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Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Tom's Guide
NZXT Lift Elite Wireless review: Premium features at a budget price
The best gaming mice don't always come cheap, but the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless offers a budget solution for those who want premium features. Costing just under $80, this is a powerful mouse, boasting 8,000Hz polling and 26,000 DPI for competitive gaming. It's extremely comfortable for long periods of time, and user-friendly companion software makes customization a cinch. But it suffers from a very common problem, like other gaming mice: there's no left-handed version. Also, while it's wireless, there's no Bluetooth connectivity, and the oversized side buttons may lead to misclicks. For the complete breakdown, read my full NZXT Lift Elite Wireless review. Specs NZXT Lift Elite Wireless Price $79 / £74 Max DPI 26,000 Polling rate 4,000Hz (2.4G) or 8,000Hz (wired) Buttons 6 Size 4.68 x 2.39 x 1.51 inches Weight 2.01oz Colors White, black Body material Plastic Design Right-handed Operating system macOS, Windows Connectivity 2.4GHz dongle, wired Battery Rechargable Battery life (rated) 70 hours Lighting None From its lightweight yet sturdy body to its 8,000Hz polling and 26,000 DPI, the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless is a powerful rodent. Many gaming brands utilize honeycomb or perforated designs to scrape some weight off gaming mice. I often describe these designs as divisive because they aren't everyone's cup of tea — especially if you're trypophobic. Good news is that the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless sports a traditional, full-bodied design, but that doesn't make it heavy. The mouse weighs 2.01oz, which is actually lighter than the perforated Keychron M3 Mini 4K Metal (2.25oz, $99) and the SteelSeries Aerox 5 (2.6oz, $139). But its lightweight design doesn't deter from its sturdiness. The Lift Elite Wireless' plastic chassis feels solid. I didn't hear any creaking (or squeaking, since it's a mouse) when I squeezed it as hard as I could, so it should stand the test of time. The NZXT Lift Elite Wireless measures 4.68 x 2.39 x 1.51 inches, so it may be slightly small for those with bigger hands. As someone with medium-sized hands, I found the mouse extremely comfortable to hold and use, even for long periods of gaming and working. I'd recommend a longer mouse if you have bigger hands, like the Keychron M7 ($49). I also appreciate that NZXT doesn't call this mouse 'ergonomic' (as there's no thumb rest), unlike some brands (looking at you, Cherry XTRFY M50 Wireless). NZXT says that both the claw and fingertip grip should work fine with this mouse, and they both do. I'm more of a palm grip gal and found that comfortable, too. The left- and right-click buttons are wide enough for your fingers to splay as much as you want. If you want an even better grip, two pieces of grip tape are included in the box. Hundreds of small bumps on the textured sides help you grip the mouse better, too. The NZXT Lift Elite Wireless can handle any game you can think of, whether that's an open-world RPG or an FPS title. The mouse utilizes PixArt PAW3395 sensor to deliver a maximum of 26,000 DPI and either 4,000Hz (2.4G) or 8,000Hz polling, making it a powerful mouse for competitive gaming. I tested the mouse by playing games at both 4,000Hz and 8,000Hz polling, and not once did I notice any input lag or missed inputs. If you want an even higher DPI, like 32,000, the Cooler Master MM720 ($46) may be more your speed. 26,000 DPI is still excellent for ultra-responsive gameplay. To swap between different DPI values, simply click the bright purple button on the mouse's underside. You can also customize the five assigned values via NZXT CAM (more on that in a second). I really appreciate being able to adjust the DPI on the fly, as the absence of one was one of my primary criticisms of the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 ($159). I used the DPI button a lot in Counter-Strike 2 and Hitman. I set the DPI to 10,000 when I was in close-quarters combat in the latter. I was able to chop down enemies easily and quickly with my knife, even when I was surrounded by several of them — overwhelmed, even. But the Lift Elite Wireless made quick work of it. When I needed to execute precise headshots in the games, I swapped to a low DPI of 400. I have naturally shaky hands, and wielding a sniper rifle and aiming at an enemy's head in Counter-Strike 2 requires steadiness. Using such a low DPI ensured that my movements were extremely precise. I was able