Razer Huntsman Mini Review: Compact Powerhouse for Gamers and Typists
The Razer Huntsman Mini offers a unique blend of compactness, performance, and style. From its sturdy build to the vibrant RGB lighting, tactile keys to zero-latency wired connection, it's a worthy companion for any gaming or typing enthusiast.
Today, I'm excited to share my insights on the Razer Huntsman Mini, Razer's first venture into the world of 60% keyboards.
The Huntsman Mini is compact, stylish, and packed with features. Its small footprint is a result of Razer's commitment to delivering only the essentials in response to a rising demand for minimalist designs. It’s perfect for those looking to declutter their gaming or work setup, freeing up valuable desk real estate for broader mouse movements.
In this review, we'll dive into the Huntsman Mini's standout features, examine its build quality, and explore its unique design aspects. To deliver a comprehensive evaluation, I've put the keyboard through its paces and collected an array of customer feedback. Whether you're an experienced gamer seeking to optimize your setup or a middle-school student just starting your tech journey, this review is your comprehensive guide to the Razer Huntsman Mini.
The Razer Huntsman Mini is primarily aimed at gamers who desire a compact, minimalist setup. It's also well-suited for typists who prefer tactile feedback and responsiveness. However, due to its noise levels and the lack of a wrist rest, it might not be ideal for office environments or long typing sessions.
- Compact and minimalist design
- Full RGB backlighting with customization options
- Durable build with double-shot PBT keycaps
- Macro-programmable keys with added functionalities
- Razer Optical switches for smoother, quieter actuation
- Zero-latency, enhancing real-time response in gaming
- Can be noisy, not suitable for quiet environments
- Lack of wireless connectivity
- No wrist rest, can be uncomfortable for long periods
- High profile and compact layout may not suit large hands
- Weak grip of rubber pads leading to sliding issues
- Limited compatibility with mobile devices and HTPCs
The Razer Huntsman Mini offers a unique combination of features tailored towards gaming enthusiasts and typists who value tactility and responsiveness. Its compact design makes it suitable for minimalistic setups. Despite some drawbacks, such as potential noise and lack of a wrist rest, its strengths like robust build, programmable keys, and excellent backlighting make it a worthy investment for the right users.
Test Results
Design
The design of the Razer Huntsman Mini is one of its standout aspects. This 60% keyboard, a first of its kind from Razer, has been tailored for compact spaces without compromising on functionality. In this section, we'll examine its dimensions, build quality, ergonomics, backlighting, connectivity, and extra features in detail.
The Razer Huntsman Mini has a compact dimension, nearly identical to the HyperX x Ducky One2 Mini at approximately 11.5 x 4 x 1.5 inches. This small size is a clear advantage for those who favor minimalist setups, giving users more space to move their mouse.
While light, the Razer Huntsman Mini features an aluminum plate on a plastic base, providing some rigidity. The keyboard uses double-shot PBT keycaps, offering more durability compared to common ABS plastics. However, there is some wobble and rattling in the keys, and the grip from the rubber pads might be weak, causing the keyboard to slide around on some surfaces. Given the price point, some users might expect a higher-end feel.
The Huntsman Mini includes two feet that flip out to 6 degrees or 9 degrees, providing a comfortable typing angle. However, the compact layout and high profile of the keyboard may not be ideal for long periods of use or for those with larger hands. The lack of a wrist rest can add to this discomfort. Furthermore, the flip-out feet might feel cheap, and the keyboard could slide due to poor grip from the rubber pads.
The Huntsman Mini offers vibrant and sharp Chroma RGB backlighting. At full brightness, the RGB lighting floods the spaces between the keys but is more subtle at 10% brightness. The keyboard supports full RGB with individually lit keys, with brightness controllable directly on the keyboard. However, creating custom lighting profiles requires Razer's Synapse 3 software. Additionally, there are seven preset lighting options, adjustable using hotkeys and keyboard shortcuts.
Connectivity for the Huntsman Mini is strictly wired, with a 1.8m detachable USB-C to USB-A cable. This cable is braided for durability and can be swapped out by enthusiasts. Although this latch provides a secure connection, it's worth noting that the keyboard lacks a wireless option.
The Huntsman Mini is packed with extra features to enhance usability. All keys are macro-programmable, offering secondary functions due to the absence of function keys, media controls, and navigation keys. The keyboard contains side-printed functions, including pre-made RGB effects, media controls, on-the-fly macro recording, and game mode activation. Additionally, the keycaps are interchangeable. The keyboard also boasts zero-latency, full NKRO, and anti-ghosting capabilities, enhancing accuracy and precision during use.
Typing Experience
When it comes to a keyboard, nothing is more crucial than the typing experience. For the Huntsman Mini, this experience is shaped by the unique keystrokes it offers, the quality of typing, the level of noise produced, and the latency. We'll delve into these aspects in this section.
Razer’s Linear Optical switches are smoother, quieter, and easier to actuate than many of its competitors. They require little force, making the keyboard feel incredibly responsive due to the low pre-travel distance. The analog switches provide multiple functionalities depending on the intensity of the key press, which creates a unique gaming experience. However, the Clicky Optical switches might be better suited for typing due to their light and crisp feel, and the pleasing tactile bump they offer.
The typing quality on the Huntsman Mini is excellent, providing plenty of tactile feedback. This is attributed to the use of the same double-shot PBT keycaps found on the Huntsman Tournament Edition, which are more stable and feel more premium than the ABS keycaps used in other models. However, despite this satisfying typing experience, the keyboard can be quite noisy and may not be suitable for quiet office environments.
