What To Know
- The Huntsman Elite and BlackWidow Elite both feature dedicated media controls, including playback buttons, a volume wheel, and a function key.
- The Huntsman Elite takes the edge with its lightning-fast Opto-Mechanical switches and textured keycaps, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who demand the best.
- The BlackWidow Elite, on the other hand, offers a more traditional mechanical keyboard experience with a choice of switch types and a slightly more affordable price point.
When it comes to high-end mechanical keyboards, Razer is a name that immediately comes to mind. Two of their most popular models are the Huntsman Elite and the BlackWidow Elite. Both keyboards offer an impressive range of features, but which one is right for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Razer Huntsman Elite vs. BlackWidow Elite against each other and examine their key differences to help you make an informed decision.
Build Quality and Design
Both the Huntsman Elite and BlackWidow Elite boast a sturdy construction with aluminum top plates. However, the Huntsman Elite features a slightly more premium feel thanks to its CNC-machined aluminum alloy frame. The BlackWidow Elite, on the other hand, has a more subtle and understated design with a brushed aluminum finish.
Switches
The most significant difference between the Huntsman Elite and BlackWidow Elite lies in their switch technology. The Huntsman Elite employs Razer’s proprietary Opto-Mechanical switches, which use light beams to register key presses instead of traditional metal contacts. This results in lightning-fast actuation speeds of 0.1 ms and a more consistent and precise typing experience. The BlackWidow Elite, on the other hand, offers a choice of Razer’s Green, Orange, or Yellow mechanical switches. These switches provide tactile or linear feedback, depending on your preference.
Keycaps
The Huntsman Elite and BlackWidow Elite both feature double-shot PBT keycaps, which are highly durable and resistant to wear and tear. However, the Huntsman Elite has an edge with its textured keycaps that provide enhanced grip and tactile feedback. The BlackWidow Elite’s keycaps are slightly smoother and have a more traditional feel.
Lighting
Both keyboards offer vibrant RGB lighting with full customization options. The Huntsman Elite features per-key RGB lighting, allowing you to create complex lighting effects and patterns. The BlackWidow Elite also has per-key RGB lighting, but it is limited to a single lighting zone per row.
Wrist Rest
Both the Huntsman Elite and BlackWidow Elite come with detachable magnetic wrist rests for added comfort during extended gaming sessions. The Huntsman Elite’s wrist rest is slightly longer and features a soft-touch finish, providing excellent support and comfort. The BlackWidow Elite’s wrist rest is shorter and has a more traditional leatherette surface.
Media Controls
The Huntsman Elite and BlackWidow Elite both feature dedicated media controls, including playback buttons, a volume wheel, and a function key. The Huntsman Elite’s media controls are located on the left side of the keyboard, while the BlackWidow Elite’s controls are positioned on the top right.
Additional Features
- Macros: Both keyboards support macro programming, allowing you to assign complex commands to individual keys.
- Synapse 3 Software: The Huntsman Elite and BlackWidow Elite are both compatible with Razer’s Synapse 3 software, which provides comprehensive customization options and cloud storage for your settings.
- Dedicated Gaming Mode: Both keyboards have a dedicated gaming mode that disables the Windows key to prevent accidental interruptions during gameplay.
Final Note: The Final Verdict
The Razer Huntsman Elite and BlackWidow Elite are both exceptional mechanical keyboards that offer a wide range of features and customization options. The Huntsman Elite takes the edge with its lightning-fast Opto-Mechanical switches and textured keycaps, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who demand the best. The BlackWidow Elite, on the other hand, offers a more traditional mechanical keyboard experience with a choice of switch types and a slightly more affordable price point. Ultimately, the best choice between these two keyboards depends on your individual preferences and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which keyboard is better for gaming: the Huntsman Elite or the BlackWidow Elite?
The Huntsman Elite is better for gaming due to its faster actuation speeds and more precise keystrokes.
2. Which keyboard is more comfortable for typing?
The Huntsman Elite is slightly more comfortable for typing thanks to its textured keycaps and longer wrist rest.
3. Which keyboard has better lighting?
Both keyboards offer per-key RGB lighting, but the Huntsman Elite has an edge with its ability to create more complex lighting effects and patterns.
4. Which keyboard is more durable?
Both keyboards feature durable construction and double-shot PBT keycaps. However, the Huntsman Elite has a slightly more premium build quality with its CNC-machined aluminum alloy frame.
5. Which keyboard is better for customization?
Both keyboards offer extensive customization options through Razer’s Synapse 3 software. However, the Huntsman Elite has slightly more advanced customization features, such as per-key lighting and macro programming.
