If you ever wanted your keyboard to provide the same level of control as the analog sticks on a gamepad, then Razer’s newly announced Huntsman V2 Analog might be the keyboard for you. It’s the next evolution of their Huntsman optical keyboard that came out a few years ago, only this one has Razer’s new analog optical switches, which Razer says can replicate the feel of an analog joystick input. This allows for “true” 360 degrees of movement, according to Razer, and removes the limitations of being tied to the old 8 degrees of movement that we have become so accustomed to with our WASD keys. Intrigued? Here’s What You Should Know.
Like Razer’s regular optical switches, these new analog optical switches use beams of light to register every keystroke. This makes them very fast compared to your typical mechanical keyboard, and also more durable because there are fewer moving parts. To recreate the feel of an analog stick, Razer’s analog optical switches can now measure how much light is passing through the switch so it knows how far it is being pressed, so you can crawl forward instead of breaking in , because example. Watch the video below to get a better idea of how it all works.
Design-wise, the Huntsman V2 Analog has a similar design to Razer’s exclusive Huntsman Elite keyboard, with the same compact form factor, media keys and volume dial, but with dual PBT keycaps for added durability and a more standardized bottom row of keys for easier customization. . Razer has also added a single braided cable to the mix, as well as a USB 3.0 port for USB passthrough. There’s even a USB Type-C adapter in the box if you want to connect anything other than a mouse to it.
The Huntsman V2 Analog will be available in a variety of regional layouts, including UK, German, French, Scandinavian, Russian, Spanish and Japanese, according to Razer, and it will also be compatible with Razer’s PBT Keycap Upgrade Sets if you like the colors. Of course, the dedicated keys make it quite pricey, with UK and US models costing £ 250 / $ 250. I’ll be testing out the Huntsman V2 Analog shortly to find out more, but if you’re already convinced and don’t want to wait, it’s available now from Razer’s online store and coming to other online retailers on February 9. .