NZXT Function MiniTKL Review

(Pocket-lint) – The NZXT Function MiniTKL is the company’s first proper compact mechanical keyboard, and one that comes with some great features. NZXT has come to market with a keyboard that’s not only good looking, but also one that’s customisable before you buy and available in different variations, too. You can get a full-sized model, a standard TKL, and then this tiny, compact MiniTKL, which packs a TKL frame into a body more comparable to a 65% keyboard. 

That’s not all, either, as it offers a lot more than what you’d usually get from a big name gaming brand. It has a standard bottom row layout, hot-swappable switch design, per-key RGB lighting, onboard profiles and lighting and much more.  Is it any good in use, though?

We’ve been gaming on it to find out. 

Delightfully good looking

The NZXT Function MiniTKL is immediately striking – it’s a good looking keyboard with plenty of appeal. The model we tried boasts a white top plate that helps to nicely backdrop the per-key RGB lighting. This keyboard comes with ABS keycaps as standard – not as fancy as PBT, of course, but still good enough to be comfortable to type on and to let the RGB lighting shine through. 

There are four onboard profiles for that lighting which you can switch between using the FN and F1, F2, F3 and F4. This includes some nice standard lighting – and reactive effects, too. If you want more, you can try out multiple effects via NZXT Cam, and things get really pleasant in there, as you can set a standard layer and a reactive one on top. 

Similarly, there are four onboard profiles, too, so you can program those and switch between them easily on-the-fly.  In terms of how the design actually works in use, the Function MiniTKL is a curious case. It seemingly offers the best of both worlds – all the keys of a tenkeyless keyboard, but with the smaller form factor of a 65 per cent keyboard.

It’s not as compact as something like the Corsair K65 RGB Mini, but it makes up for that by not sacrificing essential parts.  This way, you don’t miss out on any important keys, but the keyboard also doesn’t take up unnecessary desk space that could be used for large swipes of your gaming mouse. 

It’s also interestingly thought out, though. There’s a volume wheel on the left and three buttons down the side, one to adjust lighting, another to disable the Windows key and the third for a mute button.

This is great placement, as it means you can use these things without taking your hand off your mouse, but we also found we accidentally pressed them when shifting the keyboard about our desk. 

Hot-swappable

  • Hot-swappable design compatible with 3 and 5-pin switches
  • Gateron Linear Red Mechanical Key Switches as standard
  • 43gf actuation force, 55gf bottom out, Linear design, 2.4mm actuation
  • N-key Rollover, Anti-Ghosting

One of the most interesting features of this keyboard is its hot-swappable design. This is unusual to see on a keyboard from a mainstream gaming peripheral brand, but one that offers some useful customisation options. As standard, it comes with Gateron Linear red key switches, which are comparable to the Cherry MX red switches you’d find on most standard gaming keyboards.

These have a fast, short actuation distance and a linear response, so they’re ideal for gaming and comfortable enough for typing on.  Should you choose to, though, you can remove these switches and change them for something else. You can do this before you buy using NZXT’s building tool, or do so afterwards at your leisure.

The keyboard supports both three and five-pin switch options, so there are plenty to choose from. We tried both Zealios V2s and Gateron Yellows, but you have all sorts of options available out there. 

squirrel_widget_6698368 Because it’s hot-swappable, you can change the switches while the keyboard is plugged in, meaning it’s easy to check a switch is working as you go.

This makes the whole process a lot easier. As standard, you get a keycap puller and key switch tool, as well, but we’d recommend having a pair of tweezers on hand so you can straighten any pins that accidentally get bent during the build.  It’s nice to have the flexibility to change the switches this easily.

You could just swap out the main WASD gaming keys for your gaming sessions or choose to re-work the entire board, it’s up to you.  If you’re not keen on upgrading or changing the switches, then you’ll be pleased to hear that the standard switches are good enough for standard typing and gaming. This keyboard is surprisingly good in that department.

The stabilisers are pleasant, and there’s no horrible rattle or ping to degrade your experience. 

Useful extra features

  • Standard bottom row layout
  • Onboard memory for four profiles with hardware buttons
  • Onboard RGB lighting with hardware buttons
  • Dedicated volume wheel, windows key disable and brightness button on the left

The other good news is the Function MiniTKL has a standard bottom row layout, so you can use your own keycaps sets. We used Corsair’s PBT double shot keycap sets to change the look and feel of the keyboard with ease. 

squirrel_widget_6698457 There are plenty of other options out there, of course, if you want some extra style. 

We really like the layout of this keyboard as standard. It has the extra keys we enjoy from a TKL keyboard but in a much more compact frame. The positioning is logical, too, with the directional arrows (for example) on the bottom right being convenient and not buried in other function rows.

Page up, page down, print screen and much more are also present and correct, as well.  For convenience, there’s also onboard memory for four different profiles, so you can customize them with NZXT’s Cam software. Using that software, you can easily remap any key on the keyboard with any other key or character.

