Buying Guide
The Best Magnetic Switch Keyboards
From the EK60 HE to the K2 HE: five keyboards ranked on polling rate and layout, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Magnetic (Hall effect) switches measure how far a key is pressed, so you can set the actuation point and use rapid trigger. Every pick has magnetic or Hall effect switches.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: layout, switches and connection come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and a missing polling rate is flagged, not filled in.
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 F75 HE Wireless
A 4000mAh battery.
Best for: Buyers who want 4000mAh battery.
Our take Check price for AULA F75 HE Wireless (opens in a new tab)
TKL Layout
Corsair K70 PRO TKL Wired Keyboard
A TKL layout.
Best for: Buyers who want a TKL layout.
Our take Check price for Corsair K70 PRO TKL Wired Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Keychron K2 HE Wireless
Rapid trigger and adjustable actuation.
Best for: Buyers who want rapid trigger and adjustable actuation.
Our take Check price for Keychron K2 HE Wireless (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) |
| A 4000mAh battery. | Buyers who want 4000mAh battery. | Check price for AULA F75 HE Wireless (opens in a new tab) |
| A TKL layout. | Buyers who want a TKL layout. | Check price for Corsair K70 PRO TKL Wired Keyboard (opens in a new tab) |
| Rapid trigger and adjustable actuation. | Buyers who want rapid trigger and adjustable actuation. | Check price for Keychron K2 HE Wireless (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 matches the K617 HE on polling rate (8,000Hz). It shares a 60% layout with the K617 HE; the K2 HE goes with a 75% layout.
It shares hall effect magnetic switches with the K617 HE and F75 HE; the K2 HE goes with gateron Hall effect magnetic 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. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the K617 HE the next step up.
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
- Pass on it if no dedicated arrow keys or function ro rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Calibration runs in a desktop or web app. It matches the EK60 HE on polling rate (8,000Hz). It shares a 60% layout with the EK60 HE; the K70 PRO TKL goes with a TKL layout.
It shares hall effect magnetic switches with the EK60 HE and F75 HE; the K2 HE goes with gateron Hall effect 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. When we checked, only the EK60 HE cost less, and the F75 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
- 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 F75 HE Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
AULA's F75 HE brings Hall effect switches to a tri-mode 75% board with a 4000mAh battery and a knob.
Best for
- Buyers who want 4000mAh battery.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its polling rate before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
The switches are hot-swappable. You get a 75% (80 keys) layout here, which sets it apart from the K2 HE and its a 75% layout. It shares hall effect magnetic switches with the EK60 HE and K617 HE; the K2 HE goes with gateron Hall effect magnetic switches.
Use the F75 HE's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. 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 K70 PRO TKL cost more. If you want a confirmed polling rate, look to the EK60 HE instead: it offers 8,000Hz, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 75% (80 keys)
- Switches: Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
Pros
- Compact 75% (80 keys) layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- 4000mAh battery
Cons
- No published polling rate
- Costs more than the EK60 HE at the time of writing
TKL Layout4 of 5
Corsair K70 PRO TKL Wired Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The K70 PRO TKL is Corsair's magnetic tenkeyless board.
Best for
- Buyers who want a TKL layout.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: wired only.
Why we like it
MGX switches with rapid trigger and double-shot PBT keycaps suit competitive play. It is the only pick here with a TKL layout; the EK60 HE has a 60% layout instead. No other pick in this guide offers MGX Hall effect magnetic switches; compare the F75 HE, which has hall effect magnetic switches.
The K70 PRO TKL 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. Its price falls between the F75 HE and the K2 HE, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed polling rate should compare it with the EK60 HE, which offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: TKL
- Switches: MGX Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: Wired
- Keycaps: Double-shot PBT
Pros
- Tenkeyless layout leaves more room for the mouse
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- Rapid trigger support
Cons
- Wired only
- No published polling rate
- Costs more than the EK60 HE at the time of writing
Worth a Look5 of 5
Keychron K2 HE Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Keychron's K2 HE adds Gateron magnetic switches, rapid trigger and tri-mode wireless to the K2's 75% layout.
Best for
- Buyers who want rapid trigger and adjustable actuation.
Skip if
- Skip it if polling rate matters most to you; the EK60 HE offers 8,000Hz.
Why we like it
It supports macOS and Windows. Its 1,000Hz polling rate is the slowest in this group; the EK60 HE leads at 8,000Hz. A 75% layout is unique to it among these picks, while the K617 HE uses a 60% layout.
You get gateron Hall effect magnetic switches here, which sets it apart from the K70 PRO TKL and its MGX Hall effect magnetic switches. You also get acoustic foam. Use the K2 HE's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet.
Adjusting actuation needs the maker's software or web tool on Windows. It also brings PBT keycaps resist shine.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 75%
- Switches: Gateron Hall effect magnetic
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
- Polling rate: 1,000Hz
- Keycaps: Shine-through PBT
Pros
- Compact 75% layout
- Magnetic Hall effect switches
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- PBT keycaps resist shine
Cons
- Polling rate trails the EK60 HE (8,000Hz)
- Costs more than the EK60 HE at the time of writing
How We Chose These Magnetic Switch 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.
- Connection
- We checked wired, dongle and Bluetooth options and rated battery life.
- Layout and switches
- We recorded the layout, the switch type and whether the switches are mechanical, magnetic or membrane.
What to Look for in a Magnetic Switch 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.
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.
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.
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.
How to Choose a Magnetic Switch 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 4000mAh battery | F75 HE | A 4000mAh battery |
| Buyers who want a TKL layout | K70 PRO TKL | A TKL layout |
| Buyers who want rapid trigger and adjustable actuation | K2 HE | Rapid trigger and adjustable actuation |
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 |
| F75 HE | 75% (80 keys) | Hall effect magnetic | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | Not listed |
| K70 PRO TKL | TKL | MGX Hall effect magnetic | Wired | Not listed |
| K2 HE | 75% | Gateron Hall effect magnetic | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | 1,000Hz |
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 $50 to $100 | F75 HE |
| About $100 to $150 | K70 PRO TKL, K2 HE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these keyboards has the fastest polling rate?
The EK60 HE leads at 8,000Hz, ahead of the K617 HE at 8,000Hz; the K2 HE sits at the other end with 1,000Hz.
What is the least I can spend on one of these keyboards?
The EK60 HE cost the least when we checked, and the K2 HE sat at the top of the range. Prices move often, so check the current listing before buying.
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.
Is a wireless keyboard slower?
Not over a 2.4GHz dongle for most players. Bluetooth adds more latency and is better kept for other devices.
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 F75 HE for a 4000mAh battery and the K70 PRO TKL for a TKL layout if those matter more to you.
Rapid trigger helps most in shooters where you strafe and stop quickly.