As a compact and portable gaming keyboard, the Razer Huntsman Mini has garnered attention for its innovative design and features. The 60% form factor makes it a space-saver on a desk and its portability allows gamers to easily take their gaming setup on the go. Equipped with Razer Optical Switches, the Huntsman Mini promises fast actuation, which is a crucial factor for gamers who rely on quick key responses during intense gameplay sessions.
I appreciate the thoughtful design elements included in the Huntsman Mini, such as the detachable Type-C cable, which enhances its portability, and the onboard memory that allows users to save their settings directly to the keyboard. Chroma RGB lighting not only adds aesthetic appeal with customizable color options but also offers gamers the ability to personalize their gaming experience.
My assessment is that the dualshot PBT keycaps with side-printed functions are not just durable but also practical, giving users quick access to secondary functions without cluttering the keyboard with additional keys. The absence of a wrist rest and dedicated macro keys might be a drawback for some users; however, the programmable keys and low latency may compensate for these omissions, making the Razer Huntsman Mini a strong contender in the compact gaming keyboard market.
Overview
The Razer Huntsman Mini captures the essence of a high-performance gaming keyboard in a compact size. My focus in this section is to lay out its design aspects and enumerate its key features and technologies.
Design and Build Quality
My examination reveals the Razer Huntsman Mini boasts a robust design with an aluminum plate that adds to the overall sturdiness of the keyboard. The keyboard’s frame feels solid, likely due in part to its aluminum construction, reinforcing its durability. PBT keycaps are employed to offer a higher resilience against wear compared to ABS keycaps found in some competing models.
Key Features and Technologies
Regarding functionality, the Huntsman Mini is notably a compact keyboard, or as commonly known, a 60% keyboard. This design choice prioritizes desk space without sacrificing essential features. I find its fully macro-programmable keys versatile for both gaming and productivity. Proprietary Razer Optical Switches are the keystones for this model, delivering swift actuations that can be crucial in competitive gameplay. The RGB backlighting is customizable, allowing for a personal touch on aesthetics and key visibility.
Switches and Keycaps
When analyzing the Razer Huntsman Mini, the switches and keycaps are two of the most pivotal aspects that determine the overall typing and gaming experience. Each component reflects Razer’s commitment to precision and durability in their keyboard designs.
Types of Switches
The Razer Huntsman Mini comes equipped with Razer Optical Switches, which are lauded for their speed and reliability. These switches use an infrared light beam to register a keystroke, resulting in a faster response time compared to traditional mechanical switches. I have come across two main types of Razer Optical Switches:
- Clicky Optical Switches: They deliver a tactile bump and an audible click at the point of actuation, similar to the traditional blue mechanical switches many typists prefer.
- Razer Linear Optical Switches: These provide a smooth, consistent keystroke without the tactile bump or the clicky noise. They are often favored in situations where noise could be a concern or for those who prefer a smoother keystroke.
Both switches have their own unique characteristics, but they share the advantage of not suffering from debounce delay, making them faster than traditional mechanical switches.
Keycap Material and Durability
The keycaps on the Huntsman Mini are made from PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) which is a high-grade thermoplastic that resists wear over time, unlike ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) keycaps, which can develop a glossy sheen with prolonged use. The keycaps on this keyboard are also doubleshot, meaning that the legends on the keys are made from a second piece of plastic that’s molded through the keycaps, which prevents them from fading or wearing down over time. This makes for a durable and long-lasting typing experience.
My analysis shows that the combination of Razer Optical Switches with durable PBT keycaps on the Razer Huntsman Mini makes it a high-performance keyboard suitable for intense gaming sessions and productive typing alike. The attention to detail in the switches’ performance and the keycaps’ resilience ensures that this keyboard can maintain its quality over prolonged use.
Connectivity and Portability
In discussing the Razer Huntsman Mini, it is evident that the design emphasizes ease of connection and the convenience of portability, with a focus on its detachable cable system and compact form factor.
Cable Type and Connection
My Razer Huntsman Mini uses a USB Type-C detachable cable that is not only modern but also versatile, allowing for quick and secure connections. This cable is removable for easy transportation. When I want to set up my keyboard, I connect the USB-C end into the keyboard and plug the other end into a USB port on my computer, ensuring it’s a snug fit to avoid connectivity issues.
Portability Features
Given its small 60% size, the Huntsman Mini is remarkably portable. I find that because of its compact build, it remains ideal for minimalist setups or when desk space is at a premium. Additionally, the cable being detachable and braided boosts its portability, as it can be removed and stored separately, reducing the risk of damage during travel. The durability of the braided cable also means I don’t worry about fraying from regular transport.
Customization and Compatibility
I’ll focus on two primary aspects of the Razer Huntsman Mini that are vital to users: its rich customization options and its compatibility with various systems. This compact keyboard is known for its versatile RGB lighting and profiles, and for how well it interacts with the accompanying software across different platforms.
