Razer Huntsman Elite Gaming Keyboard Review

The Razer Huntsman Elite might have the best possible switches on the market but is does not have the best poss...

Razer Huntsman Elite Review

While Corsair, at the moment, owns our gaming keyboard throne with its killer K95 Platinum, Razer aims to usurp it with an all-new flagship keyboard, the Huntsman Elite ($199.99). To that end, Razer has deployed a new kind of key switch that uses optical light technology. The company claims it will improve durability, and it allows for a key feel that is both light and clicky. What's more, the Razer Huntsman Elite introduces dedicated media keys, a volume dial, and onboard memory for settings and profiles to a Razer keyboard for the first time. It's a solid effort, but it lacks a handful of features that were already present in more affordable Razer keyboards before it. We'd call this strike at the king brave, but a near miss. Everything But the Macro Keys Last year, the 3.31-pound Razer BlackWidow Chroma V2 impressed us with its minimalist design, per-key RGB backlighting, and dedicated macro keys. The Huntsman Elite takes some of these ideas and stuffs them inside a meatier, 3.8...

With a new kind of key switch, plus wild RGB backlighting, dedicated media keys, and a volume dial, Razer's Huntsman Elite gaming keyboard offers plenty, but for the price, it's missing a few bits some gamers will deem crucial.

Fast, tactile switches with light touch; Per-key RGB backlighting and underglow; Dedicated media keys and volume dial; Onboard memory for profiles and settings; Magnetic leatherette wrist rest

Expensive; Only one switch type; No dedicated macro keys

Razer Huntsman Elite: A hyper-exciting hybrid that lives up to the pricetag

It’s hard to imagine a better time to be in the market for a gaming keyboard than now. We’re at the tail-end of both the ‘make-it-RGB’ and ‘make-it-mechanical’ trends, with consumers poised to reap the benefits. When it comes to software, almost all of the major brands offer comprehensive RGB customizability. When we’re talking hardware, things like full N-key rollover and 30-million keystroke durability are pretty much the norm.

Time will have to tell whether opto-mechanicals are the next gold rush for the gaming accessories space. However, for now, the products like Razer Huntsman are great - but not quite a gaming necessity.

Top-notch design and build quality; Opto-mechanical switches are hyper-tactile;

Expensive; Key innovations aren't quite a game-changer;

Razer Huntsman Elite keyboard Review

Great mechanical action for both typing and gaming; Comfortable wrist-rest; Easy to clean; So many lights. So. Many. Lights.;

No USB passthrough; No macros; Requires two USB ports;