Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Keyboards for Valorant
Five keyboards compared, from the MonsGeek FUN60 Pro to the EPOMAKER HE80, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A compact board leaves more desk width for mouse swings, and adjustable actuation lets you tune how far a key travels before it registers. Every keyboard here has a 60%, 65% or 75% layout with Hall effect, magnetic or optical switches.
Our comparison rests on published figures for layout, switches and connection; where a maker leaves out keycaps, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
MonsGeek FUN60 Pro
Undercutting the EK60 HE on price when we checked.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the EK60 HE the next step up.
Our take Check price for MonsGeek FUN60 Pro (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic Keyboard
Adjustable rapid trigger.
Best for: Buyers who want adjustable rapid trigger.
Our take Check price for DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard
Rapid trigger.
Best for: Buyers who want rapid trigger.
Our take Check price for Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Magnetic Switches
ATTACK SHARK R85 HE
Magnetic switches.
Best for: Buyers who want magnetic switches.
Our take Check price for ATTACK SHARK R85 HE (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
EPOMAKER HE80
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 0.02mm fast trigger.
Best for: Buyers who want a 0.02mm fast trigger and can spend more than the Attack Shark R85 HE costs.
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the EK60 HE on price when we checked. | Spending as little as possible, with the EK60 HE the next step up. | Check price for MonsGeek FUN60 Pro (opens in a new tab) |
| Adjustable rapid trigger. | Buyers who want adjustable rapid trigger. | Check price for DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic Keyboard (opens in a new tab) |
| Rapid trigger. | Buyers who want rapid trigger. | Check price for Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard (opens in a new tab) |
| Magnetic switches. | Buyers who want magnetic switches. | Check price for ATTACK SHARK R85 HE (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 0.02mm fast trigger. | Buyers who want a 0.02mm fast trigger and can spend more than the Attack Shark R85 HE costs. | Check price for EPOMAKER HE80 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
MonsGeek FUN60 Pro on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The MonsGeek FUN60 Pro stands out for rapid trigger down to 0.005mm in 0.005mm steps, and it adds compatibility with five third-party magnetic switches.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the EK60 HE the next step up.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
It also offers an 8,000Hz polling rate. Like the EK60 HE and K617 HE, it has a 60% layout, while the Attack Shark R85 HE uses a 75% layout. It is the only pick here with SP magnetic switches; the K617 HE has hall effect magnetic switches instead.
You also get dynamic keystroke, toggle key and mod-tap functions and ARGB with individually controlled LEDs. The MonsGeek FUN60 Pro needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. High polling rates use more CPU time; drop to 1,000Hz if an older system stutters.
Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. It undercut the EK60 HE and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 60%
- Switches: SP magnetic
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- 8,000Hz polling
- Rapid trigger down to 0.005mm in 0.005mm steps
- Compatibility with five third-party magnetic switches
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
Also Consider2 of 5
DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
DAREU's EK60 HE pairs Hall effect switches with 8000Hz polling and a web driver that supports macOS.
Best for
- Buyers who want adjustable rapid trigger.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no dedicated arrow keys or function row is a problem.
Why we like it
It is priced near $35 at the time of writing. It shares a 60% layout with the MonsGeek FUN60 Pro and K617 HE; the EPOMAKER HE80 goes with a 75% (82 keys) layout. It shares hall effect magnetic switches with the K617 HE; the Attack Shark R85 HE goes with magnetic switches.
It also comes with adjustable rapid trigger. The EK60 HE needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. High polling rates use more CPU time; drop to 1,000Hz if an older system stutters.
Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. When we checked, only the MonsGeek FUN60 Pro cost less, and the K617 HE cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 60%
- Switches: Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- 8,000Hz polling
- Adjustable rapid trigger
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- Costs more than the MonsGeek FUN60 Pro at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The K617 HE brings Hall effect switches, rapid trigger and 8000Hz polling to Redragon's 60% frame.
Best for
- Buyers who want rapid trigger.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
Calibration runs in a desktop or web app. It shares a 60% layout with the MonsGeek FUN60 Pro and EK60 HE; the EPOMAKER HE80 goes with a 75% (82 keys) layout. It shares hall effect magnetic switches with the EK60 HE; the Attack Shark R85 HE goes with magnetic switches.
It also comes with the lowest price among the 8000Hz boards here. The K617 HE needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. High polling rates use more CPU time; drop to 1,000Hz if an older system stutters.
Small layouts move keys to a function layer, so check the legend for arrows and F-keys. Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. It was priced above the EK60 HE and below the Attack Shark R85 HE at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 60%
- Switches: Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- 8,000Hz polling
- Rapid trigger
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- Costs more than the MonsGeek FUN60 Pro at the time of writing
Magnetic Switches4 of 5
ATTACK SHARK R85 HE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Attack Shark R85 HE brings to the table is 0.005mm rapid trigger sensing, plus a 256K scan rate.
Best for
- Buyers who want magnetic switches.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: wired only.
Why we like it
It also offers an 8,000Hz polling rate. No other pick in this guide offers a 75% layout; compare the K617 HE, which has a 60% layout. It is the only pick here with magnetic switches; the MonsGeek FUN60 Pro has SP magnetic switches instead.
