We can't wait for NZXT to release the next version of its Function MiniTKL gaming keyboard. Because this first foray into the world of enthusiast keyboards was so close to being a great one. [Once these issues are resolved, the Function MiniTKL v2 will be one of the best gaming keyboards out there.

NZXT's Function series of boards come in a variety of sizes, different colors, keycaps, and most importantly, mechanical switches. It is not possible to offer a custom keyboard without a large number of clickers to choose from. However, this means that whether you choose a full-size, TKL, or MiniTKL, a hot-swappable baseboard is available.

And this is the essence of the enthusiast keyboard ecosystem: being able to offer the ultimate choice to the end user. Thankfully, you don't have to deal with any of the myriad choices unless you really want to; NZXT offers three Function boards, each with basic Gateron linear-red switches, in matte white or black designs, on their own.

However, NZXT has added keyboards to the BLD page of the site, allowing you to drill down to the details. Even to the point of purchasing a bare-bones version of a function keyboard in the size of your choice. If NZXT does not offer the keycaps or mechanical switches you prefer, you can choose your preferred keycaps and mechanical switches elsewhere.

However, there are five types of Gateron switches offered by NZXT, with PBT keycaps instead of the standard ABS plastic caps. In addition, colored caps are available for the Enter, Escape, and Arrow keys to accentuate them.

I had NZXT produce a Function MiniTKL with gray keycaps, gray base, and blue accent keys. Unfortunately, because the keyboard has RGB illumination on each key, the standard ABS caps have sparkles, but the PBT caps do not. Underneath those caps, however, are Gateron Silent Black Ink mechanical switches. I like heavy switches, and this Silent switch withstands 60g of pressure and operates linearly. And they feel and sound great.

As always in the enthusiast keyboard world, however, customizability comes at a cost. The base Function MiniTKL costs $100, but the full-spec keyboard I created for the BLD page costs $230. This is a lot of money. It's more than double the price.

This is all generally positive, but the basic board itself, not the geeky level of customization, is what ultimately lets Function down.

The biggest problem I had when I started using the MiniTKL was the board's uneven sound: the $80 silent black ink switches are great on standard keys, but as soon as you hit a key with a stabilizer, such as the space, shift, or enter key, it understandable. The rattle is jarring compared to the almost silent and smooth operation of the other keys. Whether you are typing or playing a game, the rattle is an unpleasant and haunting punctuation sound.

In this respect, the excellent Mountain Everest 60 has obvious attention to detail in every key on the board. Right down to the stabilizers.

We also had an initial problem with the blue-accented Enter key sticking down; it took us a while to figure out why our Slack messages were blank on several lines. We feared it was electrical, but it turned out to be purely mechanical, as the keycap got stuck under the backspace key.

These are simple things and will not need to be fixed in version 2. The problem, however, is the actual design of the base, primarily the left side. I love, love, love the physical volume wheel placement. It makes sense and is easy to access while gaming.

The three buttons arrayed below it are located on the side of the board.

I didn't know how much I was moving the keyboard around while working and transitioning to down time in the game. As it turns out, it's a very large number. And the way I prefer to move the keyboard is to put both hands on either side of the keyboard and lift and shift. This means that I am constantly and accidentally pressing these buttons to mute the audio, turn the Windows key on and off, and change the brightness of the LED illumination for each key on the switch. It's tedious and you don't need to do that.

These are really minor things, but they make the Function MiniTKL much less pleasant to use. But they are not insurmountable problems, and there is much to like about this board.

As I said, the volume wheel is great and the actual key layout is excellent. I mentioned in my Everest 60 review that I traditionally dislike 60% keyboards, and while the MiniTKL isn't quite as sleek, it does scale things down while still providing all the features you need in a board without a numeric keypad.

However, until Function v2 comes along, it's not going to be a board I can recommend in good conscience.