Buying Guide
The Best Hall Effect Gaming Keyboards
Five keyboards compared, from the EK60 HE to the X68 HE, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Hall effect switches let you set the actuation point per key and support rapid trigger. Every pick uses magnetic or Hall effect switches, ordered by polling rate.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: layout, switches and connection come from each maker's published specs; gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in, 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
DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic Keyboard
Undercutting the K617 HE on price when we checked.
Best for: Getting adjustable rapid trigger for the least money.
Our take Check price for DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
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)
Strong Alternative
AULA WIN68 HE Magnetic Switch Keyboard
A Hall effect board at a membrane-keyboard price.
Best for: Buyers who want Hall effect board at a membrane-keyboard price.
Our take Check price for AULA WIN68 HE Magnetic Switch Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
AULA WIN60 HE Magnetic Keyboard
Rapid trigger with adjustable actuation.
Best for: Buyers who want rapid trigger with adjustable actuation.
Our take Check price for AULA WIN60 HE Magnetic Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Solid Runner-Up
Attack Shark X68 HE
Dynamic keystrokes with up to 4 actions per key.
Best for: Buyers who want dynamic keystrokes with up to 4 actions per key.
Our take Check price for Attack Shark X68 HE (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 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
- Getting adjustable rapid trigger for the least money.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no dedicated arrow keys or function ro is a problem.
Why we like it
It is priced near $35 at the time of writing. It shares a 60% layout with the K617 HE and WIN60 HE; the X68 HE goes with a 65% (68 keys) layout. 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the K617 HE was closest.
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
Also Consider2 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
- Worth skipping when no dedicated arrow keys or function ro is a problem.
Why we like it
Calibration runs in a desktop or web app. It shares a 60% layout with the EK60 HE and WIN60 HE; the X68 HE goes with a 65% (68 keys) layout. It also offers 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 WIN68 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 EK60 HE at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
AULA WIN68 HE Magnetic Switch Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The WIN68 HE brings magnetic switches down to a budget price.
Best for
- Buyers who want Hall effect board at a membrane-keyboard price.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: wired only.
Why we like it
The 68-key layout keeps arrows while dropping the function row. A 68-key compact layout is unique to it among these picks, while the K617 HE uses a 60% layout. It also comes with a Hall effect board at a membrane-keyboard price.
The WIN68 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 K617 HE and below the WIN60 HE at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 68-key compact
- Switches: Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
Pros
- Compact 68-key compact layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- 8,000Hz polling
- Hall effect board at a membrane-keyboard price
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the EK60 HE at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
AULA WIN60 HE Magnetic Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AULA's WIN60 HE puts Hall effect switches, rapid trigger and 8000Hz polling in a wired 60% board.
Best for
- Buyers who want rapid trigger with adjustable actuation.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
It is one of the cheapest ways into magnetic switches. Rapid Trigger works at a 0.02mm step, and a web-based driver configures it from any device. Lighting shines through PBT keycaps.
Like the EK60 HE and K617 HE, it has a 60% layout, while the WIN68 HE uses a 68-key compact layout. It also offers rapid trigger with adjustable actuation. The WIN60 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.
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 with adjustable actuation
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- Costs more than the EK60 HE at the time of writing
Solid Runner-Up5 of 5
Attack Shark X68 HE on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Attack Shark's X68 HE adds dynamic keystrokes, up to four actions per key, to rapid trigger in a 68-key frame.
Best for
- Buyers who want dynamic keystrokes with up to 4 actions per key.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when wired onl is a problem.
Why we like it
It sits near $40 at the time of writing. A 65% (68 keys) layout is unique to it among these picks, while the K617 HE uses a 60% layout. It also offers an adjustable actuation point.
The X68 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 gives ground on polling rate, where the EK60 HE offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 65% (68 keys)
- Switches: Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
Pros
- Compact 65% (68 keys) layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- 8,000Hz polling
- Dynamic keystrokes with up to 4 actions per key
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the EK60 HE at the time of writing
How We Chose These Hall Effect Gaming Keyboards
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side five keyboards on layout, switches, connection and polling rate as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the EK60 HE to the X68 HE, state layout, switches and connection and share Hall effect magnetic switches and Wired connection.
- Who each pick suits
- The EK60 HE for undercutting the K617 HE on price when we checked; the K617 HE for rapid trigger; the WIN68 HE for a Hall effect board at a membrane-keyboard price.
- Price range
- From the EK60 HE to the X68 HE, all sat in the under $50 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Hall Effect Gaming Keyboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
What to check at home
The EK60 HE needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
Features beyond the spec table
The WIN68 HE: a Hall effect board at a membrane-keyboard price. The WIN60 HE: hot-swappable magnetic switches. The X68 HE: rapid trigger.
Budget
All 5 sat in one tier when we checked, from the EK60 HE at the low end to the X68 HE at the top, so decide on features first.
Keycap material lasts longer than lighting
PBT keycaps resist the shine that ABS caps develop. Double-shot legends do not wear off.
Hot-swap sockets allow switch changes
Hot-swappable boards let you pull and replace switches without soldering. Check whether the sockets take 3-pin or 5-pin switches.
How to Choose a Hall Effect Gaming Keyboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting adjustable rapid trigger for the least money | EK60 HE | Undercutting the K617 HE on price when we checked |
| Buyers who want rapid trigger | K617 HE | Rapid trigger |
| Buyers who want Hall effect board at a membrane-keyboard price | WIN68 HE | A Hall effect board at a membrane-keyboard price |
| Buyers who want rapid trigger with adjustable actuation | WIN60 HE | Rapid trigger with adjustable actuation |
| Buyers who want dynamic keystrokes with up to 4 actions per key | X68 HE | Dynamic keystrokes with up to 4 actions per key |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The EK60 HE, the K617 HE and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection | Polling rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EK60 HE | 60% | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| K617 HE | 60% | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| WIN68 HE | 68-key compact | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| WIN60 HE | 60% | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| X68 HE | 65% (68 keys) | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the EK60 HE the Lowest Price Here?
It earns the label for undercutting the K617 HE on price when we checked. It suits getting adjustable rapid trigger for the least money.
Do the EK60 HE and the WIN68 HE differ on layout?
The EK60 HE, the K617 HE and the WIN60 HE use 60%; the WIN68 HE uses 68-key compact; the X68 HE uses 65% (68 keys).
What should I check before buying the X68 HE?
The X68 HE needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5.
Beyond the specs, what sets the EK60 HE and the K617 HE apart?
The EK60 HE: adjustable rapid trigger. The K617 HE: rapid trigger. The WIN68 HE: a Hall effect board at a membrane-keyboard price.
Should I pick the EK60 HE or the X68 HE?
The EK60 HE suits getting adjustable rapid trigger for the least money; the X68 HE suits buyers who want dynamic keystrokes with up to 4 actions per key.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the EK60 HE, chosen for undercutting the K617 HE on price when we checked. Look at the K617 HE for rapid trigger, the WIN68 HE for a Hall effect board at a membrane-keyboard price and the WIN60 HE for rapid trigger with adjustable actuation if those matter more to you.
Set a short reset distance for movement keys.