When I first unboxed the Epomaker HE80, I expected something fairly ordinary. The keyboard looked clean and simple with a compact 80 percent layout, minimal branding, and no exaggerated gamer design. At first glance, it seemed like another safe mid-range keyboard that covered the basics and stopped there.

But after using it for a few days, my opinion changed completely.

Epomaker has built this board around MagneX Hall Effect switches, giving it magnetic actuation, adjustable trigger distance, and an ultra-fast 8000Hz polling rate. On paper, those are features you would usually find on premium boards, not something priced under ninety euros.

I started testing it alongside my Logitech G Pro Superlight 2, which also runs at an 8000 Hz polling rate, and the two together feel like a matched pair. Inputs on both ends register instantly, making every movement and keystroke almost seamless in games like CS2 and Valorant.

Its lightweight frame and neutral design make it ideal for gaming setups that focus on precision and performance rather than RGB overload. The combination of the Superlight 2 and the HE80 gives you one of the fastest, most consistent setups you can build without spending a fortune.

I often hit the spacebar by accident during gunfights which threw off my aim. Increasing the actuation distance in the HE80 software completely fixed that problem. It was a small adjustment that made a noticeable difference in how controlled my inputs felt.

The HE80 does not try to compete with luxury metal builds or wireless flagships. It is focused purely on performance and practicality, and that is what makes it interesting.

If you are new to magnetic keyboards, you can read our guide on what a Hall Effect keyboard is to understand how this technology works.

Design and Build Quality

Epomaker has gone with a minimalist and functional design. The HE80 features a solid ABS plastic case with a matte texture that keeps fingerprints away and helps reduce weight.

Even though it is plastic, it feels sturdier than expected. There is very little deck flex when typing, and the FR4 plate combined with a gasket-mounted design gives a soft, cushioned feel when pressing keys. The sound is pleasantly muted without the hollow ring that cheaper boards often have.

The RGB lighting is subtle and evenly distributed. You get per-key RGB with several built-in effects, but the lighting serves more as an accent than as a visual centerpiece. If you prefer a clean look without a rainbow of colors flooding your desk, this setup will appeal to you.

The 80 percent layout is one of the most balanced designs available. It keeps the function row, arrow keys, and navigation cluster while removing the numpad for better space efficiency. It is a great layout for both gaming and work.

If you are still choosing between layouts, visit our guide on mechanical keyboard sizes and tenkeyless keyboards.

What’s in the Box

Epomaker keeps things neat and practical with the HE80’s packaging. Everything comes well protected and individually wrapped, making the unboxing experience clean and organized.

Inside the box, you’ll find:

• 1 × HE80 Wired Magnetic Hall Effect Gaming Keyboard
• 1 × Multilingual Manual (English, Spanish, French, Italian, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese)
• 3 × Extra Magnetic MagneX Switches
• 3 × Additional PBT Keycaps
• 1 × 2-in-1 Keycap and Switch Puller

It’s a simple but thoughtful set of accessories. The inclusion of spare MagneX switches and extra keycaps is a nice touch for anyone who likes to tinker or test feel variations. The 2-in-1 puller is sturdy enough for daily use, and the multilingual manual makes setup easy regardless of where you’re based.

When paired with the braided USB-C cable, the overall presentation feels complete and ready for plug-and-play use right out of the box.

Hall Effect Technology in the HE80

At the core of the HE80 are the MagneX Hall Effect switches. Unlike traditional switches that rely on physical contact between metal leaves, these use magnetic sensors to register key movement. This design eliminates contact wear, debounce delay, and switch chatter.

In practice, this means:

• Adjustable actuation points with precision down to 0.1 millimeter
• Instant input response with no debounce delay
• A much longer lifespan due to contactless operation

The real magic is in the customization. Using Epomaker’s software, you can fine-tune the actuation point of each key individually. I set my WASD keys to 1.1 millimeters for quick movement and increased the spacebar to 2.3 millimeters to avoid accidental jumps. It made a clear difference during gameplay.

For FPS players, this is a big deal. You can adapt the keyboard to your playstyle, creating faster response where you need it and more resistance where you want control.

You can learn more about this magnetic system in our dedicated article on Hall Effect keyboards.

Typing and Daily Use

Typing on the HE80 is smooth and comfortable. The MagneX switches feel like a slightly refined version of Gateron Reds. They are linear, light, and very consistent. The gasket mounting helps dampen vibration, giving each press a soft landing.

The stabilizers are well tuned out of the box. The spacebar and enter keys sound even and do not rattle much. A bit of extra lube could make them perfect, but they are already better than most keyboards in this price bracket.

The keycaps are doubleshot PBT, and they feel premium to the touch. The legends are sharp and will not fade over time. The transparent accent keycaps for ESC and Enter add a bit of personality without making the keyboard look flashy.

Performance and Latency

Epomaker advertises an 8000Hz polling rate and a 32000 scan rate, which are extremely fast numbers for any keyboard. In simple terms, the HE80 reports keypress data every 0.125 milliseconds compared to one millisecond on a standard 1000Hz keyboard.

While the difference sounds minor, in competitive gaming it can have a real impact. I tested the HE80 alongside my Logitech G Pro Superlight 2, which also runs at an 8000Hz polling rate, and together they create an incredibly responsive setup. Both devices operate at the same high polling frequency, meaning the mouse and keyboard inputs reach the PC almost simultaneously. The result is a smooth, synchronized feel that is hard to match, especially in fast-paced games like CS2 or Apex Legends.

