The Razer Huntsman Elite is an excellent full-size mechanical gaming keyboard, and like its smaller siblings in the Huntsman series, it can be configured with Clicky Optical (purple) or Linear Optical (red) switches. The red switches on our unit provide a light and responsive typing experience, but may be too sensitive for some people, leading to more typos than normal. In addition to full RGB backlighting, the keyboard and wrist rest also feature underglow LEDs. All keys are macro programmable, and the volume dial can be reassigned. Some customization can be done on board, but unfortunately, the full customization options require Razer Synapse 3 and are only available on Windows.
The Razer Huntsman Elite is an excellent gaming keyboard. The linear optical switches on our unit feel incredibly responsive due to their low actuation points, and they require almost any force to actuate; full RGB backlighting, macro reassignment and configuration to any key, and media controls with customizable volume dial. Unfortunately, there are no dedicated macro keys for MMOs.
[content-egg-block template=offers_logo hide=price]The lifeblood of a mechanical keyboard is the switches, and these are a new type of switch: the feel of the Huntsman Elite’s keys is similar to the old familiar Cherry MX Blues. That is, they have a distinct typing feel, with feedback when you press a key and a slight uplift in the key action. The sound is the same as the classic MX Blues, but it operates with a lighter touch, 45cN compared to 50cN for the original Cherry MX Blues.
This is an important distinction because Razer touts this new Opto-Mechanical switch as “the world’s lightest click switch” based on this specification; according to Razer, this switch does not utilize electrical contacts like a traditional mechanical keyboard According to Razer, “when a key is pressed, a ray of light passes through the switch stem and is activated via the receiver, sending a corresponding signal to the computer, which activates it at the speed of light.
The Razer Hunstman Elite brings something new to the table with its excellent optical switches and useful features such as an illuminated wrist rest and programmable wheel. $200 is a price that lacks features found on other boards in this price range like the Corsair K95 is a tough pill to swallow, especially when it lacks the features found on other boards in this price range, such as the Corsair K95. However, its great lighting and features make this keyboard very unique and outstanding.