Razer Huntsman V2 Tenkeyless Gaming Keyboard Review UK 2026

Right, let’s talk about the Razer Huntsman V2 Tenkeyless Gaming Keyboard. I’ve spent a month with this thing, and I need to address the elephant in the room straight away: at £220.17, this is currently priced at nearly £80 above its 90-day average of £142.59. That’s a proper faff of a price hike, and it fundamentally changes whether I can recommend this keyboard right now.

Razer Huntsman V2 Tenkeyless (Purple Switch) - Optical Gaming Keyboard (Clicky Optical Switches, Doubleshot PBT Keycaps, Ergonomic Wrist Rest) US Layout |Black

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.5 (7,111 reviews)

£220.17

• Razer Clicky Optical Switches For Lightning-fast Actuation with Crisp, Tactile Feedback: Enjoy quick, snappy keystrokes that sound satisfying and feel lighter than traditional mechanical switches- with up to true 8000Hz polling rate for lower input latency.
• Doubleshot PBT Keycaps For a Sturdy, Textured Finish: Harder and more durable than ABS, these tough keycaps won’t wear down to a shiny finish and have labels which will never fade thanks to their doubleshot molding process.
• Sound Dampening Foam For Improved Keyboard Acoustics: Added for improved acoustics, the Razer Huntsman V2 has a layer of special foam inside its casing which absorbs any pinging noises that might occur when you bottom out your keys.
• Detachable Type-C cable For Easier Setup and Storage: Unpack, plug and play with minimal fuss for all your LAN parties and tournaments, as a cable latch ensures that it stays securely connected during gameplay.
• Ergonomic Wrist Rest For Extended Gaming Comfort: The sturdy wrist support Ideally aligns to the keyboard to relieve pressure on your wrists, so you feel less fatigued when gaming over long periods.

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Price checked: 10 Jan 2026 | Affiliate link

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But pricing drama aside, the UK gaming keyboard market in 2026 is absolutely packed. You’ve got budget mechanical options from brands like the Rii Gaming Keyboard Rainbow LED starting around £30-40, solid mid-range choices like the NEWMEN GM610 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard hovering around £80-100, and then premium territory where Razer, Corsair, and Logitech duke it out between £120-200. The Huntsman V2 TKL sits firmly in that premium bracket, and at its normal price of around £140, it makes sense. At £220? That’s a harder sell.

The trade-offs at different price points are pretty predictable. Budget keyboards often use generic switches, ABS keycaps that go shiny after six months, and stabilisers that rattle like a tin can full of marbles. Mid-range options have gotten brilliant in recent years, with hot-swappable switches, decent PBT keycaps, and acceptable build quality. Premium keyboards like this Razer are supposed to justify the extra cost with superior switches, rock-solid build quality, and features that actually enhance your experience rather than just looking flashy.

The Huntsman V2 TKL uses Razer’s optical switches, which is where things get interesting. These aren’t your standard Cherry MX clones. They use light beams for actuation rather than metal contacts, which theoretically means faster response times and longer lifespan. I’ve tested this with the clicky optical switches, and after a month of hammering away at it for both work and gaming, I’ve got some proper opinions.

After a month of daily use, I reckon this keyboard sits in an interesting spot. It’s not the best value proposition right now, but it’s genuinely well-built and those optical switches do feel different. Whether that difference matters to you depends entirely on what you’re upgrading from and what you actually need. Razer Huntsman V2 Tenkeyless (Purple Switch) - Optical Gaming Keyboard (Clicky Optical Switches, Doubleshot PBT Keycaps, Ergonomic Wrist Rest) US Layout |Black

How It Types

Let’s get to the core of what actually matters with any keyboard: how it feels when you’re typing. I’ve been using the Razer Clicky Optical switches for this review, and they’re… divisive. If you’ve used Cherry MX Blues before, imagine that experience but lighter and faster. The actuation force is noticeably less than traditional mechanical switches, which took me about three days to adjust to properly.

The first thing I noticed during extended typing sessions was how consistent these switches are. Every single key feels identical, which isn’t always the case even with premium keyboards. There’s no mushy keys, no scratchy outliers, just uniform clickiness across the entire board. The optical mechanism means there’s no debounce delay either, so these things register keystrokes almost instantaneously. Razer claims up to 8000Hz polling rate, and whilst I can’t measure that precisely without lab equipment, the responsiveness is genuinely noticeable compared to standard 1000Hz keyboards.

