The Razer Huntsman Mini is an exceptional gaming keyboard with a compact form factor. Its small size is great for minimalist setups and to allow for more space to move the mouse. The build quality is excellent, it has per-key RGB backlighting, and every key is macro-programmable. The Clicky Optical switches we reviewed provide an excellent typing experience, with distinct tactile feedback and incredible responsiveness. Unfortunately, it can be tiring to type on for long periods due to the lack of a wrist rest, and the layout can feel a bit cramped for some. Media controls, function keys, and navigation keys are still accessible through the use of secondary functions, and most customizations can be done on the keyboard itself. Razer's Synapse 3 software is feature-rich; however, it's only available for Windows.
Our Verdict
The Razer Huntsman Mini is an exceptional gaming keyboard. It has an excellent build quality, it has full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys, and all keys are macro-programmable. The Clicky Optical switches on our unit feel responsive due to their low pre-travel distance, and they require very little force to actuate. You can also get the keyboard with Linear Optical switches if you prefer. Unfortunately, it isn't the most comfortable keyboard, and there aren't any dedicated macro keys for MMO games.
- RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys.
- Programmable keys.
- Low latency.
- No dedicated macro keys.
- Doesn't come with wrist rest.
The Razer Huntsman Mini isn't suitable for use with mobile devices.
The Razer Huntsman Mini is a good office keyboard. The Clicky Optical switches on our unit provide an excellent typing experience with plenty of tactile feedback, but their loud typing noise isn't suitable for a quiet office setting. That said, you can get the keyboard with Linear Optical switches as well. It isn't the most comfortable to type on as it has a fairly high profile, it doesn't come with a wrist rest, and its compact layout can be too cramped for those with large hands.
- Excellent build quality.
- Excellent typing quality.
- Loud typing noise with clicky switches.
- Doesn't come with wrist rest.
- Small form factor can feel a bit cramped for some.
The Razer Huntsman Mini is a great keyboard for programming or coding. The PBT keycaps and the Clicky Optical switches on our unit provide an excellent typing experience, and you can also get the keyboard with Linear Optical switches if you prefer. It's well-built, it has backlighting, and all keys are macro-programmable. It isn't the most comfortable to type on as it doesn't come with a wrist rest, and the small form factor can feel a bit cramped for some.
- Excellent build quality.
- RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys.
- Programmable keys.
- Excellent typing quality.
- No dedicated macro keys.
- Doesn't come with wrist rest.
- Small form factor can feel a bit cramped for some.
The Razer Huntsman Mini is a poor choice for HTPC use. Since it's wired-only, you need to connect directly to the TV and have to sit close. It also lacks a trackpad, so you'll need a mouse to navigate the on-screen menu. Luckily, it has full RGB lighting and media hotkeys.
- RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys.
- Wired-only.
- Lacks a trackpad.
Changelog
- Updated May 10, 2024: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed Logitech G PRO X 60 in the Wireless Versatility section.
- Updated Nov 09, 2023: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air to the Backlighting section of this review.
- Updated Sep 21, 2023: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed Corsair K65 PRO MINI to the Dimensions section of this review.
- Updated Feb 04, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Razer Huntsman Mini is the smallest keyboard in the Huntsman lineup, which includes the Razer Huntsman, the Razer Huntsman Elite, and the Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition. It comes in two colors, Classic Black and Mercury White, and you can choose between Clicky Optical Switches (Purple) or Linear Optical Switches (Red). Our unit is fitted with the Purple Switches and we expect the typing experience to be different from the Red Switches.
Popular Keyboard Comparisons
The Razer Huntsman Mini is an exceptional gaming keyboard; however, unless you're set on getting a compact keyboard, there are other keyboards in this price range that offer many more features. For more options, check out our recommendations for the best keyboards, the best gaming keyboards, and the best mechanical keyboards.
The Razer Huntsman Mini and the Razer BlackWidow V3 are both outstanding gaming keyboards. The Mini is a compact 60% keyboard, while the V3 is full-sized and comes with a wrist rest and dedicated media keys. The Mini is available with Razer Clicky Optical and Linear Optical switches, while the V3 is available with Razer's standard linear and clicky switches.
The Razer Huntsman Mini and the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini are compact gaming keyboards, but the SteelSeries has a unique feature that allows you to adjust the pre-travel distance on a per-key basis. Other than this feature, the two keyboards both have a similarly premium build quality and exceptionally low latency. The Razer is an older unit that's easier to find at a lower price, so unless you want the adjustable pre-travel feature on the SteelSeries, the Razer may be a better option.
The HyperX Alloy Origins 60 and the Razer Huntsman Mini are both compact 60% mechanical gaming keyboards. Both have full RGB with individually-lit keys and easy-to-use customization software that are both only available on Windows. Also, all keys on both boards are macro programmable. The Razer is available with Razer's clicky optical switches and linear optical switches, while the HyperX is only available with HyperX linear switches.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro and the Razer Huntsman Mini are very different keyboards. The SteelSeries is a full-size keyboard with more features, such as a USB passthrough, and an OLED screen that you can customize. Also, it comes with a wrist rest and has better compatibility with macOS. The Razer's Razer Clicky Optical switches provide a better typing experience, and there's a Linear Optical switch option as well. However, they're also much louder and not ideal for quiet offices. The SteelSeries is only available with one switch type, but it allows you to customize the pre-travel distance.
