Razer began to gain recognition by distributing mechanical gamer keyboards. These were quite good quality and started the fashion for mechanical keyboards for gaming in the early 2010s.
It’s almost a revolution that has taken place because mechanical keyboards that have become vintage years ago are coming back as the top—convenience and technology for typing and PC video games.
Pros and Cons
| Razer Ornata V2 | Razer Huntsman Mini |
| Dedicated media keys | Detachable USB Type-C cable |
| Included wrist rest | Eye-catching design |
| Soft-touch keys | Aluminum construction |
| Plastic body feels cheap | No included wrist rest |
Specification
| Razer Ornata V2 | Razer Huntsman Mini | |
| $ | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
| Number of keys | 107 | 105 |
| Dimensions | 463 x 154 x 32.5 mm | 23.9 x 10.3 x 3.7 cm |
| Size | Full-size (100%) | Compact (60%) |
| Weight | 915 grams | 522 grams |
| Color | Classic Black | Classic Black |
| Connectivity | Wired – Attached | Wired – Detachable Type-C |
| Mechanical | No | Yes |
| RGB | Razer Chroma | Per-key RGB |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Numpad | Yes | No |
| Software | Razer Synapse 3 | Razer Synapse 3 |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
Design
As always at Razer, the green and black packaging are neat. The keyboard is held by hard foam on each side, and a plastic cover protects the keys. The general design remains very sober with the use of matte black plastic on the entire keyboard. We regret the absence of an aluminum plate in its composition; the product seems solid despite this. In the upper right corner, there are three multimedia keys and a multifunction wheel.
Like its predecessor, the Ornata V2 offers a removable magnetic palm rest. This one is made of a thick foam covered with a good quality black imitation leather proudly displaying the brand’s logo. The only downside is that the magnets are not powerful enough (or many), and the whole thing comes apart quite easily. Choose surfaces where the palm rest pads grip well.
On the back, grooves allow optimal placement of your cable under the keyboard and, therefore, on your desk. This one is also of quality, offering braided nylon of the first choice. We also discover the possibility of raising the keyboard with removable feet to two heights.
The Razer Huntsman Mini is decidedly premium. Far from the first massive, plastic, and thick keyboards, it is made of neat materials. A black-painted aluminum plate protects the PCB. The case is made of light plastic in two layers to tilt the keyboard. On the back, there is a label with all the amenities, the USB-C port to connect the keyboard to the computer, four non-slip pads, and two latches to tilt the keyboard further.
The keyboard weighs 522 grams for dimensions of 23.9 x 10.3 x 3.7 cm, which seems very light compared to the aluminum or plastic blocks of conventional keyboards. This model seems ideal to use on the move: nothing better than a light mechanical keyboard with click-click switches in a TGV at 320 km / h. Without any transition, the keyboard can tilt to three different angles to suit the user’s desires. A first almost flat position is put without touching the latches at the back of the keyboard. Two other positions can be reached using the two-level latches.
The layout that allows for the small size of the keyboard is not ordinary. Called 60%, it only considers 60% of the usual 105 keys.
Typing Comfort
The mechanical switches provide speed and precision to the click, and the membranes allow a quieter typing than on a traditional mechanical keyboard. Another difference is that the keys are lower than a gamer model. With headphones on, typing is almost silent.
The large plush palm rest makes using the Razer Ornata V2 pleasant and comfortable, even on long sessions. Although less efficient than a high-end gaming keyboard ( our selection here ), this model will, despite everything, offer satisfactory performance for the majority of gamers.
The Razer Huntsman Mini has more advanced switches than the rubber switches on entry-level keyboards, like a good gaming keyboard. This time around, the switches are not mechanical but optical. The press is triggered when the laser beam on each key is interrupted. This is supposed to help reduce input latency – the famous input lag. This technology makes it possible to no longer hold on to the spring’s contact with the PCB but rather with a more complex and expensive system. The switch model sold by Razer is called the Razer Click Optical Switch, with purple as the dominant color. This reminds us of the lightness of the MX Red switches from Cherry and the click of the MX Blue.
The whole thing gives a very comfortable keyboard for any situation, whether for video games or typing, with the always very satisfying sound of the click of the switches.
Backlight
The Ornata V2 is Razer Chroma RGB compatible, which allows custom keyboard backlighting. With over 16 million colors, the possibilities are endless. You can also choose pre-recorded light effects of ripple, wave, or fire type, for example. The keys may also only light up when they are pressed. However, the presence of the membranes blurs the RGB effect of the keys, and the rendering is less bright than on a mechanical keyboard. However, the whole remains pleasing to the eye but does not really bring anything new compared to the competition.
On the Razer Huntsman Mini, all keys are independently illuminated by RBG LEDs. The technology named Chroma RGB makes it possible to control this same backlighting in effect on each key. An infinity of colors is present, but we regret their lack of brightness. As much in complete darkness, the brightness seems sufficient, but the backlight is clearly shown to be insufficient during the day. The colors appear true to life, especially white, not a very light purple like on cheaper keyboards.
Software
Razer Ornata V2-Despite the weight of the software (over 400 MB), Razer Synapse allows complete customization. You can create profiles and macros, among others. It allows you to manage your keyboard’s lighting and the entire RGB ecosystem of Razer and its partners. Keyboards, mice, headsets, and all compatible components can work together. It can be used by voice with the Amazon Alexa voice assistant, integrates the Philips Hue and Nanoleaf range.
Razer Huntsman Mini –Synapse is the software to control all Razer brand peripherals to create an ecosystem of RGB products. The possibilities offered by such a solution are almost endless. It is possible to choose the color of your keyboard by asking the Amazon voice assistant, “Alexa, turn on my keyboard in pink,” with the integration available. Some manufacturers of various components can integrate RGB into Synapse with the help of the Chroma SDK.
Conclusion!
The Razer Ornata V2 is a hybrid keyboard that allows traditional use but also a gaming. Its mecha-membrane switches combine clothing activation speed and typing comfort. The RGB effect is nevertheless less good than a mechanical keyboard.
The Razer Huntsman Mini keyboard is one of the few mainstream keyboard models to offer a 60% layout. Although a bit expensive, it promises everything of an excellent keyboard with satisfactory noise, excellent typing comfort but a little weak backlighting.
