Mechanical gaming keyboard revs up Mac mini rig [Setups]

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NZXT Function mechanical gaming keyboard
This wired mechanical gaming keyboard from NZXT is hot-swappable.
Photo: NZXT

For those unfamiliar with NZXT, it’s a company based in Los Angeles that makes high-performance gaming PCs and the gear that goes with them. Today’s M1 Mac mini setup relies on a raft of NZXT devices, including a NZXT Function keyboard. It’s a customizable mechanical keeb designed for gamers with some pretty high-level functionality.

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NZXT Relay gaming gear brings the fun to M1 Mac mini setup

Streaming video enthusiast, gamer and Redditor ZenoviCSGO (“Zen”) showcased the capable setup in a post entitled, “Minimal Productivity Desk Setup.” Zen loves his M1 Mac mini, which is getting old but still does what he need it to do. It drives a 27-inch MSI 4K display. But after that, nearly everything in the “minimal productivity” setup — so named because it’s all about fun, most likely — is from NZXT, aside aside from the Logitech MX Master 2S mouse. That includes the Relay audio gear we recently looked at, plus a NZXT mechanical gaming keyboard in the company’s Function lineup.

NZXT Function keyboard

NZXT peripherals and accessories
Most of the gear here is from NZXT. So let’s look into that.
Photo: [email protected]

NZXT said its Swift Optical Switches have a linear, lightweight feel with a 0.2 ms response time, 100-million key press guarantee, and 1 mm or 1.5 mm adjustable actuation distance (how far the key cap goes down before it activates the switch).

The keeb features Doubleshot PBT key caps with two layers of plastic to preserve legends etched into them and prevent fading over time. A high 8,000Hz polling rate transmits input signals eight times faster than most gaming keyboards, ensuring lightning-fast responsiveness, the company said.

In addition, dual layer sof sound-dampening foam and tape-enhanced PCB improve acoustics by absorbing unwanted pinging noises. And the keyboard’s top frame plate is crafted from 3mm-thick aerospace-grade aluminum for long-lasting stability and a sleek appearance.

More NZXT Function keyboard features:

  • Experience lightning-fast performance with the NZXT Function (or Function 2). Its high-speed, linear optical switches and 8,000 Hz polling rate eliminate lag, while hot-swappable switches allow for easy customization.
  • Pre-lubricated switches and plate-mounted stabilizers guarantee smooth, quiet keystrokes.
  • Easily swap switches with the keycap and switch puller tools, plus 4 x 35g and 4 x 45g switches for out-of-the-box experimentation.
  • Top frame plate is crafted from 3mm-thick aerospace-grade aluminum for long-lasting stability and a sleek appearance.
  • Left-hand side volume roller and other media controls enable quick and convenient in-game adjustments.

Watch Zen’s video about his setup:

Shop these items now:

NZXT Function keyboard and Logitech mouse:

NZXT audio gear:

Computer:

Display:

Furniture, lighting and accessories:

If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected]. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.

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