Razer Huntsman uses optical mechanical switches

Razer introduces the Huntsman, the company's first line of opto-mechanical keyboards. We've seen several of these, including the Tesoro Gram SE, Zowie Celeritas 2, and the Aorus K9 Optical. The idea here is that each switch uses an infrared light beam to detect when a key is pressed, Razer pitches this as faster and more durable than traditional mechanical switches.

Two versions are offered; first up there's the $149.99 Huntsman with RGB LED switches and next we have the $199.99 Huntsman Elite. The latter is a more advanced edition with RGB LED underglow, a leather-like wrist rest, and dedicated media controls.

RazerTM, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced the new Razer Huntsman premium gaming keyboard line. The duo includes a full-feature Razer Huntsman Elite keyboard with dedicated media keys, wrist rest and underglow lighting, and a performance-focused Razer Huntsman keyboard. Both units are equipped with Razer’s latest Opto-Mechanical Switches with key actuation at the speed of light.

RAZER OPTO-MECHANICAL SWITCH
Razer’s new Opto-Mechanical Switch showcases the gaming brand’s continued innovation in gaming switches. Using optical technology, an infrared light beam inside each switch precisely detects actuation when a key is pressed. A 1.5 mm actuation point allows the Razer Opto-Mechanical Switch to actuate 30 percent faster than traditional clicky mechanical switches.

The Razer Opto-Mechanical Switch offers faster performance without compromising tactility. It has the same actuate and reset points for rapid fire keypresses as found in a linear switch, and provides a similar tactile feel found in the best-selling Razer Green switches with a lighter actuation force of 45 g. The lifespan of a Razer Opto-Mechanical Switch is rated up to 100 million keystrokes, doubling that of traditional mechanical switches. With the use of optical actuation technology and a metal key stabilizer bar fitted around each switch, there are fewer moving parts and no physical contact during actuation. This reduces switch degradation, making the Razer Huntsman a more consistent and durable keyboard that gamers may rely on for years.

“We have amassed years of experience developing and manufacturing our very own Razer™ Mechanical Switches designed specifically for gamers,” says Razer CEO and Co-Founder Min-Liang Tan. “This focused expertise has now expanded upon our brand’s legacy with the new Razer Opto-Mechanical Switch that delivers an all-new level of performance that is optimized for top-tier esports competition.”

HUNTSMAN ELITE KEYBOARD FEATURES
The Razer Huntsman Elite delivers full functionality with dedicated media controls for quick and easy access. Each of the three tactile media keys and multifunction digital dial is programmable through Razer Synapse 3, offering practically unlimited number of key binds, macros and lighting effects which can be custom-programed by users.

Introduced previously in the Razer Ornata Chroma and BlackWidow Chroma V2, the Huntsman Elite offers the same magnetically detachable, leatherette wrist rest for exceptional ergonomic comfort during long marathon gaming sessions.

The Razer Huntsman Elite is also the first Razer keyboard with Hybrid On-board and Cloud Storage to save and access personalized profile settings online via the cloud or offline via available onboard storage.

ALL AROUND CHROMA INTEGRATION
The Razer Huntsman Elite features an array of possible Razer Chroma lighting effects for a completely immersive gaming experience.

Razer Chroma lighting is found in each key of the Razer Huntsman, emanating an underglow around all sides of the keyboard and around the wrist rest.

Gamers can choose from 16.8 million colors and a variety of lighting effects. Customized settings can be created using the Razer Synapse 3 software platform and shared with millions of other Razer software users via the Razer Chroma™ Workshop. In-game Razer Chroma lighting profiles are also integrated into popular game titles, including “Fortnite,” “Overwatch,” “Warframe” and more. These profiles can display tutorials, dynamic effects that react to gameplay and more.

The Razer Chroma experience can extend to other devices for even more immersive visual feedback. Razer Huntsman Elite owners may pair it with other Razer Chroma-enabled products and synchronize with smart lighting in the home via Philips Hue® integration with Razer Chroma.

HUNTSMAN KEYBOARD
The Razer Huntsman is available starting today. Designed with Opto-Mechanical Switches and full Razer Chroma backlit keys, the keyboard provides the fastest actuation, high-performance gaming experience within Razer’s keyboard line.