It also offers a five-layer sound-dampening system and a front-facing RGB light bar. The Attack Shark R85 HE needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. High polling rates use more CPU time; drop to 1,000Hz if an older system stutters. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper K617 HE and the pricier EPOMAKER HE80, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 75%
- Switches: Magnetic
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
- Keycaps: Cherry profile PBT
Pros
- Compact 75% layout
- 8,000Hz polling
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- 0.005mm rapid trigger sensing
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the MonsGeek FUN60 Pro at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
EPOMAKER HE80 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the EPOMAKER HE80 brings to the table is a 0.02mm fast trigger, plus a 32K scan rate with Snap Key (SOCD) and dynamic keystroke.
Best for
- Buyers who want a 0.02mm fast trigger and can spend more than the Attack Shark R85 HE costs.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: wired only.
Why we like it
It also offers an 8,000Hz polling rate. A 75% (82 keys) layout is unique to it among these picks, while the EK60 HE uses a 60% layout. It also offers programmable actuation and release travel through a web driver.
The EPOMAKER HE80 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. High polling rates use more CPU time; drop to 1,000Hz if an older system stutters. Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows.
Only the Attack Shark R85 HE came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. It gives ground on polling rate, where the MonsGeek FUN60 Pro offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 75% (82 keys)
- Switches: Hall effect magnetic, lubed
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
- Keycaps: Double-shot PBT
Pros
- Compact 75% (82 keys) layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- 8,000Hz polling
- PBT keycaps resist shine
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the MonsGeek FUN60 Pro at the time of writing
How We Chose These Gaming Keyboards for Valorant
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five keyboards on layout, switches, connection and polling rate from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and keycaps is missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the MonsGeek FUN60 Pro to the EPOMAKER HE80, state layout, switches and connection and share Wired connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The MonsGeek FUN60 Pro, the EK60 HE and the K617 HE give no keycaps.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the MonsGeek FUN60 Pro (under $50) to the EPOMAKER HE80 ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in a Gaming Keyboard for Valorant
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Keycaps
The Attack Shark R85 HE lists Cherry profile PBT; the EPOMAKER HE80 lists Double-shot PBT. Settling keycaps first narrows 2 picks to 1 or 1.
What to check at home
The MonsGeek FUN60 Pro needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
Features beyond the spec table
The K617 HE: desktop and web-based calibration. The Attack Shark R85 HE: a 256K scan rate. The EPOMAKER HE80: a 32K scan rate with Snap Key (SOCD) and dynamic keystroke.
Where your budget lands
Under $50 buys the MonsGeek FUN60 Pro, the EK60 HE and the K617 HE; $50 to $100 buys the Attack Shark R85 HE and the EPOMAKER HE80 at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Spending as little as possible, with the EK60 HE the next step up: the MonsGeek FUN60 Pro. Buyers who want magnetic switches: the Attack Shark R85 HE. Buyers who want a 0.02mm fast trigger and can spend more than the Attack Shark R85 HE costs: the EPOMAKER HE80.
How to Choose a Gaming Keyboard for Valorant
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the EK60 HE the next step up | MonsGeek FUN60 Pro | Undercutting the EK60 HE on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want adjustable rapid trigger | EK60 HE | Adjustable rapid trigger |
| Buyers who want rapid trigger | K617 HE | Rapid trigger |
| Buyers who want magnetic switches | Attack Shark R85 HE | Magnetic switches |
| Buyers who want a 0.02mm fast trigger and can spend more than the Attack Shark R85 HE costs | EPOMAKER HE80 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a 0.02mm fast trigger |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The MonsGeek FUN60 Pro, the EK60 HE and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection | Polling rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MonsGeek FUN60 Pro | 60% | SP magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| EK60 HE | 60% | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| K617 HE | 60% | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| Attack Shark R85 HE | 75% | Magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| EPOMAKER HE80 | 75% (82 keys) | Hall effect magnetic, lubed | Wired | 8,000Hz |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the MonsGeek FUN60 Pro, sat in the under $50 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the EPOMAKER HE80 at $50 to $100; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | MonsGeek FUN60 Pro, EK60 HE, K617 HE |
| About $50 to $100 | Attack Shark R85 HE, EPOMAKER HE80 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Attack Shark R85 HE the Magnetic Switches?
It earns the label for magnetic switches. The MonsGeek FUN60 Pro, the cheapest pick, sat in the under $50 tier against $50 to $100 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for anyone who wants magnetic switches.
Do the MonsGeek FUN60 Pro and the Attack Shark R85 HE differ on layout?
The MonsGeek FUN60 Pro, the EK60 HE and the K617 HE use 60%; the Attack Shark R85 HE uses 75%; the EPOMAKER HE80 uses 75% (82 keys).
What should I check before buying the MonsGeek FUN60 Pro?
The MonsGeek FUN60 Pro needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. In this guide it ranks first of 5, as our Lowest Price Here pick.
Beyond the specs, what sets the MonsGeek FUN60 Pro and the EK60 HE apart?
The MonsGeek FUN60 Pro: rapid trigger down to 0.005mm in 0.005mm steps. The EK60 HE: adjustable rapid trigger. The K617 HE: rapid trigger.
Should I pick the MonsGeek FUN60 Pro or the EPOMAKER HE80?
The MonsGeek FUN60 Pro suits spending as little as possible, with the EK60 HE the next step up; the EPOMAKER HE80 suits buyers who want a 0.02mm fast trigger and can spend more than the Attack Shark R85 HE costs.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the MonsGeek FUN60 Pro, chosen for undercutting the EK60 HE on price when we checked. Look at the EK60 HE for adjustable rapid trigger, the K617 HE for rapid trigger and the Attack Shark R85 HE for magnetic switches if those matter more to you.
Try a lower actuation point only after you are used to the board; shallow settings register accidental touches.