Razer Huntsman Elite Gaming Keyboard

Razer Huntsman Elite Gaming Keyboard: Fastest Keyboard Switches Ever - Clicky Optical Switches - Chroma RGB Lighting - Magnetic Plush Wrist Rest - Dedicated Media Keys & Dial - Classic Black

 This is my first mechanical keyboard since using the one that came with the original IBM PCs. It took me a while to get used to a Logitech membrane keyboard that I've been using for about 5 years.

I got this mainly because I prefer the narrower TKL form factor (Ten Key Less). Since I rarely use the dedicated keyboard for most keyboards that I enter, this time I decided on a TKL keyboard and more space for navigating with the mouse.

The buttons on the Huntsman TE are more sensitive and it took me a few days to adapt to them. They are definitely louder than the non-mechanical keyboard I used. Actually, however, I prefer the sound of this. They definitely sound and feel more like the keyboard of the original IBM PCs. The sound comes when the keys fall on the floor while typing ... more like a solid hit than a click ... I like it. The buttons are also solid and solid.

I have no doubt that this keyboard is also great for gaming. There are various game profiles available that you can customize using the excellent Synapse software so that the RGB lights are synchronized with the game you are playing.

Speaking of Synapse software: I initially had problems running the Synapse 3 installer on my PC. I went online and used the top chat from Razer's customer support with an online help desk person. The Razer help desk was able to help me identify and fix the problem related to the .NET installation on my PC.

After getting Synapse up and running, I found it very useful to play with the various functions of the keyboard ... Especially when programming the way the RGB lights come on. I have created various settings / color combinations, between which I can switch to Synapse's Chroma Studio using the tray icon.

Razer Huntsman Elite Gaming Keyboard

Razer Huntsman Elite Gaming Keyboard: Fastest Keyboard Switches Ever - Clicky Optical Switches - Chroma RGB Lighting - Magnetic Plush Wrist Rest - Dedicated Media Keys & Dial - Classic Black

 

 I've bought lots and lots of mechanical keyboards, and without reservation the Razer Huntsman Elite is the best keyboard I've ever owned from the perspective of the one thing that matters most - the typing and keypress experience. The feel of each key is extremely constant and the quality and construction of the Huntsman Elite is exceptional, even with high quality mechanical keyboards.

The Razer Purple switches require a little less power than the Razer Green switches, but it is enough to notice this in a positive way. If you have a metal bar for each key, the keystroke is balanced so that you can literally press on any part of any key and achieve the desired result.

I also really appreciate the volume control and mute button on the top right and I like the subdued design of the Huntsman elite, which doesn't have dozens of other buttons.

Compared to the very similar BlackWidow Elite, the Huntsman Elite is $ 50 more expensive. But in my opinion, once you've paid that much for a keyboard, you might as well get the best keys you can get, and the Huntsman Elite just feels better. I also like the spacebar better with the Huntsman Elite.

The only thing I didn't like about the Huntsman Elite is the palm rest. Although it is very pretty with an LED halo and the memory foam padding is great, it has a metal rim that is both hard and cold and sharp on my wrists. It is also significantly increased (so that the halo can be seen), a design that makes me uncomfortable. However, this is fairly minor as it is easy enough to swap out another palm rest.

Two other minor criticisms: First, the Huntsman Elite is slightly raised and has a sharp leading edge to accommodate the halo around the keyboard. I generally prefer the slanted leading edges of most Razer keyboards, and frankly I don't care if the keyboard under the keyboard is lit. And secondly, the Razer Huntsman Elite has 2 USB ports (the second provides lighting for the halo), but does not offer a USB port. That would have been great since I like them for fingerprint readers.

KINESIS Gaming Freestyle Edge RGB Split Mechanical Keyboard (MX Red)

Versatile split design, ideal for typing and playing: Move the right module out of the way and bring your mouse close to improve endurance and aim more precisely (eSports proven). Turn the left module to achieve optimal key coverage or to move in a LAN in a confined space. Or split the modules up to 20 inches and place your stream microphone, HOTAS or mouse in the middle for easy access. Separate the modules for shoulder-width ergonomic writing and add the tent kit to the lift kit to reduce the strain on the forearm. The detachable Palm Supports now include brand new, thickly padded Palm Pads for even more comfort. People are saying that this bis the best gaming keyboard.
100% mechanical switches for maximum performance: Original mechanical Cherry MX Red switches (low-power, linear) offer professional responsiveness and unsurpassed durability (50 million clicks). Choose the switch that's right for you.
Immersive RGB lighting for a distinctive look: 16.8 million RGB background lighting with 10 customizable effects such as wave, spectrum, rebound, pulse, rain and much more. Install the Lighting Expansion Pack 1 to add dual-layer lighting and two-tone effects.
All 95 buttons are fully programmable for complete customization: use the dedicated SmartSet button for practical remaps and macros on the fly, or the brand new SmartSet app for special actions or to customize lighting effects. 9 available profiles with two levels, powerful macros, quick remaps, 9 game buttons, 1 ms response time, NKRO, game mode and much more. All profiles and settings for the tournament game are saved directly in the 4 MB onboard memory of the keyboard.
100% plug and play: Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux and Chrome (1 full-size USB connection required). No special drivers required. RGB SmartSet app for Windows and Mac available for download.

I like this keyboard. The included palm rests are nice, although I wish lift kits were included. I bought the lifting set separately and set it to 10 degrees. You work well.

The build quality feels decent. Since I'm not someone who owns a ton of keyboards, it's hard for me to comment on this. but in my opinion the keyboard feels fine. Not cheap, but not super solid. Feels like a typical mid-range brand mech, but at a high price. This is fine as the higher price is reasonable as it is one of the view split mechs on the market and a good one at that.

The customization software is pretty intuitive. I left space to access the FN level, which is a customization like the standard level. This enables practical reallocations like space + ijkl for arrow keys and left space + right space for backspace, so that I can stay in the start line more often. You can also set up macros. As far as I can tell, everything is saved on the board. I wish all keyboards had two space keys and layer functions. It is amazing what simple function can open up in terms of convenience.