Razer Blackwidow vs Huntsman: Which Razer Keyboard Reigns?
Are you stuck in the keyboard jungle, battling the urge to upgrade your gaming setup? Choosing the right keyboard can be a game-changer, impacting everything from your APM to your overall gaming experience. Today, we’re diving deep into a clash of titans, pitting two popular Razer keyboards against each other.
We’re talking about the Razer BlackWidow vs Huntsman – a battle of mechanical marvels! Both keyboards boast Razer’s signature style and performance, but they cater to different preferences and budgets. This comparison will help you decipher which keyboard best suits your needs.
Get ready to explore the nuances of key switches, build quality, features, and overall value. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the mechanical keyboard world, this in-depth analysis of the Razer BlackWidow and the Razer Huntsman will equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | BlackWidow | Huntsman |
|---|---|---|
| Switch Type | Mechanical | Optical-Mechanical |
| Keycap Material | ABS Plastic | ABS Plastic |
| Backlighting | RGB | RGB |
| Polling Rate | 1000Hz | 1000Hz |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Wrist Rest | Included (some models) | Included (some models) |
| Key Rollover | N-Key Rollover | N-Key Rollover |
| Programmable Keys | Yes | Yes |
| Onboard Memory | Yes | Yes |
| Media Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Software | Razer Synapse | Razer Synapse |
| Form Factor | Full-size/Tenkeyless | Full-size/Tenkeyless |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Switch Type
- Razer Blackwidow: Typically uses Razer’s Green, Yellow, or Orange mechanical switches. These switches offer a tactile and clicky feel (Green), a linear and silent feel (Yellow), or a tactile and silent feel (Orange). Pros include durability and satisfying feedback; cons can be noise (Green) or a lack of variety compared to some competitors.
- Huntsman: Employs Razer’s proprietary Optical Switches, often with a clicky or linear feel. These switches use light to actuate, promising faster response times and durability. Pros include speed and longevity; cons may include a less familiar feel for those accustomed to traditional mechanical switches.
- Winner: Huntsman
Keycaps
- Razer Blackwidow: Often features ABS plastic keycaps, which are cost-effective but can wear down and develop a shine over time. They usually have laser-etched legends. Pros include affordability; cons are wear and tear over time.
- Huntsman: Generally comes with PBT keycaps. PBT offers superior durability and resistance to shine compared to ABS. Legends are often double-shot for longevity. Pros are durability and premium feel; cons may be slightly higher cost.
- Winner: Huntsman
Build Quality
- Razer Blackwidow: Build quality can vary depending on the specific Blackwidow model. Entry-level models may feature a plastic chassis, while higher-end versions can use aluminum. Pros: Variety in build materials; cons: Some models may feel less premium.
- Huntsman: Typically features a more robust build, often with an aluminum top plate and a solid chassis. This provides a premium feel and increased durability. Pros are a more premium feel and durability; cons might be a slightly higher price.
- Winner: Huntsman
Lighting
- Razer Blackwidow: Offers Razer Chroma RGB lighting, allowing for extensive customization with various effects and profiles. The lighting is generally bright and vibrant. Pros are extensive customization; cons may have some light bleed.
- Huntsman: Also features Razer Chroma RGB lighting, offering similar customization options to the Blackwidow. Often uses brighter LEDs for even more vibrant effects. Pros are extensive customization and bright LEDs; cons may be similar to Blackwidow.
- Winner: Tie
Polling Rate
- Razer Blackwidow: Typically offers a standard 1000Hz polling rate, which translates to a 1ms response time. This is standard for most gaming keyboards. Pros are responsive performance; cons are standard performance.
- Huntsman: Also offers a 1000Hz polling rate, providing the same 1ms response time. The optical switches may contribute to a perceived faster response. Pros are responsive performance; cons are standard performance.
- Winner: Tie
Connectivity
- Razer Blackwidow: Primarily wired via USB. Some models may offer wireless options. Pros are wired offers reliable connection; cons is wired models are not portable.
