Razer keyboards have become a trusted staple for the gaming community. Today, the iconic triple-headed snake graces the setups of beginners and champions alike — and for good reason.
Serious gamers tend to opt for full-sized peripherals with plenty of bells and whistles to improve gameplay, while those with specific space-based requirements do well with smaller keyboards or those that pair with a console. Plus, though Razer keyboards have built a reputation worthy of premium price tags, beginners can still get their hands on one with the brand’s more affordable options.
So if you’re looking to get a Razer keyboard for your desktop or gaming laptop setup, the key is to consider your needs and your budget.
Why Many Gamers Choose Razer Keyboards
Razer has been around since 1999, developing an impressive line of reliable, innovative, and lightning fast keyboards well suited for the modern gamer.
Switch Variety
Razer is a pioneer in the field of optical keyboard switches, which are designed to be faster than regular mechanical switches. That’s why the brand’s more premium peripherals with this type of keyboard switch are some of the most beloved among gamers.
But those who prefer the satisfying feel and quieter typing made possible by mechanical switches also have some pretty great options among Razer keyboards. These often come with several options that translate to different actuation types. The classic green switch is tactile and clicky; the speedy yellow is linear and silent; and the orange is tactile and silent.
Powerful Customization
Razer keyboards can also be optimized for each gamer’s preference using the company’s dedicated cloud-based software, the Razer Synapse. With this program, gamers can build powerful macros that can simplify complex button presses and create precise, game-winning combinations.
Durability
Razer keyboards are also known for their durability, with the brand’s peripherals known to last an easy five years or more of heavy gameplay, depending on use.
Aesthetics
Razer’s Chroma RGB is touted as the largest lighting ecosystem for gaming devices in the world, with 16.8 million colors and a range of unique lighting effects for gamers. You can create your dream gaming room lighting with Chroma Studio, which lets you tinker with the settings of Razer keyboards as well as other peripherals.
Accessories
Last but not least, Razer has also made sure to offer after-market caps and cables, which makes investing in Razer keyboards and other peripherals a good choice.
Our Pick of The 7 Best Razer Keyboards in 2022
1. The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog Gaming Keyboard
PROS
- Adjustable, fine-tuned key triggers and media controls
- Macro-programmable keys
- Detachable, comfortable wrist rest with RGB Chroma lighting
- Satisfying click and excellent ergonomics
- A USB 3.0 passthrough
CONS
- Expensive
- Can be a bit too complicated
- Type: Mechanical, wired, full size.
- Switches: Razer Analog Optical
- Keycaps and media keys: Doubleshot PBT; 4 Dedicated keys, with a volume dial.
- Wrist rest: Detachable, magnetic
- USB passthrough: USB 3.0
Among the already impressive range of Razer keyboards today, the Huntsman V2 Analog stands out. Though it looks a bit similar to the older Razer Huntsman Elite, Razer manages to pack so much more into the Huntsman V2 Analog.
The most striking feature, powered by the latest optical switch technology, is its adjustable actuation. The sturdy keys are designed to mimic the thumbsticks of a controller or the analog sticks of a gamepad, which means that you can apply different levels of pressure to get a different response.
This cool game-changing feature makes gaming all the more fun: push a key to make your character run faster or vary your force to get greater precision in-game. Just imagine what you can do with it when playing FPS or racing titles.
What’s more, this Razer keyboard comes with a multi-function digital dial and media keys that let you pause, play, and tweak your entertainment experience. The keys themselves are also an upgrade from the standard ABS keycaps, as PBT keycaps are more durable and won’t fade or get shiny over time.
And to top it all off, you’ve got a plush, magnetic leatherette wrist rest with built-in lighting that’s as stylish as it is comfortable for long periods of play.
That said, this premium keyboard is not for everyone. The eye-watering price point can be a hindrance to some, while those who prefer plug-and-play options would do well with other Razer keyboards.
