The NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL is a compact, tenkeyless keyboard that aims to deliver a premium experience for both gamers and typists. With its robust construction, advanced features, and customizable options, it seeks to stand out in the competitive keyboard market.​

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the Function Elite MiniTKL impresses with its substantial weight and solid feel. The keyboard’s chassis is crafted from high-quality CNC aluminum, providing both durability and a sleek, modern aesthetic. This sturdy construction ensures stability during intense gaming sessions and prolonged typing periods. The compact form factor, measuring approximately 348 mm in width, saves valuable desk space without compromising functionality.

The keycaps are made using the double-shot PBT process, known for their durability and resistance to wear. They have a slight texture that provides a pleasant tactile feel, and the font is clean and legible. The keyboard also features a gasket mount design, incorporating sound-dampening foam to minimize noise and enhance the overall typing experience.

Switches and Typing Experience

At the heart of the Function Elite MiniTKL are NZXT’s proprietary magnetic switches with Hall effect sensors. These switches offer adjustable actuation points ranging from 0.6 mm to 4.0 mm, allowing users to fine-tune the sensitivity to their preference. This level of customization caters to both light typists and those who prefer a more deliberate keystroke. ​

The switches are pre-lubed and utilize a dual-rail structure, resulting in smooth and stable key presses with minimal wobble. The inclusion of sound-dampening foam contributes to a quieter typing experience, making it suitable for both gaming and professional environments. ​

Gaming Performance

The Function Elite MiniTKL is equipped with features tailored for gamers seeking a competitive edge. One notable feature is the Rapid Trigger function, which resets keys immediately upon upward movement, allowing for faster repeated keystrokes—a crucial advantage in fast-paced games. Additionally, the Snap Overrides feature enables simultaneous use of movement keys without unintended character stoppage, enhancing fluidity in gameplay.

The keyboard supports an 8,000 Hz polling rate, significantly higher than the standard 1,000 Hz found in many keyboards. This higher polling rate reduces input latency, ensuring that keystrokes register with minimal delay. While the perceptible difference may be subtle for casual gamers, competitive players may appreciate the enhanced responsiveness.

RGB Lighting and Software

NZXT has incorporated vibrant and customizable RGB lighting into the Function Elite MiniTKL. The keyboard features per-key illumination as well as perimeter lighting, creating an aesthetically pleasing glow that can be tailored to match any setup. The lighting effects are both dynamic and tasteful, enhancing the visual appeal without being overly flashy.

Customization is facilitated through NZXT’s CAM software, which provides an intuitive interface for adjusting lighting effects, key remapping, and creating macros. The software is user-friendly and responsive, allowing for seamless personalization to suit individual preferences. ​

Connectivity and Additional Features

It’s important to note that the Function Elite MiniTKL is a wired keyboard and does not offer wireless connectivity. The USB-C port is located on the top left side of the keyboard, which may limit cable management options for some users. Additionally, there is no USB pass-through port, a feature that some competitors include. ​

Price Point and Value

Positioned in the premium segment, the Function Elite MiniTKL is priced at approximately $200 USD (around 2,400 SEK). This pricing places it alongside competitors like the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless and the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini. While the NZXT offering boasts advanced features and a robust build, the lack of wireless connectivity and certain additional features may influence the overall value proposition for some users.

Conclusion

The NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL is a well-crafted keyboard that combines premium materials with advanced features tailored for both gamers and typists. Its customizable switches, sturdy construction, and vibrant RGB lighting make it a compelling choice for those seeking a high-quality keyboard. However, potential buyers should consider the absence of wireless connectivity and weigh it against their specific needs and preferences.