Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL Esports Gaming Keyboard, Black

Why it's worth it

The Huntsman V3 Pro TKL uses second-gen analog optical switches with a 0.1–4.0 mm actuation range, and an onboard LED array lets you change that range from the keyboard with no software open. Snap Tap prioritizes your newest keypress for faster direction changes.

Most adjustable-actuation boards make you launch an app to change anything. This one doesn't. Razer's onboard LED array walks you through setting actuation height or rapid trigger sensitivity and saves it to the board itself, which is genuinely useful if you share a PC, bounce between machines, or just hate background software. Razer rates the switches for a 100 million keystroke lifespan.

Snap Tap is the reason to choose this over our top pick. It tells the board to honor your most recent input between two chosen keys without making you release the first one, so A-to-D direction changes land closer to instantly. If you play a hero shooter or a tactical shooter where strafing wins duels, that's a real advantage. It needs the current firmware, and it's worth checking your league's rules before you lean on it.

From our review of 7 mechanical keyboards for gaming and typing, by Ben Carter, Tech Editor

What we like

• +Most adjustable-actuation boards make you launch an app to change anything
• +Snap Tap is the reason to choose this over our top pick
• +You also get hardware the others skip: a multi-function digital dial for volume and switch settings, plus three buttons for…
• +Owner feedback is more mixed here than for the other gaming boards, and that's the main reason it's the runner-up rather than…

What to know

• –Reliability is the worry
• –Synapse is the other sore point