Rapid trigger keyboards are designed to have a shorter actuation point than standard keyboards thanks to Hall Effect technology. This means that the keys require less force to register a keystroke, allowing for faster and more accurate typing.
Rapid trigger keyboards are also built with features like anti-ghosting and N-key rollover, which prevent missed keystrokes and ensure that all keystrokes are registered, even during complex key combinations.
When shopping for a keyboard with rapid trigger switches, we’d recommend to consider factors like key switch type, build quality, and additional features like RGB lighting and programmable macros. Key switch type is particularly important, as it can significantly impact the feel and sound of the keyboard. And there’s the price.
Some popular switches for rapid trigger keyboards include Hall Effect magnetic switches from different brands (mostly Gateron), OmniPoint 2.0 from Steelseries, optical switches from Razer.
Best Rapid Trigger Keyboards
My personal recommendations (I’ve tested 22 Rapid Trigger keyboards as of December 2024) are below. I have also created a short video with my subjective top 5 picks.
- Best Full Sized Hall Effect Keyboard: Wooting Two HE or Keychron K4 HE (96%)
- Best Compact 60% Hall Effect Keyboard: Wooting 60HE or MCHOSE Ace 60 on budget
- Best Budget HE Keyboard: Nuphy Halo65 HE (65%, wired), Epomaker HE75 Mag (75% layout, wireless) or MCHOSE Jet 75 at the lowest possible price ($59)
- My favorite 75%: Drunkdeer A75 Ultra (just released in January 2025, great build quality, latency below 0.5ms, also comes with Snap Tap-Last Win and decent software)
- My favorite 65%: Luminkey Magger 68 (8000Hz polling, very comfortable and nice design)
- Other great picks: Drunkdeer G75, ATK RS7, Corsair K70 MAX
- Best latency: MCHOSE Ace 68 (0.3ms), Luminkey Magger 68 (0.35ms), Drunkdeer A75 Ultra (0.5ms), Nuphy Field75 HE (0.8 ms)
- Best wireless: HE keyboards are best used wired to have the best latency, but if you want that flexibility then: Epomaker HE75 Mag, Keydous NJ98-CP and Akko MOD007B HE are probably the best with Bluetooth and 2.4G connectivity.
- Low profile: only three for now, Nuphy Air60 HE, Air75 HE and MADE68 AIR
So that’s my tier list of rapid trigger keyboards as of March 2025.
Cheapest RT keyboards
- Monsgeek FUN60 Pro/Max – $29.99
- MCHOSE Ace 60 – $39
- MCHOSE Jet 75 – $59
- ATTACK SHARK X68 HE – $59.99
- YUNZII RT75 – $89
Full list of keyboards with Rapid Trigger
Almost every keyboard on this list has Hall Effect switches – only the Razer keyboards rely on analog optical switches.
Also, I have bolded the keyboards that are great value in my opinion.
96-100% layout
| Model | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Wooting Two HE | Best in class for latency and software | $194.99 |
| Steelseries Apex Pro | OmniPoint 2.0 switches, very close to Wooting in latency | $199.99 |
| GMMK 3 HE | 104 keys, very mediocre software, 8kHz polling | $174.99 |
| Keychron K4 HE | QMK/VIA, low latency, great price | $135 |
| Razer Huntsman V3 Pro | Analog optical switches, not hall effect | $249.99 |
| Corsair K70 Max | Not factory lubed, wrist rest | $229.99 |
| Keydous NJ98-CP V2 HE | Three-mode connection, supports also regular mechanical switches | $149.99 |
| Aula F98X | 99 keys layout, hotswappable, wireless, 4000mAh battery | $109 |
TKL layout
| Model | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Keychron Q3 HE | QMK, wireless and gasket mounted | $224 |
| Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Tenkeyless | Optical switches, not hall effect | $219.99 |
| SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL | OmniPoint 2.0 switches | $189.99 |
| Wooting 80HE | Not exactly TKL, but very close, releases in Q3 2024 | $199.99 |
| Corsair K70 PRO TKL | Wrist rest, good latency, knob | $179.99 |
| Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL Pro | Wrist rest included | $149.99 |
75% layout
| Model | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Keychron K2 HE | Nice wooden finish, ISO versions, great software | $140 |
| Drunkdeer A75 Ultra | Great all around, low latency, decent software | $159 |
| Drunkdeer G75 | Similar to A75 Pro/Ultra, but sounds better with an option for silent switches | $119 |
| Keydous NJ80-CP | Aluminium plate, also NJ80-C wired only version | $109.99 |
| Akko MOD007B HE | Three-mode connection, my review is here | $149.99 |
| MCHOSE Jet 75 | Cheapest 75% rapid trigger keyboard, plastic | $59.99 |
| Gamakay TK75HE | Three-mode connection, ABS case, sounds clacky | $89 |
| Nuphy Field75 HE | Good build quality, gateron white or jades | $149.99 |
| Keychron Q1 HE | QMK and VIA support | $219 |
| ATTACK SHARK K85 | Blue and grey colors, great price | $79.99 |
| ZOUYA X86 | Extremely cheap, unknown brand | $79 |
65% layout
| Model | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| DrunkDeer G65 | Best budget 65%, low latency, decent software | $117 |
| Nuphy Halo65 HE | 67 keys, 8000Hz polling rate, wired only, decent software | $99.95 |
