Razer Huntsman Mini Vs Apex 9 Mini: Which 60% Keyboard Is The Best For Gaming?
What To Know
- In the realm of gaming peripherals, Razer and SteelSeries stand as two prominent contenders, captivating gamers with their innovative designs and cutting-edge technology.
- Additionally, the Apex 9 Mini features a dedicated OLED display, which can display system information, custom graphics, and even GIFs, adding a touch of personality to the user’s setup.
- Furthermore, the Apex 9 Mini includes a USB passthrough port, allowing users to connect additional peripherals directly to the keyboard.
In the realm of gaming peripherals, Razer and SteelSeries stand as two prominent contenders, captivating gamers with their innovative designs and cutting-edge technology. Their respective Huntsman Mini and Apex 9 Mini keyboards have garnered significant attention, promising unparalleled gaming experiences. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of these keyboards, uncovering their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for various gaming genres and preferences.
Design and Build Quality
The Razer Huntsman Mini and Apex 9 Mini exhibit distinct design philosophies. The Huntsman Mini embraces a compact, tenkeyless layout, shedding the numeric keypad to prioritize portability and desk space optimization. Its sleek, minimalist aesthetic complements modern setups, while its sturdy aluminum construction ensures durability. Conversely, the Apex 9 Mini retains the traditional full-size layout, catering to users who prefer dedicated numeric keys. Its aircraft-grade aluminum frame exudes robustness and longevity.
Switches and Performance
At the heart of any gaming keyboard lies its switches, the mechanisms that register keystrokes. The Huntsman Mini offers two switch options: the Razer Optical Switches and the Razer Linear Optical Switches. Both variants boast lightning-fast actuation speeds, registering inputs at a blazing 0.2ms. However, the Linear Optical Switches provide a smoother, linear travel compared to the tactile feedback of the Optical Switches.
The Apex 9 Mini, on the other hand, features SteelSeries‘ proprietary OmniPoint 2.0 switches. These switches introduce adjustable actuation points, allowing users to customize the sensitivity of each key. This versatility caters to a wide range of preferences, from lightning-fast actuation for competitive gaming to deeper actuation for typing accuracy.
RGB Lighting and Customization
RGB lighting has become an integral aspect of gaming peripherals, and both keyboards deliver in this regard. The Huntsman Mini boasts Razer Chroma RGB lighting, renowned for its vibrant colors and extensive customization options. Users can assign individual key colors, create dynamic lighting effects, and synchronize the keyboard with other Razer Chroma-enabled devices for a cohesive aesthetic.
The Apex 9 Mini counters with SteelSeries’ PrismSync RGB lighting system. PrismSync offers comparable customization options, enabling users to personalize key colors, create intricate lighting patterns, and synchronize the keyboard with other SteelSeries peripherals. Additionally, the Apex 9 Mini features a dedicated OLED display, which can display system information, custom graphics, and even GIFs, adding a touch of personality to the user’s setup.
Additional Features
Beyond their core functionality, both keyboards offer additional features to enhance the gaming experience. The Huntsman Mini incorporates dedicated media keys and a volume roller for quick and convenient control over audio playback. Additionally, it supports on-the-fly macro recording, allowing users to assign complex actions to specific keys for streamlined gameplay.
The Apex 9 Mini elevates the feature set with a magnetic wrist rest, providing ergonomic support during extended gaming sessions. It also boasts dedicated macro keys, positioned conveniently on the left side of the keyboard, enabling easy access to frequently used commands. Furthermore, the Apex 9 Mini includes a USB passthrough port, allowing users to connect additional peripherals directly to the keyboard.
Gaming Performance
When it comes to gaming performance, both keyboards deliver exceptional responsiveness and precision. The Huntsman Mini’s rapid actuation speeds and anti-ghosting technology ensure accurate and reliable keystrokes, even during the most intense gaming sessions. The Apex 9 Mini’s adjustable actuation points and N-key rollover further enhance its gaming prowess, catering to the diverse needs of competitive gamers.
Software and Support
Razer and SteelSeries provide comprehensive software suites to accompany their respective keyboards. Razer Synapse 3 offers a user-friendly interface, allowing users to customize lighting effects, assign macros, and adjust performance settings. SteelSeries GG, on the other hand, features an intuitive dashboard that centralizes device management, lighting customization, macro creation, and game integrations.
Both companies offer dedicated customer support channels, including online forums, email support, and phone support. Users can expect prompt assistance in case of any technical issues or inquiries.
Pricing and Availability
The Razer Huntsman Mini and Apex 9 Mini occupy different price segments. The Huntsman Mini is typically priced around $100, making it a more budget-friendly option. The Apex 9 Mini, with its expanded feature set and premium build quality, commands a higher price tag, usually ranging between $150 and $200.
Both keyboards are readily available through various online retailers and electronics stores.
Choosing the Right Keyboard: Razer Huntsman Mini vs Apex 9 Mini
The choice between the Razer Huntsman Mini and Apex 9 Mini ultimately depends on individual preferences and gaming needs. For those seeking a compact, portable keyboard with rapid actuation speeds and customizable RGB lighting, the Huntsman Mini is an excellent choice. Its budget-friendly price point makes it an attractive option for value-conscious gamers.
The Apex 9 Mini, on the other hand, caters to users who prefer a full-size layout, adjustable actuation points, and a dedicated OLED display. Its magnetic wrist rest and USB passthrough port add further convenience and functionality. While it carries a higher price tag, the Apex 9 Mini delivers a premium gaming experience with its feature-rich design.
Summary: A Tale of Two Keyboards
The Razer Huntsman Mini and Apex 9 Mini represent two distinct approaches to gaming keyboards. The Huntsman Mini prioritizes portability and affordability, while the Apex 9 Mini emphasizes customization and premium features. Both keyboards deliver exceptional performance, making them worthy contenders in the gaming peripheral market. The final decision rests upon the individual gamer’s preferences, budget, and desired feature set.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Which keyboard is better for competitive gaming, the Razer Huntsman Mini or the Apex 9 Mini?
A: Both keyboards offer excellent performance for competitive gaming, with rapid actuation speeds and anti-ghosting technology. However, the Apex 9 Mini’s adjustable actuation points may provide an edge for gamers who seek fine-tuned control over their keystrokes.
Q: Which keyboard has better RGB lighting effects?
A: Both keyboards feature customizable RGB lighting, but the Razer Huntsman Mini utilizes Razer Chroma RGB, known for its vibrant colors and extensive customization options. The Apex 9 Mini’s PrismSync RGB lighting system offers comparable customization, but its dedicated OLED display adds a unique touch.
Q: Which keyboard is more comfortable for extended gaming sessions?
A: The Apex 9 Mini includes a magnetic wrist rest, providing ergonomic support during prolonged use. Additionally, its full-size layout may be more comfortable for users who prefer dedicated numeric keys.
