Test
Let’s move on to the Huntsman V3 Pro test. We’ve put it to the test in just about every scenario: video games, office automation, etc…
Handling:
Clearly, you get used to small keyboards, and switching to a full-size 104-key model is like having a surfboard on your desk. At least, that’s how we feel when we switch from the Vulcan II Mini Air to this Huntsman V3 Pro. In fact, it’s so much more imposing that we sometimes have to tap it with the mouse. On the other hand, you also have to know what you want: space on a desk = mini keyboard or a keyboard with all its keys and numeric keypad = 104 keys.
What’s more, once you’re out of the format, there’s not much more to do. It’s a high-profile keyboard with a classic layout. In itself, there’s nothing special about this model to get used to… Well, there is: the keyboard status LEDs migrate between the navigation keys and the arrow keys, which is no mean feat.
Nevertheless, you’ll find a few comfort-enhancing features, such as elevating legs allowing several levels of inclination: 0°, 6° and 9°. Otherwise, a wrist rest is also part of the package, but it’s not on a par with the rest of the keyboard. Admittedly, Razer boasts of the presence of a PU coating, but this is applied directly to a plastic plate. Unlike the K70 Max RGB, therefore, it will be rigid rather than flexible, which is far less pleasant in use.
Of course, the construction seems solid, at least for a mainstream keyboard. The base is covered in brushed, anodized aluminum, while the keys are made of double-injected PBT. In other words, the lettering is molded directly, in this case with transparent plastic, so that the RGB lighting shows through.
With this, the keyboard benefits from a thumbwheel for sound management and three additional buttons. By default, the first will be used to open the Windows Game Bar. The second will be used to display the various tasks in progress, while the third will simply serve as a play/pause button. Finally, pressing the sound wheel simply changes the volume.
Finally, a word about the USB type C cable, which is indeed detachable. However, the conduit leading to the connector is very narrow, and not all cables will fit into it. Once again, on paper, having universal connectivity is a good idea… provided you can plug in any cable, which is not the case here. For example, a Corsair cable won’t fit in the housing, and neither will an NZXT cable. Roccat, on the other hand, fits without a hitch, thanks to the slim sleeve!
Switches :
As far as switches are concerned, Razer offers us its second-generation in-house optical analog switches. Clearly, this means a linear typing feel. With this type of switch, there’s no choice.
In terms of their characteristics, these are switches whose accent point height can be adjusted via Synapse, Razer’s software suite, from 0.1 mm in height to 4 mm in depth. Finally, they require 40g to activate. In fact, the technical specifications are quite similar to those of Cherry’s MX Red… except for the point of emphasis, which is adjustable here.
Nevertheless, the behavior of the switches is very similar to that of SteelSeries OmniPoint. As a result, typing is particularly pleasant, with little or no friction.
As we said, you can adjust the height of the accentuation point on the fly, using keyboard shortcuts. It goes without saying that at 0.1 mm in height, typing will be extremely sensitive, whereas at 4 mm, you’ll have to go all the way down to the bottom of the switch for the keystroke to be taken into account. It’s up to you to find the right setting.
Alternatively, the analog switches can be used to set the rapid trigger. Rather than waiting until you’ve passed the reset point before being reset, the reset occurs as soon as the key goes up. This means you can make a rapid succession of keystrokes.
Noise :
When typing, the keyboard is surprisingly quiet, as you can hear. Yet the switches aren’t particularly designed for silence or anything. In the end, what explains this silence, in our opinion, is the absence of spring noise. Unlike the MSI Vigor GK41 and its Kailh Red switches, there’s no metallic resonance here. What’s more, the base of the keyboard doesn’t amplify the sound enormously either, so it won’t act as a sounding board!
RGB:
Despite the fact that the keyboard is equipped with PBT keycaps, the lettering remains transparent and is therefore perfectly well lit. What’s more, the colors are shimmering and the lighting is powerful.
However, we have our doubts about the illumination of the special characters on the second line. Razer has chosen to illuminate only certain characters, rather than all of them, as is the case with other models. As a result, you may have to look twice to find the right key.
