Published: February 20, 2024 | Source: NZXT | Author: Von Blade

NZXT Function 2 Keyboard Review

Conclusion

The first launch of the NZXT Function range of keyboards was definitely a success. Any time a company branches out it’s taking a risk, but clearly NZXT didn’t go into it lightly. Like all good companies they’ve take some time to look at the other products on the market and revisit their design. Given that the peripheral world is comfortably one of the most competitive, any edge on their rivals can make a big difference.

What’s New?

Undoubtedly the new NZXT Function 2 steps up with a couple of elements that really change their placement in the peripheral world. The addition of NZXT Swift optical switches is the star of the show. The Function 2 isn’t the first keyboard to have optical switches in place, but they are still a rare find. If you’re experienced with the regular Cherry MX style of switch then the first thing you’ll notice is how light the actuation pressure is, and how quickly the keyboard actuates. i.e notices you’ve pressed a key. The Cherry MX Red, the most popular one on the planet, requires 45g of pressure and actuates at 2mm depth. The NZXT Swift, 40g and 1mm actuation depth. It’s not only a single setting either, as you saw on the previous page you can set it to ping at 1.5mm.

What this means in reality is that those long sessions gaming or typing are much less fatiguing. You need less force to press the key, and don’t need to press it as far. If you’re a fast typist you’ll definitely see a WPM increase just from the reduced travel distance. They’re lovely and linear. Crisp, but quiet. Another way in which the Function 2 ups the ante is the use of two layers of sound-dampening foam. This absorbs any of the pings that you get from the spring inside the switch returning. Additionally NZXT have pre-applied the famous tape mod to the PCB. All in all this makes the Function 2 on par with the Ducky One 3, the quietest keyboard we’ve ever reviewed.

What’s Not?

Elsewhere the design of the Function 2 keeps all the things we liked about the original. The volume roller remains on the left hand side, along with buttons to control muting lights and audio, and toggling key locks. We love having things like this within easy reach. The volume roller in particular is a high quality feeling item. It has a nice heft to it and a lovely rubberised texture. With the basic layout perfected on the original Function it makes perfect sense to keep the outward design of the Function 2 the same.

The NZXT Function 2 keeps everything that worked with the Function 1, and totally changes it beneath the hood. With a serious, and very successful, aim to eliminate the noise that plagues mechanical keyboards it’s as quiet as any we’ve tested. The NZXT Swift optical switches are a revelation. Allied to the 8000Hz polling rate, the 1mm actuation distance and 40g actuation force make it one of the fastest keyboards around, and for that reason it wins our OC3D Performance Award.