PC & Console Peripherals

NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL Review: Impressive gaming keyboard in mini format

NZXT is getting serious with its new Elite peripheral line-up: the aim is to combine state-of-the-art technology and features at a competitive price. The gaming mouse Lift Elite Wireless (our test) has already achieved this pretty well. With the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL, there is also a new gaming keyboard that aims to impress even the most demanding users. Our test reveals more.

Technical data

Product designation Function Elite MiniTKL
Switch type Magnetic
Button switch type NZXT magnetic switch
Switch types offered Linear (actuation point adjustable between 0.6-4.0 mm)
Switch interchangeable Yes
Keycaps interchangeable Yes
Material CNC aluminum
Dimensions (L x W x H) 132.8 mm x 348.42 mm x 37.8 mm
weight 1,091 grams
Onboard memory 4 profiles
Cable connection USB Type-C
Rollover technology N-Key Rollover
Keycaps PBT Double-Shot
Operating modes Typing; Gaming
Sampling rates 8,000 Hz
Special features Customizable trigger point; Interchangeable keycaps and switches
Key colors Black; White
Price € 199.99 *

NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL review: classy look, top workmanship

  • Absolutely high-quality and robust
  • Elegant, rather simple design

As the manufacturer’s new flagship model, the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL is positioned above the Function 2, which we tested a good year ago and found to be very good. The new Elite model leaves out the larger form factors and only comes in a compact 75 percent layout (MiniTKL).

This naturally provides plenty of space on the gaming table, as the keyboard is only around 348 mm wide and therefore around 100 mm shorter than a full-size keyboard. However, you have to accept that there is less space available for the arrow keys and additional keys on the right-hand side and that everything looks a little more squashed than with larger layouts.

If that doesn’t bother you, you get a very elegant and high-quality gaming keyboard, which is available in either white or black. The weight of over one kilogram for the keyboard alone is a testament to its value as soon as you unpack it.

This is because the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL is made from robust CNC aluminum of aerospace quality, at least on the top side, and should therefore also shine in the long term thanks to its stability and robustness. The PCB relies on a gasket mount, which should skillfully cushion the impacts and score points with a convincing sound.

Commendable: The magnetic switches are already pre-lubricated, and there is also a factory-fitted tape mod to improve the sound of the keyboard. The keycaps come in the same color as the housing and are manufactured using the high-quality PBT double-shot process, which should also make them very durable.

The plastic underside of the keyboard not only has rubberized surfaces to ensure a secure grip, but also has rubberized fold-out feet. The latter allow the keyboard to be angled in a total of two stages (or three if you include the very flat one).

The scope of delivery also includes a very useful 2-in-1 switch and keycap remover, a USB-C to USB-A cable and three additional replacement switches in case something breaks.

NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL
The scope of delivery

As with all magnetic Hall effect switches, only the manufacturer’s own models fit here, namely the NZXT Swift magnetic switches. However, these are said to have a service life of 150 million clicks.

NZXT Swift magnetic switches: How good are the switches?

  • 30g release force
  • Adjustable pressure point between 0.6 mm and 4.0 mm
  • Rapid Trigger and Rapid Tap (Snap Overrides)

A highlight and unique selling point of the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL are of course the built-in magnetic switches. The white switches with Hall effect sensor have a linear trigger point that is strongly reminiscent of classic mechanical MX Red switches.

They trigger with 30g, but offer the option of freely adjusting the actuation point between 0.6 mm and 4.0 mm. We are already familiar with similar functionality from SteelSeries or Corsair, for example. Although the adjustment does not go quite as far down as with the top models (0.1 mm – 4.0 mm are possible with more expensive competitors), I consider the 0.6 mm of the NZXT to be absolutely sufficient.

NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL

In total, the release point can be freely adjusted in the NZXT Cam app in a total of 40 levels, individually for each button. Other benefits include a rapid trigger function (resets buttons immediately when they travel upwards), snap overrides (movement buttons such as A and D can be used simultaneously without the character stopping) and much more.

NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL in practical test

  • Wonderfully precise and fast switches
  • appealing RGB lighting
  • very pleasant sound

The practical impression of the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL is excellent. Even in the first few minutes, the gaming keyboard impresses with its coherent, stylish design and an excellent trigger point for the switches.

With full N-key rollover and anti-ghosting, as well as a sampling rate of up to 8,000 Hz, the keyboard naturally offers just about everything a demanding user could wish for. Whether you’re writing texts or playing games: The Function Elite cuts a very fine figure everywhere.

NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL
Practical: The dual assignments are printed on the side of the keycaps

Switching between different profiles or media control is also done via the second assignment of the F-key row in conjunction with the Fn key. This allows you to switch between the four integrated profiles, adjust or switch off the RGB lighting and control media playback.

The RGB lighting is also very appealing, extending as a frame around the keys and being pleasantly bright. The keys themselves and their labels are of course also illuminated, although you can adjust the lighting for each key individually if you wish.

Sound test NZXT Function Elite MiniTK (Hall effect switches):

Sound test ASUS ROG Falchion Ace HFX (reverb effect switches):

Sound test Corsair K70 MAX (magnetic-mechanical switches):

But that’s not all: I also really like the sound of the Function Elite. The factory lubrication, damping and modification provides a pleasant “thocky” sound when the keys are released, which is somewhat louder than, for example, the Glorious GMMK 3 Pro or other high-quality keyboards, but sounds very pleasant.

App connection: NZXT Cam

  • Clear and user-friendly
  • Wide range of customization options

To be able to use all the functions of the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL, we recommend installing the clear NZXT Cam companion app. There you will find the “Keyboard” item in the left-hand menu, where you can make settings in a total of four tabs.

Firmware updates are also possible via the software. At the time of our test, an update was already available that could be installed without any problems.

The first tab is responsible for the lighting. Here you can select whether you want to adjust all the keys, the frame (perimeter) or individual keys and can choose between a total of nine different lighting effects. The brightness (of the buttons and the frame individually) can be adjusted, as can the AFK timer, which dims the lighting after a defined period of non-use.

NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL

Things get really interesting in the performance area. Here you not only set the trigger point (also individually for each button if desired), but also Rapid Trigger or Snap Overrides. On the right-hand side, you will also find four presets that are designed for different gaming genres if you don’t want to make the settings yourself. You can also set the polling rate (in Hz) here and deactivate Fn and Windows+ALT+Tab if you wish.

NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL

All keys can also be freely reconfigured under “Reassignment”, while simple and complex macros can be created in the “Macros” tab. Unfortunately, the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL does not have a dedicated macro button.

NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL

All in all, the software is not only pleasantly clear and user-friendly, but also scores with a coherent range of functions.

NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL Review: Conclusion

If the Function 2 was already able to convince us in the test, the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL once again improves in all respects, sometimes considerably. For the admittedly quite high price of around 200 euros, you not only get a very stylish and absolutely high-quality gaming keyboard, but also a modern feature set.

The magnetic Hall-effect switches are excellent and trigger with pleasant precision and reliability. And anyone who has ever used such switches will probably never want to go back to classic mechanical switches.

After all, the optical-magnetic switches are not only incredibly durable (up to 150 million actuations), but also offer unique features such as the adjustment of the trigger point, rapid trigger and snap overrides. The latter in particular is an incredible advantage in competitive shooters.

The keyboard combines all this with appealing RGB lighting, versatile and user-friendly software and an absolutely pleasant trigger sound. Sure, the (significantly more expensive) competition goes one step further when it comes to customization options, but in my opinion, the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL offers everything a modern gaming keyboard needs to be able to do.

There’s not much that could be improved on this keyboard. A palm rest would perhaps be nice, as would a rotary knob for volume adjustment and dedicated macro keys. But there’s not much else to complain about.

PRO

  • Top workmanship
  • Excellent switches
  • Modern features
CONTRA

  • No macro keys
  • High price

NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL

Workmanship
Features
Ergonomics
Software
Value For Money

95/100

A bull's eye: The new Elite keyboard from NZXT is right up there with the best gaming keyboards and impresses with its impeccable workmanship, elegant design and excellent reverb effect switches.

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