Razer kicked off its adjustable switch operations with analog clackers in its Huntsman keyboard line; now it's gone full Hall effect. The new Razer Huntsman V3 HE ditches the analog optical in favor of the trendier HE moniker, but while it's not quite at the TMR forefront, those prices are certainly a sight for sore eyes.
If you've been perusing the world of the best gaming keyboards over the last couple of years, you'll notice a rising cost associated with newer magnetic switches. As mainstream brands like Corsair, Logitech, and SteelSeries have jumped on the adjustable actuation bandwagon, costs have soared to the $400s in some cases (looking at you, Asus). While most Hall effect keyboards now land in the $150 to $250 range, though, the new Huntsman V3 HE line starts life at $119.99.
I know! Razer, of all brands, coming in cheaper than the rest of the industry? What in the 2026?
Well, Hall effect isn't the buzzword it used to be. The cool kids are all about TMR with its improved power efficiency and (this is a personal take) better feel overall. It's why Corsair managed to impress with the Clipper Pro Mini 60 at just $99.99 earlier this month. Contrary to the way most of the industry seems to be going, those HE clackers are getting cheaper surprisingly quickly, and new releases are proving it.
That's not to rain on Razer's parade. Corsair's cheaper option comes in a 60% form factor, whereas you're paying just $20 more for Sneki's 65%-er and $139.99 all in for the TKL. That's undercutting the mid-range market (populated by the Logitech G Pro X TKL Rapid and, funnily enough, Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini) quite considerably.
So what do you get for your cash?
Barrie Ooi, Head of PC Gaming at Razer, states that "while our analog optical keyboards remain the benchmark for players seeking the absolute best in esports performance, the Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic 8KHz line is designed for competitive players looking for the best magnetic keyboard." If you can parse the difference between those two players there, be sure to let me know.
Regardless of who it's for, the latest Huntsman offers all the usual features you'd expect: 'Snap Flex' for assigning two inputs to a single key and "Dynamic Keystroke" for packing four actions based on the depth of your keypress. But we've also got "Instant Cancel Control" that allows you to halt that sequence of actions immediately.
Switches can be configured for actuation between the usual 0.1-4mm, with the usual suspects Rapid Trigger, adjustable actuation and Snap Tap (SOCD when it's at home) all invited to the party as well.
There are a few newbies here that I look forward to testing out, between that instant cancel and the Dual-Keypress system ensuring directional priority is assigned as quickly as possible. Perhaps more notably for most of us, though, Razer's boasting that its Huntsman V3 HE comes with thick foam dampening and individually lubricated switches. With the rattle and echo of the Huntsman V3 Pro Mini still ringing in my ears, Sneki's new sound profile better live up to its hype.
- See all gaming keyboards at Amazon
I'm also hunting down all the best hot-swappable keyboards and the best wireless gaming keyboards on the market.
