The Razer Huntsman Elite is a mechanical gaming keyboard which was introduced at the end of June 2018. As the name suggests, the keyboard is an upgraded version of the Razer Huntsman.
Huntsman Elite: Two Opto-mechanical Switches available
The keyboards of the Razer Huntsman series are equipped with new optical (sometimes also called opto-mechanical) switches from Razer. In contrast to common mechanical switches that actuate by establishing a metal contact, optical switches are triggered by a signal of light. When a key is pressed, a beam of light traverses through the switch and reaches a receiver which then informs your computer. Due to less physical contact, these switches are less susceptible to problems caused by physical degradation. Moreover, Razer claims that the switches last for up to 100 million clicks. For the Razer Huntsman Elite, one can choose between two optical switches. The Razer Clicky Optical switch (purple) provides tactile and audible feedback, like known from Cherry MX Blue switches, while the Razer Linear Optical switch (red) offers a simple, smooth key press.
Razer Chroma, all over it
All the basic features of the Razer Huntsman are also included for the Huntsman Elite, i.e., the keyboard features a gaming mode, multiple profiles, Razer Chroma RGB lighting and has the possibility to record macros on-the-fly. In addition to that, the Razer Huntsman Elite doesn’t only illuminate all keys but also provides a so called Razer Chroma Underglow, which is basically illumination for the frame of the keyboard. It further comes with a leatherette wrist rest which, of course, is also lit-up. Sure enough, one could discuss if all the illumination is really necessary, but it is pretty safe to say that illumination enthusiasts get their money’s worth. Furthermore, the Razer Huntsman Elite is equipped with dedicated media controls and a neat volume wheel which also can be used for other purposes like, for example, adjusting the brightness of the illumination.
Tech Specs for Razer Huntsman Elite
Further Information on Amazon.com
(Read customer reviews)
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Mechanical Keyboard Score
The mechanical keyboard score is our overall score for a keyboard. The score is based on the available ratings and critics and makes an easy comparison between different mechanical keyboards possible. It is also used for our mechanical keyboard ranking.
Reviews
August 25, 2020
"Moving to optical (or as Razer calls them Opto-Mechanical) is a big deal for Razer, but one that makes sense."
August 31, 2018
"The Huntsman Elite is undoubtedly a successful keyboard, and the Opto-Mechanical switches are undeniably impressive. It is not cheap, though, and you may not even notice the difference between these switches compared to your old Cherry MX board."
August 3, 2018
"Razer's Huntsman Elite needs another pass, particularly the awkward media keys, but its RGB-enabled wrist rest is eye-catching and the new Opto-Mechanical switch holds promise."
July 13, 2018
"The Razer Huntsman Elite nails the core keyboard experience, making typing and gaming a joy. And it has flashy lights. Style costs, however – this isn’t cheap."
July 3, 2018
"The Razer Huntsman Elite combines the best qualities of multiple mechanical switches with lightspeed optical technology, for the fastest and most satisfying typing experience yet."
July 2, 2018
"The Huntsman Elite is what we've come to expect from Razer; unique lighting, great innovation, and a high price tag."
June 29, 2018
"The Huntsman Elite knocks it out of the park with its new switches, with only a few minor kinks here and there."
June 28, 2018
"The Razer Huntsman Elite is a good keyboard with novel optical switches that have the potential to be something special."
June 28, 2018
"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."
June 28, 2018
"Telling any person to drop $200 on a gaming keyboard is always a tough sell, but those who need a competitive advantage, or who love mechanical switch keyboards won't regret this purchase."
Reviews in other languages
December 20, 2018
"Die Razer Huntsman Elite ist eine sehr präzise Tastatur, nennenswerte Vorteile gegenüber herkömmlichen mechanischen Tastaturen bietet sie allerdings nicht. Außerdem steht der Preis in keinem Verhältnis zu der Ausstattung, zumal die Multimedia-Bedienelemente nicht wirklich überzeugend umgesetzt wurden."
June 29, 2018
"Empfehlenswerter, optimal ergonomischer Spielkamerad mit tippfreundlichen Tastenschaltern"