- Huntsman: Primarily wired via USB. Some models may offer wireless options. Pros are wired offers reliable connection; cons is wired models are not portable.
- Winner: Tie
Software
- Razer Blackwidow: Utilizes Razer Synapse software for customization, including lighting, macros, and key remapping. The software is generally feature-rich but can be resource-intensive. Pros are extensive customization; cons can be resource-intensive.
- Huntsman: Also uses Razer Synapse for customization, offering the same features as the Blackwidow. The experience is largely identical. Pros are extensive customization; cons can be resource-intensive.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Razer Blackwidow: Typically ranges in price from mid-range to high-end, depending on the specific model and features. Offers a range of options for different budgets. Pros: More budget friendly; cons: Can be more expensive.
- Huntsman: Generally positioned at the higher end of the price spectrum due to its premium features and optical switches. Offers high-end performance and build quality. Pros: High-end performance; cons: More expensive.
- Winner: Blackwidow
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Switch Technology | Huntsman |
| Typing Experience (Tactile/Clicky) | BlackWidow |
| Responsiveness | Huntsman |
| Customization | Tie |
| Value | BlackWidow |
What They Have in Common
- Razer Ecosystem: Both keyboards are designed to work seamlessly with Razer’s Synapse software, allowing for extensive customization and profile management.
- Rgb Lighting: Both keyboards feature customizable RGB backlighting, enabling users to create vibrant and personalized lighting effects.
- Macro Recording: Both keyboards support on-the-fly macro recording, allowing users to quickly create and assign complex commands to specific keys.
- Razer Synapse Software: Both keyboards are compatible with Razer Synapse software, providing extensive customization options, including key remapping, profile management, and lighting control.
- Build Quality: Both keyboards offer a solid build quality, ensuring durability and longevity during regular use.
Razer BlackWidow vs Huntsman Buying Guide
Build Quality and Materials
Both the Razer BlackWidow and Huntsman series prioritize durability, but they differ in their construction. The BlackWidow typically features a solid plastic frame, providing a sturdy base for typing and gaming. High-end BlackWidow models might incorporate aluminum top plates for added rigidity. The Huntsman often boasts a sleek aluminum top plate, contributing to its premium feel and enhanced structural integrity. Consider your usage habits and aesthetic preferences when choosing between the two; both are built to last, but the Huntsman often feels more premium due to its materials.
Switch Types and Performance
The core difference lies in the switches. The BlackWidow uses Razer’s mechanical switches, such as Green (clicky), Yellow (linear), and Orange (tactile). These switches offer a familiar and reliable mechanical feel with varying levels of feedback. The Huntsman, on the other hand, utilizes Razer’s proprietary optical switches, which use light to register keystrokes. This technology results in faster actuation and reduced debounce delay, making it favored by competitive gamers. Consider your preferred typing feel and the importance of speed when deciding.
Keycap Quality and Customization
Keycap quality impacts both feel and aesthetics. Both keyboards generally ship with ABS keycaps, which are prone to shine over time. Higher-end BlackWidow and Huntsman models, however, are now offered with PBT keycaps. PBT keycaps are more durable and resistant to shine. Both series support keycap customization, allowing you to personalize the look of your keyboard. Consider the material and the availability of replacement keycaps when making your choice, as this impacts both the feel and the longevity of the keyboard.
Features and Software
Razer keyboards are synonymous with feature-rich experiences. Both BlackWidow and Huntsman integrate Razer’s Synapse software, offering deep customization options. You can create macros, remap keys, and customize the RGB lighting (Chroma). Both keyboards offer on-board memory to save your profiles. Consider the specific features you prioritize, such as dedicated media keys, USB passthrough, or wrist rests, as these features vary depending on the specific model within each series. Synapse software is generally user-friendly.
Pricing and Value
The price of BlackWidow and Huntsman keyboards can vary significantly based on the model and included features. Generally, the BlackWidow tends to be a slightly more budget-friendly option, offering excellent value for its performance. The Huntsman, with its optical switches and premium build, typically commands a higher price. Evaluate your budget and the features you need. Consider whether the benefits of the Huntsman, such as faster actuation, justify the higher cost, or if the BlackWidow offers a better price-to-performance ratio for your needs.
