TechRadar Verdict
The Roccat Magma Mini keyboard takes an already solid gaming keyboard and trims down the size while barely affecting its performance. This is an excellent 60% gaming keyboard for those without the real estate for a standard-sized one.
Pros
- +
Lightweight and compact form factor
- +
Water and dust resistant
- +
Membrane keys are responsive and quiet
- +
Excellent price point
- +
Easy-Shift[+] button gives you more keyboard functionality
Cons
- -
Have to use the Function key to access arrow keys
- -
Wire isn't removable
- -
Keys are a bit narrow
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Roccat Magma Mini: One-minute review
The Roccat Magma Mini keyboard is clearly aiming for the underserved part of the gaming market and succeeds at most of its goals. So much of the 60% keyboard is dominated by gaming keyboards with mechanical and optical switches, leaving those looking for more affordable and practical products in the dust, but that isn't the case here.
Priced at a mere $49.99 (around £41 / AU$71), this is a cheaper alternative to getting a mechanical keyboard without breaking the bank on one. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be a plan to release this keyboard outside the UK or Australia at this time.
The Roccat Magma Mini’s keys don’t have all the bells and whistles of the more popular mechanical switches, instead electing to use the much quieter but no less satisfying to type on membrane keys. It’s a solid alternative for those who may prefer an alternative to the loud clacking of mechanical keys, especially during those late-night typing sessions.
That said, this isn’t some featureless, boring keyboard either. Roccat gave it some handy tools to enhance the typing experience, making it a great fit for both gaming and professional use. Helping with those late-night gaming or writing sessions is the gorgeous RGB lighting. The membrane keys are incredibly responsive, with the anti-ghosting feature, as well as Easy-Shift[+] technology that enables function layers. The keyboard itself is waterproof, which is a godsend for those of us who need a little drink on the side but have the coordination and grace of a bull in a fine china shop.
Other than the keys being a bit thin, which gives trouble to those with larger fingers or those with unstable hands, and the finger placement being a bit awkward and tight, the arrow keys need to be activated using the Function key. Once you get accustomed to it, hwoever, there’s little issue.
Roccat Magma Mini: Price and availability
- How much does it cost? $49.99 (around £41 / AU$71)
- When is it available? Only the US at the time of writing
- Where can you get it? Through the Roccat online storefront
Layout: 60%
Switch: Membrane
Programmable keys: Yes
Dimensions: 308 x 132.2 x 36.6 mm
RGB or backlighting: RGB
Currently, the Roccat Magma Mini keyboard is available in the US for $49.99 (around £41 / AU$71), which is a beyond excellent price that beats out most other 60% gaming keyboards. However, both the UK and Australia are out of luck, as this keyboard isn’t available in any other region at the time of this writing.
There is a good chance that we could see a global release for two reasons. The first is that the product received a UK Roccat blog post, and the second is that the standard-sized Roccat Magma keyboard is available in the UK at least. However, the pricing is a bit higher for that one, since its normal retail price is £49.99, which is much more than $49.99. Good thing it’s discounted right now.
- Value: 4 / 5
Roccat Magma Mini: Design and features
- Water and dust resistant
- Lightweight and compact form factor
As with any other 60% keyboard, the Roccat Magma Mini has a more compact form factor that’s better suited for those with a lot less desk space. And though it only comes in black, the beautiful customizable RGB backlighting makes it pop and comes in handy during those late-night gaming or typing sessions.
It’s incredibly lightweight and, combined with the small size, makes it one of the most portable keyboards we’ve tested. Its build is quite great as well – even though it's not a solid aluminum chassis, it can still take a beating without breaking down. It’s a wired one as well, making it far more responsive than wireless keyboards. But it’s a shame that said cable isn't removable, which would help out with portability and let you mod it with a coiled one.
Something it has in common with other 60% keyboards is that in order to use the arrow keys, you need to press FN first. It's not a deal breaker, but it's certainly a more awkward choice that requires some adjustment on your part in the beginning.
One of the best features, bar none, is that it’s both water- and dust-resistant. That means that you won’t completely bust your keyboard if a bit of juice spills on it, and that dust will take much longer to accumulate on and in between the keys, which is normally a killer for keyboards.
- Design: 5 / 5
Roccat Magma Mini: Performance
- Fast and responsive keys
- Easy-Shift[+] button is a great feature
Despite it being much smaller than your average gaming keyboard, we found the Roccat Magma Mini to perform just as well. The keys are exceptionally responsive, are equipped with anti-ghosting, has a polling rate of 1000Hz. When combined with the best gaming mouse, that means that even the most intense firefights are a cinch to play through.
This is in part to the membrane keys themselves, which have a fast, midway actuation point that makes them both accurate and fast-responding in the first place.
There’s also a dedicated Easy-Shift[+] button, which activates a second function layer that can be programmed to expand the capability of each keystroke. It’s an extra, and much needed, way to get even more mileage out of a smaller keyboard. It’s also a wired keyboard, which means that performance is further enhanced as signals from the key switches travel and register at higher speeds than a wireless mouse.
For those who need a cheaper gaming keyboard that takes up very little space, the Roccat Magma Mini is an excellent one to invest in. The only real downside to it is the keys being a bit too narrow, which would make for an accuracy issue for those with thicker fingers or a disability that cause hand tremors.
- Performance: 4.5 / 5
Should I buy the Roccat Magma Mini keyboard?
Buy it if...
Don't buy it if...
Also consider
Roccat Magma Mini: Report card
| Value | For just $50, this is an excellent value of a gaming keyboard. Too bad only the US gets it for now. | 4 / 5 |
| Design and features | Comes with RGB backlighting, dust and water resistant, and is way light and thin. | 5 / 5 |
| Performance | Though the 1,000Hz polling rate could be a negative, the price makes this way reasonable. And it's surprisingly responsive when playing most games. | 4.5 / 5 |
| Total | This is a well balance gaming keyboard for those on a budget but still want solid performance and design. | 4.5 / 5 |
- First reviewed February 2023
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