to line up shots perfectly and with ease. I also like the textured scroll wheel with its spacious gaps, which makes going through busy weapon inventories easy. It takes some effort to press the clickable scroll wheel, which I appreciate, as that means you won't accidentally click it without meaning to. You'll need to download NZXT CAM on your Windows machine to customize the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless mouse. I recently used it to customize the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL ($199) keyboard, and I found the software extremely clean and intuitive to use. Like I mentioned earlier, this is where you can adjust the five DPI values. You can also remap four of the six buttons, record macros, choose one of six polling rates, and adjust the lift-off height. There are also five customizable profiles that you can save to the Lift Elite Wireless' onboard memory. The NZXT Lift Elite Wireless can be best described as a midrange mouse, retailing for $79 / £74 at Amazon, and we've also seen it drop to $59 in the past. It offers the aforementioned powerful features at a competitive price, especially if you can't afford pricier rodents, like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 or the Razer Viper V3 ($159). The Lift Elite Wireless is priced similarly to the Cherry XTRFY M50 Wireless ($69) and the Fantech Aria XD7 ($78). When we reviewed the Fnatic x Lamzu Maya 8K ($119), we noted that, at the time of writing, it was the cheapest 8K mouse available on the market. Well, Fnatic's offering has just been dethroned by NZXT's — now, the Lift Elite Wireless is the cheapest way to get 8,000Hz polling. There isn't a lot wrong with the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless, but there's no left-handed version, the oversized side buttons lead to misclicks, and there's no Bluetooth connectivity. My left-handed comrades are left out once again. The NZXT Lift Elite Wireless is suitable for right-handed folks because of the placement of the side buttons, but there's no left-handed version — much like nearly every other gaming mouse I've tested. Of course, lefties can still try using this mouse, but I can't imagine it would be very comfortable. If you do want a left-handed gaming mouse, I'd recommend an ambidextrous mouse, like the Roccat Kova Aimo ($50), the Corsair M55 RGB Pro ($40) or the BenQ Zowie FK1 ($69). Unfortunately, there aren't many options to choose from. There are two buttons located along the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless' left edge, and I found them easy to reach with my thumb. But what's a little frustrating is that the buttons are quite big and sensitive, so I kept clicking them unintentionally. For instance, I had remapped one of the side buttons to throw a grenade in Counter-Strike 2 — and guess what happened when I very unintentionally clicked it while in hiding? I gave away my position and my character instantly got shot down by enemies. This also happened while working, where clicking the buttons navigated to either the next or previous browser page, breaking my flow of work. The NZXT Lift Elite Wireless sacrifices Bluetooth connectivity to retain an active 2.4GHz channel and a USB-C port for wired play. This may be frustrating for some players who want to use the mouse on the go or while traveling — especially because you can't slot the dongle into the mouse so you must remember to keep it safe. If you want Bluetooth connectivity, the Glorious Model O 2 ($99), the Redragon M916 Pro ($44) and the Fnatic x Lamzu Maya 8K are fantastic alternatives. All three are extremely lightweight — lighter than the Lift Elite Wireless, actually — and boast powerful specs for both casual and competitive gaming. As wireless gaming mice go, the NZXT Lift Elite Wireless is one of the best you can buy right now — and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg either. For under $80, you're getting 8,000Hz polling that negates missed inputs, and max 26,000 DPI for ultra-responsive gameplay. The mouse is also very comfortable to use for long periods of time… as long as you're not left-handed. Is there anything wrong with it? Nothing too major, really. There's no Bluetooth connectivity, which might be an issue for some folks, and in my testing, the oversized side buttons were so sensitive that I accidentally clicked them a few times. But if you want premium gaming features and don't want to burn a hole in your pocket on the likes of the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2, I can't think of a better mouse than the Lift Elite Wireless. It has quickly become my favorite rodent.
