Razer Huntsman Mini Keyboard Review: Small, Mighty, and Oh So Clicky

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Alright, gamers and keyboard enthusiasts, gather ’round. Let’s talk about something that might just be the missing piece of your gaming setup – the Razer Huntsman Mini Keyboard. If you’re in the market for a compact, budget-friendly mechanical keyboard with all the bells and whistles, this little guy might just steal your heart. Or at least your desk space.

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Why Size Matters (In This Case)

First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room – the size. The Razer Huntsman Mini is a 60% keyboard. Now, if you’re not a keyboard nerd, that means it’s about 60% the size of a full keyboard. No, it’s not like you’re getting shortchanged here. You’re just trading off a bunch of keys you probably don’t use that often (like the numpad) for something that fits neatly on your desk and leaves plenty of room for those epic mouse sweeps.

Minimalist Aesthetics

The compact form factor is not just practical, but it’s also a dream for minimalist setups. Imagine a clean desk with just your monitor, mouse, and this sleek, RGB-backlit beauty. It’s like the Marie Kondo of keyboards – it sparks joy without the clutter.

Build Quality: Small but Mighty

Don’t let its size fool you. The build quality of the Razer Huntsman Mini is top-notch. It’s built like a tank, albeit a very small tank. The keyboard has a matte, aluminum top frame that feels premium and durable. This is the kind of keyboard that can take a pounding during those intense gaming sessions and still come out looking unscathed.

PBT Keycaps

Let’s talk keycaps. The Razer Huntsman Mini sports oil-resistant doubleshot PBT keycaps. Translation? These keycaps are durable, feel great under your fingers, and resist the kind of greasy build-up that can make your keyboard look like it’s been through a fast-food war zone. Plus, they have a textured finish that gives them a satisfying feel and helps with grip.

RGB Backlighting: Light It Up

RGB backlighting is almost a given in gaming keyboards these days, and the Razer Huntsman Mini does not disappoint. Each key is individually backlit, supporting up to 16.8 million colors. You can sync the lighting with popular games, Razer hardware, and even Philips Hue lights. It’s like having a mini rave on your desk every time you power up your PC.

Customization Galore

Razer’s Synapse 3 software is where the magic happens. You can customize the lighting to your heart’s content, create macros, and remap keys. Unfortunately, Synapse 3 is only available for Windows, so Mac users might feel a bit left out. But if you’re on Windows, the sky’s the limit. Want a key to glow a specific color when you press it? Done. Want a wave of color to ripple across the keyboard every time you hit a key? You got it.

Switches: Clicky or Linear?

The Razer Huntsman Mini offers two types of switches – Clicky Optical and Linear Optical. Our review unit came with the Clicky Optical switches, and boy, are they clicky. These switches use light-based actuation, which means they register key presses at the speed of light. They have a short actuation distance of 1.5 mm and provide satisfying, tactile feedback.

Typing Experience

Typing on the Clicky Optical switches is an absolute joy. Each keypress is met with a satisfying click that’s both tactile and audible. However, that same satisfying click might be a bit too loud for some environments, like a quiet office or a shared space. If you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Linear Optical switches might be a better choice. They’re smoother and quieter, perfect for those late-night gaming sessions when you don’t want to wake the whole house.

Gaming Performance: Faster Than Legacy Mechanical Switches

When it comes to gaming, the Razer Huntsman Mini shines. The optical switches are incredibly responsive, making it feel like every keypress is instantaneous. This is a huge advantage in fast-paced games where every millisecond counts. Whether you’re dodging bullets, casting spells, or executing complex combos, this keyboard has your back.

Macro Programmability

All keys on the Huntsman Mini are macro-programmable thanks to Razer Hypershift. This means you can remap every key and key combination to execute complex commands. For MMO and MOBA players, this is a game-changer. Imagine having all your abilities and macros at your fingertips, easily accessible without having to reach for extra keys.

Comfort: A Mixed Bag

Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While the Razer Huntsman Mini excels in many areas, comfort isn’t its strongest suit. The compact layout means that everything is a bit more cramped. If you have large hands, you might find the keys a bit too close together for comfort.

