Buying Guide
The Best Hall Effect Keyboards
From the EK60 HE to the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3: four keyboards ranked on polling rate and layout, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
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
Our 4 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)
PBT Keycaps
ASUS ROG Falchion Ace HFX
PBT keycaps.
Best for: Buyers who want PBT keycaps.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Falchion Ace HFX (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3
Rapid Trigger and Rapid Tap at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | 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 (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) |
| PBT keycaps. | Buyers who want PBT keycaps. | Check price for ASUS ROG Falchion Ace HFX (opens in a new tab) |
| Rapid Trigger and Rapid Tap at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 4
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
- 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 and Apex Pro Mini Gen 3; the Falchion Ace HFX goes with a 65% layout. It shares hall effect magnetic switches with the K617 HE; the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 goes with OmniPoint 3.0 Hall effect switches.
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 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 4
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
- 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 and Apex Pro Mini Gen 3; the Falchion Ace HFX goes with a 65% layout. It shares hall effect magnetic switches with the EK60 HE; the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 goes with OmniPoint 3.0 Hall effect switches.
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 Falchion Ace HFX 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
PBT Keycaps3 of 4
ASUS ROG Falchion Ace HFX on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Falchion Ace HFX uses Hall effect switches with actuation adjustable from 0.1 to 4.0mm and Rapid Trigger, in a 65% layout.
Best for
- Buyers who want PBT keycaps.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: wired only.
Why we like it
Two USB-C ports let it switch between two PCs. You get a 65% layout here, which sets it apart from the EK60 HE and its a 60% layout. ROG HFX Hall effect magnetic switches is unique to it among these picks, while the K617 HE uses hall effect magnetic switches.
It also offers a protective cover for travel. The Falchion Ace HFX 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. When we checked, only the K617 HE and cheaper picks cost less, and the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 cost more. Polling rate is its weakest area, and the EK60 HE covers it better at 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 65%
- Switches: ROG HFX Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
- Keycaps: PBT
Pros
- Compact 65% layout
- 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
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
SteelSeries's Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 uses OmniPoint 3.0 Hall effect switches with Rapid Trigger and Rapid Tap.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when no dedicated arrow keys or function ro is a problem.
Why we like it
A Protection Mode guards against accidental presses. It shares a 60% layout with the EK60 HE and K617 HE; the Falchion Ace HFX goes with a 65% layout. The Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub.
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. Only the Falchion Ace HFX came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 4 picks. There is no published polling rate figure, whereas the EK60 HE offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 60%
- Switches: OmniPoint 3.0 Hall effect
- Connection: Wired
Pros
- Compact 60% layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- Rapid Trigger and Rapid Tap
- Protection Mode against accidental presses
Cons
- No dedicated arrow keys or function row
- Wired only
- No published polling rate
How We Chose These Hall Effect Keyboards
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Polling rate
- We recorded polling rates where listings state them.
- Build
- We noted keycap material, frame material and extra controls such as knobs or screens.
- Layout and switches
- We recorded the layout, the switch type and whether the switches are mechanical, magnetic or membrane.
- Connection
- We checked wired, dongle and Bluetooth options and rated battery life.
What to Look for in a Hall Effect Keyboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Choose the layout before the switch
Full-size boards keep the number pad; tenkeyless drops it and gives the mouse more room. 75% and 65% boards keep arrows in a tighter frame, while 60% boards move arrows and F-keys to a function layer.
Wired, dongle or Bluetooth
A 2.4GHz dongle is fine for games; Bluetooth adds latency and suits typing on other devices. Wired boards never need charging.
Keycap material lasts longer than lighting
PBT keycaps resist the shine that ABS caps develop. Double-shot legends do not wear off.
Polling rate is a small factor
1,000Hz is enough for most players. 8,000Hz cuts reporting delay further, but the gain is small and uses more CPU time.
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.
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 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 PBT keycaps | Falchion Ace HFX | PBT keycaps |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 | Rapid Trigger and Rapid Tap at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states 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 |
| Falchion Ace HFX | 65% | ROG HFX Hall effect magnetic | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 | 60% | OmniPoint 3.0 Hall effect | Wired | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | EK60 HE, K617 HE |
| About $100 to $150 | Falchion Ace HFX |
| About $150 to $250 | Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the cheapest pick in this guide?
The EK60 HE. It undercut the K617 HE when we checked, while the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 cost the most of the group.
Do these keyboards need software?
They work without it, but lighting, macros and actuation settings usually need the maker's app.
Do Hall effect switches help in games?
Adjustable actuation and rapid trigger help most in fast strafing games. In slower games the difference is small.
Should I pick tenkeyless or full-size?
Tenkeyless if you want more mouse room and rarely type numbers; full-size if you enter numbers often.
Is a membrane keyboard bad for gaming?
No. It is quieter and cheaper, but it feels softer and usually lacks per-key rollover guarantees beyond what the listing states.
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 Falchion Ace HFX for PBT keycaps and the Apex Pro Mini Gen 3 for Rapid Trigger and Rapid Tap at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
Set actuation per key in the software; deeper settings reduce accidental presses while typing.