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Tom's Guide
31-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
This $59 keyboard is the cheapest way to get Hall Effect switches — and it gives Keychron a run for its money
The Epomaker HE68 packs a punch, especially for a keyboard that costs less than $60. It's one of the best gaming keyboards for a few reasons. It boasts an 8,000Hz polling rate which is unheard of at this price, and its magnetic switches are extremely responsive with per-key and quad-actuation. Delivering pro-level performance ideal for competitive gaming, the HE68 is a force to be reckoned with. While its wired-only nature may put some people off, it's important to remember just how little this keyboard costs. Should you buy this keyboard? Yes. Read my full Epomaker HE68 review to find out. Specs Epomaker HE68 Price $59 / £59 Switches Epomaker Magnetic Pink Keycaps PBT Construction ABS plastic Mount Gasket Layout 68%, 67 keys Operating system macOS, Windows Backlighting Per-key RGB Polling rate 8,000Hz Paired devices max 1 Connectivity Wired only Measurements 12.89 x 4.44 x 1.56 inches Weight 1.54lbs Colors White purple, Black red The Epomaker HE68 is styled beautifully and it packs premium gaming features, like 8,000Hz polling, per-key and quad-actuation, and it's fantastic to type on too. For the most part, I love the design of most Epomaker keyboards, and the Epomaker HE68 isn't an outlier. The keyboard sports a lovely, minimalist design that makes it fit right into an office space, and it features south-facing RGB lighting that gives it a 'I'm a gamer' look. The HE68 is available in two colorways: White purple and black red. I tested the former which uses a combination of white and (two) purple keycaps, and it looks great. Also adding to the HE68's charm is a purple strap (or red, depending on the colorway) attached to a hook on the left edge. I'm not sure what practical purpose this serves but it looks… kinda nice? I like that it doesn't sport any out-of-place slogan on it, like the Wooting 60HE+ ($174) whose strap reads, 'Take control.' As for the HE68's build quality, it's fairly sturdy for a budget keyboard. Its body is made entirely of ABS plastic but it feels high-quality. The keys don't dip into the PCB and the case doesn't twist either, which is fantastic. The plastic used also makes the keyboard very lightweight, weighing just 1.54lbs, so I was able to easily carry the HE68 in my backpack without feeling weighed down. 1,000Hz polling is usually more than sufficient for most casual players, but competitive eSports players who want the best of the best will want 8K polling. Many keyboards that offer 8,000Hz polling don't come cheap, like the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL ($199) or the Wooting 80HE ($199). But the Epomaker HE68 shows that you don't need to spend a fortune to completely eliminate input lag by offering 8K polling at a low price. In my testing, I didn't notice any input lag or missed inputs. All of my commands were quickly registered by the HE68, and were instantaneously executed on screen. The Epomaker HE68's 68% layout is ideal for gaming. The keyboard measures 12.89 x 4.44 x 1.56 inches so it doesn't take up too much space on your desk, and you can move your mouse more freely too. What makes the HE68 a powerhouse for gaming are its highly responsive Epomaker Magnetic Pink switches. If this is your first time buying a Hall Effect keyboard, these are different from mechanical switches (which use physical contact to activate). HE switches utilize small magnets to trigger without needing to touch anything, using the power of electromagnetic waves instead. This means that each switch's sensitivity, or actuation, can be adjusted for extra precise movements and gaining a competitive advantage. The HE68 has per-key adjustable actuation. What I mean by that is that you can adjust each switch's sensitivity all the way down to 0.1mm and up to 3.8mm. When I tested the NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL, I complained about its sensitivity being adjustable only down to 0.6mm (especially at that price) so it's good that the HE68 allows you to make its keys extremely sensitive. Turning the actuation of action and movement keys all the way down to 0.1mm in Counter-Strike 2 meant I could quickly swap between weapons by lightly tapping a key. This also helped execute a complex series of actions as I didn't have to press the keys all the way down. For example, I could sprint, throw a grenade, and crouch into hiding within milliseconds — and my enemies didn't know what hit them. Quad-actuation proves powerful in RPGs, FPS and racing titles. For example, I customized the W key so that short-pressing it made my character in Lies of P walk while long-pressing it made him run. I also like that the HE68 features quad-actuation, also