Razer has announced the all-new BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed, a 65% version of the BlackWidow V3 Pro released last year.As a 65% keyboard, the V3 Mini eliminates an entire block of keys on the right side, creating a smaller footprint than Unlike the 60% Huntsman Mini, the V3 Mini has four navigation keys that can also be used as arrow keys and macro keys.

Like its big brother, the V3 Mini has three connectivity options-Razer HyperSpeed 2.4Ghz wireless, Bluetooth, and USB cable-when you add 200 hours of battery life and the blazing fast Razer Yellow mechanical switches, you've got yourself a dandy little package. But the price is a whopping $180/£180.

I was as shocked by this price as you probably were. It wasn't until a few days after I opened the box of V3 minis and started using them that I learned the final price. It is indeed expensive.

I was fascinated by the V3 Mini's small size compared to all the other chunky Razer keyboards I've tested. Still, it's a tiny keyboard with a fairly tall aluminum deck that you'll want to secure your wrists to. Despite this, it is surprisingly light, and at first I thought it was made of plastic. I was surprised, because thanks to its compactness, one would expect many people to toss this into their laptop backpacks.

Now, you may wonder why I would choose a 65% keyboard over a 60% keyboard. The arrow keys may not be as important for gaming as they are for productivity tasks, but they are still useful to have. However, pressing in the arrow keys and the home key creates a muscle memory challenge because you have to relearn where the right Shift, Ctrl, and Backspace keys are. Days later, I still have to look down at the board to use the arrow keys correctly.

This layout caused me to make a lot of typing errors initially, but after a few days, my fingers learned all the positions well enough that I made much fewer mistakes. Another learning curve was the Razer Yellow mechanical switches. These linear switches are very fast and have very short actuation points, which is very strange for someone like me who prefers the long travel and feedback of tactile switches.

The yellows are incredibly fast and smooth, and only require a light touch to activate. I often found myself accidentally activating adjacent keys. The responsiveness in game is excellent, but one must be careful, as the high sensitivity makes it easy to activate the wrong one. However, once you get used to it, you can type out words with great vigor while minimizing mistakes.

Unlike the Razer Greens, the improved Yellows has a silicone sound damper that makes it much quieter when in use. This means that you can use the V3 Mini in public or shared spaces without worrying about disturbing others. The keycaps are also thicker and more durable, thanks to an improved double-shot molding process. All keys except the left modifier key can be replaced with aftermarket ones.

Of course, the keys are all backlit with Razer Chroma lighting, which allows an unusual level of customization with the Chroma Studio app. But be aware that using the V3 Mini with full lighting effects and a HyperSpeed connection drains the battery ridiculously fast: 20 hours or so. With the lights off and Bluetooth, the V3 will last 200 hours.

The V3 Mini also works with a USB cable connection, so one can't complain about battery life. This also has the advantage of completely latency-free response while the V3 is backed up by a trickle charge; if the V3 Mini uses the Razer HyperSpeed 2.4Ghz connection, input lag is never an issue. But the coolest thing about the V3 Mini's HyperSpeed is the new multi-device support that allows you to use different Razer gear with a single dongle.

As a frequent laptop user, I appreciate that this product frees up one of my precious USB ports. However, all new Razer accessories should support this technology. However, all new Razer accessories should support this technology.

As my first 65% keyboard, the BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed is impressive. The compact form factor keeps the desk clear and portable. It takes a few days to get used to the layout, and the lack of dedicated media keys and function keys is sometimes missed. But if you use the board primarily for gaming, it's a great product if you can stomach the $180 price.