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Razer Huntsman Mini Analog Test: It doesn’t get smaller than this

After Razer already provided the Huntman V2 gaming keyboard with an analog model last year, which was almost completely convincing in our review, the analog optical switches are now available in a small 60 percent layout. How well the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog does and what advantages the analog switches offer is revealed in our test.

Specifications

Button Switch Type Razer Analog Optical Switches
Switch types Analog Optical (black)
Shape factor 60 percent layout
Material Plastic, aluminum (case cover)
Onboard memory Hybrid memory (5 key assignment profiles)
On-the-Fly System With FN keys
Cable connection USB type-C to type-A
Multimedia buttons not present
Rollover technology N-key rollover with anti-ghosting
Operating Modes Typing; Gaming
Colors Black
Price € 95.75 *

Razer Huntsman Mini Analog Test: The Scope of Delivery

In typical manufacturer fashion, the compact Razer Huntsman Mini Analog gaming keyboard reaches us in a black and poison green cardboard box, which is visually oriented towards other peripherals from the manufacturer. Since the 60-percent layout inside is the most compact keyboard on the market, the packaging also turns out correspondingly small.

Razer Huntsman Mini Analog Review: The Package

Inside, the “little huntsman” rests in a plastic sleeve, while around the lid of the packaging are the obligatory notes, stickers and instructions. Above the keyboard, protected by another cardboard lid, Razer places the detachable USB-A to USB-C cable that makes it to a length of 1.8 meters.

Design and workmanship

In terms of design, we can also expect the typical Razer image in the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog review. Thus, the new gaming keyboard also relies on a matte-black finish, which is visually oriented towards keyboard lineup around Huntman V2, BlackWidow and co. The surface leaves quite a noble impression.

However, the aluminum plate, on which the analog switches are placed, should once again magically attract dust and dirt. Due to the compact shape of the mini keyboard, this is less of a problem than with its bigger brothers.

Also familiar from Razer are the comparatively high keys, which rest just under 0.4 centimeters above the aluminum plate. This time, particularly high-quality and long-lasting DoubleShot PBT keycaps are also used, which should once again bring up to 100 million keystrokes per key.

The semi-transparent lettering on the top is clean and easy to read, and the alternative assignments that can be activated in combination with the FN key are also printed on the front of the keys.

71 keys

Due to the 60-percent layout along with a total of 71 keys, the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog turns out to be correspondingly compact. At 293.3 mm x 103.3 mm x 36.8 mm (length x width x height), the keyboard is smaller than many a mouse pad and thus easily finds room on even the smallest desks. Of course, the weight is also correspondingly low. The keyboard only weighs 446.5 grams without the cable).

Cable: The cable is connected via USB-C in a channel on the back of the Huntman Mini Analog. A look at the underside reveals four rubber feet on the edges, which keep the keyboard securely in position even on slippery surfaces. The final touch is the two different angles (6 degrees and 9 degrees) fold-out stand feet.

Workmanship of the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog

There is also little to complain about in terms of the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog’s build quality. Razer’s DoubleShot PBT keycaps feel premium and prove to be more abrasion-resistant in practice, while the light grain provides a pleasant feel.

The RGB illumination of the individual keys does not make any mistakes either and turns out evenly. However, this is perhaps also due to the fact that the long labels, such as “Roll” or “Print”, which were problematic in the past, are simply conspicuous by their absence due to the mini format.

Once again, we really like the sound-absorbing foam pad that is used, with which the manufacturer could already collect plus points in the Razer Huntsman V2 review. They effectively minimize noise when pressing the individual keys, but at the same time provide a pleasant and precise pressure point.

Practice and typing feel

Let’s move on to the practical test of the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog and the point where the keyboard could not fully convince us. However, this is not due to a lack of comfort or features, but is rather due to the 60 percent layout.

For this is simply a matter of taste. While I personally appreciate TKL keyboards (80 percent layout), the Mini Huntsman is just too small for me. In practice, this means that the distances between the individual keys are even smaller and I miss the arrow keys in particular, for example. In the practical test, this leads to many untypical typos, at least when typing – precisely because I slip on the key.

