BlackWidow is feature rich with mechanical switches (clicky green, silent yellow, tactile orange). Huntsman is pro-gamers oriented with optical switches (clicky purple, linear red). DeathStalker is also feature rich, but using low profile optical switches. Answer from tigrux on reddit.com
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/razer › huntsman vs blackwidow
r/razer on Reddit: Huntsman vs Blackwidow
November 30, 2017 -

So i want a new keyboard, i have the razer blackwidow ultimate 2014 if im not mistaken. I adore this keyboard. My friend recently bought the razer huntsman, and now i want one too. Question is can someone here tell me the pros and cons with the blackwidow VS the huntsman? and i mean the normal huntsman not the elite one. And the major differences between the two

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I actually own a Huntsman Elite (I know you're interested in the Huntsman) and a 2014 BWU, so I might be a good person to explain some differences.

Huntsman (non-Elite) Pros:

Very light switches

Very fast switches

Far superior lighting, even without the Elite's underglow

More premium feeling (metal top plate)

Much easier to clean (switches above the board)

Synapse 3 compatible (might also be a con, depending on the mouse you're pairing it with)

BWU 2014 Pros:

Green and blue switches might be preferred by some who want more travel and greater force requirements (totally subjective)

USB and audio pass through

Macro keys

Synapse 2 compatible (might also be a con depending on the mouse you're pairing it with)

With the exception of lighting, which makes a vast difference, they're actually pretty similar. I'd say the Huntsman Elite is a very clear step up functionally in addition to aesthetically, adding in the media keys and wrist rest (plus underglow if that's your thing). The BWU is also an enormous pain to clean. It takes me about 30 minutes to totally disassemble, clean with canned air and q-tips, and then reassemble. With a Blackwidow X, or Huntsman, you can basically just use the canned air and it takes 45 seconds.

So my advice is that if you're ready for a new keyboard, sure, consider the Huntsman (as well as the BW Elite, which costs about the same as a non-Elite Huntsman), but otherwise, you're not going to receive a big improvement, with the exception of RGB anyway.

On the cheap, you might also consider the Ornata. Its keys feel a lot like Greens or Blues (I'd actually say they feel greener than green), it comes with a nice wrist rest and great RGB, for about half the price of a Huntsman. It is, obviously, inferior in terms of quality, however.

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I have the Huntsman Elite now, and though I have not owned any other Razer keyboards, the BW U has a similar feel to any other keyboard with Razer greens or Cherry blues, and I have 5 or 6 of those.

TBH the biggest benefit of a Huntsman is the switches - I decided to try this on reviews that people who like blues will love the lower activation force required on these laser switches, and I agree 100%.

The only drawback IMO (as @Solidstatepassive mentioned) is the lack of any USB or audio passthrough but I use a headphone amp for headphones now, and for solo gaming have surround sound encoded to DTS Connect going over optical cable to my AVR so neither of those are deal killers.

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/razer › blackwidow v4 pro vs huntsman v3 pro? which to choose?
r/razer on Reddit: Blackwidow v4 pro vs Huntsman v3 pro? Which to choose?
March 22, 2025 -

Im on the market for a new keyboard as right now im using hyperX Alloy FPS. Its quite old and im in need of a new one.

Im mostly using it for productivity and gaming. So i stumbled across BlackWidow V4 Pro, but as i started researching, i found that it has messed up switches most of the time so i aint sure about it. It has macro keys and media control and the knob, which are the main selling points for me.

Huntsman V3 pro seems to be better in terms of switches but they lack the macro keys, which makes it kind of a bad option? What should i go for ?

I already have a razer Viper V3 pro which had a lot of hate cause of the sensor but so far ive had 0 problems with it, so maybe it will be the case for BlackWidow aswell?

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/razer › blackwidow x huntsman
r/razer on Reddit: Blackwidow x Huntsman
July 1, 2024 -

Hello, guys, I have a blackwidow ultimate edition from 2017-18ish and am finally getting a new keyboard. I have been reading some stuff about it, and there are some points to be taken into account: 1- All my life I‘ve only used full size keyboards (no macro keys), so anything different from this would be uncomfortable (I‘d be open to try tenkeyless tho); 2- I‘m used to yellow switch; 3- The keyboard could be either wireless or not. I‘d like to hear opinions about which one would be more suitable for me, considering I play competitive games in high MMR. Appreciate the attention.

