Utilizing the space your desk has to offer while prioritizing your comfort is something that ultimately comes down to the hardware you’re using. For some, a standard keyboard is fine as it is functional, but for the gamer out there looking to get more space for mouse movement and more placement options for their keyboard, something a bit more compact would be a better fit.

One of the first items from ROCCAT for 2023 is just that - a compact keyboard. Not only is their new Magma Mini keyboard compact, but it is a pretty low cost as well. Plus, it comes with all of the main functionalities that a gaming-focused user would want. Of course, it isn’t flawless though.

What’s In The Box

As minimalist and simplistic as it gets, this keyboard comes with pretty much nothing else in the box. You have the keyboard itself which is placed inside of a somewhat sealed plastic cover, and the attached plug-in cable stashed underneath the cardboard cover. Other than that, you will find the quick start guide that has all the little information you need in there, like the built-in quick keys you can utilize. But for those interested in jumping into their game, this keyboard functions the moment you plug it into the computer or laptop.

Aesthetics and Build Quality

Before the Magma Mini came in, my main keyboard was the HVER STEALTH which is a standard-sized keyboard. Above you can see the size comparison between the two keyboards. There are a lot more things you can see differences between the two options, but the main thing to take away is that the Magma Mini basically is built without the part of the keyboard that hosts the keypad, arrow keys, and function buttons. Instead, they are secondary inputs on other keys.

Some things they did to help their keyboard be more gamer-friendly include the placement of the cable. Most keyboards center their cable, but they have placed it on the left side of the keyboard so that players can comfortably turn the keyboard diagonally. This makes it so the hand that pressed the keyboard keys during gameplay can rest on the desk without getting in the way and the cable itself won’t get in the way of the mouse movement either.

They’ve also added a protective membrane that has a two-fold purpose. It does wonders to make the colorful RGB shine throughout the keyboard evenly, but it also has an IP33 rating to protect against water and dust. While you can’t dunk it in a bath, you can recover from a spilled drink over your keyboard without concern about it destroying the functionality. I did test this by spilling a little less than half a cup of water on it while it was plugged in and all I had to do was dry it off. This also means that cleaning it will be easy as you can even use cleaning sprays on it when you spill a sticky drink or get back in the game a little too soon after mid-match snacking.

Whether this is because of the resistant built membrane or the keycaps, this is also one of the most silent keyboards I have used. It is on par with typing on a laptop when it comes to how loud the keys clack. They are a bit tough to press as well, so using this keyboard does mean that you will have to use a little bit more effort than a standard keyboard with each keystroke, but it isn’t hard enough that it is noticeable mid-game. There, the adrenaline and excitement of the play on screen easily push you past even noticing the key’s firmness.

Specs and Special Features

When I say this keyboard comes with all the basics a gamer could ask for, this is what I mean it includes:

• Water and Dust resistant IP33 rating

• Quiet, fast, and responsive membrane keys

• Easy-Shift[+] button duplicator enables function layers

• Left-side mounted cable

• Vibrant AIMO™ RGB Lighting

• 20KRO and & advanced anti-ghosting

With a standard USB-A plug connected to a well-placed cable, fully responsive and functioning keys, proper control over the sticky-keys issue, and a basic RGB style that lights up the background and keys throughout the board, it really has everything set up for a gamer to utilize. Plus, for those that like to customize their setup, the keys themselves are even mappable.

What It Could Have Done Better

If you are going to do anything other than game on this keyboard, it may prove to be problematic. Trying to do some of my work after gaming proved to be an issue for me as I never noticed how often I use the arrow keys before I had to constantly hold a function key down to use them as a secondary option from other keys. Perhaps, if the keyboard had a toggle option instead so I can simply use the arrow keys instead of what the keys are primarily it would be better, but without a memory in the board that doesn’t seem possible.

While it does offer RGB, it is beyond basic. It simply does a wave of color and changes through them consistently and evenly. I tried finding ways to change it through software or on the keyboard, but there isn’t one. If you are fine with the built-in RGB option then this is a non-issue.

Verdict

The Magma Mini keyboard is a top-tier affordable gaming hardware choice! While it may not be great for someone who does work that involves arrow keys and the keypad, it is perfect for everyone else. There is RGB to keep it colorful, the membrane makes the keys responsive yet quiet, there is protection against the usual causes of damage that ultimately destroy keyboards, and its compact size makes it easy to find a comfortable position to utilize. This is definitely a top-recommended keyboard choice for gaming-focused users out there.

The Magma Mini keyboard is available now on the ROCCAT website for pre-order and will officially launch on February 9th.