INTRODUCTION
Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition
Let’s start with the Huntsman Elite keyboard. The best thing about this device from Razer is its optomechanical switches, which perform incredibly well as far as volume typing and gaming is concerned. Media features can also be controlled via on-board shortcuts, RGB illumination profiles can be customized and all the peripheral’s keys can be reprogrammed. Sadly, though, the Tournament Edition lacks a numpad column and this can help reduce the device’s productivity levels. Furthermore, while the keys on it are pretty cool, there’s no real tangible advantage the user gets from using them and they really aren’t way better or way ahead than the traditional mechanical key switches you’ll find on most of the other previous Razer products.
Corsair K95 PLATINUM XT
The Corsair K95 board is thought of like a supercar to many enthusiasts in the gaming world and it contains nearly everything any serious PC gamer would need. The board’s most notable highlights are its fully customizable RGB illumination settings, macro key functions, on-board memory capacity designed to give you the chance to store your own preset profile settings straight onto the keyboard and Cherry MX Speed Switches. If you’re willing to go deep into your pockets to quench your hardcore gaming thirst, then look no further because the K95 Platinum XT is just what you need. Honestly speaking, you should really keep in mind that this device costs a pretty penny and if your gaming is more on the casual side then getting this machine might prove an overkill.
DESIGN
Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition
The Razer Huntsman peripheral is a compact, plain and sleek keyboard that has measurements of 14.0×5.5 inches, which means that it’s not the type to occupy a lot of space on a desk. It also does not feature any extra key functions, which means it won’t have to worry about being bogged down by such. It has a plastic chassis that’s black in color and the Razer logo is embossed right above the Navigation column. Okay, yes the Razer Huntsman doesn’t show that pomp and flair that’s seen in most of the other Razer products, but that does not mean it’s aesthetically unpleasing. Another good thing about this gaming keyboard by Razer is that it features a detachable USB cord. Like many other tenkeyless peripherals in the matket, the Huntsman’s USB cord can be detached so that owners can throw the device into their backpacks or laptop bags without having the fear that it’ll get damaged.
The Tournament Edition’s detachable cable is also not your run-of-the-mill micro-USB cable. It’s the more advanced USB-C connection. This connection might not actually make any functional difference really, however, the fact that Razer is looking to the future and is commited to embracing better, more efficient standards is a nice breath of fresh air. However, it’s a bit unfortunate that the cable lacks grooves for better management. The lack of such means harder setup optimization for you, especially if you’re far from the computer itself. Another big disadvantage the Huntsman TE peripheral has is that it lacks Razer’s sleek carrying case that’s designed to protect the device during transportation. For the price it goes for, maybe Razer should have considered its inclusion in the package.
Corsair K95 PLATINUM XT
The K95 XT and K70 by Corsair look pretty much the same when it comes to their overall design, which is certainly nowhere near a bad thing. Its aluminum-based chassis has a firm, sturdy feel and the small, compact design-style of the board makes it effective when used both on laps and on a desk. This is no small fete considering how much modern-day gamers are opting to play in the comfort of their bedrooms or lounges. The extra media keys addition on the peripheral’s top-left corner makes it easier for the user to forward and rewind tracks during gameplay or add/reduce volume, which is great for people that like having background music playing while they play.
The Corsair K95’s USB pass-through functionalities and its removable palm rest are two inclusions that are very welcome. Lacking USB pass-through functionality these days can be considered fatal and could be a reason folks wouldn’t want the board. This is because lacking it makes it so much harder for you to use headphones and a gaming mouse when you aren’t straight in-front of your computer’s screen. Additionally the palm rest features a rubberized reversible strip that allows users to volume type with relative ease. The peripheral also contains a unique 19-zone LightEdge feature accompanied sixe extra programmable macro key functions. Some serious RTS and MOBA PC gamers might still think that’s not enough, but for many those extra keys will do just fine. You’ll find them on the keyboard’s left-side, and they’ve been placed there for easy access.
KEYS
Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition
Like what was mentioned earlier in the article, the best that the Tournament Edition has going on for itself is its linear optomechanical key switches. While its Razer counterpart, the Elite, employs the use of loud and tactile mechanical key switches, the Huntsman TE uses a new type that work just like Cherry MX Red switches do. The keys need to be completely depressed if the commands sent are to be accepted. It is also quieter than its tactile counterpart. You won’t also hear those machine-gun sounds as well that are present in tactile key switches, but it produces some audible sounds on each keystroke. This can be disruptive in office environments and can prove a little distracting. Although, this won’t be too much of an issue if the board is to be used in conventions or eSports tournaments.