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Hi! I guess it depends on the budget. If you have more than 150 to spend, a BlackWidow v4 or Huntsman v3 would come to mind. The Blackwidow mechanical keyboard line offers high profile keys with yellow (linear) orange, or green (clicky) switches. As far as I know the Huntsman optical/analog switches only come in one style. The Blackwidow v4 pro offers up to 8k polling rate, but the advantage is probably neglible. It is said to be a great feeling keyboard though, based on youtube reviews. The Huntsman v3 pro offers 1k polling rate but offers analog optical switches, which measure how far the key is pressed (so when you for example release the w key, the signal is stopped instantly and you will stop moving in game). You can also set your own actuation point (how far you need to press the key to activate it). This can be an advantage in competitive games when having high mmr. Both keyboard come in different sizes. If you are interested in a non-razer tkl keyboard with hall effect keys, you might want to look at the wooting 80he (preorder for now). It has 8k polling, analog switches which allow for set actuation points and release signals. I got myself a Blackwidow v3 mini hyperspeed a while ago and are happy with it for the time being. It is wireless and has great responsiveness. Having no cable and a small size helps placing it diagonally on my desk (and looks clean). It might be on the pricey side when compared to other keyboards. Wireless keyboards are often limited by having to be mechanical (battery wise) and more pricey. Razer also has a Deathstalker v2 pro wireless optical keyboard with low-profile keys, which offers more keys than the blackwidow v3 mini and supposedly faster latency (keep in mind latency differences between keyboards are very very minor and barely noticable). I don't know about the switches, but the optical switches I've tested in stores always feel a bit too light for me and low profile keys make me press keys by accident. I like the big, loud rattly mechanical keys hehe. No keyboard is probably going to be perfect and people will always have things to complain about. It is more about how much you care about the different aspects. For me the v3 mini hyperspeed is great; it doesn't have to be perfect. I like the high profile keys and like the switches (using yellow linear). It rattles a bit yeah but that doesn't make it a worse keyboard for me. Things can always be better but that is more a mindset thing for me. Stats and specs alone are not the only important things. It can help to look up some youtube vids. Keep in mind many people on this sub complain (not saying it is never justified) and people tend only to make a post when they have a negative experience. I'm sure there are many people like me who just enjoy the product. Good luck finding your keyboard.
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blackwidow v3 mini hyperspeed with yellow switches for speed. the newer blackwidow v4 has issues with the switches not working and the yellow switches feel better than the red switches on the non-analog huntsman. the decreased actuation point on the huntsman analog is unnecessary from a competitive standpoint most likely, as is the 8k response rate on the blackwidow v4
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/razer › huntsman vs blackwidow advice needed
r/razer on Reddit: Huntsman vs Blackwidow advice needed
April 17, 2023 -

Hey guys, relatively new to PC’s and keyboards here. Recently picked up my first gaming pc and needing a new keyboard, currently borrowing one. I’m tossing up between the huntsman and blackwidow v3/4 Pro. Have been leaning more towards the blackwidow but have read a lot of people having almost unresolvable issues regarding the key switches double clicking/spamming. I have also seen a few posts with issues with the huntsman keys not responding after a while also. What would my best option be for a (hopefully) headache free keyboard? I’m definitely looking at a full size keyboard as I use the numberpad frequently if that makes any difference.

Also what is the general consensus of buying a used board? Few people in my area selling near new ones that supposedly work but now I am skeptical given what I have read. Should I stay away?

Any help is much appreciated, Thankyou in advance:)

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Hirosart
hirosarts.com › home › razer huntsman vs blackwidow [2025 comparison]
Razer Huntsman Vs Blackwidow [2025 Comparison]
February 19, 2025 - Moreover, according to user's feedback ... forum, the Huntsman boasts incredibly light and fast switches, offering a significant upgrade in responsiveness compared to the Blackwidow Ultimate traditional mechanical switches...
Price   $9 - $250
Call   +84366004095
Address   30 Tran Huu Duc, Nam Tu Liem District, 10000
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RTINGS
rtings.com › home › keyboard
Razer BlackWidow vs Huntsman: Which Keyboard Is Better? - RTINGS.com
January 20, 2020 - The Razer Huntsman is better than the Razer BlackWidow. The Huntsman has Razer Optical switches which offer a quick and responsive gaming experience and a better typing quality, and it's also better-built.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/razer › blackwidow v4 75 vs huntsmen v3 pro tkl
r/razer on Reddit: Blackwidow v4 75 vs Huntsmen v3 pro tkl
January 23, 2024 -

Hello all.

So I am in a dilemma.. I am looking at two keyboards: huntsman v3 pro tkl and the black widow v4 75%.

I have come to an issue with the BW 75% and that’s how many posts I’ve seen about double key pressing issues. I really like the 75%, but people saying double press issue is occurring not even a month of purchasing.. scares me.

Any thoughts on this would be helpful in narrowing down my decision.

Thank you!

Find elsewhere
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/razer › blackwidow v4 pro or huntsman v3 pro
r/razer on Reddit: Blackwidow v4 pro or Huntsman V3 Pro
October 10, 2023 -

Hi all,

My Logitech keyboard is half dead and as I already own few Razer pc devices I was thinking of a razer keyboard.

I have seen great reviews for both the new Blackwidow and Huntsman but I can't decide which one to pick 😅

I mainly use it for gaming and more rarely some productivity stuff.

Also, can someone confirm they are both wireless? I have a razer naga pro and the wireless is just amazing, so would love if the same/updated tech is on these keyboards too.

Thanks in advance for any help

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/razer › black widow v4 pro or huntsman v2?
r/razer on Reddit: Black widow v4 pro or huntsman v2?
May 25, 2023 -

Looking to change my keyboard up. Looking at going for the Huntsman v2 with the gen2 lineare of the black widow v4 Pro with yellow linearste. Anyone try both? Which one do you think is overall better?

