Razer Reclusa Mini 65% Keyboard review

When Razer first introduced their Reclusa line in September, they launched with the Reclusa Mini X 65% keyboard, a wired model with optical switches at a more-than-appetizing $50 price point. Now, just a few weeks later, they’re launching the Reclusa Mini 65%, which adds wireless connectivity, trades optical switches for Razer Hall Effect switches, and gives us a multi-function dial. Is it worth the asking price, though?

I’ve gotten my hands on quite a few compact wireless keyboards over the last few years. It’s become a pretty popular space for peripheral makers to get in. With the improvements we’ve gotten in battery life and wireless functionality in recent years, it makes sense. Why not free ourselves of the cables that bind us if we can still get a largely comparable experience wirelessly? Thankfully, Razer agrees with me and quickly followed up their wired mini keyboard with the wireless Reclusa Mini 65%.

In terms of layout, the Reclusa Mini maintains the same 65% form factor as its predecessor with only a couple of minor adjustments. They’ve removed the Insert key from the Mini X, shifted everything on the right side down, and added a multi-function dial on the top right of the Mini. While the control’s default behavior will adjust your system’s audio volume, it can be fully remapped to control anything from RGB lighting to multimedia functionality and beyond. I actually got a little creative with mine and set it to be the Home, End, and Ctrl+Shift+Esc keystrokes, since I do a lot of text, audio, and video editing.

From a visual aesthetic perspective, the Reclusa Mini is a gorgeous-looking little keyboard. It uses the Reclusa’s black, white, and mint green color scheme to highlight keys based on their functionality while delivering something visually appealing. The mini form-factor requires things to be compact, but even with bigger hands, I’ve got plenty of room to work when I’m answering an email or writing a game review.

From a gaming perspective, the Reclusa Mini has a lot to offer, though I don’t know that it would be my go-to pick over its Huntsman big brother. First, as previously mentioned, it features Razer’s Hall Effect switches with smooth, comfortable Doubleshot ABS keycaps that make for a satisfying user experience. Like Razer’s other competitive gaming keyboards, it offers Snap Reflex, Snap Tap, Rapid Trigger, and Dual-Keypress Priority. Unlike its predecessor, however, you also get access to Dynamic Keystroke, which allows you to assign up to four keystroke functions to a single physical key press, thanks to the swap from mechanical to Hall Effect switches. Of course, you can also customize the activation depth required to activate each keystroke thanks to the Hall Effect’s 0.1 to 4.0mm range of accuracy.

While I think the Reclusa Mini is a fantastic keyboard and a great option for gamers, there are a few things worth considering when comparing it to other products on the market, like the Huntsman line. First, of course, is the sheer size of the keyboard. If you’re looking to save space, the Reclusa is the clear choice, but if, like me, you have bigger hands, a larger keyboard is typically a better decision when you’re in those tight moments guarding the bomb or rushing for a last-minute defusal. Second, the Reclusa Mini boasts 8K polling, but only when you’re hard-wired in. Over wireless, it still boasts a respectable 1000 Hz polling, but in a day and age where more and more products boast 8K wireless, it’s worth considering for a high-end product. If you’re going to be plugged in, I would guess you’re already at your high-end gaming station of choice, and may be more apt to consider a keyboard with a larger form factor.

With all of that taken into consideration, I still consider the Reclusa Mini to be one of my favorite keyboards of the year. Its compact form factor can free up plenty of space on your desk, while the Razer HE switches deliver a fantastic user experience, both in terms of feel and sound profile. While it doesn’t have 8K wireless polling, Razer HyperSpeed wireless means you can still enjoy 1000 Hz polling and multi-device connectivity, so I only need a single wireless device for both my Reclusa Mini and Basilisk V4 Pro.

The original Reclusa X Mini came in at a mouth-watering $50, and that was an incredible deal for a top-tier mechanical gaming keyboard. With the Reclusa Mini, you get all the added functionality that comes with magnetic Hall Effect switches, as well as HyperSpeed wireless, Tri-Mode connectivity, and an added multi-function dial. At $130, it’s a bit more of a financial ask, but the added value makes it well worth the price. If you’re looking for something with a smaller form factor that can make cable management less of an issue or you want a high-quality device to take with you on the go, the Reclusa Mini is an excellent choice.