Hall effect switches that are game changing, literally.
Top-end gaming options like rapid trigger and snap tap.
One of the best typing experiences for a gaming keyboard.
How much does this bad boy cost? A lot.
Will pack a punch to your wallet.
Doesn’t quite hit the range of actuation some other keyboards possess.
Some RGB colors are not quite right.
I love a good keyboard.
A keyboard with magnetic switches?
I’ve been gaming and playing on PCs for 25 years.
This sturdy aluminum casing is magical to touch.
This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by NZXT.
NZXT had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.
TakeRazer’s Huntsman V3 Pro TKLkeyboard, priced at $219.99.
I appreciate the feel of this keyboard more than I expected to.
NZXT is looking to take on a market leader, with its price point coming just below that.
It feels buttery smooth and is precise on every keystroke.
Much like its PC cases, when it comes to the Function Elite MiniTKL, the finish is top-of-the-line.
I only missed a numeric keypad, but just a little bit.
The weight alone of this sucker is something else as well.
Even though it comes in a compact mini format, the total weight measured hits a whopping 1.09 kg.
As with any keyboard today, it can be placed flat or at an angle using the attached feet.
Don’t let the pleasant case fool you, this keyboard dominates.
The added grip is a simple pleasure when changing that angle out.
In the box, users can expect four things.
You’ll also find three additional replacement switches if dire circumstances befall your precious keyboard.
Up close shot of the Function Elite MiniTKL.
Let’s talk about these keys, though.
Speaking of typing experience!
Right off the bad, I fell in love with the dual-rail switch structure combined with the sound-dampening foam.
Who can match this keyboard at this price point?
It’s one of the cleanest, most aesthetically pleasing keyboards my fingers have ever graced.
I’m not one for the super egregious, over-clicky boards that sound the horn of Gondor.
Every keystroke felt like some sort of fidget unit that calmed my soul.
The Function Elite MiniTKL feels like slicing through butter.
You really need to try it for yourself.
There are some negative aspects of typing that I could potentially do without, starting with the space bar.
The lack of a numeric pad also means that the keyboard won’t be the best for typing.
A keypad is plain faster for specific things and can be helpful in games like Arma.
Then again, you’re reading a TKL review!
But I needed to mention it as part of the overall typing experience.
That’s 40 actuation points per key!
Both optical and hall effect switches have their advantages, especially when it comes to taking on noobs.
In practice, measuring the full range of latency gives a slightly different outcome.
Hall effect switches also offer unparalleled actuation measurement and debouncing over traditional optical switches.
Optical analog switches, not to be confused with traditional optical switches, can measure actuation and eliminate debounce.
However, any conventional Hall effect switch will always eliminate this as a result of the technology powering it.
Hall effect switches also offer one more potential benefit: accuracy.
While optical analog switches can measure actuation, their measured difference can vary a full 0.5mm between keystrokes.
Meanwhile, measured instances of hall effect switches keep that actuation range at a stunning 0.1mm.
Hall effect vs optical analog switches, where the winner is the hall effect.
Powered by 905 Gauss magnets, NZXT claims competitors will generally offer 700 Gauss strength instead.
It’s a measurement of magnetic strength.
So, 905 Gauss would be roughly 30% stronger compared to 700 Gauss strength.
Look out, racing games; we finally have an analog gas pedal on our keyboards!
The package all comes together with a polling rate that matches the fastest-responding keyboards on the market.
At a staggering 8k, forget about your PC missing any key press and forget about any delay.
It’s honestly astounding just how fast and accurate these devices have become.
Function Elite MiniTKL: RGB
Next, let’s talk about the excellent RGB this board produces.
For the most part, it’s superb.
The colors are vibrant and bright.
They’re either on par or more colorful than other keyboards I’ve used.
The customization is also excellent.
Per-key colors are part of the selection process, and individual keys can house separate animation styles.
There are certain instances of RGB where colors don’t seem to be what they should be.
For example, when selecting the standard darker green, it presents itself as almost turquoise.
I noticed a few other issues with the perimeter RGB lighting.
Rather than direct lighting, it’s the reflection of the light itself users see.
It’s a very minor inconvenience, but an inconvenience nonetheless.
When it comes to NZXT, I think of prebuilt PCs or computer cases, not a keyboard.
This keyboard deserves to change that perception.
Then there’s theSteelSeries - Apex Pro TKL V2, which is a newer member of their premiumApex lineup.
It, too, comes with hall effect switches but a slightly larger format matching that of the Huntsman.
However, you sacrifice that 8,000Hz polling rate for 1,000Hz instead, which isn’t ideal for everyone.
After using anything about 1,000, I know it’s a deal breaker for me.
Its RGB is also less than good.
The competition surrounding this board is fierce but lacking when it comes to the total package.
When it comes to accuracy and feel, this is one of the best I’ve used.
Alongside some minor and overcomable annoyances, I can easily say this will become my daily driver going forward.
At most, it’s more demanding to hit my 4-digit PIN when I log into my PC.
It’s a bonafide winner.
This is the ideal keyboard for gamers looking to save a couple extra dollars over the Razer Huntsman lineup.
Pair it with your favorite RGB colors to really make the board pop.
Gamers looking to go cordless will need to look elsewhere.
Don’t break the bank if it’s not what you’re looking for.
This is one of the best keyboards I’ve used.
