Specification at a glance:
- Keyboard Layout: Tenkeyless
- Switch Type: CHERRY MX (Red, Brown, Blue, Silent Red)
- LED Color: RGB
- Macro Keys: All keys
- Software / Integrated Memory: Fnatic OP/ 8 MB
- Media Keys: Shortcut keys
- Palm Rest: Detachable
- Dimensions: 360 mm x 142 mm x 36 mm
Weight: 704 grams
Fnatic miniSTREAK: design and build quality
The design of the Fnatic miniSTREAK is elegant and compact; the latter mainly due to the gaming keyboard's TKL layout, in which the numeric pad is completely omitted. The top of the chassis features a high-quality anodized metal top plate which gives the keyboard a very sleek design and a higher durability, as this material has proven itself to be more durable than plastic.
The included palm rest is also made of high-quality materials. The adjustable palm rest is made of aluminum and covered with durable PU leather for a pleasant, soft padding. To make the palm rest even more luxurious, the outer edges of are comfortably rounded.
Ergonomic design
Thanks to the fold-out feet and the detachable, padded palm rest, the gaming keyboard has a very high level of ergonomics. In addition, the palm rest can be connected to the keyboard at three different angles, allowing for flexible, individual adjustments to allow long work or gaming sessions without major signs of fatigue or wrist pain.
Another contribution to the ergonomics are the various options of mechanical CHERRY MX switches, such as the popular CHERRY MX Red: thanks to a short travel of only 4.0 millimeters, this switch is ideal for fast gaming and typing – but more on that in a bit.
Due to the anti-slip feet, the keyboard has a secure grip on the desk despite its low weight of 704 grams.
RGB lighting with many effects
Even without installing the Fnatic software, users can visually configure the Fnatic miniSTREAK to their wishes. The brightness of the entire RGB spectrum of 16.8 million colors can be adjusted via keyboard shortcuts, and there are eight different lighting effects to directly choose from.
Alternatively, colors and lighting modes can be adjusted with user-friendly Fnatic OP software, which is available as a free download on the Fnatic website.
Reliable thanks to useful feature set
A powerful microcontroller is responsible for processing RGB lighting, macros and fast user input. The integrated 8 Megabytes of memory allows you to store macros and the LED lighting effects directly on the keyboard. This makes it easy to use the keyboard with different computers.
Another feature added out of convenience is the detachable USB-C cable, which can be easily replaced in the event of a defect. The keyboard is Plug&Play compatible, which means it’s immediately ready for use even without installing the Fnatic OP software.
Built with CHERRY MX switches
With the miniSTREAK, buyers can choose between four different key switch variants: CHERRY MX Red, Silent Red, Brown, Blue. This allows users to stick to their preferred, familiar switching characteristics. The sample we’ve tried came equipped with the popular CHERRY MX Red switches. These offer a linear switching characteristic without audible click, and as mentioned, these switches have a short travel distance of 4.0 millimeters and an actuation point of 2.0 millimeters. In addition, a low actuating force of 45 Centinewtons is required to trigger the switches, which allows for a particularly fast input. This means that the Fnatic miniSTREAK with MX Red is especially useful to gamers who have to react at lightning speed.
Easy-to-use software for advanced configuration options
The free Fnatic OP software offers interesting configuration options for the Fnatic miniSTREAK. It’s not just the RGB lighting that can be fine-tuned, but users can also reprogram every key on the keyboard. This is especially useful when defining and storing macros and keyboard shortcuts to facilitate everyday office and gaming scenarios. The software provides a clear and easy-to-use layout for each feature, making working with the tool particularly easy.
Conclusion
The extremely solid Fnatic miniSTREAK hasn’t just impressed us with a clean design and high-quality workmanship, but also with the available CHERRY MX switch variants. Letting the buyer choose between several switch variants means everyone can pick their favorite switching characteristics. Fnatic has not compromised on ergonomics either: the adjustable, padded palm rest in particular contributes to a pleasant gaming or typing experience. The detachable USB-C cable is a useful feature as well, making this a compact Tenkeyless keyboard a recommendation for gamers and typists alike.