However, you cannot really blame the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog for that. Those who like to work with a compact keyboard will be very well served here. What I particularly like about the analog model is the feedback of the Razer Analog Optical Switches, which takes the idea of opto-mechanical switches one step further.

The Razer Analog Optical Switches in Practice

In short, the low key travel is reminiscent of the analog sticks of current PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S controllers. This is supposed to enable an even more finely graduated triggering of the keys in racing games and shooters, for example.

This sounds exciting, at least in theory, but it takes a lot of getting used to for PC gamers. After all, keys are usually pressed all the way down, and the pressure is rarely finely dosed.

I dare to doubt that the analog optical switches can replace a real controller or even a steering wheel in a racing simulation. But not that the Razer Analog Optical Switches convince with an excellent typing feel and pleasant pressure point. Especially since the travel can be adjusted between 1.5 mm and 3.6 millimeters within the Razer Synapse software to serve different scenarios.

Razer Analog Optical Switches

In practice, the typing feel on the Huntsman Mini Analog is most reminiscent of the manufacturer’s linear red switches, which makes for a comparatively low noise level combined with a pleasantly fast trigger point.

Sound test and volume

So how does typing on the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog sound anyway? To test this, we positioned the keyboard next to a microphone (Elgato Wave:1) and banged the keys at 100 percent volume.

Razer Huntsman Mini Analog – Analog Optical Switches

Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition TKL – Linear Optical Switches (red)

Software integration: Razer Synpase

The companion software used, as always with Razer, is the Razer Synapse 3 program. During the initial setup of the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog, an update is automatically downloaded and installed after restarting the computer. Only then is the keyboard’s full range of functions available.

Of course, the software can adjust the RGB lighting in various effects, as well as its general brightness, and synchronize it with other Razer Chroma-enabled peripherals. You can also activate the gaming mode in the software and thus disable the Windows key or the ALT+F4 combination, for example.

A second set of keys can also be set and configured via HyperShift if desired. The most interesting feature, however, is the “fast remapping” function, which is exclusive to the analog switches. It opens up the option of placing controller buttons and sticks on keys to simulate gamepad control.

Thus, the WASD keys can be assigned to the right or left analog stick, while optionally additionally the surrounding Q and E keys can simulate the triggers of a gamepad. Additionally, up to five different profiles can be created and stored in the keyboard’s internal memory.

For those who like to customize it, the trigger point of each key can be fine-tuned if desired, and macros or additional functions can be added to the keys. The possibilities offered by the software here are almost endless.

Summary on the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog

Basically, the same applies to the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog as what we already wrote about the Huntsman V2 Analog in conclusion. The compact keyboard convinces with a chic design and high-quality workmanship.

The analog optical switches offer a unique selling point in terms of their settings and capabilities, and I particularly like the finely adjustable key travel. However, I dare to doubt whether this can replace a real controller in gaming.

The settings, software and RGB lighting are appealing and the typing feel in the practical test is also convincing. However, we cannot recommend the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog without hesitation due to the 60% layout, because the keyboard is simply too small for me personally.

However, you cannot really accuse Razer of that, but it is merely a matter of taste. Technically, there is nothing to complain about with the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog. If you are looking for a compact and versatile gaming keyboard, you will be excellently served. However, the price is perhaps a bit too high.

Razer Huntsman Mini Analog Review: Award

Razer Huntsman Mini Analog

Workmanship
Features
Ergonomics
Software
Value for money

87/100

Noble and high-quality gaming keyboard with innovative analog switches that does not make any real mistakes. However, the compact shape is a matter of taste, and the price is a bit too high.

Simon Lüthje

I am co-founder of this blog and am very interested in everything that has to do with technology, but I also like to play games. I was born in Hamburg, but now I live in Bad Segeberg.

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After Razer already provided the Huntman V2 gaming keyboard with an analog model last year, which was almost completely convincing in our review, the analog optical switches are now available in a small 60 percent layout. How well the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog does and what advantages the analog switches offer is revealed in our … (Weiterlesen...)

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