2. Razer Huntsman TKL V2
PROS
- Foam dampens sound well
- Industry-leading speedy optical switches
- Durable PBT keycaps
- Detachable, comfortable wrist rest with RGB Chroma lighting
CONS
- No-frills TKL design might feel lacking for some gamers
- Foam dampening can feel mushy for some
- Type: Mechanical, wired, full size
- Switches: Razer Purple Optical Clicky, Razer Red Linear Optical
- Keycaps and media keys: Doubleshot PBT
- Wrist rest: Detachable, magnetic
- USB passthrough: USB-C
The Razer Huntsman TKL V2 shares some strong similarities with our top pick — namely: the industry-leading optical switches, the Doubleshot PBT keys, the customizable RGB lighting, and the lush wrist rest.
But it’s also smaller and a lot more affordable, while also adding a sound-dampening foam that reduces noise inside its casing. It also comes with a braided and detachable USB Type C cable, which makes the Huntsman TKL V2 even more convenient and customizable.
Gamers who don’t mind tenkeyless formats will enjoy this model, as it delivers the same low latency and allows you to set macros to any key. But even regular users will also appreciate the two incline settings, great typing experience, and the sturdy, premium build quality.
Because it’s TKL, the no-frills design lacks dedicated media or macro keys, though.
All-in-all, the Razer Huntsman TKL V2 is a great option if you’re trying to get a major improvement on your setup but have a budget just shy of the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog price tag.
3. Razer Cynosa V2
PROS
- Quick and responsive
- Per-key RGB lighting
- Affordable
- Durable
- Spill-resistant
CONS
- Some keys can sound squeaky
- No wrist rest
- Type: Membrane, wired, full size
- Switches: Rubber dome
- Keycaps and media keys: ABS plastic; Dedicated keys
- Wrist rest: None
- USB passthrough: None
If you’re new to the world of gaming keyboards, the Razer Cynosa V2 is an excellent first pick. Not only does it come with stunning per-key RGB lighting and the sleek design you’d expect from Razer keyboards, but it comes with a competitive price tag to boot.
And the Cynosa V2 doesn’t feel cheap at all. Sure, it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the first two on our list, but it does pack a lot of value, starting with its excellent actuation speed and response, as well as dedicated media controls for volume, play, skip, and mute functions. The per-key RGB lighting is also a sweet treat that makes the keyboard look premium, and you can customize it fully with the brand’s Chroma Studio.
The Razer Hypershift also allows for fully programmable macros, so you can execute complex commands at the stroke of a key (or two!).
Where you might feel the price difference is with the keys themselves, as the Cynosa V2 uses membrane key switches for affordability. Plus, it doesn’t come with its own wrist rest, but that might not be too much of a deal-breaker given everything else about the Cynosa V2.
4. Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed 65%
PROS
- Macro-programmable keys
- Quick and responsive
- 3 methods for connectivity
- RGB lighting
CONS
- High profile, no wrist rest
- Type: Mechanical, wireless, compact size (65%)
- Switches: Razer Mechanical Switches (Green or yellow)
- Keycaps and media keys: Doubleshot ABS
- Wrist rest: None
- USB passthrough: None
The Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini is tiny compared to its more decked out peers, but it’s mighty. It’s also the company’s first 65% keyboard — a size that hits a sweet spot for those who want smaller keyboards but want to keep the navigation keys for productivity and convenience.
As a gaming keyboard, the BlackWidow V3 Mini does not disappoint with its low latency, RGB lighting, and macro-programmable keys you can tweak through the Razer Synapse software. It also provides several modes of connectivity: There’s a HyperSpeed Dongle, a USB-C method you can use while charging, and a Bluetooth connection that focuses on efficient power consumption. In fact, when used with the latter two options, the BlackWidow V3 Mini promises up to 200 hours of battery life.
One drawback many users experience, however, is that the keyboard tends to have a high profile. And without a matching wrist rest, your joints may not be too comfortable during long gaming sessions.
5. Razer Ornata V2
PROS
- Unique hybrid mecha-membrane switch system
- Leatherette wrist rest
- Programmable macro support
- Rich RGB backlighting
CONS
- Keycaps tend to get greasy
- Needs a bit more force to actuate
- Type: Hybrid Mecha-membrane, wired, full size
- Switches: Razer Hybrid Mecha-membrane Switches
- Keycaps and media keys: ABS plastic; Dedicated keys and digital wheel
- Wrist rest: Detachable, magnetic
- USB passthrough: None
Can’t decide between a mechanical keyboard or a membrane one? Then you might want to consider the Razer Ornata V2, a hybrid keyboard that gives you the best of both worlds.
