I tested the best gaming keyboard Razer ever made — improving on its wireless predecessor with 8KHz polling

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I was starting to feel like I needed a new keyboard around the time the Huntsman V3 Pro came out. I’d been using a Logitech G815 for a while, so I was really happy when I got the chance to try out the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL about ten months later.

Even though I already have a good keyboard, I’m always looking for ways to improve. I’m getting closer to forty than thirty, but I still believe I’m a skilled competitive gamer.

As a new competitor in Rainbow Six Siege X, I was thrilled to reach Emerald rank in my very first season. It was a steep learning curve, figuring out all the maps, operators, and weapons as I went, but incredibly rewarding.

I was looking for a high-quality keyboard that would give me an advantage, and the Razer Huntsman Pro V3 8KHZ, especially when used with my Razer Viper V3 Pro mouse, feels like a significant upgrade over my older setup. After saving money on accessories for a long time, this feels like a real performance boost.

We received a review unit for this product from Razer, but they didn’t have any input on what we wrote in this review.

Huntsman V3 Pro 8KHz: Pricing and specifications

Let’s talk about cost. Higher-quality products will naturally be more expensive than budget options, like a basic gaming bundle you might find at a store like Best Buy.

You can buy the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro 8KHz directly from Razer for between $220 and $250, depending on the size. The smaller ‘TKL’ version costs $220, while the full-size model is $250.

The compact ‘TKL’ versions of this keyboard cost between $10 and $20 more than the standard models, depending on the color. You can expect to pay $259.99 for the white version and $269.99 for the Razer green one.

You’re probably thinking this keyboard is expensive, and you’d be right. It definitely costs a lot for a keyboard.

If you’re serious about improving your skills, the cost is justified. But if you only play games casually, this keyboard isn’t a good fit.

If you’re a skilled gamer and want faster reactions, improved control, and features like rapid triggering, then this keyboard is worth considering – it’s time to start saving up for it.

Huntsman V3 Pro 8KHz: Design and build quality

It’s hard to describe just how great the Razer Huntsman Pro V3 8KHZ feels – you really need to experience it yourself, maybe by trying it out at a store like Best Buy. But I’ll do my best to explain what makes it so good.

This is the second time I’ve switched to a tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard. Even though I write a lot and play simulation games, the number pad always felt like it interfered with how much space I needed for my mouse.

I prefer using a large mousepad, like the Artisan Ninja FX, and having plenty of space to move my mouse. I used to accidentally bump into the side of my keyboard when making quick leftward motions because I hadn’t adjusted my setup. Switching to a tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard solved this – it’s a more compact size, but still gives me all the keys I need within easy reach.

The 8K is incredibly well-designed. Whether it’s actually due to the board itself or just my perception, I found it remarkably easy to get used to.

I usually need about a week to adjust to a new keyboard layout and regain my typing and gaming speed. But the 8K was surprisingly easy to get used to – it might be psychological, but the transition was the smoothest I’ve ever experienced.

The Huntsman V3 Pro 8KHZ keyboard feels fantastic. After playing for a while – over 10,000 key presses per hour – you really notice the difference in texture compared to the NZXT Elite MiniTLK and even the original Huntsman V3 Pro. Some found the original V3 Pro a bit quiet, but this new 8KHZ version addresses that, and the tactile feel is genuinely pleasing.

Despite being surprisingly light – especially compared to other keyboards using magnetic switches, which made me worry it felt fragile – the keyboard actually feels very solid and well-built. Razer has clearly done something right; the build quality is as good as any top-tier keyboard I’ve used.

Huntsman V3 Pro 8KHz: Typing experience

The Huntsman V3 Pro 8KHZ maintains the excellent typing experience of the previous model, and it’s even improved this time. Razer listened to customer feedback and made several key upgrades.

To reduce the keyboard’s previous noise level of around 53 dB, Razer has added a new, thicker foam—called “Thick EPDM + EVA”—under the keys. This creates a softer sound when typing, instead of the sharp, high-pitched clicking of the older model. It’s a subtle change, but you’ll definitely notice it after typing for a while.

