TheNZXT Function 2 MiniTKL keyboardprovides a fine balance of entry-level customization and well-lit per-key RGB lighting. For those after a compact gaming experience, this optical gaming keyboard is designed to be long-lasting with a light footprint for your on-the-go uses and personal desk space.
As a trade-off for its customization, a required wired connection and stricter Windows software support may make it less ideal for some.
NZXT Function 2 MiniTKL Keyboard
The NZXT Function 2 MiniTKL wired compact keyboard offers a long-lasting gaming experience with an aerospace-grade aluminum top plate and doubleshot PBT keycaps that resist fading over time. Beyond a small, lightweight footprint, per-key RGB, 2-level height adjustment, and hot-swappable switches allow for a fully custom, learning experience to enhance your gaming and everyday use.
Price and Availability
The NZXT Function 2 MiniTKL keyboard is available to purchase from Amazon or the NZXT website. The matte black and white versions can be picked up for a base price of $129.99 for the tenkeyless optical gaming keyboard.
Specifications
Unboxing the Compact Keyboard Experience
Out of the box, the smaller Function 2 MiniTKL keyboard offers the number of keys typical for a TKL keyboard (87), some shortcut buttons, and a volume wheel at the side for ease of use. With its wired connection, it can support a max polling rate of 8000 Hz. To not detract from the per-key RGB colors, media shortcut keys are discrete, along with the numbered F-keys for quick swapping between profiles.
As a note, the keyboard is a US QWERTY / ANSI type, so if you pair it with a device that can’t detect it, you’ll want to identify it as such for proper operation. But once you’ve plugged in via the included detachable cable, the 0.2 ms response time will read each stroke readily, especially with the default actuation rate.
Gaming and Everyday Keyboard Usage
As a compact keyboard, the Function 2 MiniTKL is light and more inviting for travel. The wired connection is a removable braided USB-C to USB-A, so if you’re packing it, you can separate the two as needed. The three-level height adjustment and the five-point rubbering at the rear also accommodate a variety of surfaces, so you can easily adjust to your preferred needs.
As a trade-off, no wrist rest is included, so you’ll have to purchase your own or spring for thefuller-sized NZXT Function 2keyboard at a slight price uptick.
With its aluminum top plate and the doubleshot PBT keycaps, this keyboard is designed to last 100 million key presses. The Default pre-lubed switches and stabilizers have a light but consistent feel to each press with a minor bit of auditory feedback. Lighting is distributed well, and the font of the keycaps is well displayed, even with darker font types.
In everyday testing, the smaller footprint does make it good for places where a smaller set of shortcut keys is welcome. When working with the XP-Pen Magic Drawing Pad tablet and Krita, default and quick key remapping allowed for placement on either side of the tablet while drawing and editing. When working in full-screen mode, the option to disable an accidental press of the Windows key or swipe to adjust volume via the left-side wheel keeps you focused on the task at hand.
An adjustable actuation level and polling rate can further enhance the base gaming experience. While the degree of notice will depend on the user and game type, it’s a welcome option, especially for those looking for more competitive gaming bonuses.
Using the NZXT Cam Software
When considering any newer NZXT keyboard, you’ll want to first make sure you can use the NZXT Cam software for full customization. While the keyboard allows brightness control via a button, if you’re after a custom profile and control of the per-key RGB lighting, you’ll need to access the software.
Presently, there’s no planned support for macOS or Linux, so you’ll need Windows 10 or beyond since there’s no official option for legacy versions of the Cam software. But if you meet the Windows operating system requirement, the Cam software can manage multiple aspects of your system experience with multiple NZXT devices.
If you’re just starting with a keyboard, the software allows you to keep your involvement as minimal or detailed as desired. For many, the main experiment will be choosing between an assortment of color mode customization options that are either a base or reactive effect. For those unfamiliar with more specialized terminology, the software provides a quick explanation of typically unfamiliar items.
Four different onboard profiles can be switched between via the Fn key, allowing for a quick switch between different colors, macro keys, and remapped keys.
Swapping and Customizing With Included Tools and Switches
When purchasing a custom keyboard for gaming use, not all allow for easy modification. While many may include at least a keycap puller, the NZXT Function 2 MiniTKL includes both a keycap and switch puller, four 35g yellow linear optical switches, and four 45g red linear optical switches to trade-out.
For those new to or nervous about changing out switches for gaming, the subtle difference allows for a bit of experimentation when combined with the other setting tweaks without a separate purchase.
The keyboard manual also walks you through the process and placement if you’re unsure about how to use the tools or fear bending a component. Once you’ve figured it out, it’s a very quick process, so you’re free to change out and experiment with the different switches around your preferred keys to prevent any accidental presses.
Should You Buy the NZXT Function 2 MiniTKL Keyboard?
TheNZXT Function 2 MiniTKL keyboardoffers numerous customization options with a few minor omissions that come as a result of its smaller desktop footprint. If you’re a Windows or multi-system user, you’ll get the most out of the keyboard; you’ll find yourself left out from the major color customizations if you’re strictly using non-Windows systems.
Overall, if you’re looking for a keyboard that comes at a reasonable price and can introduce you to the major aspects of a customizable gaming keyboard without additional cost, the MiniTKL does a great job. Plus, if you’re looking for a keyboard for travel gaming or a lighter weight, it can tuck away easily without worrying about charging it. For all its strengths, it’s a great fit for the right setting.