Thus, as Razer keyboards go, the Ornata V2 provides a unique typing experience: you get a soft padded touch of a conventional keyboard alongside the efficiency and a crisp click of a mechanical one. And with a comfortable leatherette wrist rest that snaps to the keyboard via magnets, your hands and wrists will be comfortable across long periods of gaming.
As for customizability, both the color and function of the individually backlit keys can be programmed. The Razer Hypershift function lets you remap keys and keypress combinations to execute even complex commands, depending on your needs.
The Razer Ornata V2 also comes with specialized grooves for cable routing, letting you neatly tuck in the cable— a small detail that has a huge impact on your gaming setup.
The downside to this unique keyboard is that it requires a bit more force to type compared to a regular mechanical keyboard, which can need some getting used to. Plus, the ABS plastic switches are prone to getting greasy over time.
6. Razer Huntsman Elite
PROS
- Opto-mechanical switches
- Dedicated media keys and volume dial
- Comfortable wrist rest
- RGB lighting
CONS
- No USB passthrough
- No macros
- Requires a second USB port for full RGB lighting
- Type: Mechanical, wired, full size
- Switches: Razer Opto-Mechanical
- Keycaps and media keys: ABS plastic; Dedicated keys and dial
- Wrist rest: Detachable, magnetic
- USB passthrough: None
he Razer Huntsman Elite is all about speed, and it’s all thanks to its exceptional Opto-Mechanical switches. These get the best of both optical and mechanical switches to essentially eliminate actuation delay — or the time it takes the keyboard to register when you press a key. The end result is one of the speediest and responsive keyboards on the market today.
The stabilizers found in each switch also do a good job of making the overall typing experience excellent. Plus, the keyboard is designed to last you a long while: Razer promises that each switch will last 100 million keystrokes.
The Huntsman Elite also sports the recognizable RGB lighting, plush wrist rest, and dedicated media keys found in other Razer keyboards, though it does lack other details like a USB pass through and dedicated macro keys.
7. Razer Turret
PROS
- Versatile, as it can work with both a PC and the Xbox One
- Great build quality, tactile keys
- Clever and unique magnetic mouse pad
- Chroma RGB lighting
- Great battery life
CONS
- A little chunky
- Limited library of compatible Xbox One games
- Expensive
- Type: Mechanical, wireless, full size
- Switches: Razer Green Tactile
- Keycaps and media keys: ABS; Dual function
- Media keys: Dual function
- Wrist rest: None
- USB passthrough: None
The Turret isn’t the most recent of Razer keyboards, but it is one of the most enduring. That’s because it’s a model that runs both on a PC and an Xbox One (and is licensed by Microsoft), making it popular among console players.
As Razer’s first wireless keyboard and mouse setup designed for the Xbox One, the Turret provides reliable and speedy wireless connection that lets you play from the comfort of your sofa. The mechanical keyboard comes with green switches as well as a retractable magnetic mouse pad and mouse.
What’s more, the battery life — which the company promises to be up to 43 hours for the keyboard and 50 hours for the mouse on a single charge — is pretty impressive, and can make for really enjoyable gaming sessions.
There are two ports at the top of the Razer Turret. One is a USB-C port for charging, and another is a micro-USB port to plug the mouse into the keyboard for charging. The battery status light is also a pretty nice touch.
That said, there are some downsides to the Turret’s versatility. For one, the entire thing is a little chunky, and the rubber parts are quick to get dirty. But perhaps one drawback that might keep some gamers away from the Turret is that, like all Xbox One keyboards, it has a limited library of compatible games.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Razer Keyboards Worth It?
Razer keyboards are some of the most popular among gamers, and are often considered to be a good investment if you’re serious about gaming. -
Are Razer Yellows Good?
Razer yellows are the quietest of the three switches offered by the brand. This makes them particularly good for late-night gaming or office work. -
Are Razer Green Switches Loud?
Razer greens are advertised as tactile and clicky, but users have reported that they can be pretty loud. If noise is a concern, you can use O-rings to dampen it, or opt for yellow or orange switches instead.