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So I ended up getting the Deathstalker v2 pro, the Blackwidow v4 pro, and Huntsman v2. Tested all of them a bit and here what matters to me the most. Deathstalker: good low profile keyboard. Pretty quite but not more quite than the Huntsman v2 with the gen 2 linear keys. Latency wise I can’t tell be tween any of them. Typing is fine for me, it’s the second best. Wireless feature is great but I just don’t use it so $250 for it just seems to much to me since I just leave it plugged in anyway. Have had a couple software issues like the volume wheel not always working but I think I resolved that. I use a wrist rest with it and it’s still comfy. Blackwidow: Got the yellow Switches, they are nice quite compared to my old Logitech keyboard but way louder than the Deathstalker and even more so than the huntsman. This is the deal breaker for me since my kids like to nap in my office with me while I work/game. I don’t care for the macro keys. Keys are way too light and, while I like the wrist rest I don’t think it’s that great, Beter build than the huntsman but more comfy, It doesn’t feel better to me. Cheaper than the Deathstalker but still pricy. Love the detachable cables but realistically it won’t matter much to me. I like the pass through but not a requirement. Huntsman: the quietest keyboard to me. Could be my hearing of certain pitches isn’t great so it seems quieter to to me but typing on it is so quite. Key presses feel great to me. Keyboard is fast and accurate. The gen 2 linear with all the dampening, lube, and what not are amazing. Feels heavy enough to me to not mistype while having pretty good key caps. Wrist rest is good, not the best build quality but really comfortable to me. no pass through. No Macro buttons but I don’t use them anyway. Current price on Amazon is at $159 so way cheaper than the other two and I think it’s the better board and better value by far. If they made a Huntsman v3 with the Blackwidow v4 Features (keep the gen 2 optical) then take my money. I could probably get a custom that’s “better” of the new wooting HE60 full-size but Best Buy doesn’t sell those. Best Buy warranty coverage is god tier and I have little kids that like to like to mimic daddy so no hassle easy return/coverage is mandatory to me. (Last statement for anyone telling me to go custom)
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/razer › huntsman v3 or blackwidow v4?
r/razer on Reddit: Huntsman V3 or Blackwidow V4?
August 23, 2024 -

I currently have the original Huntsman. Nothing wrong with it, just want an upgrade (if it's worth it).

I'm just curious on the difference in quality between the two. My Huntsman is good quality and I'd like to not lose that.

Lmk anything about them or blatantly which one is better if you believe it's obvious. Thank you!

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/razer › razer blackwidow v3 vs razer huntsman elite
r/razer on Reddit: Razer BlackWidow V3 vs Razer Huntsman Elite
January 14, 2023 -

I am looking for a brand new gaming keyboard and I am planning on getting the Razer Naga Trinity mouse and already have Razer BlackShark V2 headset so I can have all three Razer products. I see that these keyboards are kinda similar but I need more help. I am planning to use the keyboard for lots of gaming and typing a lot for school and just other things. I am leaning towards Huntsman since the media controls but I want to see what you people think.

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/razer › huntsman mini vs blackwidow v3 mini
r/razer on Reddit: Huntsman Mini vs BlackWidow V3 Mini
May 19, 2023 -

I've been debating both of these keyboards. I've managed to catch the Blackwidow with yellow switches on sale for the same price as the Huntsman Mini with the red optical switches. So...

The different switches, wireless function and 65% vs 60% size are the only real difference I can see. The price drop of the Blackwidow v3 makes it seem like a great deal.

Fyi. I currently use the Tartarus pro which I exchanged after originally buying and then returning the Tartarus v2 because I didn't like the switches. I like the pro a lot better. I just don't want to do the whole exchange thing again if possible.

Which would you choose and why? Thanks On advance

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/razer › razer huntsman v3 pro or razer blackwidow v4 pro?
r/razer on Reddit: Razer Huntsman V3 Pro or Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro?
July 16, 2024 -

Looking to get a new keyboard and I currently have the original blackwidow croma. My buddy is buying the Huntsman because he says its better for gaming. Can someone tell me the pros and cons between the blackwidow and the huntsman?

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Reddit
reddit.com › r/razer › huntsman v2 or blackwidow v3? - both are tkl
r/razer on Reddit: Huntsman V2 or Blackwidow V3? - both are TKL
November 2, 2024 -

Hello there, if anybody’s reading. So after 5 years of having my Ornata Chroma and my wrist rest having been peeled off almost entirely (also broke it a tiny bit by hitting it accidentally), I’ve been meaning to move on. So my best picks so far are the Huntsman V2 TKL at 83 and the Blackwidow V3 TKL at 73. I know all about the purple switches having a better actuation point (which is what matters to me the most from its unique specs), but I don’t know if it would be the right choice, which is why I’m here. I play mostly LoL, osu, and other singleplayer titles that don’t matter atm. I also write a lot, if you need that as a reference. Help me make the right choice, I’m all ears. Thank you for reading even if you’re not able to reply!