Which Razer Gaming Keyboard Should You Buy? Our Quick Guide to Their Best Models
Razer's current keyboard lineup offers something for every budget and playstyle. The Huntsman V2 Analog (£249.99) leads for precision-demanding games, the Huntsman V2 Ergonomic (£142.49) balances performance and comfort, and the Ornata V3 Ergonomic (£83.99) is the smart choice if you're shopping on a tighter budget without sacrificing build quality.
Why Razer?
Razer was founded in 1998 and has spent over two decades specialising in gaming peripherals—keyboards, mice, headsets, and mousepads. They're known for mechanical and hybrid switches that prioritise responsiveness and durability. Unlike general tech brands, Razer invests heavily in gaming-specific design: their ergonomic models feature wrist rests, contoured key wells, and media controls positioned for gaming workflows. They also publish detailed switch specifications (actuation force, travel distance, response time) rather than vague marketing claims, which matters when you're investing £80–£250.
Top Picks
Razer Huntsman V2 Analog — £249.99
Best for: Competitive FPS and fighting game players who need variable input sensitivity. This keyboard uses analog optical switches that register partial keypresses—you can press a key halfway for walking, fully for sprinting, without modifying your game settings. The 8,000 Hz polling rate ensures zero lag in high-stakes moments. Build quality is excellent: aircraft-grade aluminium chassis, doubleshot PBT keycaps, and per-key RGB lighting.
Razer Huntsman V2 Ergonomic — £142.49
Best for: Long gaming sessions and mixed work/gaming use. This bridges the gap between performance and comfort. It features Razer's linear optical switches (45g actuation), an integrated wrist rest with memory foam, and a subtle ergonomic curve. The media controls and macro keys are positioned for accessibility without clutter. Polling rate is 1,000 Hz—fast enough for 99% of games but not the bleeding edge of the V2 Analog.
Razer Ornata V3 Ergonomic — £83.99
Best for: Budget-conscious gamers and office workers who want a reliable gaming keyboard without premium pricing. It uses Razer's hybrid mecha-membrane switches (a blend of mechanical and membrane tech) for a tactile feel at a fraction of the cost of full mechanical switches. The ergonomic design includes a wrist rest and contoured key wells. RGB lighting and 1,000 Hz polling rate are included. Durability is solid—rated for 80 million keystrokes.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |-------|-------|----------|------------------| | Huntsman V2 Analog | £249.99 | Competitive gaming | Analog optical switches for variable input sensitivity | | Huntsman V2 Ergonomic | £142.49 | Long sessions + gaming | Memory foam wrist rest + linear optical switches | | Ornata V3 Ergonomic | £83.99 | Budget gamers | Hybrid switches at entry-level price |
What to Look For
- Switch type and actuation force: Razer's linear optical switches (45g) are faster than membrane switches but require less force than mechanical alternatives. The Analog switches (45g with variable depth) add a layer of control. Ornata's hybrid switches (45g) are a middle ground.
- Polling rate: The Huntsman V2 Analog polls at 8,000 Hz (every 0.125ms), while both Ergonomic models use 1,000 Hz. For competitive FPS, 8,000 Hz is noticeably sharper; for casual play, 1,000 Hz is imperceptible.
- Wrist rest and ergonomics: Both Ergonomic models include contoured rests. The Huntsman V2 Ergonomic's memory foam is more comfortable for 4+ hour sessions; the Ornata V3's rest is simpler but adequate for most users.
- Keycap material and durability: All three use doubleshot or durable PBT keycaps. The Huntsman V2 models are rated for 100+ million keystrokes; the Ornata V3 for 80 million. Real-world lifespan: 5–10 years of daily gaming.
The Bottom Line
If you play competitive shooters or fighting games and can justify the outlay, the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog (£249.99) is the standout—analog optical switches genuinely improve precision. For most gamers seeking comfort and performance without excess, the Huntsman V2 Ergonomic (£142.49) is the sweet spot. If you're on a tight budget or using the keyboard for mixed work and gaming, the Ornata V3 Ergonomic (£83.99) delivers solid build quality and responsive switches without premium pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Razer good value for money?
Yes, within gaming peripherals. Razer keyboards cost 20–40% more than non-gaming brands, but the extra goes into faster polling rates, better switches, and gaming-specific ergonomics. The Ornata V3 at £83.99 is particularly competitive—most gaming keyboards at that price use cheaper membrane switches. However, if you're not a gamer or you're budget-constrained, brands like Keychron or Corsair offer similar performance for less.
What's the difference between the two Huntsman V2 models?
The main difference is the analog feature and polling rate. The Analog has 8,000 Hz polling and analog optical switches that register partial keypresses—crucial for games requiring variable movement speed (like first-person shooters). The Ergonomic has 1,000 Hz polling and standard linear switches, plus a more comfortable wrist rest and slightly quieter operation. Choose the Analog if competitive precision is your priority; choose the Ergonomic if comfort and long sessions matter more.
Do I really need an 8,000 Hz polling rate?
Not unless you play competitive FPS or fighting games at a high level. 8,000 Hz (0.125ms response) vs. 1,000 Hz (1ms response) makes a measurable difference in games like Valorant or Street Fighter, but it's unnoticeable for RPGs, strategy games, or general work. If you're unsure, the 1,000 Hz Ergonomic models are sufficient for 95% of use cases.
Are Razer keyboards mechanical, and will they wear out?
Razer keyboards use optical switches (Huntsman models) or hybrid switches (Ornata), not traditional mechanical switches. Optical switches are more durable—they use light sensors instead of physical contacts—and are rated for 80–100+ million keystrokes. In real-world use, that's 5–10 years of heavy daily gaming before noticeable wear. They won't wear out faster than most peripherals.
