with a wrist rest, although it’s not the best example. Read our full <a href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/keyboards/steelseries-apex-pro-tkl-gen-3-review" data-dimension112="646ad0aa-a6d0-11f1-bbcf-a3124370ae2b" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 review" data-dimension48="SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 review" data-dimension25="">SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 review</a>.</p></div><div class="product"><p><strong>MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra</strong><br>If you’re looking to spend a lot less on an analog keyboard, look no further than the FUN60 Ultra. Not only is it surprisingly high performing, but it’s also seriously well made. And to cap it all off, it has multiple wireless connectivity modes. Read our full <a href="https://www.techradar.com/computing/keyboards/monsgeek-fun60-ultra-review" data-dimension112="646ad122-a6d0-11f1-b35c-db74cd2ab189" data-action="Deal Block" data-label="MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra review" data-dimension48="MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra review" data-dimension25="">MonsGeek FUN60 Ultra review</a>. </p></div><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:1920px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="HcagZDgvWuCmYiXcvmZHuU" name="Razer_Huntsman_V3_HE_keyboard_ 8.JPG" alt="Three-quarter view of right-hand portion of Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Tenkeyless 8KHz, on a desk with pink wall in background" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HcagZDgvWuCmYiXcvmZHuU.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="1920" height="1080" attribution="" endorsement="" class="inline"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Future)</span></figcaption></figure><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-how-i-tested-the-razer-huntsman-v3-he-magnetic-tenkeyless-8khz"><span>How I tested the Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Tenkeyless 8KHz</span></h2><ul><li><strong>Tested for a few days</strong></li><li><strong>Used for a variety of tasks</strong></li><li><strong>Lots of gaming keyboard experience</strong></li></ul><p>I tested the Huntsman V3 HE for a few days, using it for gaming, working, and general browsing. I used it with two different Windows 11 PCs.</p><p>I played games such as <em>Counter-Strike 2</em>, which offers a stern test for peripherals given its emphasis on quick and precise inputs. I also played <a href="https://www.techradar.com/gaming/stalker-2-heart-of-chornobyl-review"><em>S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl</em></a>, which requires a broader use of the layout, so I could test how easy it was to use keys outside of those within the immediate vicinity of the WASD position.</p><p>I’ve been PC gaming for over a decade, and have used many different keyboards in that time. I’ve also reviewed a large number of them with various switch types, form factors, and price points.</p><ul><li><em>First reviewed: September 2026</em></li><li>Read more about <a href="https://www.techradar.com/televisions/soundbars/the-best-soundbars-for-all-budgets#section-how-we-test-the-best-soundbarshttps://www.techradar.com/news/audio/home-cinema-audio/tr-top-10-best-soundbars-1288008#section-how-we-test-the-best-soundbars">how we test</a></li></ul> </article> ]]>