TheNZXT Function 2is a full-size optical gaming keyboard that provides excellent performance and a sleek design through its quality construction. With customizable polling rates, actuation points, and RGB lighting patterns, this keyboard is an excellent choice for those gaming on a Windows operating system.
NZXT Function 2 Keyboard
The NZXT Function 2 is a full-size optical gaming keyboard featuring a sleek 5000 series aluminum casing, RGB per-key colorways, lightning-fast response times, and adjustable sensitivity, making it a top choice for gaming.
What’s in the Box?
One of the largest benefits of purchasing apre-built mechanical keyboard over custom-making oneis the ability to get to gaming as soon as possible. There is no need to dally with theNZXT Function 2. Once the box arrives, you have everything you need to get back to gaming within minutes.
Within the box, consumers will find:
Top Features
The NZXT Function 2keyboard is equipped with Optical switches, which utilize light beam interference to detect keystrokes. This design choice provides consumers with a lightweight device that can provide an impressive up to 8,000 Hz polling rate and 0.2ms response time for almost no latency. The keys feature 2-point adjustable actuation as well as a 100 million key press guarantee.
For those concerned with the noise associated with the use of a keyboard, the Function 2 features pre-lubed switches with plate-mounted stabilizers to provide a quiet and consistent keystroke with a buttery feel. Additionally, a dual layer of sound-reducing foam and a tape-enhanced printed circuit board aid in providing ideal acoustics from the keyboard while in use by dampening pinging noises.
A primary focus on longevity is evident within the keyboard’s design and material choices. The design features a 3mm thick aerospace-grade aluminum top plate. This provides solid structure and strength for extended use.
Double-shot polybutylene terephthalate plastic keycaps are constructed with a dual layer of PBT to significantly reduce fading with time and prolonged use. Additionally, should general wear and tear impact the keyboard, the keys are hot-swappable, which allows for easy replacement without the need to solder. NZXT has included the tools required to change out the affected keys, with the purchase of the keyboard.
Through the use ofNZXT’s CAM software, users can make substantial edits to their Function 2 keyboard. Users can edit the polling rate between the following:
In addition, with CAM, users can adjust the actuation points between 1mm and 1.5mm.
For those primarily interested in the design of their keyboard, users can personalize the color of their board on a per-key basis or make custom macros that can create the exact color pattern to fit their desired aesthetic.
It is important to note that these customization features are only available to those operating on a Windows 10 or 11 operating system.
For those who enjoy gaming, a primary benefit to utilizing the Function 2 keyboard is the option to make WASD more sensitive per the actuation force needed to engage the key. Users may also choose to make special ability keys less sensitive, thereby requiring a higher actuation force, and minimizing mistakenly causing a keystroke mid-game.
For quick use, and perfect for in-game changes, the keyboard features left-hand media controls. These controls include a volume roller, mute button, Windows key lock button, and keyboard brightness adjustment button.
User Experience
Compared to the NZXT Function keyboard, a predecessor, the Function 2 keyboard displays significant improvements. The Function 2 includes the 5000 series aluminum top plate material and Double-shot PBT keycaps compared to the predecessor’s lower-grade aluminum and ABS plastic keycaps. These two changes allow for greater durability and longevity for the Function 2.
Additionally, the Function 2 features optical switches, while the Function was created with mechanical switches. Optical switches provide users with the ability to trigger keys using a light signal instead of mechanical components such as foot pins. This change eliminates components that are often the first to break.
Other improvements found within the Function 2 include increased polling rates (x8), better noise reduction, and adjustable actuation. All of these changes aid in the gaming capabilities of the device.
For gaming customization, NZXT includes two sets (4) of switch types that feature different actuation forces. One of 35g and one of 45g. For further customization, CAM software is available for users to customize their RGB pattern and desired polling rate.
The similarities between the Function Keyboard and Function 2 Keyboard are limited to the overall dimensions and weight of the keyboard.
When using the NZXT Function 2 keyboard, a highlight of the comfortable user experience lies with the left-hand media controls. During gameplay, it is comfortable and intuitive to swipe the volume roller for quick adjustments. I found myself using this quadrant of the keyboard often.
Overall, consistent use of this keyboard is comfortable and enjoyable. It was easy and very quick to set up and the buttery tactile feel and sound of key actuation is pleasant. Additionally, the keyboard wrist rest inclines at a comfortable angle for extended time use.
Things to Consider
The largest drawback I experienced was easily fixed. The Function 2 does include grips on the underside of the keyboard. However, I found them to be inadequate. The keyboard often slid forward while in use when it was placed directly on a desk surface.
There are many greatreasons to add a desk matto your setup, primarily for the comfortable use of your mouse and keyboard. For the Function 2, I would recommend a full desk pad over the use of just a mouse pad to aid in stabilizing and not allowing the keyboard to slide while in use.
The price point of any device purchase is always a concern. The NZXT Function 2 optical gaming keyboard is priced at $139.99 for both the white and black models. This price includes a limited warranty with the option to purchase an extended warranty for 1, 2, or 3 more years. The cost incurred for those additions is $26.99, $39.99, and $45.99 respectively.
If you are interested in the NZXT Function 2 and do not need or want the numpad included, the MiniTKL Function 2 is available in both black and white designs for a slightly lower price of $129.99.
It is important to note that NZXT’s CAM software is required to customize the color of the keyboard’s keys. Unfortunately, this software is not compatible with Mac or Linux operating systems. For those who use anything other than Windows 10 or newer, the keyboard will function properly, but those customization options will not be available. This is a large drawback for those not on a Windows operating system.
Should You Buy the NZXT Function 2?
TheNZXT Function 2optical gaming keyboard is an excellent choice for those looking for a sleek and fast gaming keyboard. Quality construction provides durability and premier functionality for this keyboard. For those who utilize a Windows OS to game frequently, it provides a customizable and very comfortable experience.
However, if you don’t use Windows, this may not be the best option on the market for you, as you will miss out on some of the customizable aspects of this keyboard that make it unique.