Movements, strafes, and precise aim corrections feel immediate and consistent. Every keystroke and mouse click translates into instant in-game action without hesitation. The HE80’s Hall Effect sensing adds another layer of precision by removing physical debounce delay, ensuring that each press registers the moment you make contact with the key.

You may not notice the difference during casual typing, but in competitive environments where reaction time matters, the pairing of the Epomaker HE80 and the Logitech G Pro Superlight 2 forms one of the fastest and most responsive combinations available today.

If you want to learn more about how keyboards handle simultaneous key presses and rollover performance, visit our article on NKRO (N-Key Rollover).

Sound and Acoustics

The HE80 sounds clean and balanced. It has a mid-pitched tone that leans toward quiet and controlled. Thanks to the multiple layers of foam and the gasket-mounted construction, the sound is soft and well-damped.

You will not get the deep “thock” of heavy aluminum boards, but for its class, it performs admirably. The noise level is low enough to use comfortably in shared spaces or late-night sessions.

If you prefer a deeper tone or want to experiment, you can mod the keyboard with foam layers or change the switches. Our guide on deep-sounding switches covers options that can pair well with this keyboard.

EPOMAKER MagneX Switch

At the center of the HE80 experience is Epomaker’s own MagneX Hall Effect switch. It is the heart of what makes this keyboard different from almost every other product in its price range.

Unlike standard mechanical switches that depend on metal contacts closing a circuit, the MagneX system uses a magnetic sensor that measures the distance between the switch stem and a magnet located beneath it. When the stem moves closer to the magnet, the sensor detects the strength of the magnetic field and registers a keypress.

This approach removes any physical contact between components, which means:

• No wear and tear on metal leaves or contacts
• No debounce delay, since there is no mechanical bounce to filter
• Longer lifespan and consistency, even after millions of presses

Each MagneX switch can also be adjusted through Epomaker’s software to change the actuation point. You can decide how far the key must travel before it registers a press, from ultra-light and fast to a more deliberate deep press. This makes it one of the most flexible switch types available right now.

The MagneX switch feels smooth and linear, with no tactile bump. The travel is light but well-controlled, giving you precision and consistency for gaming and everyday typing. The linear travel pairs beautifully with the HE80’s gasket-mounted construction, producing a soft bottom-out that feels premium.

Another advantage is analog-like control. While not a full analog implementation, the magnetic sensor can theoretically allow for variable key readings, paving the way for future firmware updates or analog gaming profiles.

Overall, the MagneX switch combines the feel of high-quality linear switches with the accuracy of magnetic detection. It is a strong reminder that innovation in keyboard switches is still moving forward, and Epomaker is clearly paying attention to the enthusiast market.

Software and Customization

The companion software is straightforward but powerful where it matters. It allows:

• RGB lighting control and effects
• Per-key actuation adjustment
• Custom macros and profiles

The interface feels plain, but it works without lag or connection issues. Adjustments apply instantly, which is great when fine-tuning actuation for specific games or workflows.

Hot Swapping and Modding Potential

The HE80 is fully hot-swappable and uses south-facing sockets. That means you can remove and replace switches easily without soldering, and you can use almost any aftermarket keycap set.

For enthusiasts, this opens up several possibilities:

• Mix switch types for hybrid typing setups
• Add PE or case foam for a deeper tone
• Replace the FR4 plate with polycarbonate or aluminum for a different feel

You can also customize the look with different PBT keycap sets. See our keycap guide for ideas that fit this layout perfectly.

Comfort and Everyday Use

The keyboard weighs around 750 grams, which makes it easy to move or pack for travel. It uses a detachable USB-C cable, adding convenience for mobile setups or cable management.

During long sessions of writing and gaming, the typing angle felt comfortable and strain-free. You can adjust the height between three positions: 6 degrees, 8.5 degrees, and 11.5 degrees. It suits both low-profile and angled typing preferences.

Why the Epomaker HE80 Stands Out (and Where It Falls Short)

Pros	Cons
MagneX Hall Effect switches with adjustable actuation	No wireless or Bluetooth connectivity
8000Hz polling rate for ultra-fast input response	Plastic case instead of metal
Gasket-mounted construction with multiple dampening layers	Basic-looking software interface
Hot-swappable south-facing sockets for easy modding	Limited RGB customization
Smooth and comfortable typing feel	Slight case flex when pressed firmly
Excellent value for money	—

Final Verdict

The Epomaker HE80 is one of those keyboards that feels like a hidden gem. It delivers genuine innovation at a reasonable price, combining Hall Effect performance, adjustable actuation, and a gasket-mounted design that gives it a comfortable and premium typing feel.

It is not flawless. The case is plastic, and the software could look better, but everything that matters works extremely well. The ability to adjust actuation points per key is a standout feature that genuinely improves control, especially in competitive gaming.

After weeks of use, I can confidently say that the HE80 deserves recognition as one of the best budget Hall Effect keyboards available in 2025. It provides enthusiast-level performance in a form factor that is approachable and affordable.

Where to Buy the Epomaker HE80

If you are interested in trying the Epomaker HE80 for yourself, you can find it available directly through Mechlands, one of the most reliable retailers for mechanical keyboards and accessories.

👉 Purchase the Epomaker HE80 on Mechlands

The listing often includes regional shipping options and occasional bundle deals, so it is worth checking current availability before ordering.