Here’s where I need to be honest though: these switches are LOUD. Not just “oh, that’s a mechanical keyboard” loud, but “your Discord mates will complain” loud. The click is sharp and high-pitched, with none of the deeper thock you get from something like the EPOMAKER Aula F75 MAX Wireless Gaming Keyboard. If you work in an office or share a space with anyone who values their sanity, these clicky switches are a non-starter. Razer does offer linear and tactile versions, which I’d strongly recommend considering unless you’re specifically after that clicky feedback.

The actuation point sits at 1.5mm with a total travel of 3.5mm, which is fairly standard for mechanical switches. What’s different is how snappy the return feels. There’s barely any key wobble, and the springs feel properly sorted, with no ping or spring crunch. After thousands of keystrokes over the past month, I haven’t noticed any degradation in feel either.

For typing, once you adjust to the lighter actuation force, it’s genuinely pleasant. I write for a living, so I’m at a keyboard for 8+ hours most days, and the Huntsman V2 TKL never caused any fatigue. The included wrist rest helps with this too, though it’s a bit divisive (more on that later). My typing speed was actually slightly faster on this compared to my usual keyboard, though that could just be the novelty factor wearing off.

Build Quality

This is where Razer has genuinely impressed me. The Huntsman V2 TKL feels like a proper premium product. The aluminium top plate is rigid with zero flex, even when I deliberately tried to twist it. Some tenkeyless keyboards feel a bit hollow or cheap despite their price tags, but this one has proper heft to it without being ridiculously heavy.

The doubleshot PBT keycaps are brilliant. They’ve got a slightly textured finish that feels great under your fingers, and they’re noticeably thicker than the cheap ABS caps you get on budget boards. PBT doesn’t develop that horrible shiny, greasy look that ABS gets after a few months of use, so these should stay looking fresh for years. The legends are crisp and clear, and being doubleshot means they’ll never fade. I’ve seen some complaints about Razer’s font choice being a bit “gamer-y,” and yeah, it’s not the most subtle, but it’s perfectly readable.

Now, let’s talk about stabilisers, because this is where many keyboards fall apart. The stabilisers on the spacebar, shift keys, enter, and backspace are… good. Not perfect, but good. There’s a tiny bit of rattle on the spacebar if you hit it off-centre, but it’s minimal and doesn’t bother me during actual use. I’ve tested keyboards three times the price with worse stabiliser rattle, so I’m not going to complain too much here. They’re factory-lubed, which helps, and there’s no binding or sticking.

The sound dampening foam inside the case actually works. There’s no hollow ping when you bottom out keys, which is something that drove me absolutely mental on an older Razer keyboard I tested years ago. The foam absorbs those high-frequency reverberations that make cheap keyboards sound like you’re typing on a biscuit tin. It doesn’t make the keyboard silent, obviously, but it does make it sound more refined.

The detachable USB-C cable is a nice touch, though it’s not the trendy coiled aviator cable you see on custom keyboards. It’s just a standard braided cable with a decent latch mechanism. The connection is solid and doesn’t wiggle, which is important if you’re moving your keyboard around for LAN parties or whatever. The cable routing channels on the underside let you route it out the left, right, or centre, which is thoughtful.

One minor gripe: the feet. The keyboard has two-stage adjustable feet, but they’re a bit stiff to deploy and feel slightly flimsy compared to the rest of the build. They work fine, but they don’t inspire confidence. There are also rubber pads on the base that keep the keyboard planted firmly, even during intense gaming sessions where you’re mashing keys like your life depends on it.

Features & Software

Here’s where we need to talk about Razer Synapse, and I’ll be blunt: it’s bloatware. To access any customisation features, you need to install Synapse 3, create a Razer account, and sign in. This is rubbish. A keyboard should not require cloud-based software to function properly. Once you’ve jumped through those hoops, Synapse does offer decent functionality, but the principle of it annoys me.

Through Synapse, you can remap keys, create macros, adjust the RGB lighting (because of course there’s RGB), and update firmware. The macro creation is actually quite robust if you’re into that sort of thing, with options for delays, multiple keystrokes, and conditional logic. I set up a few macros for work tasks, and they worked reliably. You can also adjust the polling rate, though why you’d want anything other than the maximum 8000Hz is beyond me.

The RGB lighting is… fine. It’s bright, it’s customisable, and there are about a million effects if you’re into that. Personally, I set it to a static colour and forgot about it. The lighting shines through the doubleshot keycaps nicely without being obnoxiously bright, and you can adjust the brightness or turn it off entirely without needing software, which is a small mercy.

One feature I actually appreciate is the onboard memory. Once you’ve set up your preferences in Synapse, you can save them to the keyboard itself. This means if you plug it into another PC, your settings come with you without needing to install Synapse again. This should be standard on all keyboards, but surprisingly, it’s not.