Lack of Wrist Rest

Another downside is the lack of a wrist rest. Typing or gaming for extended periods can get a bit tiring without proper wrist support. The keyboard has a fairly high profile, which means your wrists are at an awkward angle unless you have some sort of wrist rest. This might not be a dealbreaker for everyone, but it’s something to consider if you plan on using the keyboard for long hours.

Secondary Functions: Accessible but Not Ideal

Because the Razer Huntsman Mini is so compact, it doesn’t have dedicated media controls, function keys, or navigation keys. Instead, these functions are accessible through secondary functions. For example, you might have to press a function key along with another key to adjust volume or skip tracks. It’s not a huge hassle, but it does take some getting used to. If you rely heavily on these keys, the adjustment period might be a bit frustrating.

Office Use: Can It Double as a Workhorse?

So, we’ve established that the Razer Huntsman Mini is a beast for gaming, but what about office work? Can this tiny, clicky keyboard handle the 9-to-5 grind?

Typing Noise

The Clicky Optical switches are great for gaming, but their loud typing noise isn’t exactly office-friendly. If you’re working in a shared or quiet office space, you might get a few dirty looks from your coworkers. Again, the Linear Optical switches could be a better option if you need something quieter.

Compact Layout

The compact layout might be a bit too cramped for extensive typing tasks, especially if you’re used to a full-sized keyboard. However, if you can get used to it, the Huntsman Mini can certainly handle day-to-day office tasks. The programmable macros can also be a huge productivity booster, allowing you to automate repetitive tasks.

Budget-Friendly: Bang for Your Buck

One of the biggest selling points of the Razer Huntsman Mini is its price. For a mechanical keyboard with such high-end features, it’s surprisingly affordable. This makes it a great option for budget gaming setups. You get all the benefits of a premium mechanical keyboard without breaking the bank.

Competitive Pricing

When compared to other mechanical keyboards in its class, the Razer Huntsman Mini offers great value. You’re getting top-notch build quality, RGB backlighting, and highly responsive switches at a price that’s hard to beat. If you’re looking for a high-quality gaming keyboard on a budget, this one should definitely be on your radar.

The Verdict: Should You Buy the Razer Huntsman Mini?

Alright, time for the big question – should you buy the Razer Huntsman Mini? Well, that depends on what you’re looking for in a keyboard.

Pros:

  • Compact Size: Great for minimalist setups and freeing up desk space.
  • Build Quality: Sturdy aluminum construction with durable PBT keycaps.
  • RGB Backlighting: Fully customizable with Razer Synapse 3.
  • Responsive Switches: Clicky or Linear Optical switches for fast actuation.
  • Programmable Macros: Every key can be remapped for complex commands.
  • Affordable: Great value for a mechanical keyboard.

Cons:

  • Comfort: Compact layout might feel cramped, no wrist rest.
  • Typing Noise: Clicky switches are loud, might not be suitable for quiet environments.
  • Secondary Functions: No dedicated media or function keys, requires some adjustment.

Recommendation: Perfect for Gamers, Less So for Office Workers

If you’re primarily a gamer looking for a compact, budget-friendly mechanical keyboard, the Razer Huntsman Mini is an excellent choice. It’s responsive, customizable, and built to last. The RGB backlighting and programmable macros add to its appeal, making it a versatile tool for gaming.

However, if you’re looking for a keyboard that can double as your main office keyboard, you might want to think twice. The loud clicky switches and compact layout aren’t ideal for long typing sessions or quiet environments. That said, if you’re okay with these trade-offs, the Huntsman Mini can still serve as a competent office keyboard, especially if you opt for the quieter Linear Optical switches.

In conclusion, the Razer Huntsman Mini is a small keyboard that packs a big punch. It’s a fantastic addition to any gaming setup, offering high performance at a reasonable price. Just make sure to weigh the pros and cons to see if it fits your specific needs. And remember, sometimes good things do come in small packages. Happy gaming!

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