NZXT FUNCTION 2 Mechanical Keyboards and Lift 2 Mice Review

When NZXT launched their new line of peripherals two years ago, I was conflicted. The LIFT mouse did a great job marrying that classy NZXT aesthetic while being both comfortable to use and functional. But for the FUNCTION keyboard… I had a few more critical words for it. Don’t misread that though: there was still a lot that I liked about the FUNCTION, but there were a few missteps along the way.

With the release of the FUNCTION 2 and the LIFT 2, has NZXT heard our critiques? And, if so, how do they stack up against their mechanical predecessors?

I’ve spent the past few weeks using them both as my main peripherals and I want to share with you what I’ve learned. So, let’s find out together.

But, first, let’s take a look at the specs.

FUNCTION 2 KEYBOARD Specifications

• MSRP:
  • $139.99 — Full-sized (NZXT)
  • $129.99 — MiniTKL (NZXT)
• Switches: NZXT Swift Optical Switches
• Colorways: Black, White
• Actuation Point: 1.0mm or 1.5mm (Global actuation switchable with CAM)
• Polling Rate: Up to 8,000 Hz
• Key Caps: Double-shot PBT
• Connectivity: USB-C (Braided USB-C to USB-A cable included)
• RGB: Per key lighting
• Software: NZXT CAM
• Volume Control Wheel
• Side buttons for Windows Key lockout, speaker mute, lighting brightness
• Anti-ghosting N-key roll-over 
• Fully programmable keys, RGB control, and macro recording via CAM
• Weight: 2 lbs. / 910g (Full); 1.58 lbs. / 718g (Mini)
• Available in Black and White

LIFT 2 MOUSE ERGO and SYMM Specifications

• Current Price: $49.99 (NZXT)
• Switches: Optical
• Sensor: PixArt PMW 3395
• DPI Range: 100 — 26,000
• Programmable Buttons: 4
• Programmable DPI Settings: 5
• Polling Rate: up to 8000hz
• Lift Distance:  1 — 2mm
• NVIDIA Reflex compatible
• Weight: 58g (Symm); 60g (Ergo)
• Available in Black and White

A More FUNCTIONal Approach

When we reviewed the original FUNCTION keyboard series, we celebrated the minimal aesthetics and on-board features. Fortunately, those have carried over from the FUNCTION to the FUNCTION 2 series. That means that users get per-key RGB control,