Razer Reclusa X Mini 65% delivers premium feel at budget price

Razer has a reputation for expensive keyboards that don't always deliver exceptional value. The company's new Reclusa X Mini 65% changes that equation. At $50 (£60 in the UK), this compact gaming keyboard feels like it should cost significantly more.

The first thing you notice pulling the Reclusa X Mini from the box is its small footprint. The 65% layout eliminates the numpad entirely, but retains all essential keys for daily typing and gaming. Despite the compact size, the keyboard doesn't feel cramped to use. The white, green, and black colour scheme looks sharp, and the whole device weighs around 700g, giving it a sturdy feel despite its diminutive frame.

Build quality stands out for the price point. The doubleshot ABS keycaps are crisp and feel durable. Underneath sit Razer's Gen-3 Orange tactile switches with a 50g actuation force and 3.5mm travel distance. The chassis resists flexing admirably. Dual layer silicone sound dampening is sandwiched within the frame. If you were told this keyboard retailed for $80, the premium feel would be entirely believable.

The specs sheet reveals compromises typical at this price. The keyboard tops out at 1,000 Hz wired polling, which is adequate for most gamers but trails the 8,000 Hz rates found on higher-end esports keyboards. There are no Hall effect switches to swap in, and the wired USB Type-C connection only supports traditional mechanical switches. The keyboard comes wired-only, which reduces cost and eliminates charging hassles. No height adjustment feet are included, though the chassis already tilts toward you significantly.

Typing accuracy improves thanks to the Orange switches' resistance to accidental key presses. For gaming, particularly shooters, the meaty switches feel satisfying. The smaller size leaves ample desk space for a gaming mouse or, as one reviewer notes, snacks.

Software features arrive via Razer Synapse. Snap Tap provides simultaneous opposite cardinal direction (SOCD) handling. Snap Flex lets you assign specific actions to key releases. Dual-Keypress Priority aims to make directional inputs more consistent in games by only registering new directional input once you've released two previous directions. RGB lighting is adjustable through Synapse, with south-facing LEDs providing good illumination beneath keycaps.

Aesthetically, the black/green/white colour combination works well, especially with RGB lighting enabled underneath. The defined edge running around the top of the chassis gives it a crisp, cut appearance without interfering with palms or fingers during gaming or typing. Keycaps are swappable, allowing for future customization.

Keyboard sound is subjective. The internal deadening layers combined with the slightly crunchy switches and thick keycaps create what some find satisfying and others find grating. The Reclusa X Mini isn't the quietest keyboard available.

The Reclusa X Mini 65% is recommended for budget-conscious buyers seeking an enthusiast-level compact keyboard without the prohibitive price tag. It's less suited for competitive esports players wanting 8,000 Hz polling or those needing dedicated media controls. For someone prioritising compact size, solid build quality, and responsive gameplay without breaking the bank, the Reclusa is difficult to beat.