| Varmilo Muse65 HE | Gateron Jade switches, sounds great | $155 |
| Melgeek MADE68 AIR | Low profile keyboard | $139 |
| ROG Falchion Ace HFX | Looks promising | $199.99 |
| Endgame Gear KB65HE | Low latency, aluminum case | $139 |
| MCHOSE Ace 68 | Great price | $49.99 |
| Pwnage Zenblade 65 | Onboard memory, aluminium chassis | $199.99 |
60% layout
| Model | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Wooting 60HE | Very good latency and software | $174.99 |
| Nuphy Air60 HE | The only low profile HE keyboard right now | $119.95 |
| Akko 3061S HE Shine-Through | 8000Hz polling, shine through, good quality | $99.99 |
| Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini | Optical switches, not hall effect switches | $179.99 |
| SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini | OmniPoint 2.0 magnetic switches | $179.99 |
| WAIZOWL Lightning 60 | Raesha switches, 1000Hz polling rate | $129.99 |
| MCHOSE Ace 60 | Extremely cheap, not much reviews yet | $39 |
| DrunkDeer G60 | Cheap with decent software | $84 |
Low profile
| Model | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nuphy Air60 HE | 60% layout | $119.95 |
| Nuphy Air75 HE | 75% layout | $129.95 |
| Melgeek MADE68 AIR | 75% layout | $139 |
I try to test every keyboard with Hall Effect switches and Rapid Trigger feature there is and here are my top picks at the moment. But this space is getting really competitive in 2024 as almost every company making gaming keyboards decides to make one with Rapid Trigger and Dynamic Keystrokes.
The main difference between these is usually the latency, general feel and most importantly the software to manage these features. And of course the price.
How to use Rapid Trigger?
You can enable the Rapid Trigger feature on your keyboard using the manufacturer’s software. Now when we have lots of these keyboards, decent keyboard’s software really can make a difference. Here’s an example of Rapid Trigger settings om my Akko keyboard:
Best Overall: Wooting 60HE
Great rapid trigger keyboard with hall effect switches. Has really low latency.
Pros:
- The Wooting 60HE features full-motion analog input with 0.1mm accuracy, providing an analog signal for each key.
- Single press latency at around 2ms in my tests, 1000Hz polling rate.
- Users can configure the actuation point of each key in 0.1mm steps, ranging from 0.1 to 4.0mm.
- The Wooting 60HE offers a smooth typing experience with pre-lubed Lekker switches, greased stabilizers, and a foam-filled case.
Cons:
- It’s very often unavailable with long shipping dates.
- The availability of keycap options is restricted based on keyboard layout, with the Wooting 60HE offering Wooting double-shot PBT keycaps for ANSI layouts and Wooting ABS shine-through keycaps for ISO layouts.
2nd Best Overall: SteelSeries Apex Pro Keyboard
SteelSeries Apex Pro is the first mainstream keyboard to make use of Hall effect sensors with Rapid Trigger feature and it’s still the keyboard I use right now, even after testing a few other Hall Effect keyboards.
Pros
- The OmniPoint 2.0 Adjustable HyperMagnetic switches are fully customizable and provide lightning-fast actuation and response times.
- Single key press latency at around 4ms in my tests. 1000Hz polling rate.
- The Rapid Trigger feature eliminates any latency issues that may arise from the physical movement of the switch.
- The 2-in-1 Action Keys allow you to program two different actions to the same key, giving you ultimate control over your gaming experience.
- USB Passthrough, Scroll wheel, dedicated media keys,
Cons
- The keyboard is a bit on the expensive side, which may not be suitable for everyone’s budget.
- The software can be a bit buggy at times, which can be frustrating for some users.
- The keyboard is quite heavy, which may not be ideal for those who prefer a lighter keyboard.
The OmniPoint 2.0 Adjustable HyperMagnetic switches are incredibly fast and responsive, making it easier to execute complex moves and maneuvers in your favorite games. The Rapid Trigger feature eliminates any latency issues that may arise from the physical movement of the switch, ensuring that your actions are executed as quickly as possible. The 2-in-1 Action Keys allow you to program two different actions to the same key, giving you ultimate control over your gaming experience.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro HyperMagnetic Gaming Keyboard is not without its drawbacks, however. The keyboard is quite expensive, which may not be suitable for everyone’s budget. Additionally, the software can be a bit buggy at times, which can be frustrating for some users. Finally, the keyboard is quite heavy, which may not be ideal for those who prefer a lighter keyboard.
100% layout: Corsair K70 MAX
Corsair K70 MAX is a great alternative to Steelseries Apex Pro. The main differences? It’s bigger and a bit more expensive.
Pros
- The adjustable CORSAIR MGX switches allow for a completely customizable gaming and typing experience, with each key’s actuation point ranging from a super-sensitive 0.4mm to a robust 3.6mm in 0.1mm steps.