Test Results
The Razer Huntsman Mini is a compact keyboard, as it doesn't have a Numpad, function keys, or dedicated arrow keys. This is great for a minimal setup as well as for those playing with a low mouse CPI who need more space to move the mouse. If you want a slightly larger compact keyboard with dedicated arrow keys, check out the Corsair K65 PRO MINI.
The Razer Huntsman Mini's build quality is excellent. It has a plastic frame with an aluminum plate on top to provide rigidity. The board flexes just a tiny bit, but it's nothing to be concerned about. It has doubleshot PBT keycaps that feel nice to type on; however, the stabilizers could be better, as there's a bit of wobbling and rattling. Unfortunately, the incline feet feel a bit cheap, and the rubber pads under them don't provide enough grip, so the keyboard slides around a lot. If you want something with a full metal case and an outstanding build quality, check out the HyperX Alloy Origins 65.
The Razer Huntsman Mini's ergonomics are okay. It doesn't come with a wrist rest, and the keyboard's compact form factor can feel a bit cramped for some, causing fatigue when typing for an extended period. The rubber pads under the feet don't provide enough grip, causing the keyboard to slide around.
The Razer Huntsman Mini has full RGB backlighting with individually lit keys. There are a number of preset lighting effects that you can access directly on the keyboard, but you need the Razer Synapse 3 software if you want to create a custom lighting profile. The brightness can be controlled on the keyboard itself.
If you're interested in a similar but more RGB-focused keyboard with low-profile keycaps and clear switch housings, check out the ROCCAT Vulcan II Mini Air.
The USB-C-to-USB-A cable that comes with the keyboard is braided and should be long enough for most people to reach their computer. The cable has a latch that provides a more secure connection; however, most USB-C cables should fit.
The Razer Huntsman Mini is a wired-only keyboard. If you'd like a similar wireless alternative for gaming, check out the Logitech G PRO X 60. Or, for something more office-oriented, see the Keychron K6.
The Razer Huntsman Mini has a few extra features. Since it doesn't have a row of function keys, navigation keys, or dedicated media controls, most keys have a secondary function assigned to them. These secondary functions are printed on the side of the keys and are accessible by holding down the 'Fn' key. All keys are macro-programmable, and you can program them on the keyboard itself or through Razer's Synapse 3 software. There's a 'Sleep' hotkey to put your computer to sleep if you need to step away from your desk, and there's a 'Game' mode key, which is essentially a Windows Lock key to prevent accidentally minimizing your game. If you'd prefer a compact board with dedicated navigation and arrow keys, check out the Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed. Alternatively, if you're looking for a similar board with more extra features like an Analog Mode, or an adjustable pre-travel distance, look at the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog.
Our unit of the Razer Huntsman Mini is fitted with Razer's Clicky Optical switches, but you can get it with Linear Optical switches if you prefer. The Purple switches feel incredibly responsive due to their low pre-travel distance, and they provide distinct tactile feedback. It requires very little force to actuate the keys, which makes the typing feel lighter, but it can also lead to more typos. If you want a compact keyboard that's available with more types of switches, look into the Drop ALT.
The typing experience with the Razer Clicky Optical Switches is excellent. The PBT keycaps feel great to type on, but the keys aren't all that stable, so they wobble a bit. The clicky switches feel extremely responsive and provide plenty of tactile feedback, so you can be confident that a keystroke is registered. That said, the combination of the low operating force and the slightly cramped layout can cause a bit more typos. Additionally, the keyboard has a fairly high profile, and it doesn't come with a wrist rest, which can lead to fatigue after a while.
The Clicky Optical switches on our unit generate a lot of typing noise, so they aren't suitable for an office setting. If you want quieter typing noise, the Linear Optical switches are a better option.
The Razer Huntsman Mini has extremely low latency that should satisfy even the most competitive of gamers.
The Razer Huntsman Mini is compatible with the Synapse 3 software, which is only available for Windows. It allows you to customize the backlighting of each key individually, reprogram keys, and set macros. You can remap all the keys except for the Fn key. There's onboard memory to save up to five custom profiles; however, it can only save your programmed keys and macros, not your custom backlighting profiles. This means that if you move to another computer, you will need to install Synapse 3 again in order to retrieve your backlighting profiles through the cloud sync option, which requires an account.
The Razer Huntsman Mini has decent compatibility. On Windows, everything works as intended, and there aren't any issues. All keys function properly on Linux, but since there's no software support for Linux, customization options are limited. As for macOS, the Context Menu, Scroll Lock, Pause/Break, and Windows lock keys don't work, and the Insert key is the 'Help' key. Also, there's no software support for macOS either.