The Razer Huntsman Mini is a compact, 60% mechanical keyboard that has managed to be on the radar of many gamers. The keyboard isn’t fresh on the market, but I couldn’t resist trying it and sharing my impressions. I inspected the keyboard in detail and examined whether it was worth a good reputation and a purchase.
The keyboard has a German layout (I borrowed it from a friend), so it took me a while to get used to the labels. The Razer Huntsman looks mini even with the packaging, so you can quickly think it is a TV keyboard.
This particular model comes in black with red optical switches. I was very interested in how it would behave and whether the gaming recommendations were valid.
Table of Contents
Razer Huntsman Mini
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Design & Build
The Razer Huntsman Mini is one of the 60% compact gaming keyboards, which means it’s much smaller than a full-size 104-key keyboard. It has 61 keys but is fully functional and will take up very little space on your desktop.
The housing is solid plastic, reinforced on the upper side with an aluminum sheet. In this way, the Razer Huntsman Mini has an even more robust construction resistant to shocks, bending, and creaking. The keyboard is relatively light and easy to carry thanks to its compact design and detachable USB-C power cable.
You can place the keyboard stand in two corners, and four rubber pads will ensure that the Mini doesn’t move while playing or typing.
At first glance, the keyboard looks like a Razer Huntsman TE in terms of build, quality, and functions, only in a more compact edition. The advantage is definitely in the smaller table space occupied by the Mini. This advantage means more room to move the mouse, and as the keyboard and mouse are closer, there is less strain on your arms and shoulders during intense and prolonged gaming.
Keycaps
The Razer Huntsman Mini comes with PBT keycaps. The keycaps look well made, and Razer further emphasized that this is a Doubleshot PBT version. PBT is the best option for keyboards that provide a better feel and experience while typing.
When we talk about the material for making keycaps, it can be; ABS or PBT. Razer and many other manufacturers use ABS material in cheaper versions of their keyboards, which offers a brighter and smoother look of keycaps.
PBT keycaps are of firmer construction, look matte, and have a uniform texture. PBT prevents keycaps from wearing out quickly and developing shine, and plastic is also slightly more robust.
ABS keycaps are magnets for fingerprints and dirt, and in the long run, they start to look worn out and faded. Doubleshot PBT means that the keycaps are coated with another layer of plastic, so the letters and characters last much longer.
Secondary Function Keys
It’s a problem for me to get used to the fact that there are no arrow keys on the right side for quick scrolling and text editing as I type. There’s but indirectly. Arrow keys are available when you hold down the fn + (I + J + K + L) key combination. You can see the secondary functions from the front side of the keys. To avoid looking for them, press the fn key, and all keys with secondary functions will glow white.
In this way, it’s clear what to choose. You access the media keys in a row of keys with QWERTY, where you can quickly reduce or increase the volume, pause, etc.
You can also use the fn key to access the function keys marked below the first line of keys. Similarly, you come to a combination of multimedia keys and brightness adjustments.
So it takes getting used to for anyone who hasn’t already used a 60% keyboard, but once you get used to it, there won’t be any problems.
Performance
You can buy Razer Huntsman Mini with Razer optical switches and choose red (linear ) or purple (clicky). My Razer Huntsman Mini testing keyboard has red optical switches, and my subjective impression is positive, considering the key’s response. The red switch is linear and is ideal for players who have a lot of action on the screen. You have the feeling that everything is going smoothly and quickly.
In gaming, I noticed that the keys are comfortable because I don’t have to press the keys hard to register every time I press them. It’s subjectively activated quickly and lightly, like pressing a touch button. This feeling is a pleasure for your fingers because you will not get tired quickly, even after many hours of intense gaming.
In addition, these switches are quiet and a feast for your ears if you appreciate the silence during gaming. I haven’t been able to try purple switches, either. But as far as I can see, Razer has designed these switches for people who like precision and tactile responsiveness for every key pressed.
A purple switch is clicking and noisier, but some people like that sound. I notice that the stabilizers for the larger keys can be loud. I don’t mind, but it can bother other people around you, so keep that detail in mind.
Equipment & Support
The Razer Huntsman Mini comes with a memory on the keyboard itself in which you can save your macro profiles (five max). Such saved profiles will also be available on another computer where you plug in the Huntsman Mini. You don’t need software to select predefined lighting effects, but you can do so by pressing the function key fn + Ctrl + numbers 1-7.
We use the Razer Synapse software for all additional settings. When I first connected the keyboard to the Windows system, the Razer Synapse installation started automatically.
The file weighs even over 400MB, so be patient if you have a slow internet connection. If that doesn’t happen for some reason, you have to go to the Razer site and download it here. Unfortunately, this software only comes for Windows. Other operating systems aren’t supported. The keyboard will work, but you will not be able to create your macros and special lighting effects.
After installation, you get a fairly intuitive interface that can easily navigate and play with the settings. There are a lot of them.
You can use the software to save macro commands to the keyboard memory. After deleting the software, the macro profiles remain in the keyboard memory.
You need Razer Synapse the most if you want to adjust the lighting to your needs and aren’t satisfied with the predefined settings. Synapse must run in the background while playing or doing something else on your computer. Otherwise, you will not be able to start custom lighting.
Another handy detail is that the Razer Huntsman Mini comes with a USB-C braided cable that seems quite durable. The good thing is that you can detach the power cord. The keyboard is even more suitable for transport in a backpack or bag for a gaming party with friends or a LAN tournament.
Conclusion
The Razer Huntsman Mini is an incredible 60% mechanical keyboard that pleasantly surprised me with its compact design and advanced features. Red switches are a balm for your fingers. They react quickly and quietly, so you need to get used to them if you first encounter a mechanical keyboard.
The only drawback is the slightly noisier stabilizers, but I don’t mind subjectively. The Razer Huntsman Mini is an ideal small keyboard for fast-action games, so I warmly recommend it to anyone who spends hours in the fast on-screen action.
If the price is an obstacle to purchasing Huntsman Mini, you can find a quality gaming keyboard for under $50. Good luck with gaming and typing.
If you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment.