The Ultimate Razer Huntsman Elite Keyboard Review: The Speedy, Shiny, Typo-Friendly Beast

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Let’s talk keyboards. Not just any keyboard, though—the Razer Huntsman Elite. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “How exciting can a keyboard review really be?” Well, strap in, because the Razer Huntsman Elite is more than just a collection of keys; it’s a mechanical marvel that promises to speed up your gaming, enhance your typing, and maybe, just maybe, light up your life with its dazzling RGB glow.

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First Impressions: A Keyboard With Some Serious Bling

The first thing you notice about the Razer Huntsman Elite is that it’s not just another keyboard. It’s a keyboard on steroids. From the sleek aluminum frame to the eye-popping RGB lighting, it screams premium. When you unpack it, you’ll probably find yourself in awe, as if you’ve just unboxed a treasure chest. And let’s be honest, the underglow lighting on both the keyboard and wrist rest is like having your very own desktop light show.

The Switches: Clicky, Clacky, or Silky Smooth?

The Razer Huntsman Elite comes with two switch options: Clicky Optical (Purple) or Linear Optical (Red). I got my hands on the version with Linear Optical switches. If you’re like me and enjoy the feel of pressing keys that register faster than a caffeinated squirrel, then you’re in for a treat.

These Red switches are all about speed. They actuate at just 1.0 mm, which is about 15-30% shorter than your average linear switches. This makes them incredibly responsive—perfect for gaming where every millisecond counts. However, the sensitivity can be a double-edged sword. Typing with these switches can feel like you’ve suddenly developed extra nimble fingers, which is great until you start making typos faster than you can say “oops.”

Build Quality: Sturdy Enough for a Zombie Apocalypse

The Razer Huntsman Elite feels like it could withstand anything short of an actual apocalypse. The matte aluminum top frame not only looks sleek but also adds a level of structural integrity that’s reassuring. This is a keyboard built to last, with a lifespan of up to 100 million keystrokes. If this keyboard were a character in a video game, it would definitely be the tank—durable and dependable.

Typing Experience: Typo Central, Population: You

While the Huntsman Elite excels in gaming, typing on it is a bit like walking a tightrope. The low actuation force of the Linear Optical switches means you can type with the speed of a jet engine. But, there’s a catch—this very sensitivity can lead to a frustrating number of typos. If you’re not used to such responsive keys, your emails might start looking like they were typed by a very enthusiastic cat.

That being said, the typing experience is still comfortable thanks to the ergonomic design. The plush wrist rest, which magnetically attaches to the keyboard, is a godsend for long typing sessions. It’s like laying your hands on a tiny, luxurious pillow. And let’s not forget the incline settings, which add another layer of comfort customization.

The RGB Lighting: Because Who Doesn’t Love Rainbows?

If you’re someone who likes their tech to look as cool as it performs, the Razer Huntsman Elite’s RGB lighting won’t disappoint. Razer Chroma allows for full customization with 16.8 million colors. You can sync it with your games, your other Razer gear, and even your Philips Hue lights if you want to turn your room into a disco. It’s not just backlighting either; the underglow on the wrist rest adds an extra touch of flair.

Customization Galore: Razer Synapse 3 to the Rescue

One of the best features of the Razer Huntsman Elite is its customization potential. You can remap any key, set up macros, and tweak the lighting to your heart’s content. However, there’s a slight catch—you’ll need Razer Synapse 3 software, which is only available on Windows. This means if you’re using a Mac, you’ll miss out on the full range of customization options.

That said, once you’re in the Synapse ecosystem, the possibilities are nearly endless. You can create profiles for different games, set up complex commands, and make your keyboard look like a futuristic spaceship. And let’s not forget the media controls, including a volume dial that can be reassigned if you prefer it to control something else, like your screen brightness or even the RGB brightness.

Dedicated Media Controls: Because Sometimes You Need to Pause Reality

Speaking of media controls, the Razer Huntsman Elite comes with a full set of them, including a customizable volume dial. This means you can easily control your music, videos, and other media without having to leave your game or alt-tab out of whatever you’re doing. It’s these little touches that make the Huntsman Elite not just a keyboard, but a true all-in-one control center for your PC.

Gaming Performance: Faster Than a Speeding Bullet

Let’s get to the core of why you might be interested in the Razer Huntsman Elite—the gaming performance. The Linear Optical switches provide a near-instantaneous response, making this keyboard perfect for fast-paced games where every millisecond counts. Whether you’re dodging bullets in an FPS, chaining combos in a fighting game, or managing multiple actions per minute in an RTS, this keyboard keeps up without breaking a sweat.

Office Use: A Mixed Bag

Now, if you’re considering the Razer Huntsman Elite for office use, things get a bit tricky. The same features that make it an excellent gaming keyboard—namely the ultra-responsive keys—can be a bit of a hindrance for regular typing tasks. The sensitivity can lead to more typos, which isn’t ideal when you’re trying to draft an important email or document.

However, the ergonomic design does make it comfortable for long typing sessions, and the typing noise is minimal with the Red switches. The Purple switches, on the other hand, can be quite loud, so keep that in mind if you’re working in a shared space.

The Wrist Rest: Comfort Meets Cool

The wrist rest deserves a special mention. Not only is it plush and comfortable, but it also features its own RGB lighting. It attaches magnetically, which makes it easy to remove if you don’t need it. This little addition makes a big difference, especially during long gaming sessions. It’s the kind of thoughtful design touch that shows Razer is paying attention to the details that matter to gamers.

Durability: Built to Last

With a lifespan of up to 100 million keystrokes and a 2-year warranty, the Razer Huntsman Elite is built to endure. This is double the lifespan of most competitor keyboards, so if you’re looking for something that will last, this is a solid choice. It’s the kind of keyboard that you can rely on, whether you’re using it for intense gaming or everyday tasks.

Conclusion: Is the Razer Huntsman Elite Worth It?

So, is the Razer Huntsman Elite worth the investment? If you’re a gamer looking for a high-performance keyboard that offers speed, customization, and durability, the answer is a resounding yes. The Linear Optical switches provide an incredibly responsive experience that’s hard to beat, and the build quality is top-notch.

However, if you’re looking for a keyboard primarily for typing or office work, you might want to consider the potential for increased typos due to the sensitivity of the keys. The ergonomic design and wrist rest do make it comfortable for long use, but the keyboard truly shines in a gaming environment.

Time to Upgrade Your Keyboard

Ready to take your gaming to the next level? The Razer Huntsman Elite might just be the upgrade you need. With its blazing fast switches, customizable features, and dazzling RGB lighting, it’s a keyboard that’s designed to deliver both in performance and style. Don’t settle for less—get your hands on the Razer Huntsman Elite and experience the difference for yourself.

Final Recommendation

In summary, the Razer Huntsman Elite is a powerhouse of a keyboard. It’s ideal for gamers who demand speed and precision, and it offers a level of customization that’s hard to match. While it may take some time to get used to the sensitivity for everyday typing, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive. So, if you’re in the market for a new keyboard and want something that stands out both in performance and aesthetics, the Razer Huntsman Elite is definitely worth considering. Happy gaming!

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