Rapid Trigger Keyboards: Razer Huntsman V3 Pro vs SteelSeries Apex Pro 2023 Edition vs Wooting 60 HE
When I play Valorant or CS2 in competitions – every millisecond counts. That’s why the choice of a keyboard can be crucial for competitive gamers. Rapid trigger keyboards are designed to provide faster response times, giving players an edge in fast-paced games. In this article, we’ll compare three top contenders in the rapid trigger keyboard market: the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro, the SteelSeries Apex Pro 2023 Edition, and the Wooting 60 HE.
Build Quality and Sound:
The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro boasts a brushed aluminum top plate, textured double-shot PBT keycaps, and a plastic bottom plate. It uses Razer’s own Optical Gen 2 switches, which are designed for rapid trigger and analog functions. The keyboard also includes a magnetic leather wrist rest for added comfort.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro 2023 Edition features a similar build quality, with double-shot PBT keycaps and an aluminum top plate. It uses SteelSeries’ OmniPoint 2.0 magnetic switches, which offer analog input. The keyboard also includes a digital display for easier settings management.
The Wooting 60 HE has a sturdy build with double-shot PBT keycaps, a steel switch plate, and multiple layers of foam for sound dampening. It does not include a wrist rest but offers a separate magnetic switch set for quick repairs.
Sound Comparison:
In terms of sound, the Wooting 60 HE stands out as the best performer. Thanks to its included foam and overall build quality, it produces a more enthusiast-grade sound compared to the other two keyboards.
Warranty and LED Lights:
The Wooting keyboard offers a longer warranty (four years) compared to Razer and SteelSeries (two years). However, the warranty for LED lights is the standard two years for Wooting.
Software and Ease of Use:
The Wooting 60 HE has a 60% compact layout, which might be a disadvantage for some users. It lacks a screen or knob for settings adjustment but offers a web or desktop app for customization. The app allows for storing settings on the keyboard and setting different profiles for gaming, typing, etc. It also includes advanced functions like mod taps.
The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro uses Synapse software for fine-tuning settings, while the SteelSeries Apex Pro 2023 Edition uses Engine software. Both offer individual settings for actuation and rapid trigger for each key, but the Razer software allows for more fine-tuning.
Performance:
All three keyboards support 0.1 actuation, but only the Huntsman and Apex allow for 0.1 rapid trigger sensitivity. The Wooting 60 HE allows for 0.15 sensitivity. The Wooting keyboard has a T mode for prioritizing keyboard scanning over RGB effects, which might be advantageous in some scenarios. The difference in performance is not noticeable in everyday use.
Price and Recommendations:
The Razer Huntsman V3 Pro is the most expensive, with prices ranging from $180 to $250. The Wooting 60 HE costs $175 for the basic version, but additional features can increase the price. The SteelSeries Apex Pro 2023 Edition is the cheapest, often going on sale for as low as $145.
In conclusion, the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro is recommended for those who want the best customizability and features, the Wooting 60 HE for its sound quality, and the SteelSeries Apex Pro 2023 Edition for its affordability and features when on sale.