With the Function 2, NZXT has launched a new customizable keyboard that looks very promising at first glance.
This NZXT typically has a wonderfully simple and chic design. We also have hot-swap sockets! So if you don’t like the NZXT buttons, you can simply replace them with any other mechanical buttons in the Cherry MX style.
However, there is a good chance that you will like the buttons, because NZXT uses new optical buttons with an adjustable activation point, which are also lubricated by default and should therefore run very smoothly.
Let’s take a look at the NZXT Function 2 in the test!
At this point, many thanks to NZXT for providing Function 2 for this test.
In three versions
NZXT offers the Function 2 in three layouts/versions.
Normal with number pad Tenkeyless (without number pad) Mini TKL
Here you can choose which layout appeals to you most. This time I decided on the Mini TKL version.
At its core, this is a compressed tenkeyless. Since desk space is at a premium for me, this layout worked well.
NZXT Function 2 im Test
I love the simple and high-quality design that NZXT uses in its products. The NZXT Function 2 also has a very simple and minimalist design.
This is not a keyboard that screams “gamer”. This means it wouldn’t look out of place in an office or gaming setup, depending on how you set the lighting. Of course, the Function 2 also has an RGB LED per key. The LEDs are particularly noticeable in the white version, more on that later.
NZXT relies on the “floating” button design for the Function 2. The keyboard does not have a frame, but the buttons are mounted flat on the base plate. This makes it look like the keycaps are floating above the base.
The advantage is that it looks stylish and cleaning the keyboard is easier (in my experience, crumbs fall through more easily). However, from an acoustic point of view, classic designs often have an advantage.
The base plate of the Function 2 is made of metal, but the underside is made of plastic.
This makes the keyboard very torsion-resistant and stable, but also not extremely heavy or massive. However, this clearly seems to be built to a much higher quality than a run-of-the-mill keyboard.
This is simply connected via a USB C port.
Ergonomics
For ergonomics, we have stable, fold-out feet in two stages on the bottom. This means you can angle the keyboard slightly or slightly more.
There is no wrist rest. However, the keyboard is relatively flat and angled straight, so I can handle it without a wrist rest. Otherwise, there are universal “gel” wrist rests, which in my experience are very comfortable.
Special keys
The NZXT Function 2 (unfortunately) doesn’t have many special keys. So we only have a volume dial on the left edge as well as three buttons to turn off the sound, block the Windows key and control the brightness.
I’m particularly pleased with the rotary wheel, because it’s a nice way to control the volume quickly and “haptically”. This is also OK in terms of quality, but could be a little more graded for my taste.
We also have a double assignment of the print, scroll and pause keys with media functions and the F1 to F4 keys with selection keys for the profile.
Standard Layout
Fortunately, NZXT uses a very classic ISO / QWERTZ layout for the Function 2. Yes, the Mini TKL version is a little more unusual because the arrow keys etc. are pushed together a bit, but apart from that everything looks very good.
We have the normal large Caps Lock key, large Enter key, ÜÖÄ etc. Only the F keys are moved slightly closer to the normal keypad.
Apart from that, you will quickly find yourself at home on the keyboard.
NZXT Swift Optical Switches
A big special feature of Function 2 are the “NZXT Swift Optical Switches”. The NZXT Swift Optical Switches are initially linear switches, but use an optical trigger mechanism.
This means that instead of two contacts being closed, a beam of light is interrupted. In theory, this is even faster and wear-free. NZXT also advertises 100 million activations.
But the buttons still have an exciting feature. This way you can choose the trigger point of the button. This can trigger after 1 mm or after 1.5 mm. This is a bit of a matter of taste, but the faster release point tends to be an advantage in games.
The trigger point is controlled via the NZXT CAM software.
In fact, the NZXT buttons feel very good! These run very smoothly and softly. It is clearly noticeable that these are somewhat lubricated from the factory. These tend to run a bit smoother than the Cherry MX Reds, for example.
The resistance of the keys is well chosen for universal use
We do have hot swap sockets in Function 2, but I don’t see any reason to replace the buttons unless you don’t like the linear characteristics.
How does it type on the Function 2?
I’ve experienced a few different keyboards now. Starting with the run-of-the-mill gaming models up to very expensive custom keyboards.
For a “ready-made keyboard” from a major manufacturer, the NZXT Function 2 can be described as above average in terms of both the typing feel and the sound when typing.
I actually really like the NZXT Swift Optical Switches! I think these feel comfortable and, above all, run very smoothly.
The large keys, especially the space bar, are also very well stabilized. No matter where you press the spacebar, it can’t tilt and feels pretty consistent.
Accordingly, I was able to immediately reach my usual typing speed on the keyboard.
When it comes to sound, I would also say that the keyboard sounds above average. The sound of the keyboard is a bit muffled, so the interior of the keyboard is probably lined with foam or something similar.
How do I determine this? Many simple gaming keyboards have a fairly bright and high-pitched sound. In general, the deeper the sound of a keyboard, the more valuable it is.
And with the Function 2 we have a somewhat duller sound. However, there is still room for improvement here! A GMMK Pro or some other “exotic” high-end keyboards have a significantly more muted and massive sound.
In general, this also applies to the typing experience. As far as massiveness is concerned, things are a little better.
But compared to the models from Corsair, Logitech and Razer, the Function 2 does really well here. Hence my assessment of an above-average typing feel and good sound.
8000 Hz Polling Rate
Function 2 not only has a potentially very fast trigger time thanks to the buttons, which trigger after just 1 mm, but also offers a polling rate of up to 8000 Hz.
What does that mean? The keyboard can transmit the current state of the keys to your PC up to 8000x per second. 1000 Hz is common.
You can use the NZXT software to adjust the polling rate between 125 Hz and 8000 Hz to your liking.
It is certainly a matter of debate whether the difference between 1000 Hz and 8000 Hz polling rate is noticeable in practice, especially on a keyboard, but theoretically it is still a competitive advantage that Function 2 brings.
We have the very fast-triggering buttons with an early trigger point (if you want) and the high transmission frequency.
Software and lighting
The NZXT function is controlled via the NZXT CAM software, which is responsible for all NZXT products.
The NZXT CAM software is very high quality and well made! This offers a clear design and all common functions including tons of lighting settings.
Each key has an RGB LED, which can be controlled individually. Accordingly, there are many patterns etc. that you can choose from.
If you wish, you can also simply have the keyboard glow in one color if a continuous rainbow is too much for you in the long run.
The only criticism I have about the NZXT software is that it is perhaps a bit too “cluttered” and large, especially if you only have the NZXT keyboard. However, this is a problem for many manufacturers, who have increasingly extensive software solutions.
Conclusion
The NZXT Function 2 is currently my favorite keyboard from the major gaming manufacturers!
The Function 2 is a very nice and simple keyboard with an above-average typing experience. The range of functions is also great.
I especially like the NZXT Swift Optical Switches! These not only feel very good, but also have an adjustable release point. Essentially, you can choose between the trigger speed of a regular mechanical button and a “speed” button.
Add to that the high polling rate of 8000 Hz and we have a very responsive keyboard! Ideal for gaming. Not only for that, but it also feels really good on her.
No, we are not quite at the level of the “extreme” mechanical keyboards like the GMMK Pro or the various “custom” models, but the Function 2 is also a little cheaper in terms of price and has a larger range of functions.
We also have customization options. The keyboards use normal Cherry MX keycaps and rely on “hot swap” buttons.
In short, I can with a clear conscience recommend the NZXT Function 2 to both gamers and frequent writers who are looking for a chic, simple and high-quality keyboard that also offers a strong range of functions.