Alternatively, you can add a second layer where you can press the function key and press any key for another action.  You can also record macros in the software and assign them to any key or secondary function layer.  This keyboard also has some glorious RGB lighting.

It has per-key RGB illumination. You can program each key individually or set RGB lighting across the entire thing. You can easily choose from a variety of effects and set a base layer of colours and then add reactive effects on top. 

The lighting on this keyboard is surprisingly good, too. It might not be quite as swish as something like the Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro, but the white backplate and overall design still make it easy on the eye.  The standard keycaps let a lot of it through and the various effects are eye-pleasing.

There are lots of highlights to the Function MiniTKL and lighting is almost certainly one of them. 

Verdict

The NZXT Function MiniTKL is full of surprises. NZXT could have gone half-hearted into the keyboard market, but this effort is fantastic. It’s a great looking keyboard, comfortable and capable, but also offers a lot more than first meets the eye. 

We really like that it has more options and features than many other keyboards, but does so without an insane price tag. Simple things like hot-swappable key switches, onboard profiles, per-key RGB and more make this one thoroughly appealing.  Writing by Adrian Willings.

Editing by Conor Allison.

Tags:

fenty-beauty listed on couponmatrix.ukmoda-furnishings listed on couponmatrix.ukpeacocks listed on couponmatrix.ukthe-protein-works listed on couponmatrix.ukunder-armour listed on couponmatrix.ukurbanara listed on couponmatrix.uk
fenty-beauty listed on couponmatrix.ukFenty Beauty is probably the coolest beauty brand around. It’s cruelty-free, was created by Rihanna herself and has been commended for its diverse foundation shades and celebration of all kinds of beauty. Whether you want a fresh, no-makeup makeup look or bold eyeshadow game, Fenty Beauty has it covered with plenty of viral and TikTok trending products to explore. Add a Fenty voucher to your purchase or check out the Fenty sales to find your favourites for less – we’re tracking the best Fenty offers here at Groupon!
moda-furnishings listed on couponmatrix.ukSettle for nothing but the best garden furniture with Moda Furnishings, the brand that crafts immaculate outdoor essentials for family enjoyment. With a Moda Furnishings discount code from Groupon, you can indulge in delicious dinners, chilled drinks and indulgent stretches in the sun for a fraction of the cost. You can’t put a price on some quality time outdoors, so kick back and enjoy the fresh air in maximum comfort with Moda Furnishings.
peacocks listed on couponmatrix.ukIf you’re looking for high quality fashion for all the family then Peacocks is the place for you. With over a hundred years in the fashion game, they are synonymous with quality and value for money. Add a Peacocks discount code and you’ll find massive reductions on their already unbelievable prices. Their extensive range is packed with everyday essentials, outfits for special occasions, shoes and accessories to complete your outfit. There is a huge kid's section too, with baby clothes, outfits for toddlers and sizes suitable for older kids.
the-protein-works listed on couponmatrix.ukBodybuilders and fitness fanatics can make the most of a Protein Works discount code from Groupon, saving money on vital supplementary and lifestyle products. The retailer stocks a wide selection of sports nutrition items to help customers realise their potential. Groupon wants to help fitness-seekers and sports fans keep up their A-game, which is why we've gathered this selection of deals for you.
under-armour listed on couponmatrix.ukLooking for high performance sportswear? Look no further—Under Armour is the holy grail of innovative workout gear. With trainers and high tech training gear for both men and women, Under Armour has been inspiring athletes since the ‘90s. Make the most of an Under Armour discount code to cut the cost of your next gym kit—whether you’re hitting the squat rack or training for a marathon, UA will help you smash those goals.
urbanara listed on couponmatrix.ukUrbanara is a contemporary home furnishings brand with a focus on quality, craftsmanship and sustainability. Whether you're looking for a new bedding set, a cozy throw blanket, or some stylish new towels, Urbanara has everything you need to make your home look its best. And with our Urbanara voucher codes, you can get all of that and more for less. So don't wait any longer, start shopping at Urbanara today and see how much you can save! At Groupon, we know that saving money is important to our customers. That's why we work hard to find the best voucher codes and discounts for Urbanara products. We want to help you get the items you need and want without breaking the bank, and with our voucher codes, you can do just that. So whether you're looking for a new rug or a new set of dishes, be sure to check Groupon first for all the best deals on Urbanara products. If you're looking at using an Urbanara discount on one of their top-performing products, we highly recommend the Luxury Bamboo Towels. These towels are made from sustainable bamboo and are super soft and absorbent. They're also available in a variety of colours, so you can choose the perfect set for your bathroom. Our voucher code can be used to get an Urbanara discount on your next purchase, whether you're looking for new sofa cushions or some stylish new bedding. Thanks for choosing Urbanara!