Hall Effect keyboard switches are an alternative to traditional mechanical switches like Cherry and Kailh. Although first introduced in 1968, they were initially thought to be expensive and difficult to manufacture, limiting their popularity. However, advancements in production methods have made them more accessible and cost-effective.
Full list of Hall Effect keyboards:
Hall Effect switches differ from mechanical and optical switches in their functioning. Mechanical switches rely on physical contact, while optical switches use light to register keystrokes. Hall Effect switches, on the other hand, utilize the Hall Effect principle, where a magnetic field causes a change in electrical voltage, to detect key presses without physical contact. The Hall Effect technology has been also on the rise in the game controllers space.
Advantages of Hall Effect switches
- Longer lifespan due to the absence of physical contact, reducing wear and tear.
- Greater durability and resistance to dust and debris.
- Faster response time, as the magnetic field can be detected more quickly than physical contact.
- Most Hall Effect keyboards come with Rapid Trigger feature.
Disadvantages of Hall Effect switches
- Limited availability compared to traditional mechanical switches.
- Higher cost, although this has decreased over time.
- Potential unfamiliarity with the feel or response of the switches, which may require some adjustment for users.
Best Hall Effect keyboards on the market
In the consumer market, Hall Effect switches are gaining popularity in modern gaming keyboards, with brands like SteelSeries and Wooting introducing them. Popular Hall Effect switches include SteelSeries Omnipoint switches and Wooting Lekker Hall Effect switches. There also have been crowdfunding attempts like H1-Hera Hall Effect Keyboard, but after a successfull campaign it is unavailable for purchase as for March 2023.
OmniPoint Hall Effect Magnetic Switches from Steelseries
The APEX PRO mechanical keyboard takes a significant leap forward with the world’s fastest OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable switches, boasting 11x quicker response and 10x swifter actuation. Users can customize the sensitivity of each key, ranging from a speedy 0.2mm to a deliberate 3.8mm, and program two different actions to the same key for powerful gaming shortcuts.
The keyboard also features an OLED Smart Display, providing information at a glance from games and apps, and includes a clickable metal roller and media key. Additionally, the USB Passthrough allows connection of another USB-powered device, while the brilliant RGB customization options offer 16.8 million colors and PrismSync capability for a visually stunning experience.
- FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE & STUPIDLY FAST with OmniPoint 2.0 Adjustable HyperMagnetic switches
- WORLD’S FASTEST KEYBOARD — 20x faster actuation, 11x faster response than traditional mechanical keyboards
- RAPID TRIGGER — Eradicate latency arising from the physical movement of the switch through dynamic activation and deactivation of keys based on travel distance rather than a fixed point in the key travel
- ULTIMATE CONTROL — 40 levels of per-key actuation (0.1 – 4.0mm) — set WASD for light, ultra-fast movements and set ability keys to deep presses to avoid accidentally triggering specials
- 2-IN-1 ACTION KEYS — Program two different actions to the same key, such as walking with a light touch or sprinting with a deep press
The Apex Pro Mini Wireless is advertised as the world’s fastest and most advanced keyboard, providing unbeatable performance for gaming and typing tasks.
Equipped with OmniPoint 2.0 Hall Effect Adjustable Switches, it uses state-of-the-art magnetic sensors for instant, zero-contact keystroke activation. The 2-in-1 Action Keys allow you to program two actions for a single key, enabling complex combos for competitive gaming. With ultimate adjustability, you can fine-tune the registration distance of each keystroke down to 0.1mm, catering to various preferences. The compact 60% design saves desk space while retaining full-size keyboard capabilities through side-printed secondary functions.
The SteelSeries Engine software unlocks the keyboard’s unique features, allowing customization of action key binds, per-key RGB illumination, and actuation points. The Apex Pro Mini Wireless also features Quantum 2.0 Wireless technology for lag-free gaming and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.
- FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE & STUPIDLY FAST with OmniPoint 2.0 Adjustable HyperMagnetic switches
- WORLD’S FASTEST KEYBOARD — 20x faster actuation, 11x faster response than traditional mechanical keyboards
- RAPID TRIGGER — Eradicate latency arising from the physical movement of the switch through dynamic activation and deactivation of keys based on travel distance rather than a fixed point in the key travel.
- ULTIMATE CONTROL — 40 levels of per-key actuation (0.1 – 4.0mm) – set WASD for light, ultra-fast movements and set ability keys to deep presses to avoid accidentally triggering specials
- 2-IN-1 ACTION KEYS — Program two different actions to the same key, such as walking with a light touch or sprinting with a deep press
DrunkDeer A75 – a cheaper alternative
DrunkDeer A75 is a great alternative for SteelSeries Apex Pro. It also has hall effect switches and it’s slightly cheaper coming at only $130. It’s a compact 75% keyboard.
I have yet to order it, but looking at Youtube and Amazon reviews it looks really decent.
- Ultra Response Speed: 10 times faster than the traditional mechanical keyboard.
- Adjustable Actuation Distance: Actuate from 0.2mm to 3.8mm, the adjustable precision is 0.1mm.
- Rapid Trigger: Triggered once pressed, reset once released. Sensitivity range 0.1-3.6mm, adjustable accuracy is 0.1mmSmoothly adjusts key action to allow mid-motion repeats without locking in actuation points. Players are free to customize it to their needs, giving them an edge in FPS and rhythm games such as Valorant, osu!.