Aesthetics and Design
Both series share a similar aesthetic DNA, with sleek designs and prominent RGB lighting. The BlackWidow often has a more traditional mechanical keyboard appearance, while the Huntsman tends to be more streamlined. Both offer various layouts, including full-size, TKL (tenkeyless), and even compact options. Consider the overall look that appeals to you and the layout that best suits your desk setup and gaming preferences. The overall design language is modern and gaming-oriented, with customizable lighting being a key feature.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy razer blackwidow If…
- You prefer the feel of traditional mechanical switches.
- You want a more affordable entry point into Razer’s high-performance keyboards.
- You prioritize a wide variety of switch options.
- You enjoy a tactile or clicky typing experience.
Buy huntsman If…
- You want the fastest possible key actuation for competitive gaming.
- You prefer the smooth, linear feel of optical-mechanical switches.
- You are willing to pay a premium for cutting-edge technology.
- You value the responsiveness and durability of optical switches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the BlackWidow and Huntsman?
The primary difference lies in the switch technology. The BlackWidow utilizes traditional mechanical switches, offering varying levels of tactile or linear feedback, while the Huntsman uses optical switches. Optical switches use light to register keystrokes, resulting in faster actuation speeds and potentially improved responsiveness, making it advantageous in competitive gaming scenarios. Choosing between the two will depend on your preferences.
Are Razer’s optical switches better than mechanical switches?
“Better” depends on your priorities. Optical switches in the Huntsman offer faster actuation and reduced debounce delay, which are excellent for competitive gaming, leading to faster response times. Mechanical switches in the BlackWidow provide a familiar typing feel and a wider range of switch options. Both offer advantages. Consider what matters most to your use case: speed or typing feel.
Which keyboard is better for typing?
The BlackWidow often provides a better typing experience for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of mechanical switches. The Huntsman’s optical switches can still provide a comfortable typing experience, but the preference will depend on the individual. Some users enjoy the smoothness of linear switches, while others prefer the feedback from tactile or clicky switches, all of which are available in the BlackWidow series.
How customizable are these keyboards?
Both the BlackWidow and Huntsman are highly customizable thanks to Razer’s Synapse software. You can remap keys, create macros, and customize the RGB lighting effects (Chroma). Both also have onboard memory to save your custom profiles. This allows for a personalized experience tailored to your specific gaming or productivity needs. Customization is a key feature in both the BlackWidow and Huntsman lines.
Do these keyboards come with wrist rests?
Some BlackWidow and Huntsman models include wrist rests, while others do not. The inclusion of a wrist rest often depends on the specific model and its price point. Check the product specifications carefully before purchasing to ensure it includes a wrist rest if that’s a feature you desire. Razer frequently offers detachable wrist rests, providing enhanced comfort during extended use.
What keycap materials are used?
Both keyboards generally ship with ABS keycaps, which can develop shine over time. However, higher-end BlackWidow and Huntsman models are now offered with PBT keycaps, which are more durable and resistant to shine. These PBT keycaps generally offer a more premium feel. Check the specific model specifications to confirm the keycap material before purchase, as it greatly impacts the typing experience.
Which keyboard is better for gaming?
The Huntsman, with its optical switches and faster actuation, often provides a slight edge in competitive gaming. However, the BlackWidow is still an excellent choice for gaming, especially if you prefer the feel of mechanical switches. The best choice depends on your personal preferences and the type of games you play. Both provide excellent gaming performance, but the Huntsman may offer a marginal advantage in speed.
Final Verdict
The Razer BlackWidow and Huntsman are both excellent gaming keyboards, each with its strengths. The BlackWidow offers a great balance of features, performance, and value, catering to a wide range of users. The Huntsman, with its optical switches, provides a slight edge in speed and responsiveness, making it ideal for competitive gamers seeking peak performance. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences and priorities.
Winner: Huntsman