Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60

When we review space-saving keyboards, it's always with a view to determining whether the space "saved" by the model's smaller frame is offset by extra functionality or an intelligent reorganisation of the layout.

Fortunately, there's a wealth of rock-solid contenders based on these criteria, and amongst them we find Corsair's new Clipper Pro Mini 60. Here you get a 60% layout that feels neither compromised nor claustrophobic - quite the opposite, in fact. The design itself is rather amusing, as the keyboard actually has IP57 certification, you know, for all those rainy days when you're trudging about outdoors with your keyboard. Joking aside, it's obviously intended as a guarantee against wear and tear, and it's nice to know it can handle a bit of cola in the heat of the moment.

Acoustically, Corsair has integrated a two-layer sound-dampening design that effectively absorbs keystroke noise. Not everyone likes such a strong dampening effect, but the sound is quiet and pleasant. What's more, these PBT double-shot keycaps are simply lovely to the touch.

Underneath, we find MGX Hyperdrive Core Hall Effect linear magnetic switches, utilising Hall Effect magnetic technology, and they come with everything you'd otherwise expect in this price range. There's an adjustable actuation point ranging from 0.2 millimetres to 3.8 millimetres, and they're rated for 100 million keystrokes. There's also Rapid Trigger for instant key reset and Multi Action support for advanced macros. It all works well, even if it's been seen before.

Corsair's Axon hyper-processing technology delivers an 8,000 Hz polling rate, complemented by full key rollover with anti-ghosting and FlashTap SOCD control. It's something only a very few will appreciate, but the idea is still that you can count on the keyboard - and your inputs - being completely in sync.

Everything can be easily adjusted without any cumbersome software installations via the user-friendly Corsair Web Hub. It's a cross-platform ecosystem with compatibility spanning PC, Mac, Xbox, and PlayStation consoles, and we're actually quite pleased with this Web Hub on the whole.

But it's not all plain sailing. The build quality itself, which I previously described as being an "odd size", is... well, exactly that. It feels a bit plasticky and lacks that solid, substantial feel that otherwise dominates the market. There's also quite a bit of flex here, which some people might prefer, but which doesn't exactly convey a sense of build quality to the user. And then there's the fact the keyboard isn't wireless, which would otherwise have been a bonus for a keyboard with "Pro" in its name.

That said, Corsair has clearly put some thought into things, and the Clipper Pro Mini 60 is a solid contender for your next space-saving keyboard, even if there are a compromise or two along the way.