Razer is significantly expanding the reach of its Snap Tap feature, which debuted a few months ago alongside the Huntsman V3 Pro keyboard. This feature enables significantly faster key inputs, particularly crucial for rapid strafing maneuvers in games like Valorant, Apex Legends, and Rainbow Six: Siege. Now, a large majority of Razer’s gaming keyboards, including some of the best gaming laptops available like the Razer Blade lineup, are getting support for Snap Tap.
Initially, Snap Tap was touted as a feature exclusive to keyboards equipped with Hall Effect (magnetic) switches. However, this latest update demonstrates that’s not the case. The feature allows users to switch between two keys without fully lifting their fingers, prioritizing the most recent input. This is especially useful in games requiring rapid movements, like strafing in first-person shooters.
While Razer states that Snap Tap works best when paired with its Rapid Trigger feature (available on Hall Effect keyboards), traditional mechanical keyboards like the Black Widow V4 Pro 75% Wireless are also compatible. In fact, nearly all Razer devices, including keyboards released over a decade ago, now support Snap Tap. Any device supported by the new Razer Synapse 4 software will have access to the feature. You can find a comprehensive list of supported devices on Razer’s website.
Despite its appeal in competitive gaming, Snap Tap has also sparked controversy. Last month, Valve banned the use of any input automation features, including Snap Tap, on official Counter-Strike 2 servers. This decision was followed by ESL’s ban on Snap Tap for its competitive Counter-Strike 2 events.
Razer, along with boutique keyboard brand Wooting, has been at the forefront of esports-focused technology. The inclusion of Snap Tap has resulted in debates with personalities labeling it as “cheating,” with Valorant player Ethos and PC hardware reviewer Optimum expressing their concerns.
Snap Tap was initially included with the Huntsman V3 Pro and is built into the keyboard’s firmware. This means you can use it even without installing Razer Synapse 4. However, this is not the case for other devices. To use Snap Tap on a Razer Blade 14, Black Widow V4, or any other Razer keyboard, you will need to have Synapse 4 installed.
Razer’s expansion of Snap Tap support is a significant development in the gaming world. It offers a competitive advantage for gamers, but its legitimacy and ethical implications in competitive esports remain a subject of debate.
