NZXT FUNCTION, MINITKL & TENKEYLESS Mechanical Keyboard Review
Peter Donnell / 3 years ago
A Closer Look – MINITKL
And now for something completely different. The FUNCTION MINITKL is a different beast for sure, with many ergonomic changes compared to the FUNCTION and the TENKEYLESS. Soak in that design for a moment, there’s a lot going on here.
Firstly, and it’s pretty blatant, it’s the black version. It looks almost menacingly black after using the two white models for a while, but I do like it. However, I feel the white versions look more “NZXT” while the black model is just another black keyboard, but perhaps that’s just me.
So the number pad is gone, that much we already know. However, the keyboard is cut even shorter still. As a result, the arrow keys and some of the functions have been pushed closer together in a layout that’s more in line with a mid-size laptop keyboard.
This may look a little strange, but if you’re tight on space or need something more portable, there’s certainly a need for these smaller designs. I love that you still get Home, End, PgUp and PgDn keys though.
Plus, there’s a mysterious NZXT key here! It does nothing, but you can map it in the CAM software to do whatever you like.
The mysterious F13 key has appeared on this model too. It’s said that pressing it three times summons Jason Voorhees, but it’s likely just safer you map it in the CAM software to do something safer. You still get those media controls here too, which is great.
Also, you get the same configuration of volume wheel and side buttons as you do on the larger models. Actually, everything left of the enter key has the same ergonomic feel as the other two keys. The main difference is that the F-Key row is condensed into one solid row, rather than groups of four.
Around the back, you’ll find the Type-C is once again in the same spot.
There’s no wrist rest on this model, which is a shame, but this is meant to be a lighter and more portable version, so I guess that makes sense.