PC component maker NZXT is perhaps best known for its computer cases and desktop building services, but with the NZXT Function Mini TKL ($119) the company has jumped into the mechanical keyboard market with a splash. Along with its companion the NZXT Lift Mouse, the Function Mini Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard is designed with gamers in mind, cramming many enthusiast features into its narrow frame including hot-swappable key switch sockets, tons of customization options, and gamer-centric controls along the sides of the keyboard. While mini TKL keyboards might not be the first choice of esports players, gamers short on desk space or who prefer a compact board shouldn’t miss the NZXT Function Mini, a new PCMag Editors’ Choice award winner for compact keyboards.
Here’s What’s Up NZXT
For those unfamiliar with these types of boards, a TKL keyboard is a compact board that makes use of 87 or 88 keys, dropping 20 or so of the keys found in a standard 104-key layout including the numeric keypad. The Function Mini takes things a step further by compressing its features into a more compact chassis while tacking on an additional function (“F13”) key and dedicated macro key.
It’s considerably bigger than so-called “60% keyboards” like the Razer Hunstman Mini. But compared to TKL boards like the Corsair K70 RGB TKL, the NZXT is extra-petite, measuring 1.5 by 13 by 4.8 inches (HWD) and weighing just 1.5 pounds. The small size admittedly takes some getting used to, simply because I mostly game with full-size boards, but the learning curve was short.
The slim profile enhances NZXT’s wide range of color and configuration options. You can customize your experience with five choices of Gateron key switches (Red, Blue, Brown, Silent Black Ink V2 60g, and Aliaz Silent Tactile); three chassis colors; two keycap colors; five different color keycap accents; and five accent keyboard cables for those looking to forgo a plain black cable for something more colorful. The keys themselves are standard-size, so any tenkeyless keycap set is compatible with the Function Mini.
For our review unit, I chose a white chassis with Gateron Red switches, black keycaps with red accents, and a red USB cord, and I must say that the board looks and feels fantastic. The Gateron Red switches are smooth, light, and pretty quiet—they rival the fan-favorite Cherry Red switches in almost every way.
The customization service adds $10 to your total, and if you opt for the Silent Black Ink or Aliaz Slient switches, you’ll have to pay an additional $69.99. If you’d rather not give the purchase too much thought, you can grab the retail build, which ships with Gateron Red key switches. The configuration choices also apply to NZXT’s two other new keyboards, the full-size Function ($149) and tenkeyless Function ($129).
You’ll get plenty of replacement keycaps with your purchase, as well as a keycap puller. Rounding out the feature set are the USB-C port at the top of the keyboard and a volume roller in the left corner. The latter is always a bonus in my book. Just below it, you’ll find three buttons: mute, backlight brightness, and a lockout for the Windows key.
All of the Lights, None of the Gaudiness
What’s a gaming keyboard without RGB lighting? All NZXT products are managed by the NZXT CAM software, which you can download from the company’s website. Like other NZXT products, the app’s aesthetic is clean and manicured, with lots of PC monitoring options including overclocking and temperature control. There are only three preset color modes for the keyboard, but you can customize each key’s RGB lighting and program macros across the board’s four onboard profiles.
The app works well enough, but I was mildly disappointed by the lack of RGB presets to choose from. When in use, the RGB glow was just bright enough, acting as another accent to the board instead of the overbearing light show we’ve come to expect from gaming peripherals.
I enjoyed using the NZXT Function Mini keyboard, and most of my complaints are minor. There’s no wrist rest included, though the full-size board and normal-sized TKL come with one. Nor is there any wireless functionality or USB pass-through, which would have been nice additions to an already solid package.
But the Function Mini prides itself as an entry-level mechanical keyboard, and I think that anyone interested in the category would be more than content with it.
Compact Excellence, Palatable Price
While not quite as affordable as the Drop ENTR Mechanical Keyboard, the NZXT Function Mini is an excellent deal. It’s a great-looking device with plenty of customization options, and while it might be cramped for some, the board does a good job at shrinking the already compact TKL layout while adding a few bells and whistles that keyboard buffs will appreciate. It’s a great option for anyone looking to free up desk space, and easily earns a PCMag Editors’ Choice award.
