ROCCAT introduces its newest keyboard to the membrane family, the Magma Mini 60% RGB gaming keyboard. A few years back we were introduced to the full-size version of the Magma and were very impressed with the translucent RGB backlit top plate. ROCCAT now looks to scale the Magma down into a mini 60% version for the 2023 edition. The Magma Mini features responsive membrane switches, 5-Zone AIMO RGB Lighting with a translucent top plate, a Durable IP33 rated frame that protects from accidental spills, Easy-Shift[+] button duplicator, 20KRO (20 key rollover), an advanced anti-ghosting priced at$49.99.
As expected, there are some similarities in design compared to the full-size version of the Magma. One of my favorite features they kept is the translucent RGB backlit top plate which I will touch more on later. In this case, It’s slightly less visible on the 60% model due to the lack of NUM keys which creates more viewing space. I am not a fan of the extra lip they wrap on the outside frame surrounding the translucent top plate. It adds width which is not what I’m looking for when purchasing a %60 keyboard, I want it compact as possible. Magma Mini is extremely lightweight at 0.89 pounds for all the backpack laptop gamers out there like me.
All the late-night gamers with kids or family around will appreciate one of the top features this model has to offer which is its quietness. A hard-to-find luxury in the era of loud mechanical keyboards, especially those blue switches. A new feature for all the clumsy’s ROCCAT bills as “Durable IP33 rating protects from accidental spills” which essentially means it’s protected from water spray less than 60 degrees from vertical. Big thanks to the engineering team for saving me from myself. One thing missing here which is kind of new for me is not having a detachable cable. It should be a mandatory feature on all gaming keyboards now. I need a full-size keyboard for productivity, a tenkeyless for MMORPGs, and my 60% for FPS or MOBAs. Dear ROCCAT marketing department please sell me more keyboards and make it easy to swap them out.
Let’s bring everyone back to earth before we talk about performance and reiterate that this keyboard is only $49.99. ROCCAT is pretty selective about the numbers they are putting out to the public but this is what we do know. 1000 Hz polling rate which is pretty much the industry standard for performance today. Anti-ghosting technology is present which ensures the keys you press go in order. 20KRO which allows Magma Mini to register up to 20 keys simultaneously. What we don’t know is the G force, distance of actuation, and travel distance. The keys do feel nice and fast but the damping feels like most membrane keyboards do.
One thing ROCCAT nails that the other 60% keyboards miss the boat on is key function options. EasyShift [+] gives you an extra modifier key which essentially duplicates your keyboard offering a second layer of buttons. You can program these buttons however you want including hotkeys, macros, multimedia controls, and more. Easy Shift [+] is a technology used on most ROCCAT peripherals but it excels here due to the lack of buttons on a 60% keyboard. This system essentially puts the Magma Mini in a position to have even more button options than even a full-size keyboard would have. You can also access various functions normally found on a full-size keyboard like the arrow keys by holding left shit and FN. Having these options open up the doors for using the Magma Mini in the MMORPG genre!
RGB lighting on this keyboard is unreal mostly due to its translucent top plate which provides a next-level lighting experience. The top plate has 10 LED backlights and five programmable RGB zones. It is all powered by ROCCAT’s AIMO technology which gives you 16.8 million RGB color options to choose from. You will not find this level of RGB lighting in any other product at this price point. I am not 100% sold on the membrane keys yet but who knows maybe they will evolve more in the future. This keyboard slaps though, I would buy it all day at $49.99.
Specifications:
- Form Factor: 60%
- Connectivity: USB-A Wired
- Cable: Fixed with rubber finish – 1.8m
- Lighting: 5 Zone Programable RGB, 10 LEDs
- Switches: Membrane
- Polling Rate: 1000 Hz
- Adjustable Height: Yes
- Keyboard Rollover: Max 20 Keys, Anti-ghosting
- On-board memory: No
- Software: Swarm
