The Razer Huntsman V2 mechanical gaming keyboard enhances the already impressive feature set of the Huntsman Elite and does so without raising the price. While we have to forgo the glorious RGB underglow that lights up our desks, that seems to be the only reduction Razer has made, and all the other changes are thoughtful improvements on its predecessor's design.

The new Huntsman V2 linear key switch variant is now in the same price range as the premium Huntsman Elite, and the clicky version is even cheaper, so there is not much to complain about.

Most notable among the many modifications to the previous Huntsman design was the introduction of second-generation linear optical key switches and the availability of clicky optical switches on the tenkeyless version. The second generation switches are complemented by 8,000 Hz hyperpolling technology with a latency of only 0.2 ms.

This makes for a truly fast keyboard.

For those who prefer Razer's clicky optomechanical switches, the Razer Hunstman V2 also has improved acoustics. I love clicky keyboards, but my partner, whose PC is in the same room, does not.

There is a slight "ting" when pressing the space key (which is quite annoying), but otherwise the attenuation works very well.

We also tested the Huntsman V2 TKL board, which uses a linear version of Razer's optical switches. On this board, the slightly wobbly feel of the space bar is almost non-existent, and the sound deadening layer of foam seems to make a far greater difference in the feel and acoustics of the board.

We had a strange love-hate parabolic relationship with the feel of the damped switches. At first we liked it, then we kind of hated it, and then again we loved the soft, slightly dead feel of the linear switches.

I also felt comfortable with the longevity of the double-shot PBT keycaps while tapping the keys to compensate for the lack of noisy clicks. The textured finish makes them non-slip, less shiny over time, and less likely to erase text.

Incredibly, Razer packed in all the improvements, including more cushioning and a reduced frame around the wrist rest, but even the dedicated media controls remain. The fact that there are still no macros or USB pass-through is no great loss, and the company has at least removed the need to feed the board's RGB with a separate cable.

These make the Huntsman V2 one of the best and most practical mechanical keyboards available today. Also, HyperPolling at 8,000 Hz would actually make it the fastest keyboard; where Razer cut corners without asking for more money is beyond me. Either way, it's clear that the company is incorporating feedback to improve its peripherals while not making them too complicated or overpriced.