Tom's Guide
29-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL review: A middle-of-the-road Hall Effect keyboard
Magnetic keyboards are growing in popularity, and they often offer better value for money than the best mechanical keyboards. NZXT is well-known for making high-quality PC gaming hardware, and it has dabbled in the world of magnetic keyboards with the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL. This keyboard features highly responsive dual-rail Hall Effect switches, 8,000Hz polling and Rapid Trigger to give competitive players an edge. It's built well and features lovely RGB lighting. It's also a delight to type on, and its compact form factor makes it easy to travel with. But you're paying a premium for all of its features, and it has some noteworthy drawbacks, such as wired connectivity only, finicky RGB lighting and limited switch choice. Is this the best gaming keyboard for you? Read my full NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL review to find out more. Specs NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL Price $199 / £169 Switches NZXT dual-rail magnetic Keycaps Double-shot PBT Construction CNC aluminum + plastic Mount Gasket Layout 75%, 87 keys Operating system macOS, Windows Backlighting Per-key RGB Polling rate 8,000Hz Paired devices max 1 Connectivity Wired Measurements 13.72 x 5.23 x 1.49 inches Weight 2.4lbs Colors Black, white From its lovely design, intuitive companion software, and plethora of magnetic gaming features, the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL is a great keyboard for gaming and typing. The NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL has a striking design. It comes in either black or white colorways, and both sport a strip of RGB lighting that runs around the top plate's frame. The black variant I tested looks subdued, but the RGB strip adds an element of fun. The shine-through keycaps also have per-key RGB, which you can customize via the companion software (more on that soon). The Function Elite's sturdy build is one of its most appealing aspects. The keyboard is encased in aluminum metal that gives it a premium look. The bottom plate has a textured rubber material along its edges, which keeps the keyboard from moving around on your desk. As its name suggests, the Function Elite MiniTKL is a tenkeyless keyboard, which means there's no number pad. This helps reduce the keyboard's size, making it easier to travel with. The keyboard measures 13.72 x 5.23 x 1.49 inches and weighs 2.4 pounds, and I had no issues carrying it to and from work. As you'd expect from a Hall Effect keyboard, the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL boasts a plethora of premium gaming features. Firstly, it's fitted with NZXT's dual-rail magnetic switches, which the product page describes as 'linear and silent.' That's slightly misleading as this keyboard is not silent, and my coworkers even pointed out that it was quite loud and clacky — something to keep in mind before buying this keyboard. Now, let's talk about the switches. They are extremely light, needing just 30g of force to activate, which makes them feel airy in use. They have adjustable actuation down to 0.6mm and up to 4mm. You can adjust each key's sensitivity according to the game you're playing. To adjust actuation, you'll need to download NZXT CAM on your Windows machine. I downloaded it onto our shared office Windows 11 laptop and set the actuation of all the keys down to 0.6mm for highly-responsive gameplay in Counter-Strike 2 and Hitman. The Function Elite MiniTKL's performance is on par with the Keychron Q3 HE ($239) and the Wooting 80HE ($199). Executing quick, consecutive headshots in both Hitman and CS2 is effortless since the switches are so sensitive. Since I didn't need to press the switches all the way down for them to activate, I can swap weapons easily or quickly crouch after throwing a grenade. However, I would have liked the switches to be adjustable all the way down to 0.1mm, but I'll discuss that later. On the plus side, the Function Elite MiniTKL's switches feature dual-actuation points. This means that you can assign two actions to one key based on how deeply you press it: one action on the downstroke, another on the way back up. For example, I used the companion software to customize the W key so that short-pressing it made my character in CS2 walk, while long-pressing it made them sprint. This made gameplay more intuitive and eliminated the extra action of holding down the shift key to run. To top it off, the Function Elite MiniTKL boasts an 8,000Hz polling rate, which blows many other magnetic keyboards' measly 1,000Hz polling away. 1K polling is usually sufficient for most players, but competitive or pro-level eSports players will be pleased with 8K polling since that ensures inputs aren't missed due to latency issues. The NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL's other gaming features include Rapid Trigger and Snap Overrides. Let's talk about Rapid Trigger first. Enabling it through the software basically ensures that the keyboard recognizes every single input when keys are pressed in rapid succession. Rapid Trigger guarantees near-instantaneous switch reset when lifting. Similar to the magnetic keyboards, the Function Elite MiniTKL features Snap Overrides. It's a fancy term for what's commonly known as Snap Tap or Last Key Prioritization, a type of Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Direction (SOCD) resolution, which is banned by Valve in titles like CS2 and DOTA 2. It's basically a cheat code, where the keyboard prioritizes the last key pressed, making actions like counter-strafing easier. You can draw to a complete stop from a sideways strafe by pressing the opposing direction key — see why it's banned? You can find use for it in single-player titles, though, like in Hitman and Lies of P. There is some sick pleasure when standing in front of a large but slow boss in the