The 8000Hz polling rate is marketed as a gaming feature, and technically, it does reduce input latency. In practice, the difference between 1000Hz and 8000Hz is measured in fractions of a millisecond. Can you feel it? Honestly, no. But it’s nice to know it’s there, and if you’re playing competitive games at a high level, every microsecond theoretically counts.

N-key rollover works flawlessly, as you’d expect. I tested it with online rollover checkers and by mashing random keys like a toddler, and every input registered correctly. Anti-ghosting is also sorted, so you won’t have issues with key combinations not registering during gaming.

Comparison: How Does It Stack Up?

Let’s put this in context with other keyboards I’ve reviewed recently, because at £220.17, you’ve got options.

The NEWMEN GM610 is nearly £140 cheaper at current prices and offers hot-swappable switches, which means you can change them if you don’t like them. That’s a massive advantage. The build quality isn’t quite as premium, but it’s still solid, and you get wireless connectivity.

The EPOMAKER Aula F75 MAX is also cheaper and, in my opinion, sounds better out of the box. It’s got a deeper, more satisfying thock, and the 75% layout gives you arrow keys and a function row without being as wide as a full-size board. Plus, it’s hot-swappable and wireless.

So why would you choose the Razer? The optical switches are genuinely unique and offer that lightning-fast response time. The build quality is a notch above, and if you’re already invested in the Razer ecosystem with Synapse-compatible peripherals, the integration is seamless. But at current pricing, it’s a tough sell. Razer Huntsman V2 Tenkeyless (Purple Switch) - Optical Gaming Keyboard (Clicky Optical Switches, Doubleshot PBT Keycaps, Ergonomic Wrist Rest) US Layout |Black

Sound Profile

Let me paint you a picture. It’s 2am, everyone else in the house is asleep, and you’re typing an email. With the clicky optical switches, you sound like you’re operating a tiny machine gun. The click is sharp, crisp, and carries through walls. It’s not a deep, satisfying thock like you get from well-lubed tactile switches with thick keycaps. It’s a high-pitched, staccato click-click-click that’s either music to your ears or grounds for divorce.

The sound dampening foam does help reduce the hollow ping you’d otherwise get from the aluminium case, but it doesn’t do much to tame the actual switch noise. That’s by design, of course. If you bought clicky switches, you presumably want them to be clicky. But I need to stress this: they are properly loud.

I tested this by recording myself typing at a normal pace and checking the decibel level with a sound meter app. The clicky switches peaked at around 68-70 dB, which is roughly the volume of a normal conversation or a vacuum cleaner at a distance. For context, Cherry MX Blues typically measure around 65 dB, so these are noticeably louder.

The spacebar has a slightly deeper sound than the alphanumeric keys, which is normal, and there’s that tiny bit of rattle I mentioned earlier. It’s not terrible, but if you’re a sound purist, you’ll notice it. The larger modifier keys (shifts, enter, backspace) sound fine with no significant rattle or ping.

If sound is a concern, and you share your space with other humans who value peace and quiet, go for the linear or tactile versions of these optical switches. The linear reds are much quieter, and the tactile browns give you feedback without the aggressive click. I can’t stress this enough: the clicky switches are not office-friendly unless you work alone or your colleagues are remarkably tolerant.

One tangent here: I once worked in an office where someone brought in a keyboard with Cherry MX Blues, and within a week, there was an actual intervention. Management got involved. The keyboard was banned. Don’t be that person.

Community Verdict: What Are 7,111 Buyers Saying?

With 7,111 verified reviews and a 4.5/5 rating, the Huntsman V2 TKL has a solid reputation. Digging through the reviews, a few themes emerge consistently.

The most common praise focuses on the switch quality and responsiveness. Gamers particularly appreciate the fast actuation and lack of input lag. One reviewer mentioned using it for competitive FPS games and noticing an improvement in reaction times, though whether that’s placebo or genuine is debatable. Typing enthusiasts generally like the build quality and keycap texture, with several mentioning the PBT caps as a standout feature.

The complaints are predictable. The clicky switches are too loud for many users, with several reviews mentioning returns or switch exchanges because of the noise. Some users found the wrist rest uncomfortable, describing it as too firm or oddly angled. There are also recurring complaints about Razer Synapse being buggy or intrusive, which aligns with my experience.

Price sensitivity is a big theme in recent reviews. Several buyers mention waiting for sales to get it under £150, and there’s a general consensus that at full RRP, it’s overpriced compared to alternatives. The current £220.17 price point has some recent reviewers questioning the value proposition.