- Magnetic Switch: Operates through the Hall effect. No metal leaf/pin/optical or other sensitive fittings. The keystriking life is 100m, which is twice as long as conventional keystriking life.
- TKL Keyboard With DrunkDeer Driver: Customizable key values and backlighting effects. Software can be upgraded free of charge during its lifecycle.
Corsair K70 MAX
The Corsair K70 MAX is a new keyboard released in September 2023. It features CORSAIR MGX switches with magnetic hall-effect sensors, allowing users to adjust pre-travel distances and reset points for individual keys. The keyboard excels in latency performance, offering an effective update rate of 8000Hz. Its build quality is notable, but the adjustable pre-travel distances may not be entirely accurate.
- Adjustable Magnetic-Mechanical Switches: The entire keyboard is equipped with fully adjustable CORSAIR MGX switches, enabling you to set every key’s actuation point from a light 0.4mm to a strong 3.6mm in 0.1mm steps, putting you in control for fast keypresses or ultra-accurate typing.
- Two Actions for One Keypress: Dual-point actuation lets you assign two discrete actions to one keypress, giving you the ability to execute instant one-two combos.
- CORSAIR AXON Hyper-Processing Technology: AXON enables premier K70 performance, processing and transmitting inputs up to 8x faster than conventional gaming keyboards with 8,000Hz hyper-polling. *8,000Hz hyper-polling is dependent on CPU; older CPUs may experience reduced performance.
- Soft, Satisfying Typing Acoustics: Two layers of sound dampening deliver the satisfying typing sound keyboard enthusiasts crave.
- Package Contents: CORSAIR K70 MAX RGB Magnetic-Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | Magnetic Leatherette Cushioned Palm Rest | Detachable USB Type-C to Type-A Cable | CORSAIR Logo Key | Radiant Spacebar | Keycap Puller | Safety Information | Warranty Card | CH-910961G-NA
While designed for gaming, it can also serve for office work with durable PBT keycaps and sound-dampening features. However, it lacks dedicated macro keys, Bluetooth connectivity, and has some key wobbling issues, including a rattling spacebar. Overall, it’s a reliable choice for gaming with a few drawbacks.
Wooting Lekker Keyboard Switches
Wooting Lekker switches are a type of analog mechanical keyboard switch developed by Wooting. These switches provide a unique typing experience with adjustable actuation points and pressure-sensitive input, enabling more precise control in gaming and other applications. They offer a smooth and consistent keystroke feel, making them a popular choice for gamers and typists looking for a customizable and responsive keyboard experience.
Wooting Two HE
The Wooting Two HE is pretty groundbreaking keyboard that offers analog input, detecting full switch motion with 0.1mm accuracy for every key. This feature enhances both typing and gaming experiences without compromising standard keyboard functionality. Built for performance, the keyboard’s firmware prioritizes input speed, and its Tachyon mode allows for analog key position updates in less than 2ms.
Engineered without compromises, the Wooting Two HE individually reads keys and parallel scans them for minimal latency. Users can control the actuation point for each key, ranging from 0.1 to 4.0mm, customizing their playstyle. The Rapid Trigger feature eliminates input latency caused by key release travel, allowing for faster key presses and more efficient gaming performance.
Although Hall Effect switches have a magnetic component, they are still considered mechanical switches due to their spring and stem components. The typing experience on Hall Effect keyboards is similar to linear switches, offering smooth key travel and well-defined keypresses. However, Hall Effect switches differ from other mechanical switches in their underlying technology and advantages.
Should you buy one?
Hall Effect keyboards resemble mechanical keyboards in appearance and feel, providing similar performance in typing and gaming tasks. These keyboards offer adjustable actuation force, allowing users to mimic various popular mechanical key switches and accommodate different typing styles.
In gaming performance, Hall Effect switches are comparable or even superior to mechanical keyboards. They eliminate key chatter and offer exceptional durability, ensuring long-lasting performance even with repeated keypresses.
When considering whether to purchase a Hall Effect keyboard, keep in mind that they are less widely available and offer fewer switch variations compared to mechanical keyboards. If you’re seeking a change from traditional MX-style mechanical switches, Hall Effect keyboards can provide a refreshing alternative. However, if you prefer a wide range of switch options or are interested in customizing your keyboard, mechanical keyboards may be a better choice.
Is Hall effect keyboard better than mechanical?
It ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. If durability, water and dust resistance, and a contactless design are your priorities, a Hall effect keyboard might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer tactile feedback, customizability, and a wider range of options, a mechanical keyboard might be more suitable for you.
Initially, I had concerns about the OmniPoint switches since I was used to Cherry MX Browns with a tactile point. However, the smoothness of the Omni switches amazed me, and I ended up preferring them over the Browns. They offer unique adjustability in actuation, which can be customized per key.
The RGB lighting on the Apex Pro is outstanding, with raised caps allowing vibrant colors to spill over the board, creating an attractive effect. The typing experience is incredible, and I’ve noticed fewer errors compared to my previous keyboard.
Minor issues include the average Steelseries software and the use of ABS keycaps instead of double-shot PBT. The small OLED screen doesn’t add much functionality but is a fun, customizable feature. Also, only the primary keys have Omni switches, with other keys using generic linear switches.
Overall, the Apex Pro is a fantastic keyboard that surpasses my old Gskill in every way. If you’re looking for an analog-based mechanical keyboard with adjustable hall effect switches, this one is worth considering.