latter, rapidly typing A and D to strafe, drawing to an immediate stop, and whooping it with a heavy attack. If you're dropping nearly $200 on a keyboard, chances are you're going to use it to type on, too, alongside gaming. The good news is that the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL is a lovely keyboard to type on. The keyboard is fitted with textured double-shot PBT keycaps that feel soft to the touch and comfortable for long periods of typing. PBT keycaps are also more durable than ABS ones, so it's nice to see that NZXT hasn't compromised here. Keyboard Type test speed (WPM) Type test accuracy NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL (3.2mm actuation) 95 92.2% NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL (1.5mm actuation) 97 93.06% NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL (0.6mm actuation) 89 88.42% Epomaker HE65 Mag (0.5mm actuation) 101 89.41% Gamakay TK75 HE (0.5mm actuation) 85 88.9% Keychron K4 HE (0.5mm actuation) 104 94.56% I took a few typing tests at to see how the Function Elite MiniTKL fared against other magnetic keyboards. I adjusted all the keys' actuation points after each test, and you can see the results above. Typing at 1.5mm actuation resulted in my best typing score, and I'm satisfied with the overall result — it's in line with other Hall Effect keyboards I've tested. NZXT CAM, your one-stop shop for customizing all NZXT peripherals, is extremely clean and intuitive to use. Here, you can adjust each key's actuation or choose from four performance presets: MOBA, RPG, FPS, Typing. The pre-key and strip RGB lighting are also fully customizable — from their colors to speed. Since 8,000Hz polling is draining on system resources, you can choose between seven different rates: 125, 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 4,000 and 8,000. The Function Elite MiniTKL's internal memory can also save up to four custom profiles, so you can create specific ones for work and gaming. While a good keyboard, the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL has some shortcomings. Its switches aren't as sensitive as some others, the RGB lighting is frustrating, it can't be used wirelessly, and it's heavy on the wallet. While the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL's lightweight switches are very responsive, they aren't as sensitive as many others you can buy today. And by that, I mean you can drop their sensitivity down to 0.6mm only. Most other Hall Effect keyboards I've tested, like the Keychron Q3 HE, let you adjust the actuation all the way down to 0.1mm, making the switches extremely sensitive. This may not seem like a world of difference to most casual players, but those playing competitively will want to gain all the edge they can, which is why it's worth considering whether 0.6mm actuation is enough for you. The NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL has another significant shortcoming: it can't be used wirelessly. There's no 2.4GHz dongle included in the box and the keyboard isn't equipped with Bluetooth technology. Given its mini size (it's in the name, after all), it's easy to travel with the keyboard in your backpack, but that doesn't mean you can use it on the move. If you want wireless connectivity in a keyboard that's still a beast for competitive gaming, consider the Epomaker HE65 Mag ($99) or the Keychron Q3 HE. I've praised the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL's RGB lighting that wraps around the top plate. However, I would have liked it more if the lighting weren't so finicky. If your laptop or PC goes to sleep, the keyboard does too. But what's annoying is that, in my testing, it didn't turn itself back on after I woke up my laptop and the keyboard. I thought this was a problem with my MacBook Air M2, so I tried it with our shared office Windows 11 laptop, and it didn't negate the issue. I haven't encountered this with any other magnetic keyboard I've tested, so it's disappointing to face this here. Like I mentioned up top, while the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL's switches are great for typing and gaming, they are far from being as silent as advertised. The bad news is that switch choice is, at the time of writing, extremely limited. There aren't any other switches you can get for the keyboard. This is a common issue since magnetic switches are still making their way into the mainstream, but most other magnetic keyboards mentioned throughout this review offer at least two (and sometimes three) switch sets. Given its shortcomings, I don't think the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL's price is justified. Good things can be expensive, but this is a middle-of-the-road keyboard, and it retails for $199 / £169 at Amazon. Keychron and Lemokey decks come cheaper (sometimes much cheaper) while offering the same features and more. Keyboards like the Keychron K4 HE ($134) and the Lemokey P1 HE ($169) feature quad-actuation over the Function Elite MiniTKL's dual-actuation. Heck, even the budget Epomaker HE65 Mag features quad-actuation and provides 8K polling over wired and wireless connections. The NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL can be best described as a middle-of-the-road keyboard. Its dual-rail Hall Effect switches are extremely responsive, and it boasts 8,000Hz polling and features like Rapid Trigger and Snap Tap — all of which provide a competitive advantage. But is it worth $199? I don't think so, especially when competitors like Keychron and Lemokey offer all of these features at lower price points. The Function Elite MiniTKL also falls short due to its finicky RGB lighting, limited switch choice, lack of wireless connectivity, and that the lowest you can adjust the switches is only 0.6mm. I'd recommend spending your hard-earned money on the Lemokey P1 HE or the Keychron Q3 HE. The Function Elite MiniTKL isn't the worst keyboard I've tested but it's far from the best.
