ATTACK SHARK has officially launched the R98 HE, a new flagship magnetic switch keyboard aimed at raising the bar for high-end Hall effect boards. The launch went live on July 2, 2026, positioning the R98 HE for competitive gaming, office productivity, and enthusiast customization in one integrated device. Pre-orders are open now at $81.99, down from an MSRP of $109.99, alongside a giveaway event running through July 7.
ATTACK SHARK R98 HE — New carbon fiber member, coming soon.
— ATTACK SHARK (@ATTACKSHARKGEAR) July 6, 2026
Another carbon fiber magnetic keyboard is on its way.
⚙️ Stay tuned. 🦈#ATTACKSHARK #R98HE #CarbonFiberKeyboard #ComingSoon pic.twitter.com/OswXyrKJdU
What Makes the ATTACK SHARK R98 HE Different?
Most magnetic switch keyboards rely solely on bottom-facing RGB backlighting, but the R98 HE pairs a 98% layout with a front-facing RGB lightbox, a combination ATTACK SHARK says is rarely found on Hall effect boards. Projecting illumination forward creates more visual depth and a layered lighting effect, backed by 22 dedicated dynamic RGB effects. If you’re new to this switch category, our What Is a Hall Effect Keyboard? explainer covers the basics of magnetic sensing.
The board also introduces a dual carbon fiber composite build, combining a forged-texture carbon fiber top cover with matching carbon fiber composite keycaps, a material choice not commonly seen at this layout size.
Layout and Build
The R98 HE keeps a full-function 98% layout rather than trimming down to TKL or 75%, retaining:
- Independent number pad
- Separated arrow keys
- Full F-row
- Dedicated editing keys (Insert, Home, Page Up/Down, etc.)
- CNC aluminum alloy volume knob with anodized coloring
This positioning is similar to the Mechlands Vibe 108, which also targets full-size users unwilling to sacrifice function keys.
Performance Specs
Performance centers on a new-generation Hall magnetic sensing algorithm tuned for competitive FPS play, independently confirmed across three separate outlets.
More Read
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | $81.99 pre-order / $109.99 MSRP |
| Rapid trigger adjustment | 0.005mm with zero dead zone |
| Polling rate | True 8,000Hz |
| Scan sampling rate | 256K |
| Latency | 0.08ms |
| Switch durability | 100 million keystrokes (contactless electromagnetic structure) |
| Switch feel | Fast response, crisp rebound, pure bottom-out sound |
The 0.005mm rapid trigger figure is notably tighter than most current competitors our Epomaker HE80 review and Epomaker HE68 Lite review cover boards actuating at looser thresholds, making this a candidate for a hands-on comparison piece. ATTACK SHARK says the near-zero dead zone benefits techniques like counter-strafing in Counter-Strike 2, rapid bunny-hop inputs, and fine micro-movement control for angle-holding in VALORANT.
Software and Connectivity
The keyboard uses web-based driver support for key mapping and adjustments, meaning no dedicated software install is required, alongside default system volume control via the CNC knob. This no-install approach mirrors what we flagged in our Keychron V6 Ultra HE coverage, where QMK’s web launcher replaced traditional desktop software.
Where This Fits in the 2026 Hall Effect Race
The R98 HE lands squarely in the middle of 2026’s Hall effect boom, joining recent launches like the AULA WIN68 HE MAX and Epomaker Galaxy 100 Lite in pushing magnetic switch tech into more layouts and price tiers. Unlike Keychron’s hybrid mechanical-magnetic Nova Socket approach on the V6 Ultra HE, ATTACK SHARK is going all-in on a pure magnetic switch experience with design flair as the differentiator. For readers deciding between sensor types, our TMR vs Hall Effect Keyboards guide breaks down which technology suits which use case.
Availability
The R98 HE is available for pre-order now through ATTACK SHARK’s Amazon storefronts covering the US, UK, Europe, Australia, Mexico, and Japan, with a launch giveaway running through July 7 on the brand’s official site.
