Latest news with #Gateron
WIRED
5 days ago
- Business
- WIRED
Asus' ROG Falchion Ace HFX Brings a Fresh Take to Hall Effect Keyboards
Every gaming keyboard manufacturer seems to be jumping on the Hall effect bandwagon, and why wouldn't they? The keyboard technology has been proven in both esports arenas and home office setups worldwide and offers countless advantages over standard mechanical keyboards, with no real performance compromises. Hall effect keyboards have also arrived as countless other technologies enter the keyboard space: Everything from gasket-mounting to touchpads is now in mainstream keyboards. That also means I regularly see new products, mechanical and Hall effect, with features I've never even considered before. Case in point, the Asus ROG Falchion Ace HFX, a small keyboard with a large name and a lot of unusual features. This $200 wired-only keyboard has Hall effect switches, an 8,000-Hz polling rate, multidevice connectivity with two USB-C ports, and a programmable touchpad on the back edge. Not to mention countless on-keyboard controls and a flipable lever to enable or disable the rapid trigger feature found on most Hall effect keyboards. While it does have some strange design decisions, it has a lot of really clever ones too. Unique Switches Photograph: Henri Robbins Photograph: Henri Robbins Photograph: Henri Robbins The Falchion has one of the deepest typing sounds compared to other Hall effect keyboards. This is likely a combination of the keyboard's unique HFX magnetic switches, one of the few I've tested that aren't made by Gateron, and the sound dampening inside. It consists of multiple layers of foam, Poron, and silicone, and a sheet of small rubber domes. The switches feel incredibly smooth, even when pressed slowly, with a consistent feel throughout the entire keypress. They use a polycarbonate top housing, a POM stem, and a POM bottom housing, contributing to the deeper typing sound and ensuring smoothness across the entire keystroke. Unlike most Hall effect switches, the HFX doesn't have a hole in the center, instead, it moves the magnet to the front, where the metal contact leaf would typically be on a mechanical switch. This makes the Falchion incompatible with standard Hall effect switches, but likely improves the sound profile as well: Open-bottom switches tend to have a more hollow typing sound, which can be heard on competitors. The springs are weighted to 55 grams of total force, which is 5 grams lighter than the Gateron Nebula dual-rail switches used by Keychron, and 10 grams lighter than the standard Cherry MX Red. There aren't any other switches available for this keyboard, but because Hall effect switches are contactless, the existing switches can be removed without any desoldering or extensive disassembly. I didn't find myself wanting to change the switches, though—they have a poppy and deep sound that's incredibly crisp, and they feel responsive and smooth, especially with rapid trigger enabled. My largest issue with the typing experience was the keycaps. They have a rough texture that, while grippy, felt noticeably coarse and unpleasant when typing. It comes down to preference, but I found them less enjoyable than smooth or lightly textured keycaps.
Irish Examiner
08-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
Keychron K2 HE: A magnetic marvel for gamers and typists alike
The new Keychron K2 HE is a joy to type on and relatively quiet for a mechanical keyboard. As someone who spends equal time buried in writing and dabbling in gaming, I found the K2 HE to be a nearly perfect middle ground between productivity and play, wrapped in a beautifully designed package. Design and build The K2 HE is a 75% layout keyboard with a premium aluminium frame and natural rosewood side panels (light or dark, depending on your model). It's the kind of desk accessory that catches the eye, whether in a minimalist setup or a gaming den. The keycaps are double-shot PBT in the OSA profile, which means you get that satisfying, textured feel and excellent durability. I've typed reviews and used it for long work days without a hint of shine or wear. It's heavier than some competitors, but that heft helps keep it rock steady on the desk. Typing experience If you're used to typing on a laptop or a low-profile membrane keyboard, the deeper travel and greater keystroke force required by the K2 HE will take some adjustment. It's not uncomfortable, but it does feel noticeably different at first, especially for fast typists or those switching back and forth between devices. The show's real star is under the hood: Gateron double-rail magnetic switches. Unlike traditional mechanical switches that rely on physical contact, Hall Effect magnetic switches detect keystrokes using magnets. Swapping them out is simple, as long as you use compatible Hall Effect switches. They offer adjustable actuation points and dynamic rapid triggers. Translation? You can customise how far each key needs to travel before it registers and how quickly it resets — a dream setup for both speed typists and FPS gamers. Even better, you can adjust the actuation distance for individual keys. While most users might not need that level of granularity, it offers serious potential for competitive gaming or specialised workflows. I experimented with actuation settings via Keychron's Launcher web configurator, and the flexibility is genuinely impressive. For fast-paced gaming, I dialled in a hair-trigger setting for lightning-quick response. I raised the threshold slightly for a more deliberate feel for writing sessions. Connectivity and compatibility The K2 HE has Bluetooth 5.2, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB-C wired connections. Switching between my MacBook, Windows PC, and iPad was quick and seamless, making it a versatile workhorse for multi-device users. Battery life was excellent, lasting several days with moderate RGB use and wireless connection. It also supports macOS, Windows, and Linux, and includes both keycap sets in the box. Out of the box, it had the macOS keycaps, but it's quick and easy to change them. The only minor issue with the keyboard was the slider that switched between Bluetooth, wired, and adapter modes. It wasn't exact, and I found it took some fiddling to ensure it was aligned correctly with the mode I wanted. Keychron Launcher app The Keychron Launcher is a web-based configuration tool that allows powerful customisation of the K2 HE without software installation. Through the app, you can fine-tune key actuation points, assign multi-action key commands, and enable dynamic rapid trigger functionality, all with an intuitive interface that's easy to navigate. You can also tweak RGB lighting effects, adjust brightness, and save multiple profiles tailored for different use cases, whether gaming, coding, or working. It's surprisingly responsive and versatile for a browser-based tool, giving even first-time users access to advanced features usually reserved for enthusiast-level gear. Customisation and RGB Keychron gives you 22 RGB modes and complete control over brightness, speed, and colour profiles. You can go full gamer glow or keep it low-key. I preferred a soft white glow for focus mode, but the lighting options can be as flashy or as subtle as you like. The keycaps aren't transparent, so the RGB lighting is more nuanced, especially in bright environments, since the illumination only glows from beneath the keys rather than through them. Verdict The Keychron K2 HE offers features that rival — and sometimes outshine — much more expensive keyboards. Its magnetic switch tech, rich customisation, and solid design bridge the gap between enthusiast and casual user. €178 Keychron K2 HE
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.