known as Dynamic Key Stroke (DKS), which you find on pricier keyboards, like the Keychron K4 HE ($134). When enabled, you can assign up to four actions to one key based on how deeply you press it, so you get two actions on the downstroke and two on the way back up. Quad-actuation proves powerful in RPGs, FPS and racing titles. For example, I customized the W key so that short-pressing it made my character in Lies of P walk while long-pressing it made him run. Of course, you can customize keys any way you like to make gameplay simpler. You could assign a key in such a way that short-pressing it makes your character aim a throwable and long-pressing it makes you throw it. The Epomaker HE68 also supported Simultaneous Opposite Key Detection (SOCD), more commonly known as Snap Tap. Now, be warned that using Snap Tap will get you kicked out of Valve's games, like Counter-Strike 2 and DOTA, so it's best to use it in single-player titles, like Hitman and Lies of P. Snap Tap, basically, prioritizes the last key pressed (which is why it's also known as Last Key Prioritization), and it's most commonly used to counter-strafe. You can draw to a complete stop from a sideways strafe by pressing the opposing direction key, which makes counter-strafing easier. I tested it in Lies of P and it worked like a charm. This came in clutch, especially when I was facing off against massive, slow bosses. I felt quite smug, rapidly moving side to side and then executing a heavy blow! I wouldn't say the Epomaker HE68 is great for productivity, as due to its 68% nature there's no number pad or full row of function keys. However, it is still very good for typing — I would know, I wrote this review on it! The pink magnetic switches are highly responsive, and since they're quite light, my hands didn't feel fatigued after a full day's use. The HE68 also features PBT keycaps which are textured but feel soft to touch, and they're mighty comfortable. They're more durable and wear-and-tear-resistant than ABS ones, too. Some very pricey keyboards, like the Corsair K65 Plus ($179) and the Razer Pro Type Ultra ($159), don't utilize PBT keycaps which makes me sad, so it's nice to see Epomaker include these in a budget deck. Keyboard Type test speed (WPM) Type test accuracy Epomaker HE68 (3.2mm actuation) 97 88.36% Epomaker HE68 (1.5mm actuation) 98 92.02% Epomaker HE68 (0.5mm actuation) 102 93.1% NZXT Function Elite MiniTKL (0.6mm actuation) 89 88.42% Epomaker HE65 Mag (0.5mm actuation) 101 89.41% Keychron K4 HE (0.5mm actuation) 104 94.56% As always, I took a few typing tests at to see how the HE68 fared against other magnetic keyboards I've tested. I changed each key's actuation after each test, and you can see the results above. I'm ecstatic with these scores! Epomaker is known for making budget keyboards, like the Epomaker HE65 Mag ($99), and as you can see, the Epomaker HE68 might be its most powerful keyboard yet — and it doesn't cost a premium either. The HE68 retails for $59 / £59 at Amazon, making it the cheapest way to get not only Hall Effect switches, but 8,000Hz polling too. Hall Effect keyboards usually cost upwards of $100, as we've seen with the likes of the Keychron K4 HE ($134) and the MelGeek MADE68 ($119). But even very pricey magnetic decks don't offer 8K polling, such as the Keychron Q3 HE ($239). The HE68 is, then, a small-but-mighty keyboard. Although not the cleanest-looking software, Epomaker Driver is fairly straightforward to use and it's your one-stop shop for customizing most Epomaker peripherals. It's available on both macOS and Windows for free. Alongside being able to adjust each key's sensitivity, you can also remap keys, record macros, adjust the RGB lighting, and toggle features like Snap Tap. For its price, I can't really fault the Epomaker HE68 — but it's worth noting that there's no wireless connectivity, and switch choice is limited. The Epomaker HE68 is a wired-only keyboard, so there's no wireless 2.4GHz or Bluetooth connectivity. This may be a major con for some people but I'd like to remind you that this keyboard costs just $59, and the trade off is that you're getting 8K polling, which I'm fine with. If you want a wireless board, I'd recommend spending a little more on the Epomaker HE65 Mag, where you can use 8K polling over a 2.4GHz connection too. Much like many other magnetic keyboards, switch choice for the Epomaker HE68 is very limited (at the time of writing). This isn't a rare phenomenon, but Epomaker offers just one set of switches for the HE68: the Magnetic Pinks. All the keyboards I've mentioned throughout this review offer a choice between two or even three sets, so it's disappointing. When you lay your eyes on the Epomaker HE68 for the first time, you wouldn't think it costs less than $60. It looks stunning and it's built extremely well with zero flex in its body. Like I mentioned up top, it's the cheapest way to get Hall Effect switches — and boy are they responsive! The HE68's switches feature per-key and quad-actuation to give you a competitive edge, and adding to its appeal is 8,000Hz polling, which even many pricey keyboards don't offer. Features like Snap Tap are available too, but they're best used in single-player titles. The cherry on top is, of course, the $59 price tag — I really can't think of a better deal than this. As long as you don't mind wired-only connectivity and lack of switch choice, you really won't go wrong with the HE68. It's small, fast and wildly capable.
