Our Verdict
The NZXT Perform 2 sits effectively positioned as a mid-range gaming keyboard with a good value to match. It received’t blow you away with options, however the construct high quality, optical switches, structure choices, and software program help all create a extremely enticing package deal.
- 8,000Hz polling price
- CAM software program is straightforward to make use of
- Nice worth
- Sizzling-swappable
- Enticing RGB Lighting
- Restricted actuation level customization
- Restricted devoted media controls
NZXT isn’t the primary title that involves thoughts when interested by gaming keyboards, however that simply makes the NZXT Perform 2 a extra nice shock after my time testing each the full-size and MiniTKL fashions. Whereas the Perform 2 lacks some high-end gaming options like per-key adjustable actuation and fast set off, what it does provide remains to be effectively well worth the MSRP, and nonetheless offers you the power to customise your switches and keycaps if desired.
All in all, the NZXT Perform 2 is among the greatest gaming keyboards in the event you’re making an attempt to get probably the most in your cash with out spending greater than $150. As manufacturers like Razer and SteelSeries stuff their premium boards stuffed with options, resulting in an inflated value, it opens up the mid-range market to merchandise just like the Perform 2 which nonetheless has lots to supply however does so with out the eye-watering value.
Why you may belief our recommendation ✔ At , our specialists spend hours testing {hardware} and reviewing video games and VPNs. We share sincere, unbiased opinions that can assist you purchase the perfect. Discover out how we take a look at.
Specs
| Variety of Keys | 104 (Full Dimension) 87 (MiniTKL) |
| Switches | NZXT Swift Optical |
| Connectiviy | Wired USB-C |
| Media Keys | Quantity scroller |
Options
The NZXT Perform 2 is a wired-only gaming keyboard with optical switches that characteristic two-point adjustable actuation. It has as much as an 8,000Hz polling price and each the full-size and MiniTKL boards are an identical of their characteristic units, that means no worth is misplaced must you need to keep on with your measurement choice.
NZXT ensures the Perform 2 is sturdy due to doubleshot PBT keycaps, an aluminum prime plate, and the power to hot-swap switches and keycaps. The latter ensures you may exchange elements in the event that they do put on out or if you wish to clean up the design, plus it permits you to change the included linear switches, in the event that they prove to not be your most well-liked fashion.
The Perform 2 comes with a braided USB cable, keycap puller, change puller, and eight further switches (4 35g Gateron Yellow linear and 4 45g Gateron Purple linear) included within the field. You’ll be able to obtain the free NZXT CAM software program to make adjustments to the per-key RGB lighting, actuation factors, and key bindings. You may as well allow Home windows and FN key locks within the software program, though the Home windows lock can be a devoted button on the left aspect of the board.
Design
I might describe the design of the NZXT Perform 2 as very clear and easy. In each fashions, you’re getting what you anticipate from commonplace full-size and miniTKL layouts, however the addition of a quantity dial and different further controls on the aspect elevates the utility of this board whereas minimizing their impression on its appears to be like.
These controls include a Home windows lock button, LED brightness toggle, and mute button on the left aspect of the keyboard, plus there’s a vertical scroll wheel that controls your quantity simply above it. This can’t be reassigned for different functions, in contrast to on a number of different keyboards, such because the Corsair K65 Plus Wi-fi the place it can be used for scrolling or display screen brightness.
The per-key RGB may be very brilliant and creates a shocking glow however can be toned down for a refined strategy in the event you want. The place you could anticipate devoted media controls to sit down within the prime right-hand nook of the board, there are as an alternative simply the caps, num, and scroll lock indicators with the NZXT brand beside them. This does come throughout as lifeless area within the full-size mannequin which is slightly disappointing provided that there are not any devoted media controls, however no such hole is current on the TKL.
Eradicating keycaps and switches is straightforward and there’s no preliminary stiffness to the board that may generally result in injury when first reconfiguring your switches. The total-size mannequin additionally comes with a magnetic wrist relaxation which creates an additional layer of consolation for my fingers whereas typing and gaming due to its smooth however agency really feel and the perfect angle that enables my fingers to comfortably float above the keys. On prime of this, each boards have three ranges of top adjustment, with the usual flat setting and two-level adjustable fold-out ft to cater to as many preferences as attainable.
