Razer Huntsman Mini Analog Review

Razer Huntsman Mini Analog Specifications

• Switches: Optical
• Switches Type: Razer Analog Optical
• Illumination: Full RGB
• Size: 11.5 x 4.1 x 1.5 inches

Soon after its release in early 2022, the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog keyboard has been gaining popularity from the gaming community. I must say, that the keyboard boasts the same performance, reputation and build quality as its Full-size predecessors, especially BlackWidow V2. No doubt this 60% keyboard is compact in size, comparatively expensive and the software requires some improvements, it is still worth the price and one of the best gaming keyboards in 2022. 

In short, if you are in pursuit of a solid 60% analog keyboard with optical switches, the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog would appeal to you in every aspect other than price. The adjustable actuation keys, in combination with the optical switch make sense for its everyday use. What makes it a real charm is its RGB lighting that looks great, and the small size that doesn’t take up as much space as a large sized mechanical RGB gaming keyboard. Read on the full review to see what that keyboard offers in this price range.

Design

From a design perspective, what you will notice at first is the size. Since this is the mini keyboard, the size will appeal to those looking for a small keyboard to save room for mouse and monitor. With its size measuring 11.5 x 4.1 x 1.5 inches, about 60% of the size of a full-size gaming keyboard, I was able to place everything perfectly on my desk without worrying about the optimal positions for keyboard and mouse. Second thing I appreciate about its design is the detachable USB-C cable that made my day because i can put the keyboard in the backpack without damaging the wire.

For people who are fast at typing like touch typists it is difficult to persuade them to look at or use the remaining 60% of the keyboard that they  mostly overlook. If you’re one of the people who have never used the 60% of a keyboard, there’s a lot that you have missed on learning. As if there is a new skill out there for you to learn. You have missed on the navigation, arrow and the function keys. With that you have also given up on the numpad, Delete key and the Media control keys.

If you want a keyboard solely for gaming, the Huntsman Mini can be your pick. It can be a good companion for you in the tournaments because of its small profile. But there is a con of using this keyboard. Writing, editing, navigation or controlling the multimedia keys is going to be really difficult.

The matte black casing and lifted keycaps of the keyboard makes it look noticeable and pretty good. As a result this gives a lot of space to RGB lighting to shine, which is going to be discussed later.

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Keys

Like the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog, the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog uses the proprietary Razer Analog Optical key switches. At default settings, these keys don’t require much force and spring back quickly, making for a pleasant typing or gaming experience overall.

Here is a Typing Test of Razer Huntsman Mini Analog Keyboard:

The Analog Optical switches are fascinating; on the contrary side they are not required to be left at the default settings. You can customize or adjust the actuation range of every key with the help of Synapse software. The keys could be set to 1.5mm for a tactile or extremely light experience. For a more linear experience they might be set to 3.6 mm. There are many options here and what’s more splendid is that you can change or modify these with the help of the software.

This has workable applications as well. To make sure that your operation is planned and accurate you can set the WASD keys to 3.6 mm, and setting the keys to 1.5 mm ensures to change your weapons as soon as possible. For fast and efficient keystrokes you can set all keys to 2.5 mm. Several tasks can be set for every key, depending on how much you push it. Also coding this isn’t as easy as it should be.

When it comes to typing speed, A splendid score of 132 words per minute was scored by me with an accuracy of 99% on the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog in comparison with Logitech G915 a score of 114 words per minute was scored with the accuracy of 97%. It simply shows that programmable movement can make a big difference. But without a numpad, function bar or arrow keys it was still tough to navigate word processors or spreadsheets.

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Features

The Razer Huntsman Mini Analog, like most other Razer gear, works on the Razer Synapse Software. Synapse has been a mainly excellent presence in recent years, allowing users to alter or redesign their peripherals without jumping through a lot of hoops. On the other hand, Huntsman Mini Analog is more complicated peripheral than others and Synapse isn’t as user-friendly as it can be.

For instance, Key marketing of the Huntsman Mini Analog is that depending on the actuation distance it can code two functions per key. Assigning an additional function should be straightforward enough. But in my testing this meant I had to re-write the core function, realign it as a custom order and then add another one from the complex drop-down lists. I have to delete the whole profile and start with a new one because you can not delete a secondary function once you position it, this makes matters more hard.

Yet the Synapse software is able to create profiles and handle lighting really well. Huntsman Mini Analog continues the tradition of Razer’s highly adjustable and bright RGB lighting in its keyboards.

Performance

If Razer Huntsman Mini Analog is used for gaming, instead of typing, it performs brilliantly. The device was then tested by me with Age of Empires IV, Doom Eternal, Cyberpunk 2077 and Final Fantasy XIV, the results showed that it exceeded the expectations. The keyboard processed all of my inputs swiftly and reliably, and the customizable actuation was extremely useful in action games.

Unfortunately, there’s no doubt in the fact that you don’t really have a lot of keys. For instance, The function keys are really helpful in Final Fantasy XIV as they allow you to target the members of the party and opponents. The need to learn keyboard shortcuts made the whole process a lot more difficult. Players belonging to massively multiplayer online games would want to purchase a different keyboard or a mouse which has multiple buttons, for example Razer Naga Pro.

Final Verdict

For good or worse, The Razer Huntsman Mini Analog speciality item. If you do not hold on to work on a much smaller keyboard yourself this one is not a good efficient instrument. There are certain genres that work greater even when gaming. Whether it be Razer Huntsman mini or a full size keyboard it is expensive and it lacks the arrow keys and wireless functionality of the razor black widow V3 Mini hyper speed.

Programmable keys switches and tiny size demonstrated in the razor Huntsman Mini Analog review speak for itself. The Huntsman Mini analogue is worth a look if you have already decided to sell on the 60% Mini keyboard layout. You cannot be shocked if you have decided to rather go for a more analyzed and differentiated model in this section