Our Verdict
The NZXT Function 2 sits well placed as a mid-range gaming keyboard with a fair price to match. It won’t blow you away with features, but the build quality, optical switches, layout options, and software support all create a really attractive package.
- 8,000Hz polling rate
- CAM software is simple to use
- Great value
- Hot-swappable
- Attractive RGB Lighting
- Limited actuation point customization
- Limited dedicated media controls
NZXT isn’t the first name that comes to mind when thinking about gaming keyboards, but that just makes the NZXT Function 2 a more pleasant surprise after my time testing both the full-size and MiniTKL models. While the Function 2 lacks some high-end gaming features like per-key adjustable actuation and rapid trigger, what it does offer is still well worth the MSRP, and still gives you the ability to customize your switches and keycaps if desired.
All in all, the NZXT Function 2 is one of the best gaming keyboards if you’re trying to get the most for your money without spending more than $150. As brands like Razer and SteelSeries stuff their premium boards full of features, leading to an inflated cost, it opens up the mid-range market to products like the Function 2 which still has plenty to offer but does so without the eye-watering cost.
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Specs
| Number of Keys | 104 (Full Size) 87 (MiniTKL) |
| Switches | NZXT Swift Optical |
| Connectiviy | Wired USB-C |
| Media Keys | Volume scroller |
Features
The NZXT Function 2 is a wired-only gaming keyboard with optical switches that feature two-point adjustable actuation. It has up to an 8,000Hz polling rate and both the full-size and MiniTKL boards are identical in their feature sets, meaning no value is lost should you want to stick to your size preference.
NZXT ensures the Function 2 is durable thanks to doubleshot PBT keycaps, an aluminum top plate, and the ability to hot-swap switches and keycaps. The latter ensures you can replace parts if they do wear out or if you want to freshen up the design, plus it lets you change the included linear switches, if they turn out not to be your preferred style.
The Function 2 comes with a braided USB cable, keycap puller, switch puller, and eight additional switches (four 35g Gateron Yellow linear and four 45g Gateron Red linear) included in the box. You can download the free NZXT CAM software to make changes to the per-key RGB lighting, actuation points, and key bindings. You can also enable Windows and FN key locks in the software, although the Windows lock is also a dedicated button on the left side of the board.
Design
I would describe the design of the NZXT Function 2 as very clean and simple. In both models, you’re getting what you expect from standard full-size and miniTKL layouts, but the addition of a volume dial and other additional controls on the side elevates the utility of this board while minimizing their impact on its looks.
Those controls consist of a Windows lock button, LED brightness toggle, and mute button on the left side of the keyboard, plus there’s a vertical scroll wheel that controls your volume just above it. This cannot be reassigned for other purposes, unlike on several other keyboards, such as the Corsair K65 Plus Wireless where it can also be used for scrolling or screen brightness.
The per-key RGB is very bright and creates a stunning glow but can also be toned down for a subtle approach if you prefer. Where you may expect dedicated media controls to sit in the top right-hand corner of the board, there are instead just the caps, num, and scroll lock indicators with the NZXT logo beside them. This does come across as dead space in the full-size model which is a little disappointing given that there are no dedicated media controls, but no such gap is present on the TKL.
Removing keycaps and switches is simple and there’s no initial stiffness to the board that can sometimes lead to damage when first reconfiguring your switches. The full-size model also comes with a magnetic wrist rest which creates an extra layer of comfort for my hands while typing and gaming thanks to its soft but firm feel and the ideal angle that allows my hands to comfortably float above the keys. On top of this, both boards have three levels of height adjustment, with the standard flat setting and two-level adjustable fold-out feet to cater to as many preferences as possible.
Thanks to the aluminum top plate the NZXT Function 2 feels quite heavy at 910g for the full size and 710g for the MiniTKL, but this plays into its strengths as you’ll find it very hard to accidentally displace it regardless of whether you’re sitting it directly on your desktop or a fabric desk mat.
On sound, there are two layers of foam inside to try and reduce the noise that comes from the keyboard and switches, with the NZXT Function 2 registering at an average of 57dB while typing, with our sound meter positioned at a 20cm distance above the board.
Performance
The general typing and gaming experience with the NZXT Function 2 is brilliant and showcases further that despite the lack of hardcore gaming features, an optical board like this can still bring plenty to the table.
Within the CAM software, it’s possible to switch between the two actuation point presets of 1mm and 1.5mm. There is enough difference between the two for the results to be noticeable, but it is a shame not to have per-key customization like in the Razer Huntsman V3. Realistically it’s best to leave the board at 1.5mm for typing and single-player games where the reaction time in-game carries less importance, and save the 1mm profile for shooters like Counter-Strike 2 or Valorant.
As previously mentioned, NZXT includes eight additional switches with the Function 2, and these aren’t just for show. As seen on its website, NZXT suggests using specific setups where your switches are mixed, this could mean swapping out your WASD keys for ones with a greater actuation distance or swapping quick action ability keys in League of Legends for ones with a lower actuation and higher sensitivity. This would be quite the job to take on as you switch games, but is a valid way to set up a keyboard if you throw 1000’s of hours into one game in particular.
On the box of the NZXT Function 2, there are a lot of features listed to try and amp up the gaming performance of this board, and while I’m not about to say they’re wrong, they also try a little too hard to push features that are either bettered elsewhere or at worst, irrelevant in the current climate.
The first of these is the 8kHz polling rate, a feature that is now becoming more common in gaming mice like the Razer Viper V3 Pro. However, just like with 8kHz polling on a mouse, there is a CPU load increase when upping polling rates in peripherals, and there is a point where the returns are diminished. I found it incredibly hard to spot any additional responsiveness increase when cycling through the polling rates, which is a stark contrast to the increases I’ve seen when moving a mouse to 2kHz and even 4kHz. Ultimately the Function 2 is incredibly responsive and accurate as expected, before considering the polling rate, so I wouldn’t let it carry too much weight when thinking about making a purchase.
Price
The NZXT Function 2 full size has an MSRP of $139.99 while the MiniTKL version is set at $129.99. They are available directly from the NZXT online store but can also be found at Amazon and Best Buy. Both boards are available in Black or White.
Alternatives
Razer Huntsman V3
If you’re okay spending $110 more, the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro does come with per-key adjustable actuation and rapid trigger features, while keeping the design on a very similar level. However, a pathetic wrist rest and loud noise output should also be considered.
Corsair K65 Plus Wireless
If you want many of the same features in your keyboard, but need it to be wireless, the K65 Plus Wireless is the option for you, with 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections and subtle RGB lighting that works wonderfully with the two-tone design. It’s only available as a 75% layout but falls into a very similar price bracket as the Function 2.
Verdict
The NZXT Function 2 is a really good way to get started with optical gaming keyboards, and the approachable prices of the two different sizes makes them hard to ignore, even up against bigger names in the space. Being able to customize the Function 2 to suit your needs and express your creativity is a nice touch and despite 8kHz polling not being too relevant right now, future-proofing yourself is always a smart move.