Due to the aluminum prime plate the NZXT Perform 2 feels fairly heavy at 910g for the total measurement and 710g for the MiniTKL, however this performs into its strengths as you’ll discover it very arduous to by chance displace it no matter whether or not you’re sitting it instantly in your desktop or a material desk mat.
On sound, there are two layers of froth inside to try to cut back the noise that comes from the keyboard and switches, with the NZXT Perform 2 registering at a median of 57dB whereas typing, with our sound meter positioned at a 20cm distance above the board.
Efficiency
The final typing and gaming expertise with the NZXT Perform 2 is good and showcases additional that regardless of the dearth of hardcore gaming options, an optical board like this may nonetheless convey lots to the desk.
Throughout the CAM software program, it’s attainable to change between the 2 actuation level presets of 1mm and 1.5mm. There may be sufficient distinction between the 2 for the outcomes to be noticeable, however it’s a disgrace to not have per-key customization like within the Razer Huntsman V3. Realistically it’s greatest to go away the board at 1.5mm for typing and single-player video games the place the response time in-game carries much less significance, and save the 1mm profile for shooters like Counter-Strike 2 or Valorant.
As beforehand talked about, NZXT consists of eight further switches with the Perform 2, and these aren’t only for present. As seen on its web site, NZXT suggests utilizing particular setups the place your switches are combined, this might imply swapping out your WASD keys for ones with a larger actuation distance or swapping fast motion capability keys in League of Legends for ones with a decrease actuation and better sensitivity. This could be fairly the job to tackle as you turn video games, however is a sound solution to arrange a keyboard in the event you throw 1000’s of hours into one sport particularly.
On the field of the NZXT Perform 2, there are quite a lot of options listed to try to amp up the gaming efficiency of this board, and whereas I’m not about to say they’re improper, additionally they strive slightly too arduous to push options which might be both bettered elsewhere or at worst, irrelevant within the present local weather.
The primary of those is the 8kHz polling price, a characteristic that’s now turning into extra frequent in gaming mice just like the Razer Viper V3 Professional. Nevertheless, identical to with 8kHz polling on a mouse, there’s a CPU load improve when upping polling charges in peripherals, and there’s a level the place the returns are diminished. I discovered it extremely arduous to identify any further responsiveness improve when biking by way of the polling charges, which is a stark distinction to the will increase I’ve seen when shifting a mouse to 2kHz and even 4kHz. In the end the Perform 2 is extremely responsive and correct as anticipated, earlier than contemplating the polling price, so I wouldn’t let it carry an excessive amount of weight when interested by making a purchase order.
Worth
The NZXT Perform 2 full measurement has an MSRP of $139.99 whereas the MiniTKL model is ready at $129.99. They’re accessible instantly from the NZXT on-line retailer however can be discovered at Amazon and Finest Purchase. Each boards can be found in Black or White.
Options
Razer Huntsman V3
If you happen to’re okay spending $110 extra, the Razer Huntsman V3 Professional does include per-key adjustable actuation and fast set off options, whereas protecting the design on a really related degree. Nevertheless, a pathetic wrist relaxation and loud noise output also needs to be thought of.
Corsair K65 Plus Wi-fi
If you need lots of the identical options in your keyboard, however want it to be wi-fi, the K65 Plus Wi-fi is the choice for you, with 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connections and refined RGB lighting that works splendidly with the two-tone design. It’s solely accessible as a 75% structure however falls into a really related value bracket because the Perform 2.
Verdict
The NZXT Perform 2 is a extremely good solution to get began with optical gaming keyboards, and the approachable costs of the 2 completely different sizes makes them arduous to disregard, even up towards greater names within the area. With the ability to customise the Perform 2 to fit your wants and categorical your creativity is a pleasant contact and regardless of 8kHz polling not being too related proper now, future-proofing your self is at all times a wise transfer.