- Dual-point actuation lets you assign two discrete actions to one keypress, giving you the ability to execute instant one-two combos.
- The CORSAIR AXON Hyper-Processing Technology registers your keystrokes up to 8x faster than standard gaming keyboards, while powerful iCUE software on PC and macOS enables in-depth customization.
Cons
- The keys may be too sensitive for some users, resulting in accidental key presses.
- The keyboard’s design may not be to everyone’s taste.
We’ve been using the Corsair K70 MAX RGB Magnetic-Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for a few weeks now, and we’re very impressed with its performance and design. The keyboard’s build quality is outstanding, featuring a durable aluminum frame and PBT double-shot keycaps that are built to last. The adjustable CORSAIR MGX switches are a standout feature, allowing for a completely customizable typing experience that can be tailored to your preferences.
The dual-point actuation is another great feature that we’ve found to be very useful, allowing us to execute complex key combinations with ease. The CORSAIR AXON Hyper-Processing Technology is also very impressive, registering keystrokes up to 8x faster than standard gaming keyboards and ensuring that every keystroke is registered accurately and quickly.
One potential downside of the keyboard is that the keys may be too sensitive for some users, resulting in accidental key presses. Additionally, the keyboard is quite expensive compared to other gaming keyboards on the market, so it may not be the best option for budget-conscious gamers. Finally, the keyboard’s design may not be to everyone’s taste, as it features a somewhat flashy design that may not be suitable for all users.
Overall, we highly recommend the Corsair K70 MAX RGB Magnetic-Mechanical Gaming Keyboard to anyone who is looking for a high-quality gaming keyboard that offers a customizable typing experience, lightning-fast response times, and an impressive array of features.
Best TKL: Razer Huntsman V3 Pro TKL Gaming Keyboard
If you’re looking for a high-quality gaming keyboard that offers a competitive edge, the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Tenkeyless is definitely worth considering. With its advanced analog optical switches and Rapid Trigger Mode, this keyboard is designed to provide ultra-fast repeated inputs and maximum precision and response.
Pros
- The analog optical switches are incredibly responsive and precise, making it easy to execute complex moves and combos.
- The Rapid Trigger Mode allows for ultra-fast repeated inputs, which is essential for competitive gaming.
- Onboard adjustments make it easy to customize the actuation height and Rapid Trigger sensitivity on the fly without needing to use software.
Cons
- The price point is on the higher side, which may not be feasible for everyone.
- The keyboard is wired, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- The keyboard is designed specifically for gaming and may not be as versatile for other tasks.
Overall, we highly recommend the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Tenkeyless for anyone looking for a high-quality gaming keyboard that offers exceptional precision and response. With its advanced analog optical switches and Rapid Trigger Mode, this keyboard is designed to provide a competitive edge that can make all the difference in intense gaming situations.
The textured double-shot PBT keycaps are designed to withstand the wear and tear of intense competitive play, and the tenkeyless form factor with aluminum top plate provides a streamlined design with a smaller footprint and greater durability. The magnetic firm leatherette wrist rest is designed to provide ergonomic support for wrists, ensuring that you can game comfortably for hours on end.
In summary, if you’re looking for a gaming keyboard that offers exceptional precision, responsiveness, and durability, the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Tenkeyless is definitely worth considering. The advanced analog optical switches and Rapid Trigger Mode make it easy to execute complex moves and combos with ease, while the onboard adjustments and dedicated control buttons provide a high degree of customization and control.
Best Budget Option: DrunkDeer A75 Rapid Trigger Mechanical Keyboard
I highly recommend DrunkDeer A75 Rapid Trigger Mechanical Keyboard for those on budget (it’s around $130), it has basically all rapid trigger and hall effect features as the more expensive alternatives, the major downsize is a plastic case and software which is not that great.
Pros
- Ultra response speed for faster gameplay
- Around 4ms single key press latency in my tests. 1000Hz polling rate.
- Adjustable actuation distance for precision
- Magnetic switch for longer keystriking life
Cons
- Software could use some improvement
- Plastic case
- No wrist rest included
The DrunkDeer A75 Rapid Trigger Mechanical Keyboard is a great option for gamers who want a compact and customizable keyboard. The adjustable actuation distance allows for precision and the magnetic switch ensures a longer keystriking life.
The ultra response speed of the keyboard makes it ideal for fast-paced games and the customizable rapid trigger function allows for mid-motion repeats without locking in actuation points.
While the rapid trigger function is not as good as other options on the market, the keyboard is still a great choice for gamers looking for a more affordable alternative. The software could use some improvement, but it still provides decent customization options.
Another Alternative: Akko MOD007B-HE
Recently I have reviewed the Akko MOD007B-HE and it’s pretty great 75% layout rapid trigger keyboard with Akko’s magnetic switches.
It’s quiet compared to other mechanical keyboards, the rapid trigger feature works well and it’s got a pretty nice look. Build quality is great. It’s defnitely a good option if you want a 75% Hall Effect keyboard which isn’t Wooting.
I love testing and writing about new tech. I focus on keyboards and controllers. I'm also a gamer and an engineer. Check out my Twitter for keyboard and controller news and reviews.
