NZXT officially entered the enthusiast keyboard market with the NZXT Function series of mechanical keyboards. Famous for their sleek and minimalist take on gaming PC cases, NZXT’s Function series mirrors the same design DNA. These hot-swappable mechanical keyboards are available in three sizes, namely full-sized, tenkeyless, and MiniTKL.
NZXT Function MiniTKL
Today we are reviewing the NZXT Function MiniTKL variant, of which our unit came with Gateron Red linear switches. Out of the box it comes with a keycap puller, key switch remover, and a USB-C cable. One thing missing however is a magnetic wrist rest that is bundled with other larger models, which is surprising considering that the MiniTKL is basically a slightly more compact version of the tenkeyless model.
As the name suggests, the MiniTKL is basically NZXT’s attempt at cramming a tenkeyless keyboard into a more compact form factor, which sits right between a 75% and a tenkeyless keyboard. On the left you will find a scroll wheel for volume adjustment, alongside three buttons, namely the speaker mute, Winlock, and brightness adjustment respectively. The keyboard chassis comes with a brushed aluminium top and a plastic bottom. There are two feet adjustments allowing for three kinds of angle tilt. It also features ABS keycaps with an OEM profile.
Customisation And RGB Backlighting
Almost every aspect of the NZXT Function can be changed or customised. It has programmable RGB backlighting via the NZXT CAM software, which is very easy to use with its clean and minimalist UI. Using the software allows you to adjust a variety of colour breathing and reactive lighting settings. Also, you can remap each and every key as well as setting up keyboard macros. These settings can be saved to four onboard profiles, unlocking deeper levels of customisation tailored to different games and use cases. So let’s say you have a specific key mapping for FPS shooters, and another for MMORPGS you can easily swap profiles using the Fn keys.
As mentioned earlier, this keyboard also has hot-swappable switch sockets of the 5 pin variety, ensuring compatibility with both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches. The USB-C cable is also detachable and you can personalise it with aftermarket coiled cables.
Overall, I think NZXT did a great job and delivered on the customisation and personalisation front but how does it feel to type?
Typing Experience
The typing experience is where the NZXT Function falls short. The Gateron Reds, while linear and have a light actuation force, do exhibit a slight but noticeable scratchiness. The typing sound is clacky with a harsh pingy bottom-out sound that reverberates throughout the frame. The keys feel wobbly and the stabilisers rattle as I type along.
Fortunately, a lot of these issues can be easily fixed by lubing the switches and the stabilisers, though I would appreciate it if NZXT would lubricate them during manufacture for a more pleasant typing experience out of the box.
Conclusion
Despite its flaws, the NZXT Function MiniTKL is a sleek and compact mechanical keyboard that offers a lot on the table, such as deep levels of personalization and modularity that serves as a great introduction to the mechanical keyboard hobby. It does however, face stiff competition from other brands in the market that offer better typing experience at lower price points. Retailing at an MSRP of RM435, it comes with a keycap puller, key switch remover, and a USB-C cable.
If the floating minimalist aesthetic appeals to you and you are willing to put in the effort to make it sound and feel good, I would definitely recommend this keyboard to match your PC.
After all, who doesn’t like a minimalist desk setup that sparks joy?