Lighting and Profiles
My Razer Huntsman Mini comes with dynamic Razer Chroma RGB backlighting, which allows for extensive customization. I can choose from a large spectrum of colors and effects for a personalized look. The onboard memory feature is particularly handy, as I can save my lighting preferences in profiles and switch between them on-the-fly. This means even without access to software, my preferred lighting is just a keypress away.
I also utilize on-the-fly macro recording which lets me create macros without needing to dive into the software. This is perfect for when I need to make quick changes or when I’m using my keyboard with systems where Razer Synapse isn’t installed.
Software Compatibility
Razer Synapse 3 is the software I use to unlock the full potential of the Huntsman Mini. It’s only compatible with Windows, but within that ecosystem, it’s a powerful tool. Synapse allows for detailed customization of lighting presets and supports the creation of custom profiles. I can tweak various settings to suit my gameplay, work, or entertainment needs.
For Mac users, while Synapse does not offer support, the keyboard still performs well out of the box with default settings. I can attest to its plug-and-play ease of use. However, it’s worth noting that certain customization features such as creating macros and custom light profiles are reliant on the Synapse software.
Practicality for Users
When examining the Razer Huntsman Mini, it’s essential to discuss how it serves the user in both comfort and application. I’ll take a closer look at its design choices that affect ergonomics, and how its size influences its use in various contexts.
Ergonomics and Key Layout
The Razer Huntsman Mini is a 60% keyboard, which means it lacks the numpad, dedicated navigational keys, and function row typically found on a full-size or tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard. This minimalist design is a boon for desk space, leaving ample room for mouse movement—a significant advantage for gamers. What’s more, the omission of a numpad contributes to a more centered typing position, which can be more ergonomic over long periods. However, the lack of dedicated arrow keys can be an adjustment for typists. For necessary functionality, the Fn key steps in, allowing secondary functions to be accessed on this compressed layout.
- Pros: More desk space, potentially better ergonomics for typing
- Cons: Learning curve for accessing secondary functions via Fn key, no dedicated arrow keys
Use Cases
As a 60% keyboard, my Huntsman Mini shines in scenarios where space is at a premium or a minimalist setup is preferred. It’s ideal for gamers who prioritize desk real estate for broad mouse movements. Typists who adapt to the function layers might find it suitable for typing due to the quality of the keys and the potential ergonomic benefits of a smaller keyboard. Unfortunately, the lack of a wrist rest could subtract from the ergonomic value, although third-party options are available.
For those requiring a keyboard with a function row, numpad, or dedicated media controls straight out of the box, such functions are only accessible on the Huntsman Mini via the Fn key, potentially slowing down productivity for users heavily reliant on these features.
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Ideal for:
- Gamers needing more mouse space
- Minimalist setups
- Users comfortable with function layers
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Less practical for:
- Users who rely on a dedicated numpad or function row
- Typists and professionals who prefer traditional layouts
Frequently Asked Questions
In my experience with gaming keyboards, the Razer Huntsman Mini is a popular choice known for its performance and compact size. Below, I’ve answered some common questions about this device.
How can I configure the Razer Huntsman Mini using its software?
To configure the Razer Huntsman Mini, I use Razer Synapse software. This program allows me to create macros, customize lighting, and adjust various settings to enhance the keyboard’s functionality.
What are the differences between the Purple Switch and the Red Switch versions of the Razer Huntsman Mini?
The Purple Switch version offers a clicky tactile feel, which I find satisfying during typing, while the Red Switch is linear and silent, which might be preferable for a quieter environment.
Can the Razer Huntsman Mini be used wirelessly?
No, the Razer Huntsman Mini cannot be used wirelessly. It is designed with a detachable USB-C cable for a wired connection.
What is the price range for the Razer Huntsman Mini?
The price for the Razer Huntsman Mini typically ranges between $120 to $150, though sales and retailer discounts can affect this.
How does the Razer Huntsman Mini compare in size to traditional keyboards?
The Razer Huntsman Mini is a 60% keyboard, missing the function row, home cluster, and numpad, which makes it significantly smaller than traditional full-sized keyboards.
What steps are involved in activating the F keys on the Razer Huntsman Mini?
To access the F keys on the Razer Huntsman Mini, I press the ‘Fn’ key in combination with the corresponding number key, which activates the secondary function of that key.
I’m Marcus Bextor, a seasoned software engineer passionate about demystifying technology. With over a decade in the tech industry, my journey began with a Computer Science degree, evolving through various roles in software development, system architecture, and project management. At MWTA, I leverage my expertise to provide in-depth, unbiased reviews of the latest tech products, from smartphones to smart homes. My blogs aim to be accessible to all, breaking down complex jargon into simple language. Besides reviews, I share insights on tech trends and practical tips. Connect with me for questions and suggestions as we explore the tech world together.