Razer’s Huntsman Mini is its first 60 percent keyboard

Razer has announced its first 60 percent keyboard, the Huntsman Mini. It is made for people who need only the minimum of dedicated keys. Gone are the number pad, arrow keys, and function keys; what’s left is a simpler, travel-ready option, ideal for those who want to maximize their desk space for a large mouse pad or just to have something that can be more easily hidden

Razer already makes different sizes of its Huntsman keyboard, including a full-size option and the 80-percent Huntsman TE with no keys, but this 60-percent model is its smallest keyboard yet. And despite the small size, all the functions that seem to be missing at first glance are still present. They’re just tucked into alternate functions on every key you can activate by holding down the Fn key.

The Huntsman Mini launches in either black or mercury white, and players also have a choice of two different types of optical switches: clicky or linear. The clicky variation will launch today for $ 119.99, while the linear switch keyboard will come later this summer for $ 129.99. Razer claims to have made huge improvements to first-generation linear switches in terms of noise reduction, so it might be better if you want the touch experience of typing on a mechanical keyboard without all the noise that usually comes with it. Both types of switches have an expected lifespan of 100 million keystrokes.

Image: Razer

As for the hardware, the Huntsman Mini has a bold but moderate look with its aluminum dash. Each key is backlit with RGB LEDs, and you can customize its behavior in the Razer Synapse software. Razer uses PBT double-shot keys here, which are resistant to letters being erased or developing a shine with wear. The keyboard connects to your PC via USB-C, and you can use any USB-C cable if the one included in the box doesn’t match your aesthetic.

Razer claims that it is the first major gaming accessory maker to launch its own keyboard at 60 percent, and is following in the footsteps of brands like Ducky that helped popularize the form factor. Well known Fortnite Streamers like Turner “Tfue” Tenney promote 60 percent use of keyboards for gaming, so naturally, most streamer wannabes and PC gamers generally want to follow the trend. It is easy to see why people have clung to the form factor. Given their compact and lightweight construction, they allow for a large amount of additional desk space, are easy to carry, and have inspired a community of modders, such as the Taeha Types, to create luxurious custom models.

In my experience with 60 percent of keyboards including this one, I think your love or hate for them will come down to how much it depends on the function and the arrow keys. Okay, everyone is still available here, but it takes some serious mental gymnastics to reconnect to reach my trusted function keys. When I use a keyboard like this to type, my concentration flow is constantly interrupted to find out where a function has been relocated. Although if all you do is play, chances are there isn’t too steep a learning curve.