Well, effectively, effectively. We meet once more, Razer Huntsman. The firm’s first opto-mechanical keyboard was an attention-grabbing experiment, one I wasn’t too keen on due to its disagreeable key really feel and noise. After three years (and a mini version) later Razer is again with a brand new $190 model, and it does appear the designers lastly nailed it.

First, a refresher: opto-mechanical keys have a small laser beam beneath every change. When you press a key, it blocks the sunshine path, sending a sign to the pc of what you simply pressed. Because it doesn’t want to completely actuate (go up and down) on a bodily stage, it’s supposedly quicker than conventional mechanical keyboards. In apply I didn’t actually discover the distinction and even now I can’t actually distinguish the nanoseconds shaved off with every key press on the Huntsman V2. 

However, what I can really feel and listen to is the layer of froth padding beneath the keys that mutes every stroke, which makes it a way more agreeable auditory expertise — the primary model had this annoying metallic echo that I might decide up even with my admittedly poor listening to. Granted, when you’re carrying a headset and listening to gunshots or music you most likely received’t discover, however when you work in an workplace as I do, or share a small house with others, the consolation of these round you issues.

Now the keystrokes are nonetheless crisp however as a substitute of listening to a metallic scratching sound it’s extra a muffled thud. (You can select clickier keys at checkout.) And the switches aren’t the one enchancment Razer made towards consolation. There’s a bigger, squishier wrist relaxation obtainable at further price for individuals who like having one, which connects to the Huntsman v2 magnetically so you may simply pull it off when it will get in the best way — the spacious relaxation provides one other 4 inches to the 5.5-inch keyboard’s depth.

However, if you end up actually crunched for house, Razer can be releasing a $130 tenkeyless model of the Huntsman V2. Same opto-mechanical switches, however no quantity pad or media buttons on the precise aspect. It’s comparable in really feel to the 60-percent Huntsman Mini I used earlier this 12 months, however the keys on the V2 really feel barely looser and require only a bit much less effort to press. For most use circumstances the distinction is negligible, however for individuals who take their gaming critically, the hassle you save — and the nanoseconds you shave off — matter.