Buying Guide
The Best Hall Effect Keyboards
From the EK60 HE to the PRO X TKL Rapid: four keyboards ranked on polling rate and layout, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
11 min read4 products evaluated
Hall effect keyboards sense key position with magnets instead of metal contacts. Every pick has Hall effect or magnetic switches, ordered by polling rate.
We sorted these picks by layout, switches and connection, working from the makers' own data; nothing here was tested in-house, and if a maker skips polling rate, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Which of the 4 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic KeyboardUndercutting the K617 HE on price when we checked.
Best for: Getting adjustable rapid trigger for the least money.
Check price for DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Redragon K617 HE Magnetic KeyboardRapid trigger.
Best for: Buyers who want rapid trigger.
Check price for Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic TKL 8KHzSnap Tap and Rapid Trigger.
Best for: Buyers who want Snap Tap and Rapid Trigger.
Check price for Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic TKL 8KHz on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
Logitech G PRO X TKL Rapid KeyboardThe top of this price range, adding rapid trigger with adjustable actuation.
Best for: Spending more than the Huntsman V3 HE TKL costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Check price for Logitech G PRO X TKL Rapid Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undercutting the K617 HE on price when we checked. | Getting adjustable rapid trigger for the least money. | Check price for DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Rapid trigger. | Buyers who want rapid trigger. | Check price for Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Snap Tap and Rapid Trigger. | Buyers who want Snap Tap and Rapid Trigger. | Check price for Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic TKL 8KHz on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding rapid trigger with adjustable actuation. | Spending more than the Huntsman V3 HE TKL costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for Logitech G PRO X TKL Rapid Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 4
DAREU EK60 HE Magnetic Keyboard
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
- Look at the others if this bothers you: no dedicated arrow keys or function row.
Why we like it
It is priced near $35 at the time of writing. It shares a 60% layout with the K617 HE; the PRO X TKL Rapid goes with a TKL layout. It also offers 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 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 4
Redragon K617 HE Magnetic Keyboard
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
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 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 EK60 HE; the PRO X TKL Rapid goes with a TKL 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 Huntsman V3 HE TKL at the time of writing.
Key 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 4
Razer Huntsman V3 HE Magnetic TKL 8KHz
The Huntsman V3 HE TKL stands out for Snap Tap and Rapid Trigger.
Best for
- Buyers who want Snap Tap and Rapid Trigger.
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. Like the PRO X TKL Rapid, it has a TKL layout, while the EK60 HE uses a 60% layout. The Huntsman V3 HE TKL 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. On price it sat third of 4, between the cheaper K617 HE and the pricier PRO X TKL Rapid, at the time of writing. The trade-off is polling rate; for more, the EK60 HE offers 8,000Hz.
Key specs
- Layout
- TKL
- Switches
- Hall effect magnetic
- Connection
- Wired
- Polling rate
- 8,000Hz
- Keycaps
- Doubleshot PBT
Pros
- Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- 8,000Hz polling
- PBT keycaps resist shine
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the EK60 HE at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 4
Logitech G PRO X TKL Rapid Keyboard
The PRO X TKL Rapid is Logitech's magnetic-switch board.
Best for
- Spending more than the Huntsman V3 HE TKL costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: wired only.
Why we like it
Rapid trigger and adjustable actuation matter most in shooters where keys reset constantly. Like the Huntsman V3 HE TKL, it has a TKL layout, while the EK60 HE uses a 60% layout. The PRO X TKL Rapid needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. It was the highest-priced of the 4 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Huntsman V3 HE TKL and the rest. The maker doesn't give its polling rate; if that figure matters, the EK60 HE offers 8,000Hz.
Key specs
- Layout
- TKL
- Switches
- Hall effect magnetic
- Connection
- Wired
Pros
- Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- Rapid trigger with adjustable actuation
- The top of this price range, adding rapid trigger with adjustable actuation
Cons
- Wired only
- No published polling rate
- Costs more than the EK60 HE at the time of writing
How We Chose These Hall Effect Keyboards
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We compared four keyboards on layout, switches, connection and polling rate, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 4 picks leave out polling rate.
- The shared baseline
- All 4, from the EK60 HE to the PRO X TKL Rapid, state layout, switches and connection and share Hall effect magnetic switches and Wired connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The PRO X TKL Rapid gives no polling rate.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the EK60 HE (under $50) to the PRO X TKL Rapid ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in a Hall Effect Keyboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Fit and compatibility
The EK60 HE 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 Huntsman V3 HE TKL: Snap Tap and Rapid Trigger. The PRO X TKL Rapid: rapid trigger with adjustable actuation.
A grey mechanical keyboard beside a mouse on a wooden desk How much to spend
Under $50 buys the EK60 HE and the K617 HE; $100 to $150 buys the Huntsman V3 HE TKL and the PRO X TKL Rapid at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Getting adjustable rapid trigger for the least money: the EK60 HE. Spending more than the Huntsman V3 HE TKL costs for the fullest feature set in this group: the PRO X TKL Rapid.
A mechanical keyboard with RGB-lit keycaps Linear, tactile or magnetic
Linear switches travel smoothly, tactile switches have a bump, and clicky switches add a click. Hall effect switches read a magnet, so actuation can be adjusted and rapid trigger resets a key as soon as it rises.
How to Choose a Hall Effect 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 Snap Tap and Rapid Trigger | Huntsman V3 HE TKL | Snap Tap and Rapid Trigger |
| Spending more than the Huntsman V3 HE TKL costs for the fullest feature set in this group | PRO X TKL Rapid | The top of this price range, adding rapid trigger with adjustable actuation |
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 |
| Huntsman V3 HE TKL | TKL | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| PRO X TKL Rapid | TKL | Hall effect magnetic | Wired | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the EK60 HE, sat in the under $50 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the PRO X TKL Rapid at $100 to $150; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | EK60 HE, K617 HE |
| About $100 to $150 | Huntsman V3 HE TKL, PRO X TKL Rapid |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the EK60 HE the Lowest Price Here?
It carries the badge for undercutting the K617 HE on price when we checked. It is aimed at getting adjustable rapid trigger for the least money.
Do the EK60 HE and the Huntsman V3 HE TKL differ on layout?
The EK60 HE and the K617 HE use 60%; the Huntsman V3 HE TKL and the PRO X TKL Rapid use TKL.
What should I check before buying the K617 HE?
The K617 HE needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. In this guide it ranks second of 4.
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 Huntsman V3 HE TKL: Snap Tap and Rapid Trigger.
Who should choose the PRO X TKL Rapid?
The PRO X TKL Rapid carries our Premium Pick label for the top of this price range, adding rapid trigger with adjustable actuation. It ranks fourth of 4 here and sat in the $100 to $150 tier at our last price check; it suits spending more than the Huntsman V3 HE TKL costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
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 Huntsman V3 HE TKL for Snap Tap and Rapid Trigger and the PRO X TKL Rapid for the top of this price range, adding rapid trigger with adjustable actuation if those matter more to you.
Set actuation per key in the software; deeper settings reduce accidental presses while typing.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Keyboards Right Now
- Related guideThe Best Quiet Gaming Keyboards
- Related guideThe Best TKL Keyboards
- Lower budgetThe Best Keyboards Under $150
- Similar guideThe Best Hall Effect Gaming Keyboards
- ExplainerHow to Choose a Mechanical Keyboard
- ExplainerKeyboard layouts compared: full-size, TKL, 75%, 65% and 60%
- Also see: miceGaming Mouse Features Explained: What Is Worth Paying For?
- Similar guideThe Best Keyboards for PC
- Topic hubAll keyboards guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
View all articles