Forbes
17-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Epomaker Unveils Its Fashionable Luma84 Low-Profile Mechanical Keyboard
Keyboard brand Epomaker has launched its latest Luma85 75 mechanical keyboard with a 75% and 84 key layout. The new Luma84 has fashionably low-profile keycaps for stylish office use and is available with black or white keycaps. Epomaker was founded by a group of gamers, software engineers, product designers and mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who wanted to make their own keyboards. This latest model answers the increasing demand for keyboards that can be customized Thanks to QMK firmware and support for VIA software, users can configure this hot-swappable mechanical keyboard to improve their workflow with more flexibility. For example, users can use the Luma84 to automate repetitive tasks by creating macros that can streamline coding or improve efficiency in the office using the keyboard's open-sourced QMK firmware or the intuitive web-based interface of VIA software. By customizing settings, users can remap keys for a more ergonomic layout or by swapping switches for ones with different trigger forces and tactile behavior. Mechanical keyboards can help boost productivity and personalization. Although the new Luma84 has a smart office look, it's also aimed at serious gamers. Made with an aluminum case and featuring grease-free PBT keycaps, the Luma84 has a sturdy construction and minimalist appearance that makes it suited to a range of uses. The switches fitted on the Luma84 are Gateron's low-profile design which are shaped for a more ergonomic feel that Epomaker says can reduce strain on the typist's wrists while offering fast response times thanks to a shortened key travel distance that's also designed to feel very smooth. Users can choose between Red linear switches or more clicky Brown versions. These days, an increasing number of people like to pick a keyboard that reflects their personality. Logitech has responded to this with its POP range of colorful mechanical keyboards and the Epomaker Luma84 addressed this same Gen Z market. With the Luma84, users can transform their workspace with a keyboard that has a minimalist style as well as wireless connectivity that does away with a tangle of cables. However, for those who want a wired connection, the Luma84 has a USB Type-C port with a high-speed polling rate of 1000Hz, which gamers will appreciate. The keyboard also ships with a 2.4GHz USB dongle that provides a wireless connection that also has a 1000Hz polling rate. For those who want to work across multiple devices, the Luma84 also offers Bluetooth connectivity with instant switching between up to three devices across platforms. So, it's possible to move between a Windows PC, an iPad or an Apple MacBook using the same keyboard. Compatibility also includes support for Android and Linux. While the stock keyboards that ship with many desktop computers are unsophisticated and cheap membrane designs, they can cause wrist strain and tired fingers. The Luma84 has a gasket mount design that provides a low-profile rake and a mechanical feel that many people prefer. By suspending the keyboard plate with Gaskets and packing the space with various sound-absorbing foams and silicone, Epomaker has eliminated the hollow echo of some mechanical designs that can cause friction in a shared office. With a soft and responsive feel thanks to pre-lubed and tuned switches, Epomaker claims the Luma84, helps boost productivity while providing a more comfortable and durable typing experience. Low-profile keyboards seem to be growing in popularity as regular profile mechanical keyboards are reminiscent of the clunky old keyboards used on mainframe computer terminals in the 1970s. The Luma84's DSA profile keycaps on the Luma84 have dye sublimation and double-shot legends for a clearer finish. Other legends, such as the keys with macOS modifiers, are picked out in lighter shades. Meanwhile, all the keys of the Luma84 have south-facing RGB backlighting that can be customized by color and motion effects using hotkeys and the web-based VIA software. The Epomaker Luma84 75% mechanical keyboard is available now from the Epomaker website and priced at $109.99.
