The Razer Reclusa is a first for the company, marking its inaugural foray into an enthusiast-focused keyboard lineup. Focusing on creative customization, the Reclusa X Mini 65% aims to provide users with an adaptable, flexible keyboard that they can truly call their own. With support for both three- and five-pin switches, dual-layer sound dampening, and a unique, out-of-the-box tri-tone keycap colour, the Reclusa X Mini 65% offers an impressive lineup of Razer’s premium features at a consumer-first price point.
The out-of-the-box experience with the Reclusa X Mini 65% is far more impressive than its $49.99 price point would suggest. While Razer has chosen to create a more affordable entry point for its enthusiast lineup, there is no major compromise in overall design and component quality. As a 65% board, the Reclusa X Mini 65% measures 311 × 102 x 37mm (L x W x H) and weighs in at 707 g, resulting in a compact and sturdy look and feel.
The tri-tone keycap design provides the Reclusa X Mini with a unique and striking look out of the box, with the keycaps themselves featuring textured double-shot ABS. They feel great to use and are accented with per-key RGB lighting, a staple for the brand. Of note here, especially for those stepping into the world of enthusiast keyboards, is that the Reclusa X Mini leverages a south-facing LED design, moving the light source closer to the bottom of the switch, much like the Ducky Cushion 98.
“The Razer Reclusa is a first for the company, focusing on its first-ever enthusiast-focused keyboard lineup.”
This is the design standard for enthusiast boards, as it provides better compatibility with a wider range of keycaps, ultimately giving users more robust personalization options. The pre-installed double-shot ABS keycaps included look sharp on the Reclusa X Mini 65%, though, and while I have dabbled with swapping the keycaps over to a translucent style found in the Huntsman V3 TKL 8K, I’ve found the south-facing LEDs to be more than enough to keep the keys well lit even when working late at night here in the office.
While the Reclusa X Mini 65% provides the framework for hot-swapping with most three- and five-pin switches on the market, Razer has still opted to include its Orange Tactile Switches Gen-3 preinstalled. With silicon dampeners pre-installed, the Orange Tactile Switches feel great to work with. They provide a nice, clacky sound profile, and with a 2.0 mm actuation, 50 g actuation force, and 3.5 mm total travel distance, they are dialled in perfectly for my preferred typing style.
Razer has also opted to include two layers of damping material (case silicon and bottom case silicon) within the keyboard, designed to absorb sound without compromising the tactile typing experience of the Reclusa X Mini. The result is a nice blend of tactile feel and clacky audio, without having an overbearing audio presence, ideal for spaces where multiple people are working.
“Gaming on the Reclusa X Mini 65% has been great, offering the response and precision I’ve come to expect from Razer’s keyboards.”
While not specifically designed as a gaming keyboard, Razer has nonetheless brought over some of its iconic gaming keyboard features. While its wired 1000 Hz polling rate won’t make the Reclusa X Mini a fixture on the pro gaming circuit, it’s still great for everyday gaming. For those wondering, there is a wireless variant of the Reclusa X Mini 65% coming soon, so be sure to keep an eye out for our review.
More impressive still is the inclusion of full N-key rollover, Razer Snap Flex, Snap Tap, and dual-keypress priority. This is notable because these premium features are generally reserved for Razer’s more premium boards, such as the excellent Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic Keyboard. Seeing them present on the Reclusa X Mini 65% is appreciated and a testament to Razer’s desire to provide a pro-level experience to players, no matter their budget.
It’s an impressive lineup of features for a $49.99 keyboard, and in testing, it performs exceptionally well. Gaming on the Reclusa X Mini 65% has been great, offering the response and precision I’ve come to expect from Razer’s keyboards. Typing, likewise, is comfortable and responsive, and thanks to the Orange Tactile Switches, it is dialled in perfectly for my preference.
The kicker here is that even if you aren’t a fan of those specific switches, the Reclusa X Mini 65% makes it incredibly easy to swap the switches for whatever you prefer. I was able to easily hot-swap switches with other keyboards I had here in the office without issue. Synapse didn’t skip a beat either, providing all the customization one would expect from a Razer keyboard.
I am thoroughly impressed with all the Reclusa X Mini 65% has to offer at its $49.99 price point. The premium quality and construction I’ve come to expect from Razer are on full display here with the Reclusa X Mini, while additionally offering a solid amount of customization that keyboard enthusiasts crave. While there are more expensive enthusiast keyboards on the market, Razer has entered this market at a smart price point, providing a premium experience for both new and experienced enthusiast keyboard users at a consumer-friendly price.