Corsair K95 PLATINUM XT
The Corsair gaming keyboard employs the use of the popular German-based Cherry MX key switches. Both the K95 XT and the K70 by Corsair employ the use of these mechanical switches. These switches are known to mainly concentrate on key responsiveness and most of them have actuation forces measuring around 45-50 grams. Their response movements come in at just around 1.2-1.8 millimeters. What this figures are basically saying is that these key switches are very sensitive. Yes, you can get cheaper mechanical switches, but they won’t be anywhere near as efficient or as comfortable as Cherry MX key switches. The Corsair K95 XT can either be gotten with tactile, quiet Cherry MX Blue switches, linear, quick Cherry MX Speeds or tactile, quiet Cherry MX Brown switches.
FEATURES
Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition
Razer’s proprietary software, the Synapse is what powers the Huntsman TE gaming keyboard. Okay, sometimes it’ll take an entire reinstall for it to run properly and other times it will work just fine the way it is. However, the stars must’ve been aligned with the Tournament Edition because it runs superbly on this particular device. It can be used for the creation of custom RGB illumination profile or you reprogram RGB backlighting profiles that already exist on the board. Furthermore, all the keyboard’s keys are reprogrammable as well making the Tournament Edition way more functional than most other mini gaming peripherals available on the market.
With that said, probably the most interesting feature on Razer’s Tournament Edition keyboard is the alternate key command functions that can be programmed by the user. While it does not contain any extra keys, the Huntsman TE allows for one to program an entire new series of key command functions that can be revealed `when pre-designated buttons are pressed for long. It can also prove incredibly helpful as far as macros programming is concerned, and this can be done relatively easily via the Fn keys found at the top. Even if you may be taking part in an eSports tournament that forbids macros or button shortcuts, it’s still a fantastic way to practice.
Corsair K95 PLATINUM XT
The Utility Engine (iCUE), Corsair’s proprietary software, is what the K95 Platinum XT gaming keyboard runs on. There’s nothing new with this software of theirs since they first released to the public and it still happens to be a bit difficult to use. With that said, it’s specifically designed to allow users to reconfigure all the keys on the device (which includes the 6 extra key functions), link presets with individual applications, programs and game titles, customize RGB backlighting settings as well as disable certain keys when the user is gaming. Yes, Corsair’s iCUE software offers several settings and customization options and it’s considerably quite powerful, but it’s still not as intuitive as one would expect it to be and it’s still complicated to use. Anyway, there are also 5 on-board presets contained on the keyboard that gives you the ability to store you own individual creations straight on to the PC.
The LightEdge on the K95 XT is a RGB illumination strip that’s a lining on the top of the peripheral. If you’re the type that likes RGB backlighting, then the LightEdge is definitely something that’ll interest you. It’s the true definition of a decadent inclusion. In fact, it’s something that not everyone will like, but, like we said earlier, if you like and don’t mind RGB profiles then you’ll love the Edge. Anyway, one major downside of the Corsair K95 Platinum XT keyboard is that it collects dust and smudges very easily. It’s basically a smudge, dirt, debris and dust magnet, and then can end up proving a real pain for people that are going to be o the move with it a lot.
PERFORMANCE
Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition
The Tournament Edition board by Razer runs titles like Age of Empires, Overwatch, Tomb Raider and Final Fantasy extremely well, and it does so without a hitch. We highlighted these specific titles because they are very popular FPS and RTS titles. Just like most of its other Razer gaming peripheral counterparts, the Huntsman TE runs most games beautifully, and you can be sure that all the commands you give it will be instantly and faithfully executed. Whether you’re swinging flails around or ordering workers to erect more building structures, you won’t have to ever worry about the transmission of your commands.
Though, one of the biggest downsides as far as Razer’s optomechanical switches are concerned is that while they’re very good at parsing commands quickly, it’s not really something that one can fully test in real-time. Razer states that since light is what they use to achieve this faster parsing capability, theoretically, their optomechanical key switches will be able to process keystrokes much faster than what you’d get from your traditional, run-of-the-mill mechanical keyboard.
Corsair K95 PLATINUM XT
The K95 XT Platinum keyboard by Corsair has extremely reactive responses, so much so that it can sometimes feel a little weird when you use the board for regular, day-to-day typing tasks. Additionally, it also happens to be a keyboard that’s more on the loud side, which makes it not the best for office setups or mixed living areas. Its key functions are suitably spaced-out as well as nicely aligned in order to help the user avoid making consistent typos. In turn, this means that users can also use this gaming peripheral as a productivity device as well. Although, as far as gaming is concerned, this keyboard is an out-and –out marvel. The sensitivity levels of the keys make the board very good for playing FPS games and titles that focus a lot on reaction speed.
Truth is, not everyone will like using the Corsair K95 keyboard. Most casual gamers might find it a little bit too reactive and may even start complaining that it makes them misfire during heated shootouts and battle exchanges. If you think that might sound like you, then maybe the Huntsman TE might just what’s more ideal for your situation.
VERDICT
If you want incredibly fast mechanical key switches in a small, compact package, then the Huntsman Tournament Edition peripheral by Razer is what you need in your life. However, if you happen to be a truly hardcore and serious PC gamer that intends of having everything a gaming keyboard has to offer then, hands down, the Corsair K95 XT is what you should put all your focus on.
