The Razer Huntsman is a gaming keyboard introduced at the end of June 2018. The term also refers to the manufacturer’s keyboard series that is characterized by the use of optical switches.
Huntsman – Optical Mechanical Keyboard
Let us immediately get started with the keyboard’s most interesting part – the optical switches of Razer. The Razer Huntsman and the simultaneously introduced Razer Huntsman Elite are the first two keyboards equipped with these new switches. The optical switches differ from common mechanical switches in the way they actuate by letting a beam of light passing though the switch instead of establishing a metal contact. As a consequence, some problems, as for example key chattering, are expected to be avoided by this technique. Moreover, Razer promises a life span up to 100 million clicks for the switches.
The Razer Huntsman features RGB lighting with about 16.8 million possible colors and various illumination effects. Different configurations can be saved in separate profiles. For efficient gaming, the keyboard offers a dedicated gaming mode and allows to record macros on-the-fly. The keyboard is available in various coloring options: besides traditional black there is also pink and mercury/white to choose from.
Tenkeyless: Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition
A compact version of the keyboard was introduced in September 2019 by the name of Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition. The keyboard features the so called tenkeyless format (TKL), meaning that the numpad was omitted in order to save some space. In contrast to the standard version which is equipped with clicky optical switches (purple), the Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition features linear optical switches (red). Furthermore, the ABS keycaps have been replaced with PBT keycaps. Other than that, both keyboards offer the same set of features.
Huntsman Mini: 60 Percent Keyboard
Since July 2020, the manufacturer offers with the Huntsman Mini an even smaller variant of the keyboard with a form factor of 60%. Therefore, the Huntsman Mini has neither numpad nor arrow keys, and all function keys are only implemented as secondary key-bindings. Due to its small size, the keyboard comes very handy for events like LAN-parties, provided that you can live with only 3/5 of the common set of keys. Just like the Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition, the Huntsman Mini also features PBT keycaps. Regarding switches, you can choose between Razer’s clicky and linear optical switches.
Tech Specs for Razer Huntsman
Further Information on Amazon.com
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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
December 8, 2020
"If you’re looking for a small gaming keyboard to save some desk space, then the Huntsman Mini is definitely worth a pick up. Although the lack of arrow keys could be a big issue for some."
October 1, 2020
"The Razer Huntsman Mini brings all the power of the popular Huntsman TE keyboard in a smaller, more travel-friendly form factor."
September 3, 2020
"The Razer Huntsman Mini keyboard works well for competitive play, but the lack of a function row and traditional arrow keys takes some getting used to."
August 17, 2020
"The Razer Huntsman Mini carries the brand's standout optical mechanical switch into its first 60% keyboard. With each key's light feel accompanied by premium doubleshot PBT keycaps, it can be great for both gaming and typing."
August 12, 2020
"In an extravagant ideal world this responsive gaming keyboard would by my second string slab, held over purely for gaming. Because for everything else it's a source of potential frustration."
July 22, 2020
"Razer's 60-percent-design Huntsman Mini brings the comforts of a gaming keyboard (and of Razer's Synapse software) to mechanical-keyboard minimalists and serious esports contenders."
July 14, 2020
"The Razer Huntsman Mini is one of the most unique gaming keyboards from a mainstream manufacturer, which automatically gets it some cool points. However, for a lot of people, adjusting to a keyboard that doesn't have native function keys or arrow keys will be a daunting. It is cute though."
December 6, 2019
"Razer's Huntsman TE is one of the few keyboards (or maybe the only one) that combines optical switches, PBT keycaps, backlighting, and a portable tenkeyless design. Chances are you know whether you need it or not."
November 6, 2019
"The Razer Huntsman TE is a great keyboard with fast switches and excellent keycaps, but be prepared for some typos."
October 9, 2019
"The Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition is a fast keyboard, with a stunning lightweight design. It's a bit expensive, but if you need that speed and portability it's worth it."
September 18, 2019
"The Huntsman Tournament Edition is perfect for e-sports, just ok for everything else."
September 17, 2019
"Razer's Huntsman Tournament Edition is a solid twitch-response keyboard for competitive players comfortable prioritizing gaming over typo-free typing."
September 17, 2019
"Pick up the Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition if you want a tenkeyless esports keyboard with a novel key switch design. Avoid it if you don't want to spend $130 on a tenkeyless model."
September 12, 2019
"Razer’s latest keyboard features a new optical switch with fast 1mm actuation and an esports-friendly compact design. But unless you’re truly an elite gamer looking to take a $130 chance on the Huntsman Tournament Edition giving you a gaming edge, there are better, cheaper options out there."
June 19, 2019
"The Huntsman packs possibly the finest mass-market key switch available today, in a package which oozes class. Rarely has a keyboard this basic, at this price, earned its asking price so handily."