Forbes
21-03-2025
- Forbes
Epomaker Unveils Compact Carbon60 Wireless Keyboard With Sleek New Look
The new Epomaker Carbon60 keyboard has a compact 60% ANSI layout that takes up less desk space. Desktop real estate is now almost as valuable as a New York parking lot. Many of us use so much technology that there's always pressure for desk space. One way of reclaiming more space is to drastically reduce the footprint of the keyboard you are using. We're going to be seeing a lot more micro keyboards coming onto the market and the latest that I've seen is the new Epomaker Carbon60. Carbon is something of a 'dirty word' these days but this mini wireless keyboard with its 60% ANSI layout has a clean carbon fiber shell and a minimalist feel. There are no function keys or cursor cluster, but those functions are all accessible in conjunction with the Fn key. The Epomaker Carbon60's carbon fiber shell is designed to resist corrosion, oxidation and scratches, helping it to look smarter for longer and extending its useful lifespan. Unlike many keyboards with plastic shells, carbon fiber provides a more durable and modern feel. The low-profile Epomaker Carbon60 keyboard features hot-swappable switches with south-facing RGB ... More backlights. Paired with a spray paint finish, Epomaker says the Carbon60 has a 'fashionable and sophisticated visual aesthetic, perfectly catering to users who value both performance and appearance.' To finish the contemporary look of this compact keyboard, there is a light blue fabric loop handle that's there to make it easier to carry around when used as an adjunct keyboard to a laptop. That loop can be removed if desired. The keycaps used on the Carbon60 feature a DSA low profile with a flat surface and a uniform key height coupled with a smooth finish. There is an option to have the Esc and Enter keys in blue, to match the fabric loop handle. Alternatively, there are two black Esc and Enter keys provided for a completely black look. The overall design reduces typing movement for a lighter and faster typing action. Epomaker says the keyboard reduces typing fatigue, making it particularly suitable for high-efficiency work environments like coding. The Epomaker Carbon60 has a fabric loop handle that matches the color of the Esc and Return keys. Inspired by its minimalist feel, the Epomaker Carbon60 has a compact 61-key layout that takes up a lot less desk space than most keyboards but keeps the core functionality needed. Beyond its focus on aesthetics and comfort, the Carbon60 supports QMK/VIA programming which enables users to remap individual keys and even apply macros to keys. As well as being programmable, the Carbon60 keyboard is cross-platform compatible for seamless switching between multiple operating systems, making it suitable for users with a large range of devices such as tablets, laptops and desktops running on Windows, macOS or Linux. Each key and switch on the Carbon60 has south-facing RGB lighting, letting users customize the lighting effects and colors according to their preferences. With a variety of colors and lighting effects to choose from, users can tailor the settings to suit their needs or turn it off altogether if necessary. The switches are low profile and hot-swappable so users can change the feel and sound of the keyboard. The Epomaker Carbon60 is now available on the Epomaker official website. It comes in Gateron Brown low switch and Gateron Red low switch options. The keyboard is currently on sale for $129.99 from the Epomaker official website.
