The Huntsman V3 lineup has made an impressive showing over the past nine months. The Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Tenkeyless 8KHz keyboard (also available in a mini 65% format) offers many of the great features found in previous variants, while introducing the new Razer Hall Effect magnetic switches for those seeking impressive precision and longevity. The result is a pro-level keyboard at a more affordable price point.
At first glance, you would be excused for assuming that the Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic TKL 8KHz (that is a long title) was the excellent Huntsman V3 TKL 8KHz, as they share a striking similarity. The same aluminum top plate adorns this newest iteration, offering the same sleek finish as the other Huntsman V3 8KHz boards. As with the V3 KTL 8KHz, the new V3 HE Magnetic TKL 8KHz removes the additional media controls found in the Huntsman V3 Pro 8KHz.
The result is a streamlined and sharp-looking keyboard that carries the Huntsman name proudly. One notable difference between the V3 TKL 8KHz and the Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic TKL 8KHz is that this newest version drops the indicator lights found above the arrow keys in favour of a simple Razer logo. While the additional indicators were a nice feature of the former, I have to say that I’ve not noticed or missed them while testing the new HE Magnetic TKL 8KHz.
Other than these notable changes, this latest Razer release carries over all of the same design features that make the Huntsman line a staple in the eSports arena. The Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Tenkeyless 8KHz keyboard features the same Textured Doubleshot PBT keycaps, per-key RGB assignment via Synapse and Synapse Web and the same TKL format that I’ve come to appreciate with this series. The Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic TKL 8KHz is a solid-looking and feeling keyboard.
While there are a few features unique to this iteration of the Huntsman, the most prominent is the new Razer Hall Effect Magnetic Switches; I mean, it’s in the name. I’ve had the privilege over the years of testing several keyboards that have chosen to implement magnetic switches, including the MelGeek CYBER01 and Corsair K70 Pro, but this is the first Razer keyboard I’ve worked with to implement the technology.
What is most impressive about Razer’s implementation of the technology is how dialled in and fine-tuned these switches are. Fully adjustable actuation starting at 0.1mm all the way down to 4.0mm provides gamers with the ultimate level of customization. It’s impressively sensitive and consistent with every keystroke.
Response time is lightning fast thanks to the pairing of the aforementioned switches with 8KHz HyperPolling, resulting in an insanely quick 0.60ms response (up ever so slightly from the 0.48ms of the Pro and TKL models). Quite literally, the only switches faster are found on the mechanical optical switches of the Huntsman V3 Pro 8KHz, and for the average gamer, it feels instantaneous when pressed.
“The Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Tenkeyless 8KHz keyboard features the same Textured Doubleshot PBT keycaps, per-key RGB assignment via Synapse and Synapse Web and the same TKL format that I’ve come to appreciate with this series.”
Another feature of the HE Magnetic switches, as noted, is the consistency of keystroke actuation. In testing, this translates to a feeling of confidence while typing or gaming, as every keystroke feels precise. This is further enhanced by both Rapid Trigger and Snap Tap, staples in the Huntsman ecosystem.
This version of the Huntsman V3 also introduces three new features of note. The first, Razer Snap Flex, essentially allows gamers to bind two actions to a single key in succession. The best example, and the one I tested, was the grenade jump often used in Counter-Strike 2. While this would typically require a two-key process, with Snap Flex, I was able to bind the T key on press to pull the Grenade pin, then, upon release, have my avatar jump and throw in quick succession. While there is a bit of a learning curve, once I got the hang of it, it was a lot of fun to use and easily translates to other titles.
The second feature, Dynamic Keystroke, is both impressive and was the harder for me to adopt into my gameplay loop. Essentially, it allows for a chaining together of four actions to a single keybind with two mappable actuation points on the way down and two mappable actuation points on the way up. It works exceptionally well, and for better gamers than me, I can see this allowing for some unique control layouts.
The final feature is the Dual-keypress priority. Working off the principle of Snap Tap, this new feature locks in simultaneous keystrokes so that even if a third key is bumped while gaming, the first two stay locked in until one is released. This reduces accidental directional changes and, like the previous features, is incredibly responsive.
The Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Tenkeyless 8KHz, like the rest of the Huntsman V3 8KHz lineup, is exceptional. The inclusion of HE magnetic switches offers an alternative option for gamers who want a pro-level keyboard, but one that is slightly more budget-friendly. Packed with impressive features, response, and customization, the Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Tenkeyless 8KHz is a reminder of why the Huntsman lineup is so prominent in the eSports arena.