The typing noise can be quite pronounced on the Huntsman Mini, particularly with the Clicky Optical switches that generate a pleasing 'thwock' sound when bottomed out. These switches are louder than both the company's earlier switches and Cherry MX Reds. As such, while this may be pleasing to some users, it may not be suitable for quiet environments where noise could be an issue.
The Huntsman Mini boasts a 3.5ms wired connection. This ensures a real-time response in gaming, enhancing the overall user experience.
Software
Underpinning the Huntsman Mini's physical design and typing experience is the software. Razer's Synapse 3 software, with its programming capabilities, is pivotal to the Huntsman Mini's functionality. Additionally, we'll also explore the keyboard's compatibility with various devices in this section.
The Huntsman Mini is versatile when it comes to programming. All keys are macro-programmable, allowing for a high degree of customization. This can be achieved either directly through the keyboard or by using the Razer Synapse 3 software. Moreover, the keys can be mapped to mirror respective controller inputs, allowing for an even wider array of customization options.
The Huntsman Mini may face some compatibility issues depending on the use case. Notably, it is not suitable for use with mobile devices due to its wired design. Similarly, its lack of a trackpad makes it a poor choice for Home Theater PC (HTPC) use.
Customer Reviews
Our most reliable sources of information are often the end-users themselves - our customers. They provide valuable insights into the day-to-day usage of the Razer Huntsman Mini keyboard. Let's delve into their reviews to see their praises and concerns.
Benefits
Several customers were delighted with the keyboard's compact size, with one describing it as 'small and truly epic.' This reinforces our notion that the keyboard's compactness is a major selling point. Customers also found the clicking of the keys to be satisfying, indicating a positive typing experience. One review even lauded the keyboard as the 'best they've had so far,' underscoring the Razer Huntsman Mini's quality. The keyboard's aesthetic appeal, particularly its Chroma RGB lighting, was another highlight for some users. Moreover, one customer pointed out the keyboard's fast input time, an essential feature for gamers.
Complaints
On the downside, some issues were noted. One customer complained that the Chroma RGB would only work after unplugging and plugging the keyboard back in. Another user encountered a sticking spacebar when pressed too far to the left. These indicate some potential concerns with build quality. Additionally, a review mentioned that the product arrived a day late, a logistics issue rather than a problem with the keyboard itself. One critical observation was about an unresponsive key and the Synapse software being too buggy to install, raising questions about quality control and software reliability.
Customer Conclusion
Overall, customers seem to find much to appreciate about the Razer Huntsman Mini keyboard, particularly its compactness, satisfying clicks, and impressive aesthetics. However, there are valid concerns about certain quality and software issues. Balancing these views, it's clear that while the keyboard has won many admirers, there is room for improvement to ensure a consistently excellent user experience.
Conclusion
It's time to draw our exploration of the Razer Huntsman Mini to a close. Throughout this review, we've delved into every facet of this unique, compact keyboard.
The Huntsman Mini, with its vibrant and adjustable Chroma RGB lighting, brings an undeniable flair to your setup. Its compact, 60% design makes it a perfect fit for minimalist layouts, and the quality build of plastic frame with an aluminum plate offers durability. However, the keyboard's height and lack of a wrist rest could pose a comfort challenge for extended use.
The keycaps provide a satisfying typing experience, although the noise could be a concern in quiet environments. Despite these minor drawbacks, its software customization, and macro-programmability offer versatility that's hard to overlook. Its wired-only design with zero-latency makes it highly suitable for gaming, but perhaps less so for mobile or HTPC use.
In conclusion, the Razer Huntsman Mini makes its mark as a compact, feature-rich keyboard that shines in gaming applications. It's a promising step into the 60% keyboard market by Razer, and it leaves us excited to see what they'll come up with next. Until then, happy typing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Razer Huntsman Mini loud?
Yes, the Razer Huntsman Mini can be quite loud, especially when using the Optical Clicky switches. This is due to the 'thwock' sound they produce when bottomed out. Therefore, it may not be suitable for quiet environments like offices.
Is the Razer Huntsman Mini fast?
Yes, the Razer Huntsman Mini is designed for fast performance, especially in gaming. It has a zero-latency wired connection which enhances real-time response. Also, the keys require little force to actuate, making the typing speed faster.
Is the Razer Huntsman Mini tactile?
Yes, the Razer Huntsman Mini is tactile, especially when using the Optical Clicky switches. These switches provide a pleasing tactile bump which can greatly enhance the typing experience.
Is the Huntsman Mini made of plastic?
The Razer Huntsman Mini features a plastic frame, but it also includes an aluminum plate for added rigidity. The keycaps are made from double-shot PBT, which is more durable and premium-feeling than the ABS plastic used in many other models.
Does the Razer Huntsman Mini have RGB lighting?
Yes, the Razer Huntsman Mini features vibrant and sharp Chroma RGB lighting with individually-lit keys. The brightness is controllable on the keyboard itself and requires the Razer Synapse 3 software for custom lighting profiles.
Does the Razer Huntsman Mini support macro programming?
Yes, every key on the Razer Huntsman Mini is macro-programmable. This can be done through the keyboard itself or using the Razer Synapse 3 software. This allows for high customization and versatility, especially useful for gaming and productivity tasks.
What types of switches does the Razer Huntsman Mini use?
The Razer Huntsman Mini uses Razer’s Linear Optical and Clicky Optical switches. These switches are known for being smoother, quieter, and easier to actuate compared to many other switch types. The Clicky Optical switches also provide a pleasing tactile bump that many typists appreciate.