Tested personally by Team Razer’s elite e-sports athletes, the Razer Huntsman keyboards take gaming to the next level. The tiniest of the bunch is the Razer Huntsman Mini. But does its 60% form factor really deliver all the benefits of a gaming keyboard with added compactness and comfort?
After checking it out, we think the Mini is a perfect — though pricey — fit for serious gamers who want an ergonomic setup. Here’s why:
More about the Mini
Though it only has 61 keys, the Mini still gets the job done. Keys with secondary functions provide full functionality, and print on the sides of the keycaps are there for easy reference.
This makes it the perfect fit for setups with minimal desk space, and it’s easily maneuverable for use in a variety of comfortable positions while gaming.
Switching it up
For an extra $10, you can get your Mini equipped with Razer’s signature Linear Optical Switches which, as compared to its “clicky” predecessor, delivers smooth keystrokes with reduced sound. If you’re going to be using the keyboard solely for gaming, then the extra $10 is worth it. Aside from dampened sound, the smoother click means it’s easier to press keys repeatedly.
But that means a higher chance of typos if you will be using the keyboard for typing, too. So if you’re a fan of the clicky sound, sticking with the 1st generation optical switches will still guarantee you great performance.
Performance gaming
The keys are also highly sensitive, so you don’t need to bottom out with each tap. And they’re topped with doubleshot PBT keycaps, which are designed to be more durable.
The Huntsman Mini is hot-swappable, too, meaning that, thanks to special sockets in its printed circuit board (PCB), it can have its keycaps removed. Like other hot-swappable keyboards, the Mini is built using interactive routing datasheets, which helps manufacturers understand the PCB’s layout at a glance. This routing tool facilitates signal-path groupings as well. Consequently, the keyboard’s components are protected, despite having part of the board exposed whenever the keycaps are removed.
And with their rugged feel, the keycaps themselves cause friction that keeps your fingers in place, helping you to avoid pressing anything unnecessarily. The Mini supports n-key rollover, too, so you can make those simultaneous key presses without issue.
Working with Synapse
As with all other pieces of Razer technology, the Mini is compatible with Synapse, the company’s unique configuration software. Here, you can control everything from RGB lighting to keyboard mapping. You can even save up to five unique profiles with custom settings.
Take note, though, that the secondary function keys are permanent and can’t be remapped. Despite this, Synapse proves handy as always, especially if you want to reconfigure the Mini for specific types of gameplay.
Final thoughts
Overall, The Huntsman Mini is a 60% mechanical keyboard that checks all the boxes. But at $120-130, it’s definitely on the pricier end of things. If you’re willing to shell out extra, you should definitely check this one out, but it would also be good to consider cheaper alternatives, like the HyperX Alloy Origins 60, first.
Technical specifications
-Construction: aluminum with plastic base
– Dimensions: 29.5 x 10.2 x 3.3cm
– Connectivity: wired – detachable Type C
– Passthrough: none
– Switch type: Razer™ Clicky Optical Switch or Linear Optical Switch
– Keycaps: Razer™ Doubleshot PBT Keycaps
– Key feel: light and instant
– Wrist rest: none
– Height-adjustable: yes
– Lighting: Razer Chroma™ per-key customizable backlighting with 16.8 million color options
– Onboard memory: hybrid onboard storage – up to 5 profiles
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