Introduction
When the 8KHz update for the legendary Razer Huntsman V3 Pro line of keyboards dropped, we really liked it. Meaningful updates were introduced, thus bringing the Huntsman V3 Pro in line with what people are expecting in today’s keyboard market. Curiously, the Mini was not part of that lineup refresh, something that a lot of loyal users found a little bit disappointing. The wait for that more compact version is now over, and we got our hands on one.
In this article, we’ll talk about our experience with this board, and we’ll also give you a bit of info on why you could consider going for the Mini. Important to note is that this is a hands-on article, which has a looser structure than our full reviews. For a more in-depth look at the capabilities, build quality, and other more technical aspects of the Huntsman V3 Pro 8KHz, feel free to read our full review.
The Huntsman V3 Pro Line: A Modern-Day Icon
Say what you will about the Huntsman keyboards or even Razer as a brand: there’s no denying that the Huntsman V3 Pro is a modern-day icon. Hundreds of pro players use a version of this line as their daily driver for their matches and practice sessions, and it’s (along with the various Wootings out there) one of the most popular gaming keyboards we’ve ever had on this website.
It’s not hard to see why. The people at Razer are constantly pushing out hardware as well as software updates based on pro and consumer feedback in order to keep the Huntsman V3 Pro line at the top of the game. As such, it has been one of the best-performing keyboards on the market for many years now. Combine that reliable performance with a choice between three different sizes and quite a wide range of colorways (including special editions), and it simply becomes a keyboard many players keep gravitating towards.
Huntsman V3 Pro Usage (Live Graph)
Size Matters?
If you’re not that into (gaming) keyboards, you might be thinking ‘why would anyone want a mini keyboard?’ or ‘Isn’t bigger better?’ but there are absolutely reasons to go for a mini (65% or, in the case of the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini, 60%) keyboard.
First off, a 60% keyboard takes up a lot less space on your desk. This means that you can put your hands closer together when gaming, which gives a lot of people a more ‘locked-in’ feeling. Aside from gaming applications, it’s also quite simply very handy for smaller desks.
The second reason is the portability. Compared to a full-size keyboard, or even a TKL keyboard, a 60% board is very small. If you’re someone who is often on the go with their gaming gear (like professional gamers), this smaller size can make your packing sessions a lot less frustrating.
The third reason is the aesthetics. Some people simply really like the look of a small keyboard compared to a behemoth like a full-size one.
Obviously, you also lose certain things. The arrow key cluster is probably the biggest missing element for most people. But it’s worth noting that you can still access all keys that you get on a normal keyboard by pressing the modifier key in combination with other keys. So while there is a bit of a learning curve, you’re not actually losing out on functionality by going for a smaller keyboard.
Sound
The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini 8KHz is a bit different from the earlier Mini version of the Huntsman V3 Pro. Like its bigger sibling, the Mini has gotten some upgrades which are meant to make the keyboard more enjoyable to use in your day-to-day life.
The switches, for example, are now factory lubed. You will also find various foams inside the keyboard that were put there to prevent case ping and to make the board sound as good as it possibly can.
And it has to be said: there’s quite a big difference.
Whereas older versions within the Huntsman V3 Pro line were kind of infamous for their hollow, tinny sound, this new iteration sounds a lot better. It’s not as good as certain productivity keyboards that are mostly focused on delivering a stellar auditory and tactile experience, but it’s definitely quite good for a gaming keyboard.
Sound Test
Feel
Beyond the sound improvements, the board is pretty much unchanged from the regular Huntsman V3 Pro Mini. Sure, there is the fact that this new version has true 8KHz polling. But this is not something you’ll notice when gaming, to be honest.
The switches haven’t changed, but just like with the bigger TKL version, I noticed that the switches in the 8KHz version feel a slight bit heavier. This might be down to the lube, or perhaps some really small changes have been made in the production process, but I like the typing and gaming experience better on the 8KHz. I found the switches in older Huntsman V3 Pro keyboards to be a bit too light/sensitive.
So, in essence, what you’re getting here is that same top-tier performance that you can expect from the Huntsman V3 Pro TKL 8KHz, only in a smaller package. This 8KHz version is more of a 0.5 update rather than a completely new iteration. I think that makes sense, given the fact that the Huntsman V3 Pro line is still very much playing in the highest leagues when it comes to gaming performance. Never change a winning formula, and all that.
Should You Get One?
If you’re wondering whether you should get this 8KHz version over your older, ‘normal’ Huntsman V3 Pro Mini, I’d say ‘no’. The differences between both are extremely small, so unless you’re super bothered by the (admittedly subpar) sound of the regular version, I wouldn’t say it’s worth upgrading.
However, if you’re looking for a reliable, pro-proven 60% keyboard for your gaming needs, this could very well be it. In terms of performance, this is about as good as it gets, and that top performance has now been upgraded with a much better-sounding case and lubed switches. This makes it, to me, one of the best options on the market right now for performance-focused gamers.
It’s nice to see the Huntsman V3 Pro 8KHz line completed with the arrival of this Mini, but I also can’t help but wonder what Razer will come up with for the next big iteration. Until that time, this is a very logical purchase if you’re someone who specifically wants a 60% analog board, prioritizes competitive performance, and doesn’t already own the previous Huntsman V3 Pro Mini.
You can check out the keyboard on Razer’s website.
