NZXT FUNCTION KEYBOARD REVIEW FOR PC GAMING.
Today, NZXT is launching both a keyboard and mouse. The company has been expanding its product portfolio, first with the NZXT Capsule microphone, and now with some PC gaming peripherals. However, it can be tough to break into these markets, especially when it comes to keyboards, as there are now a number of “must-have” features that high-priced boards are expected to have. The good news is that NZXT has nailed some of these features with the Function, while also implementing some unique aspects of its own. With that said, there are some shortcomings that could be dealbreakers. This is the NZXT Function keyboard review.
Function and form
Diving straight into the unboxing experience, the NZXT Function has a generous number of bonus extras. Inside the box of the TKL version I have for review, I found a USB-C cable, keycap puller, key switch removal tool, wrist rest, and the keyboard itself. This is exactly what I like to see with a hotswappable keyboard, as it encourages swapping out switches and keycaps with the included tools.
My version of the Function has the gunmetal grey chassis with grey/blue keycaps. I think it looks pretty great, if a little behind the times with the floating keycap design. On the other hand, some will still like that style. The one downside to the keycaps is the ABS material used on the retail versions. Buying from NZXT directly will get you PBT keycaps, but there’s a $9.99 “service fee.”
Have it your way
Similar to the Lift mouse, NZXT has pushed the boat out with cosmetic customization for the Function keyboard. Buyers from the NZXT.com website can choose from a combination of three chassis colors, two keycaps colorways, five keycap accent colors, and five cable colors.
Looking around the keyboard, the unique side scroll wheel and buttons immediately stick out as interesting. The scroll wheel controls media playback, while the side buttons control Game Mode, RGB brightness (which even at maximum is pretty underwhelming), and Mute/Unmute. From what I can tell in CAM, these are not customizable.
The next step is plugging in the NZXT Function with the provided braided USB-C cable and installing the CAM software for additional customization. After setting up my preferred lighting mode and being impressed by the number of remappable keys, it was time to start typing.
Typing test
The type of key switch is the main factor of a keyboard’s typing experience. With my Function, I have the Gateron Silent Black Ink V2 60g linear switch. Keyboard enthusiasts will recognize this switch as one of the best linear switches out there and it’s cool to see NZXT offering it, albeit at a significant premium. Needless to say, these Silent Black Inks feel smooth as butter. The sound was muted, too, thanks to the “Silent” nature of the switch, but also because of the subdued tone of the keyboard plate itself.
The typing experience is nice enough until you hit a stabilized key. This is a key pain point for many keyboards and the first thing a knowledgeable user will test. With my keyboard, the Function’s stabilizers were incredibly rattly. The Backspace and right Shift key were especially bad. For me, the solution was easy enough, as I quickly grabbed some dielectric grease and Krytox GPL 205g0 lube to tune them up nicely, but not everyone will have those resources available. It would be awesome to see NZXT tuning stabilizers before sending units out. I think this would make a great addition to the BLD process.
Though I’m using the Function TKL for review, I have to say that the MiniTKL looks especially interesting. Its unique form factor offers a lot of functionality in a compact package. Though it sacrifices the nice included wrist rest, it would be my go-to recommendation for those who don’t require a number pad.
NZXT Function Keyboard Review: The final verdict
Starting at $119.99 for the MiniTKL, $129.99 for the TKL, and $149.99 for the full size, the NZXT Function is priced competitively enough for a hotswappable board with some unique features like the side scroll and buttons. It would just be nice to have seen this fairly simple keyboard tuned to sound and feel good from the manufacturer, as I think a factory lube job makes for a great first impression.
Overall, the NZXT Function nails some advanced functionality with the CAM software enhancements, but fails on the fundamentals of sound and feel, which more and more keyboard users are looking for. Like with the Lift mouse, however, the additional color customization options are great to see from a more mainstream brand, and I know some NZXT fans will be looking to match their setups with some clean aesthetics.
Function keyboard review unit provided by NZXT.
