NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL Review

Conclusion

Conclusion

One tiny thing we like that speaks to the ethos of the new Elite range of peripherals from NZXT is the cable. The devil, they tell us, is in the details. The provided cable with the Function Elite MiniTKL is long, with a lovely soft braid. Going the extra mile is the fact the plastic within the USB ends is in NZXT purple, and the NZXT brandmark is found on both ends of the cable. If you’ve seen as many as we have you’ll know that’s a rare thing, especially custom plastic colours. Obviously it’s not massively important, but it tells of the attention to detail NZXT have put into this.

The NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL itself, available in both black or white, is an incredibly capable piece of kit. Your first impression is the weight of it. For such a small keyboard – only 338 x 40 x 123mm – it weighs just over a kilogram. That reflects the efforts NZXT have gone to with the build quality. There are six layers beneath the switches and keycaps. It might not be quite as quiet as the Ducky One 3 design, but it’s as close as any other manufacturer has come. Naturally some of this is to do with the excellent NZXT Swift Magnetic switches. Without anything tactile going on, they’re both linear and quiet.

We’re especially keen on how much control NZXT have given us. Per key lighting isn’t new, but also having per key actuation adjustment for the electromagnetic hall switches is a lovely touch. Often when opening up such fulsome customisation options manufacturers forget those with less confidence or experience at tinkering. Thus NZXT also need applauding for providing some ‘starter’ presets with the Function Elite MiniTKL.

It is worth mentioning that the NZXT have been beavering away making the Cam software better, and whilst it’s not quite a match for the class leading iCUE, it’s infinitely better than it was in the early days. It’s responsive, well laid out, and everything is where you would expect. There is little to criticise and if you’ve heard horror stories then put them out of your mind. This is excellent software now, and only continues to improve.

Built like a tank, quiet in use, and with the fast and accurate user experience you get from the NZXT Magnetic switches, the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL is worthy of a place on everyone’s shortlist and wins our OC3D Performance Award.

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