Huntsman V3 Pro 8KHz: Gaming performance

Let’s talk about gaming performance – the biggest question surrounding this board. Has Razer significantly improved its raw power to justify the cost? The answer is a definite yes.

First of all, let’s talk about the double-edged sword that is 8K polling.

Testing shows a noticeable difference in speed between 1KHZ and 8KHZ. 8KHZ is about 66% faster, reducing delay from 1.7 milliseconds to just 0.58 milliseconds. This makes the response feel virtually instantaneous, a level of speed that’s hard for humans to even perceive.

However, using a very high polling rate, like 8K, can strain your computer’s processor. The Razer software, and similar programs for other keyboards, warns that increasing the polling rate above 1K will use more CPU power and could lower your game’s frame rate.

I’ve tested these myself, and the photos show the difference between normal use and heavy, rapid key presses – specifically using a fast trigger, quick taps, a very sensitive activation point, and a high 8K polling rate.

Although the difference isn’t as dramatic as with 8K mouse polling, it’s still a noticeable improvement. In demanding games like Counter-Strike and Siege X, especially on high-refresh rate monitors (480Hz), this could slightly reduce your frame rate if your computer’s processor is the limiting factor.

If the raw performance is what you need, then this is the board for you. What about other features?

I’m really excited to see Snap-Tap and Rapid-Trigger are back! Snap-Tap always causes trouble – some games, like Counter-Strike, even block it. But Rapid-Trigger, especially with the new ability to customize how sensitive the triggers are – anywhere from 0.1mm to 4.0mm – is seriously impressive. It feels amazing!

Even a quick tap of a key can register as multiple presses, significantly speeding up actions like teabagging or any other repetitive task in games.

As an analyst, I want to highlight a significant improvement: we’ve expanded the actuation range on the Huntsman Pro V3. Previously, it operated between 0.4mm and 3.6mm. Now, it’s on par with the responsiveness of magnetic switches you find in keyboards from brands like Wooting and NZXT.

Speaking of competition.

Huntsman V3 Pro 8KHz: Competition

I always start by asking what the benefits are of a particular product. For a long time, I’ve relied on Prosettings.net to get that information. Lately, the main competition has been between Razer and Wooting, but Wooting has pulled ahead – just slightly in terms of direct comparison, but with a noticeably larger share of the overall market.

The Razer Huntsman Pro V3 is already the second most popular keyboard available, and the new 8K version could easily make it the top choice.

The biggest advantage the Wooting 80HE used to have was its faster 8K polling rate. Now that the Razer Huntsman Pro V3 8KHz matches that speed, it’s likely to become the new top keyboard, surpassing the Wooting 60HE+.

There are other, more affordable keyboards available that still offer good performance, like the SteelSeries Apex Pro and Logitech G Pro X. Ultimately, whether the extra cost of a high-end board is worth it depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Do you aim for just ‘good enough,’ or do you strive for the very best? I used to be content with ‘good’ for a long time, and now I wish I’d pushed myself to go for excellence earlier.

Huntsman V3 Pro 8KHz: Final thoughts

✅You should buy this if …

  • You’re looking for the best. While expensive, the Huntsman V3 Pro 8KHz brings the juice that amateur and professional-level gamers have come to expect.
  • You want to customize your experience to be the best of gaming, writing, and casual use, all on one keyboard.

❌You should not buy this if …

  • You wouldn’t get much use out of the features with 8K, 0.1-4.0mm actuation, Snap-tap and Rapid-Trigger keys, then there’s no reason to pick this over something half the price.

The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro 8KHz is, in my opinion, the best gaming keyboard Razer has ever created, and the best I’ve personally used. It feels great to type on, and its gaming features can really help improve your performance. The only downside is the price – it’s definitely a premium option. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line gaming keyboard, the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro 8KHz should be a strong contender.

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2025-11-01 17:12