Razer Huntsman Mini

Our Review

The Razer Huntsman Mini is a compact gaming keyboard that promises to pack a punch despite its petite size. This 60% form-factor keyboard offers a plethora of features that aim to blend speed, durability, and aesthetics seamlessly. But it’s not without its flaws. Let’s delve deeper to uncover the various layers of this mini yet mighty gaming accessory.

The Optical Switches: An Edge in Gaming

The highlight of the Huntsman Mini is undoubtedly its Razer Optical Switches. Engineered to provide unparalleled actuation speeds, these switches truly live up to the claim of offering actuation at the “speed of light.” The version we reviewed came with Purple Clicky Switches, designed to give tactile feedback that can be both satisfying and effective during gaming sessions. These switches excel in fast-paced gameplay, giving you that crucial millisecond advantage that could be the difference between victory and defeat.

Design and Build Quality: Small But Sturdy

Razer has adopted a minimalist approach with the Huntsman Mini, and it pays off. The 60% form factor is not just an aesthetic choice; it serves a functional purpose by freeing up valuable desk space, allowing you more room for mouse movement or additional hardware. Furthermore, the compact design makes it incredibly portable, fitting easily into backpacks for those who game on the go.

The premium Doubleshot PBT keycaps elevate the typing experience and are designed to endure long gaming sessions without wearing down. And let’s not forget the detachable USB-C cable, which not only adds to its portability but also ensures a secure connection during intense gaming.

Functionality Beyond Gaming: A Mixed Bag

While the Huntsman Mini is optimized for gaming, it’s essential to consider its functionality for everyday tasks. Here, the keyboard falters somewhat. The highly sensitive keys may offer an advantage in gaming, but they are less forgiving when it comes to typing. The keys’ sensitivity can result in accidental double presses, spelling errors, and general inconvenience, making it less suitable for tasks that require precision typing.

RGB Lighting: A Kaleidoscope With Caveats

Razer is known for its Chroma RGB lighting, and the Huntsman Mini is no exception. The onboard memory allows for storing up to five lighting profiles, making it easier to switch between your favorite presets. However, the keyboard defaults to a rainbow pattern when not connected to Razer’s Synapse software. While some might find this colorful display appealing, others might find it jarring, especially when the computer wakes from sleep mode and the keyboard briefly turns into a disco floor.

Final Thoughts

The Razer Huntsman Mini is a marvel of engineering in many respects, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark as an all-rounder. While it shines in the gaming arena, it falls short in general usability, especially for those who do a lot of typing. The RGB settings, while vibrant and diverse, could also be more user-friendly. If you’re a dedicated gamer seeking rapid key actuation and don’t mind a few quirks, this keyboard is a solid option. However, for those looking for a more balanced experience, the sensitivity of the keys and the limitations with the RGB settings could be deal-breakers.