In a world where high-performance gaming keyboards often cost well over $150, the Epomaker HE68 arrives with a bold proposition: deliver the cutting-edge technology that competitive gamers crave for the price of a budget keyboard. It boasts features like adjustable Hall Effect switches and an 8K polling rate—specs usually reserved for top-tier models. But can a $60 keyboard truly deliver? After extensive testing, the answer is a resounding yes.
Unboxing and Design
The unboxing is simple and effective, providing everything you need to get started:
- User Manual
- The HE68 Keyboard
- A high-quality braided USB-C cable
- A combination keycap and switch puller
- Two extra Magnetic Pink switches
The HE68 is a 65% layout keyboard, meaning it’s significantly smaller than a standard keyboard, designed to give your mouse maximum room to move. I tested the White Purple model, which has a clean, minimalist look with a white body and keycaps, accented by purple legends and purple ESC and Enter keys. A neat purple cloth strap on the side adds a bit of flair and a nod to other popular gaming keyboards.
The build is entirely ABS plastic. It feels solid and well-constructed with no flex, but it is undeniably a budget material. The all-white finish looks great but does attract dust and requires occasional cleaning. On the front edge, you’ll find the USB-C port and a handy physical switch to toggle between Windows and macOS modes.
USB-C Wired Connection
The HE68 have only wired connection, you don’t get a wireless option, but the C-type provides 8K polling rate which helps gamers get ultra fast transmission and minimal input lag, and as I have testing it, there no issue at all, works responsive and fast.
Hall Effect Switches & 8K Polling Rate
1. Hall Effect Magnetic Switches: Unlike traditional mechanical switches that rely on metal pins making physical contact, Hall Effect switches use magnets. A sensor detects the position of the magnet inside the switch to register a keypress. This has three incredible benefits for gamers:
- Adjustable Actuation: You can use the software to decide exactly how far you need to press a key for it to register (from a hair-trigger
0.1mmto a deep4.0mm). - Rapid Trigger: This is a game-changer. You can set a key to reset the instant it begins to travel upward, allowing for impossibly fast repeated keystrokes in games like Valorant or osu!.
- Durability: With no metal parts to bend or corrode, these switches have a much longer lifespan.
2. 8K Polling Rate: The HE68 reports its status to your PC 8,000 times per second over its wired connection. This is eight times faster than the 1000Hz standard on most gaming keyboards. The result is a near-instantaneous connection with virtually zero input lag, ensuring your actions are registered with absolute precision.
To find both of these features in a keyboard at this price point is nothing short of revolutionary.
The compact 65% layout is a strategic choice. It keeps the essential alphanumeric keys and dedicated arrow keys but ditches the function row (F1-F12), numpad, and some navigation keys like Print Screen.
For gaming, this is fantastic. The extra desk space allows for wide, sweeping mouse movements without bumping into your keyboard. For productivity, however, there’s a learning curve. You’ll need to use FN key combinations to access the missing functions. If you’re a writer or programmer, this might slow you down initially.
The included Magnetic Pink switches are smooth linears that feel great for both typing and gaming. Thanks to internal foam and a gasket-mounted design, the keyboard has a surprisingly pleasant and muted sound profile, free of any annoying metallic ping. It produces a soft, “clacky” sound that’s satisfying without being overly loud.
RGB Backlight and Keys
HE68 also has a south-facing customizable RGB backlight which gives a full gaming vibe. You can sync RGB backlights with your gaming theme using just the key combinations below that I have shared.
- FN + Space: Reset the Keyboard
- FN + L_Win: Lock/Unlock Windows Key (For Windows System Only)
- FN + BACKSPACE: Turn On/Off Backlight
- FN + |\: Toggle Backlight Effect
- FN + Del: Toggle Backlight Color
- FN + PgUP: Backlight Brightness+
- FN + PgDn: Backlight Brightness-
- FN + PgLeft: Effect Speed-
- FN + PgRight: Effect Speed+
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Epomaker HE68?
The Epomaker HE68 is an absolute triumph of value and performance. It’s a hyper-focused tool that delivers on its promise of bringing elite gaming technology to the masses.
You should buy this keyboard if:
- You are a competitive gamer on a budget who plays FPS, rhythm, or fighting games.
- You want to experience the benefits of Hall Effect switches (like Rapid Trigger) without spending a fortune.
- You prioritize raw performance and speed over wireless convenience or premium materials.
- You value a compact layout that maximizes desk space for your mouse.
However, you should probably look elsewhere if:
- You need a wireless keyboard for a clean, cable-free setup.
- You use your keyboard heavily for productivity and rely on the function row or numpad.
- You prefer the hefty, premium feel of an aluminum keyboard.
For just $60, the Epomaker HE68 isn’t just a good keyboard; it’s a statement. It proves that you no longer need to spend hundreds of dollars to get a true competitive edge. If you’re a gamer who can live with a wire, this is one of the smartest purchases you can make.
Buy Epomaker HE68 from the official Epomaker Store or Amazon. When you make a purchase, we may earn a commission.
