What To Know
- In the realm of compact gaming keyboards, the HyperX Alloy 60 and Razer Huntsman Mini stand out as two formidable contenders.
- The Alloy 60 offers a few additional features, including a USB passthrough port and a detachable USB-C cable.
- It offers a solid value for its price, providing a durable and customizable keyboard with a choice of switches.
In the realm of compact gaming keyboards, the HyperX Alloy 60 and Razer Huntsman Mini stand out as two formidable contenders. Both offer a sleek 60% form factor, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their key features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
HyperX Alloy 60:
The Alloy 60 exudes a minimalist aesthetic with its sleek aluminum frame. The keycaps are made of durable PBT plastic, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear. The keyboard is surprisingly hefty, providing a reassuring sense of stability.
Razer Huntsman Mini:
The Huntsman Mini boasts a more angular design with a matte black finish. Its keycaps are also PBT, but they feature a double-shot molding process that enhances durability and prevents fading. The keyboard is slightly lighter than the Alloy 60, but it still maintains a solid build quality.
Switches and Typing Experience
HyperX Alloy 60:
The Alloy 60 comes with a choice of HyperX’s own Red, Aqua, or Brown switches. Red switches offer a linear and smooth typing experience, while Aqua switches provide a tactile bump for a more pronounced feedback. Brown switches strike a balance between the two, with a light tactile feel.
Razer Huntsman Mini:
The Huntsman Mini exclusively uses Razer’s Opto-Mechanical switches, which combine optical sensors with mechanical actuation. These switches offer an ultra-fast response time and a satisfying clicky feedback.
Lighting and Customization
HyperX Alloy 60:
The Alloy 60 features per-key RGB lighting with a wide range of customization options. You can create custom lighting effects using the HyperX NGENUITY software, and the keyboard stores up to three profiles onboard.
Razer Huntsman Mini:
The Huntsman Mini also boasts per-key RGB lighting, but it offers a more limited range of customization. The Razer Synapse software allows you to create custom lighting effects, but the keyboard only stores one profile onboard.
Performance and Gaming
HyperX Alloy 60:
The Alloy 60 performs admirably in both gaming and typing. The switches provide a responsive and consistent experience, and the N-key rollover ensures that every keypress is registered. The keyboard also features a dedicated gaming mode that disables the Windows key to prevent accidental interruptions.
Razer Huntsman Mini:
The Huntsman Mini excels in gaming thanks to its ultra-fast Opto-Mechanical switches. The clicky feedback provides a satisfying tactile response, and the keyboard’s compact size allows for lightning-fast keystrokes.
Features and Connectivity
HyperX Alloy 60:
The Alloy 60 offers a few additional features, including a USB passthrough port and a detachable USB-C cable. It also has a polling rate of 1000Hz, ensuring minimal input lag.
Razer Huntsman Mini:
The Huntsman Mini lacks a USB passthrough port, but it compensates with a braided USB-C cable for durability. It also has a polling rate of 1000Hz and supports the Razer Hypershift function, which allows you to assign secondary functions to keys.
Price and Value
HyperX Alloy 60:
The HyperX Alloy 60 is typically priced around $70-$80. It offers a solid value for its price, providing a durable and customizable keyboard with a choice of switches.
Razer Huntsman Mini:
The Razer Huntsman Mini is slightly more expensive at around $100-$120. However, it offers the advantage of Opto-Mechanical switches, which provide a superior gaming experience.
Final Verdict
Both the HyperX Alloy 60 and Razer Huntsman Mini are excellent 60% keyboards, but they cater to different needs. If you prioritize durability, customization, and a budget-friendly option, the HyperX Alloy 60 is a great choice. However, if you value lightning-fast response times and a satisfying clicky feedback, the Razer Huntsman Mini is the clear winner.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Are the switches on the HyperX Alloy 60 hot-swappable?
A: No, the switches on the Alloy 60 are not hot-swappable.
Q: Does the Razer Huntsman Mini support Bluetooth connectivity?
A: No, the Huntsman Mini only supports wired USB connectivity.
Q: Which keyboard has a better polling rate?
A: Both the Alloy 60 and Huntsman Mini have a polling rate of 1000Hz.
Q: Does the Alloy 60 have dedicated media keys?
A: No, the Alloy 60 does not have dedicated media keys.
Q: Is the Huntsman Mini compatible with Mac computers?
A: Yes, the Huntsman Mini is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers.
