Huntsman Mini Analog Review
Huntsman Mini Analog
Razerthink – “Keyboard Razer Huntsman Mini Analog is a fantastic keyboard packed with features.” The Razer Huntsman Mini Analog is the company’s first 60% keyboard to use analog switches. The difference between this model and the existing Huntsman Mini is that the new keyboard can provide actuation enhancements, such as adjustable or incremental actuation, plus analog inputs.
Razer Huntsman Mini Analog is a high-end Razer keyboard; you will find all the usual features and quality of life touches that make it one of the top lifestyle brands out there. Doubleshot PBT keycaps with a side print secondary function make the Huntsman Mini Analog a pleasure to use and ensure you won’t have to switch keys for scrubbing anytime soon. The keyboard feel maintains the click that satisfies its bigger brother.
As a reminder
The Huntsman V2 Analog, launched last year, comes with a unique switch. The switch adopts an optical mechanism so that it is more responsive and durable and packs analog technology as we commonly encounter on gamepad joysticks. Using a gamepad, if we push the left joystick forward a little, the characters in the game will usually move forward slowly. If we push forward until we get stuck, then the character will run faster or even run. The principle is the same here; Analog technology allows each switch to detect how deep it is being pressed, then translates that into a different input.
Furthermore, analog technology also allows Razer to offer adjustable actuation and dual-step actuation features. This second feature is unique because the user can activate two different functions in just one tap. The Huntsman Mini Analog also adopts a 60% layout, which means its physical size is only 60% of the keyboard with a full-size layout. In addition to the Numpad area and the row of function keys, parts omitted in this kind of layout are the navigation buttons and arrows. To access the non-existent keys, the user must use a combination of several keys, such as “Fn + 5” for “F5”.
Design
Design-wise, the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog features Doubleshot PBT keycaps with a textured finish, as well as the brand’s proprietary Chroma RGB backlighting under the keyboard. The body is aluminum for durability and features a detachable USB-C cable for easy portability. Razer says the Huntsman Mini Analog is a great choice for LAN gaming and those interested in a minimalist setup or who might not have a lot of space.
And this keyboard offers distinct ergonomic and execution benefits. Each key switch offers an adjustable and variable point of actuation that effectively doubles the total number of functions available to you. Its small form factor eliminates rarely used buttons and shifts them to secondary functions, printed on the sides of the high-quality PBT buttons. This lets you place the keyboard and mouse closer together for a more natural arm posture. Plus, a detachable USB-C cable means the Huntsman Mini Analog is incredibly portable.
Analog Control
Today, games offer various movement speeds, from walking, running, jumping and lying down. While pressing additional buttons to change motion modes is fine, only needing to press one button has its advantages, especially when reaction time is the difference between success and failure. This is where the Huntsman Mini Analog excels. With multiple activation points and the ability to emulate joystick directional input, WASD buttons now offer a completely different gaming experience.
Feature
Using the Synapse app to remap WASD to the gamepad’s left thumbstick gives you smooth control of acceleration or panning, depending on how hard you press the keys. We are used to always pressing the button to the absolute bottom. I need some practice to understand key travel distance modulation. But once it becomes a habit, you’ll never want to go back to pressing Ctrl to run. This makes playing racing games with the keyboard much better and more precise. The opportunities for customization are endless with the Synapse app. You can even program independent release points to change how quickly or slowly you want to return to the initial key press’s initial state.
Pros
- Fast, responsive switches
- Sound dampening foam
- Borderless keyboard frames
- Detachable USB-C cable
- Extreme per-key customization via Razer Synapse
- Full-size right Shift key
Cons
- Lack of dedicated arrow keys may take some getting used to
- Not all games support the use of the keyboard/mouse simultaneously with the gamepad
Price
The Razer Huntsman Mini Analog is now available on the Razer website for US$149.99
Overall
The Huntsman Mini Analog was built based on feedback from the community, and thanks to that, it offers more than I could have ever imagined from something as seemingly as simple as a keyboard. Plus, it does all this while offering the smallest form factor while still maintaining a premium look and feel. The Razer Huntsman Mini Analog is available direct from Razer for $149.99.
