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0 I love a noisy keyboard. If it doesn’t clack as you’re typing are you really using a keyboard? Probably, but it’s not as satisfying. So when NZXT dropped into the inbox offering the opportunity to review their new Function Elite MINITKL I couldn’t say yes fast enough. Available in black or white, I opted for white as it just looked incredibly sleek. Plus, I had to match my NZXT Lift Elite Wireless didn’t I?
The key to a good set up
Available in the UK from the NZXT Amazon store for £170 this keyboard promises a lot of things. Let’s see if it’s a key item for us gamers.
Design
There is no doubt the Function Elite MINITKL is designed to look good. I can only speak to the white edition but it looks beautiful straight out of the box. As I’ve mentioned I am a big fan of a click-clacky keyboard. So of course one of the first things I did upon opening this, was to press all of the keys and pretend to type a very important email just to hear the different keys. I was not disappointed. The sound dampening foam and tape-enhanced PCB create wonderful sounds amongst the cushioned gasket mount. That sounds a bit pompous but truly this keyboards looks and sounds very satisfying.
I’ll be honest I spent a fair amount of time using the NZXT CAM software to customise the colours of my RGB set up with this keyboard. Changing the colours, speed and transitions is addictive.
Nice and sturdy
The aluminium case not only looks pretty but also feels high quality. Upon taking this out of the box, I exclaimed how heavy it felt. To prove that I wasn’t just being a wimp, I got my partner to hold it too. He agreed it was a good, weighty bit of kit. He then got very envious looking at it, so I had to snatch it back quite quickly. Not to say this is overly heavy at 1091g, it just feels nice and solid. Which in tech is a compliment. The double-shot PBT keycaps have a lovely textured surface that feels nice but isn’t jarring. The key legends are advertised by NZXT as being fade resistant. As someone who has managed to make a lot of keyboard letters scratch and fade, only time will tell if this is true!
For those interested in the actual size of the keyboard, the measurements are a length of 13.28cm, a width of 34.84cm and height of 3.78cm.
Features
I’ve been a long-time user of a mechanical keyboard, but this is my first experience using a magnetic one. I have to say, I am very impressed. The hall effect sensors combined with powerful magnets make using it brilliant. I didn’t even realise I was suffering from input lag until I plugged this in. The near-zero latency (thank you 8k polling rate) has minimised my typing errors, let alone my gameplay! Everything from the sound to the feel of this keyboard is smooth. I am definitely converted to magnetic switches.
The NZXT CAM software elevates this too. Being able to customise each key’s sensitivity is amazing. Whilst many brands offer this feature, not many can boast they offer 40 adjustment points across a true 0.6 to 4.0 mm actuation range. The Function Elite MINITKL is a keyboard that will make gaming more accessible, and that’s never a bad thing.
Enhanced Gameplay Features
What would a gaming keyboard be without some enhanced gaming features? And the NZXT Function Elite MINITKL has a couple of big ones.
Firstly, let’s talk about the Rapid Trigger setting. It’s perfect for fast-paced games where you’re repeatedly pressing the same keys. This is because keys reset instantly as soon as they travel upward to eliminate delay and make sure you can get those fast clicks in!
Next up, we have the Snap Overrides. When this is enabled you can prioritise the last input when pressing A and D simultaneously. Although this feature may be restricted in some games, it does enable instant directional changes for seamless counter-strafing
Connectivity
The Function Elite MINITKL is a wired keyboard. Some people may feel this is a downside, but with the power this keyboard has, I don’t at all. I would rather it was wired than get a low battery warning mid session and have to rush to find where I’ve put the charging cable! The detachable cable itself is of a nice braided design, 2m in length and a standard USB-C to USB-A set-up.
What’s a keyboard without a nice desk pad?
Before I get into my final thoughts on the NZXT Function Elite MINITKL, I want to quickly talk about the desk pad NZXT sent me as well. I know what you’re thinking, “But Charlotte why didn’t you review the NZXT Zone Elite XL along with the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless Mouse?” It’s a valid question. And one I don’t really have an answer for, aside from just *shrug*. I cannot always explain the way my brain works, but what I can do is share a little more about the NZXT Zone Elite.
To start with, this comes in a really nice drawstring bag and is rolled with paper too. So you know it’s in the best condition straight out of the box. The design is deliberately minimal so as not to interfere with mouse movements. The small NZXT logo in the top corner is a nice touch to the black nano-knit fabric, but it does feel a bit plain to me. The soft foam base doesn’t feel hugely different to other desk pads I’ve had. So I’ll be honest, I don’t actually think this is worth its £40 price tag.
Final Thoughts
Back to the NZXT Function Elite MINITKL I haven’t found anything about this that I think NZXT could improve on. I also think that for a gaming keyboard the £170 price tag is fair. Yes, it isn’t a full-sized keyboard, but not everyone needs or wants that. If you’re looking for a new gaming keyboard, or even just a keyboard in general I wholeheartedly recommend this one.
I award the NZXT Function Elite MINITKL the Thumb Culture Platinum Award.
Disclaimer: A product sample was received in order to write this review.
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