# Laser-Activated Gaming Keyboards The Razer Huntsman Elite Uses Opto-Mechanical Keys By Joey Haar | Published 2018-06-29 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/razer-huntsman-elite References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2018/06/28/razer-huntsman-elite-hands-on/) & [razer](https://www.razer.com/gaming-keyboards-keypads/razer-huntsman-elite) Thanks in large part to the continued ascendance of the [gaming industry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rog-strix-scope-ii) as a whole, keyboards have become a serious point of consideration for people who care about their technology, and the Razer Huntsman Elite represents a unique design in an increasingly crowded segment of the [peripheral market](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kbd-h75). The newly released keyboard uses lasers to actuate, combining the tactility of [mechanical keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/q-ultra-series) with the speed and accuracy of digital sensors. The Razer Huntsman Elite is the first ever keyboard to use what Razer calls "opto-mechanical" keys. The keys are primarily mechanical, using plastic for a light and clicky feel, but the actuators (i.e. the parts that register the pressing of a key on the computer itself) use laser sensors to log every single key press. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 43% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Opto-mechanical Keyboards:** The rise of opto-mechanical keyboards presents an opportunity for keyboard manufacturers to provide a unique combination of mechanical tactility and digital accuracy. - **Enhanced Gaming Peripherals:** The increasing demand for gaming keyboards with advanced features like laser activation creates a market for companies to innovate and develop new gaming peripherals. - **Fusion of Mechanical and Digital Technologies:** The integration of laser sensors with mechanical keyboards showcases the potential for disruptive innovation in the convergence of traditional and digital input methods. ### Who This Affects Most - **Gaming Peripherals:** The gaming peripherals industry can capitalize on the trend of laser-activated keyboards by producing innovative and high-performance devices for avid gamers. - **Computer Hardware:** Incorporating laser sensors into keyboards opens up opportunities for computer hardware manufacturers to create technologically advanced and responsive input devices. - **Consumer Electronics:** The fusion of mechanical and digital technologies in keyboards presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for consumer electronics companies to enhance user experiences with their products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Low-Profile Optical Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deathstalker-v2-pro.md) - [Compact Analog Gaming Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/huntsman-mini-analog.md) - [Mini Hyper-Responsive Gamer Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/razer-huntsman-v3-pro-mini.md) - [Low-Profile RGB Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ornata-v3.md) - [Hyper-Fast Gamer Keyboard Modes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/razer-rapid-trigger-mode.md) - [Rapid-Trigger Gaming Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asus-rog-falchion-ace-hfx.md) - [Full-Size Optical Gaming Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roccat-vulcan-ii-max.md) - [Hall Effect Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooting-80he.md) - [High-End Home Office Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pro-type-ultra-wireless-keyboard.md)