Razer Huntsman Elite (Purple Switch) - Gaming Keyboard Review

Review Summary

The Razer Huntsman Elite is designed to be a standout gaming keyboard, equipped with Razer's own opto-mechanical Purple Switches that aim to blend speed and tactile feedback in a way that traditional mechanical switches can't quite match. At a glance, it seems built for serious gamers and tech enthusiasts, with a mix of flashy RGB lighting, advanced technology, and a few bold design choices. But does it justify the premium price? We put it to the test to find out.

Who It’s For

• Competitive gamers who need fast actuation speeds and reliable, responsive key switches.
• Office users who want a keyboard that combines great typing feedback with eye-catching design, provided noise isn’t an issue.
• RGB enthusiasts looking for an all-out light show on their setup, with fully customizable lighting effects.
• People with long gaming sessions who need a keyboard that offers comfort and durability.
• Tech-savvy users who prefer the Razer ecosystem and want to maximize Synapse's integration.

Design & Build Quality

The Razer Huntsman Elite is bold, sleek, and solidly constructed, clearly aiming to make a statement on any desk. The keyboard’s aluminum top plate and frameless design contribute to a premium feel, while the floating keycaps give it an open, minimalistic aesthetic that accentuates the RGB lighting. The underglow around the keyboard and detachable wrist rest adds to its high-end look, making it clear that this keyboard is built to show off.

One of the first things we noticed is the comfort of the leatherette wrist rest. It attaches magnetically and has its own RGB lighting, syncing seamlessly with the keyboard. It feels supportive during extended use, though some might find its metal edges a bit too defined if they rest their wrists on the desk’s edge. The design looks great, but it’s not perfect for everyone.

As for practicality, the Huntsman Elite lacks a USB passthrough—a surprising omission considering the premium price. It also takes up two USB ports to fully power all the lighting features, which could be inconvenient for those with limited port options. There’s no detachable cable either, meaning portability isn’t its strong suit.

Switch Performance

The real highlight of the Huntsman Elite is the Razer Opto-Mechanical Purple Switches. These switches use light-based actuation, which allows for faster and more precise keystrokes compared to traditional mechanical switches. With a 1.5mm actuation point and only 45g of force needed, they’re quick and highly responsive. In practice, this means that rapid keystrokes are a breeze, ideal for fast-paced games where every millisecond counts.

Typing on the Huntsman Elite is a unique experience. The switches are clicky and tactile, similar to Cherry MX Blues, but with a lighter touch. However, they are loud. If you’re in a shared space or prefer quieter peripherals, this could be an issue. But for those who appreciate the tactile feedback and don’t mind the clickiness, these switches feel fantastic. Razer claims they’re rated for up to 100 million keystrokes, doubling what you’d get from a standard mechanical switch, adding to its longevity.

Gaming & Everyday Use

Gaming on the Huntsman Elite is smooth and responsive. During testing with Valorant and Overwatch, the keyboard handled rapid inputs with ease, thanks to its lack of debounce delay and high polling rate. The actuation and reset points are almost identical, allowing for quick, consistent inputs without missed keystrokes, especially useful in high-speed gaming situations. This also makes it an excellent choice for RTS games where multiple rapid inputs are essential.

In daily use, however, the noise can be a bit much. While the feedback is enjoyable for typing, it can be distracting for people around you. Also, we missed having dedicated macro keys, which would have been helpful in productivity applications or MMOs. The volume dial and media controls are a nice touch, though—smooth, easily accessible, and perfect for adjusting audio mid-game.

RGB Lighting & Synapse Software

The RGB on the Huntsman Elite is dazzling. Razer’s Chroma RGB extends across every key, around the perimeter of the keyboard, and even the wrist rest, creating a stunning light show. Through Razer Synapse, we could fully customize every aspect of the lighting, setting different effects per zone and syncing with other Razer devices. If you’re a fan of RGB, it’s hard to beat this keyboard.

However, Synapse is still not the smoothest software. Although it’s feature-rich, it tends to be a bit laggy, and certain settings take longer to apply. The software has improved over time, but it still feels somewhat bloated, especially for users who just want basic functionality. That said, Synapse’s Hypershift feature lets you add secondary functions to keys, which is great for those who need extra customization options.

Comfort & Ergonomics

The Huntsman Elite’s wrist rest is a standout feature, offering support that’s perfect for long gaming or typing sessions. The memory foam, covered in leatherette, feels luxurious and adds a lot to the comfort of this keyboard. It attaches magnetically, so it stays in place but is easy to remove when you don’t need it. Overall, the keyboard is comfortable to use for extended periods, though the noise might start to get grating over long sessions if you’re sensitive to sound.

Overall Verdict

The Razer Huntsman Elite is a high-end gaming keyboard that offers impressive speed, durability, and a uniquely satisfying typing experience, though it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. The opto-mechanical switches are an excellent innovation, combining light actuation with tactile feedback, making this keyboard a fantastic choice for gamers and fast typists alike. While the loud switches, lack of USB passthrough, and Synapse’s occasional lag are minor downsides, the overall performance, build quality, and RGB spectacle make it a worthy investment for those willing to splurge on a top-tier keyboard.

Overall Score - 4.5/5