A few users mentioned durability concerns with older Razer products, but most report that this generation feels more solidly built. There are occasional mentions of keycap legends fading, but these seem to be outliers, and doubleshot PBT shouldn’t have that issue under normal use.

Gaming Performance

Right, let’s address the “gaming keyboard” label. I tested this across various games over the past month: competitive shooters (Valorant, CS2), MMOs (FFXIV), and single-player action games (Elden Ring, because I hate myself apparently). The Huntsman V2 TKL performs brilliantly across all genres, but here’s the thing: so would most decent mechanical keyboards.

The 8000Hz polling rate and optical switches do provide incredibly low latency. In fast-paced shooters where milliseconds matter, the responsiveness is genuinely excellent. Key presses register instantly with no perceptible delay. The n-key rollover means complex key combinations never miss an input, which is crucial for games with lots of keybinds.

The tenkeyless layout is perfect for gaming. You get more mouse space, which is essential for low-sensitivity FPS players who need room to sweep. The compact form factor also makes it easier to achieve a more ergonomic setup with your mouse closer to your keyboard.

During marathon gaming sessions (I’m talking 6+ hours of FFXIV raiding), the keyboard remained comfortable. The wrist rest helps, though I found myself removing it occasionally because it forced a specific hand position. The PBT keycaps don’t get slippery or gross even when your hands get sweaty, which is a genuine advantage over ABS.

One specific anecdote: I was playing Valorant at 3am (healthy lifestyle choices, I know), and during a clutch 1v3 situation, I was counter-strafing and tapping like mad. Every input registered perfectly, and I actually won the round. Did the keyboard make the difference? Probably not, but it certainly didn’t hold me back, and that’s what you want from a gaming keyboard.

The RGB lighting has per-key customisation, so you can highlight important keybinds if that’s your thing. I set up different colour profiles for different games, which sounds ridiculous, but it’s actually quite useful for MMOs with dozens of abilities.

Is This Right For You?

Let’s be practical about who should actually buy this keyboard at current pricing.

Buy the Razer Huntsman V2 TKL if:

• You specifically want optical switches and understand what that means
• You play competitive games where every millisecond of input latency matters
• You value premium build quality and doubleshot PBT keycaps
• You can catch it on sale closer to £140 rather than the current £220
• You’re already invested in the Razer ecosystem
• You genuinely want clicky switches and work alone

Skip this keyboard if:

• You want hot-swappable switches for future customisation
• You share your space with other humans who like quiet
• You want wireless connectivity
• You’re on a budget and need better value
• You hate installing manufacturer software

Is it worth the extra £80 over the NEWMEN GM610? Honestly, no. Not at current pricing. The optical switches are nice, but they’re not £80 nicer. The build quality is better, but not transformatively so. If you can get the Huntsman V2 TKL for under £150, then it becomes a much more compelling option.

For most people, I’d recommend waiting for a sale or considering alternatives like the NEWMEN GM610 or EPOMAKER Aula F75 MAX. Both offer hot-swappable switches, wireless connectivity, and excellent value. The Razer is objectively better built, but whether that matters to you depends on your priorities and budget.

Verdict

After a month of daily use, I’m genuinely impressed by the Razer Huntsman V2 Tenkeyless Gaming Keyboard’s quality and performance. The optical switches deliver on their promise of fast, consistent actuation, the build quality is excellent, and those PBT keycaps are brilliant. It’s a properly premium keyboard that feels like it should cost what Razer is charging.

But here’s the problem: at £220.17, it’s overpriced compared to its recent average and the competition. The lack of hot-swappable switches is a significant limitation in 2026, when even budget keyboards offer that flexibility. The requirement for Razer Synapse software is annoying, and the clicky switches are genuinely too loud for most environments.

If you can snag this for around £140 during a sale, it’s a solid purchase. The optical switches are unique, the build quality justifies the premium, and it’ll serve you well for years. At current pricing, though, I’d wait or look elsewhere.

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. It’s an excellent keyboard hampered by pricing and a few design choices that feel outdated in 2026. The fundamentals are brilliant, but the value proposition needs work. Razer Huntsman V2 Tenkeyless (Purple Switch) - Optical Gaming Keyboard (Clicky Optical Switches, Doubleshot PBT Keycaps, Ergonomic Wrist Rest) US Layout |Black

For more keyboard options, check out our reviews of the YUNZII B75 PRO Wireless Mechanical Keyboard or the budget-friendly Corsair K55 RGB PRO Gaming Keyboard.

You can learn more about Razer’s optical switch technology on the official Razer website, or read more about mechanical keyboard switches at RTINGS keyboard reviews.