I’ve been testing the EPOMAKER HE80 Hall Effect keyboard from Mechlands for a few weeks now. This 75% layout features 82 keys, an 8k polling rate, a 32k scan rate, and per-key programmable RGB backlight. It also has a creamy gasket-mount design and four layers of sound dampening. I’ve used it for both writing articles and gaming to see where it stands. In this review, I’ll share my experience and help you decide if it’s the right keyboard for you.
What’s in the Box
Inside the box, you’ll find everything you need to get started:
- The EPOMAKER HE80 Keyboard itself.
- A USB-A to USB-C cable.
- Three extra MagneX switches.
- Three replacement transparent keycaps.
- A switch/keycap puller.
- A user manual and a business card.
Everything was well-packaged and securely protected, ensuring the contents arrived safely.
Design and Build Quality
The HE80 comes in a sleek black finish, with four keys—the ESC, Space, ight Enter, and Backspace—featuring a bluish transparent design. The body is entirely black, and there’s an RGB light with a logo located on the right side, just above the arrow keys.
The USB-C port is conveniently positioned on the front edge for connection, with the EPOMAKER logo located just behind it. The port is subtly recessed, keeping the look clean and flush with the edge of the case.
On the back, you’ll find height-adjustable kickstands, which are essential for ergonomic comfort, especially since this is a 75% layout without a numpad.
The case is made of plastic, but it doesn’t feel cheap. While it may not feel as premium as a metal case, the quality is acceptable, especially considering the competitive price of $65. This plastic construction also makes the keyboard incredibly lightweight at just 0.83 kg. Despite the low weight, the case feels sturdy with no noticeable wobble.
MagneX Hall Effect Switch & Keycaps
The EPOMAKER HE80 comes with MagneX Hall Effect switches, which use magnetic fields instead of physical contact, resulting in a smooth and linear feel. My overall typing experience on this keyboard has been amazing. The key travel is excellent, and the precision is remarkable.
One of the standout features of the Hall Effect switches is the adjustable actuation and release point, which can be set per key in increments of just 0.02mm. This means you can customize the trigger and release points to your exact preference, allowing for incredible sensitivity. I found that this precision, combined with the rapid response of the switches, makes complex maneuvers feel fluid and accurate. For gamers, this level of control is a huge advantage.
Features like DKS (Dynamic Keystroke) allow you to program up to four different actions on a single key based on key travel, and SOCD (Simultaneous Opposite Directional Input) ensures that your movements are registered correctly in real time, preventing character freezes in games.
The keyboard also supports a Rapid Trigger function, allowing for near-instantaneous key activation or deactivation with as little as a 0.1mm press or lift. This is a game-changer for fast-paced genres like FPS, MOBA, and rhythm games, where every millisecond counts.
The keycaps are made from PBT material using a double-shot molding process. This ensures that the legends will not fade or wear away over time, which is a great long-term benefit. In my testing, the keycaps have remained in excellent condition, resisting the greasy shine that can develop on other materials. They maintain the keyboard’s sleek, all-black aesthetic perfectly.
Typing and Sound Test
The sound profile of this keyboard is perfect. The creamy gasket-mount design and four layers of sound dampening work together to produce a satisfying “thocky” sound that is both pleasant and deep. There is no noticeable ping or rattle from the stabilizers, and the keyboard feels solid with every keystroke. This makes for a superb typing experience, whether you’re working on a long article or simply sending a quick message.
Gaming Performance
The speed and responsiveness of this keyboard are what truly set it apart. For both intense gaming sessions and even simple work tasks, the feel is incredibly fast. The adjustable actuation and Rapid Trigger features feel instant and precise, giving you a noticeable edge in fast-paced games. The high 8k polling and 32k scan rate ensure that every keystroke is registered with zero input lag.
RGB Backlight and Driver Support
The EPOMAKER HE80 features vibrant RGB backlighting with plenty of effects. The transparent bluish keycaps look especially striking, creating a unique visual that makes the keyboard stand out on a desk. One thing I did notice, however, is that the brightness of the backlights seems a bit dull compared to other keyboards I’ve reviewed, such as the EPOMAKER HE68.
For full customization, you can download the dedicated software, which allows you to adjust the actuation travel, remap keys, set macros, and fine-tune the backlight settings. If you prefer not to use the software, you can also seamlessly change effects and brightness directly on the keyboard using the Fn key shortcuts.
Verdict
The EPOMAKER HE80 is a standout in the budget wired keyboard market, especially for gamers and typists who prioritize performance. Its Hall Effect switches, combined with an outstanding gasket-mounted design, provide a fast, precise, and satisfying typing and gaming experience that far exceeds its modest $65 price tag. While the plastic case and somewhat dull backlighting are minor trade-offs, they are completely overshadowed by the incredible value and top-tier features this keyboard delivers.
If you are a competitive gamer or an enthusiast looking to experience the benefits of Hall Effect technology without spending a fortune, the EPOMAKER HE80 is a must-buy. It’s a true game-changer and a serious contender for the best wired Hall Effect keyboard in its class.