Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the Razer Huntsman Elite keyboard, focusing specifically on the Green Switch variant. If you're a gamer or a typing enthusiast searching for a keyboard that offers both tactile feedback and clicky satisfaction, you've probably heard of this one. This review is all about providing you with an in-depth look, breaking down everything from its design and features to its performance and overall value. So, buckle up and get ready to explore if the Razer Huntsman Elite with Green Switches is the right keyboard for you.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Okay, so the moment you get your hands on the Razer Huntsman Elite box, you know you're in for something special. Razer's packaging is always top-notch, and this is no exception. Inside, you'll find the keyboard itself, a plush leatherette wrist rest, a quick start guide, and some Razer stickers to slap on your gaming rig or laptop. The initial impression is one of premium quality. The keyboard has a good weight to it, feeling solid and well-built. The aluminum top plate gives it a sleek, modern look, and the RGB lighting peeking through the keys and around the perimeter just screams gaming. The included wrist rest is a game-changer (pun intended!). It magnetically attaches to the keyboard, providing excellent support for your wrists during long gaming sessions or extended typing. Seriously, this is a must-have for anyone who spends a lot of time at their computer. Connecting the keyboard is simple – just plug in the two USB cables (one for the keyboard and one for the RGB lighting) and you're good to go. Razer's Synapse software will automatically detect the keyboard, allowing you to customize the lighting, key assignments, and other settings. First impressions? This keyboard looks and feels like a high-end piece of kit, and I couldn’t wait to put it through its paces.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Razer Huntsman Elite is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The aluminum top plate not only adds to the keyboard's durability but also gives it a premium feel. The keycaps are made from doubleshot PBT plastic, which are known for their durability and resistance to shine. This means they'll hold up well over time, even with heavy use. The keyboard features a standard layout, which is great for those who are used to traditional keyboards. The keys are well-spaced, and the font is clean and easy to read. One of the standout design features is the underglow lighting that surrounds the keyboard. This adds a subtle yet striking visual effect, especially in a dimly lit room. The lighting is fully customizable through Razer Synapse, allowing you to choose from a variety of colors and effects. The dedicated media controls are another welcome addition. These allow you to easily adjust the volume, skip tracks, and pause or play music without having to alt-tab out of your game or application. The digital dial is particularly useful for quickly adjusting the volume. As for build quality, the Razer Huntsman Elite feels incredibly solid. There's no noticeable flex or creaking, even when pressing down hard on the keys. The keyboard feels like it can withstand years of use without any issues. The magnetic wrist rest is also well-made, with a soft leatherette finish and ample padding. It provides excellent support and comfort, making it a great addition to the overall package. The cable is braided and feels durable, ensuring that it won't fray or break easily.

Green Switch Performance and Typing Experience

Let's talk about the star of the show: the Razer Green Switches. These are tactile and clicky switches, meaning they provide both a tactile bump and an audible click when activated. If you're a fan of the classic Cherry MX Blue switches, you'll likely enjoy the Razer Green Switches. The actuation force is 50g, which is relatively light, making the keys feel responsive and easy to press. The tactile bump is noticeable, providing clear feedback that lets you know when a key has been registered. The clicky sound is also quite loud, which some people love and others may find annoying. If you're working in a quiet office or shared space, be aware that these switches can be quite distracting to others. For gaming, the Razer Green Switches perform admirably. The tactile feedback and audible click provide a satisfying and responsive experience. The keys feel precise and accurate, allowing you to execute commands quickly and reliably. Whether you're playing fast-paced FPS games or strategy games, these switches can help you stay on top of your game. As for the typing experience, the Razer Green Switches are a joy to type on, if you appreciate clicky switches. The tactile feedback makes it easy to avoid typos, and the audible click provides a satisfying sense of accomplishment with each keystroke. However, as mentioned earlier, the loud click can be distracting in certain environments. If you're looking for a quieter keyboard, you might want to consider a different switch type, such as linear or tactile switches without the click.

RGB Lighting and Customization

The RGB lighting on the Razer Huntsman Elite is truly impressive. Each key is individually backlit, and the underglow lighting adds an extra layer of visual flair. The lighting is vibrant and colorful, and the effects are smooth and fluid. Razer's Synapse software allows you to customize the lighting to your heart's content. You can choose from a variety of preset effects, such as wave, breathing, and reactive, or you can create your own custom profiles. The software is easy to use and navigate, making it simple to tweak the lighting to your preferences. One of the coolest features is the ability to synchronize the lighting with other Razer Chroma-compatible devices, such as mice, headsets, and even smart lights. This allows you to create a truly immersive gaming experience, with your entire setup pulsing and shifting in sync with the action on screen. In addition to the lighting, Razer Synapse also allows you to customize key assignments. You can remap keys, create macros, and assign secondary functions to specific keys. This can be particularly useful for gamers who want to streamline their controls or create complex command sequences. The software also allows you to save multiple profiles, so you can easily switch between different configurations depending on the game or application you're using.

Pros and Cons

To give you a clear and concise overview, let's break down the pros and cons of the Razer Huntsman Elite with Green Switches.

Pros:

• Excellent build quality: The aluminum top plate and doubleshot PBT keycaps ensure durability and longevity.
• Tactile and clicky switches: The Razer Green Switches provide a satisfying and responsive typing and gaming experience.
• Impressive RGB lighting: The individually backlit keys and underglow lighting are vibrant and customizable.
• Comfortable wrist rest: The included wrist rest provides excellent support and comfort for long gaming sessions.
• Dedicated media controls: The media controls and digital dial make it easy to adjust the volume and control music.
• Customizable software: Razer Synapse allows you to customize the lighting, key assignments, and macros.

Cons:

• Loud switches: The clicky sound of the Razer Green Switches can be distracting in quiet environments.
• Pricey: The Razer Huntsman Elite is a premium keyboard with a premium price tag.
• Two USB cables: Requiring two USB cables can be inconvenient for some users.
• Synapse software: Some users may find Razer Synapse to be bloated or resource-intensive.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Razer Huntsman Elite with Green Switches isn't quite what you're looking for, here are a few alternatives to consider:

• Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT: This keyboard features Cherry MX switches, a similar level of build quality, and comprehensive RGB lighting.
• Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED: This is a wireless mechanical keyboard with a low-profile design and excellent battery life.
• SteelSeries Apex Pro: This keyboard features adjustable actuation points, allowing you to customize the sensitivity of each key.
• Ducky One 2 Mini: This is a compact 60% keyboard that's perfect for gamers who want to save desk space.
• HyperX Alloy Origins: This keyboard offers a great balance of performance, features, and price.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the Razer Huntsman Elite with Green Switches? Overall, this is an excellent keyboard that offers a premium typing and gaming experience. The build quality is top-notch, the RGB lighting is stunning, and the Razer Green Switches provide a satisfying tactile and clicky feel. However, the loud switches may not be suitable for everyone, and the price tag is definitely on the higher end. If you're a fan of clicky switches and you're willing to invest in a high-quality keyboard, the Razer Huntsman Elite is definitely worth considering. But if you're looking for a quieter option or a more budget-friendly alternative, there are plenty of other great keyboards out there to choose from. Ultimately, the best keyboard for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs. I hope this review has helped you make an informed decision. Happy gaming (and typing)!