Varmilo Muse65 HE Review

65% keyboard layout is my personal favorite for gaming as it’s compact but includes arrow keys. Now Varmilo has released a Muse65 HE magnetic switch mechanical keyboard with HE standing for Hall Effect. This is their second Hall Effect keyboard after Victory 67. Is it just as good or better?

Btw, you can use code HLPLANETCOM for 5% off your order on Varmilo’s website.

Unboxing Muse65 HE

In the box you will get the standard stuff: the keyboard, manual, USB-C to USB-A cable, and key puller with switch puller in one.

After connecting it to my PC it works, but it’s best to update firmware and to install a software to configure all of the settings. Here’s a tutorial on how to do it. This process could be a little bit easier for beginners, but keyboard enthusiasts shouldn’t have any problem with it.

After I installed the software Varmilo recommends to calibrate the keyboard and this is pretty simple: we go into Performance tab and click “Start check” and then long press every key on the keyboard untill all of them are green in the software. Then you click “Stop check” and it’s done. Now we can explore all of the other functionalities of this gaming keyboard.

What can you do in the Varmilo software?

• Remap – you can remap keys, for example I remapped my Fn key at act like a RIght Ctrl, so I can use the Ctrl shortcuts like Ctrl+T etc. Fn Layers 1-3 are super useful on the smaller layout so you can use F1-F12 keys and add Numpad keys.
• Performance – you can set key actuation between 0.1mm and 4.0mm, set custom key deadzone, set Rapid Trigger press and release settings between 0.1mm and 2.2mm. All within 0.01mm sensitivity!
• Advanced Keys – you can set Dynamic Keystrokes (up to 4 binds to one key), Mod Tap, Toggle Key.
• Macro – you can create and record different macros for your keyboard.
• Light – you can set RGB backlight to different light modes or turn it off.
• Config – you can update driver and firmware, you can set debound level from low to middle and high, you can set the polling rate from 1000Hz to 8000Hz and you can enable the Tachyon mode for even lower key press latency.

Switches

You can choose between two different Gateron KS-20 model switches:

• Gateron Dual-rail Magnetic White – actuation range: 0.10-4.00mm
• Gateron Magnetic Jade – actuation range: 0.10-3.40mm

I got the version with Gateron White switches, they are more quiet and have a bigger actuation range. Magnetic Jades will definitely sound better and more thocky if you are into that. Both are linear switches.

I actually really like the feel of these switches, the keyboard isn’t too loud, the sound reminds me a little bit of Akko MOD007B.

Muse65 is hotswappable keyboard, so you can exchange the switches easily and you can try other KS-20 compatible switches aswell.

Muse65 HE is available in five different color versions:

• Ariel
• Asgard
• Aurora
• Sakura
• Summit

More Muse65 HE specs:

• Layout: ANSI (ISO layouts coming soon)
• N-key Rollover Supported
• Full CNC Metal case material
• Keycaps: PBT, Cherry Profile
• Plate Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 1.224 kg
• Size: 31cm X 11.2cm X 1.9cm
• 6.5° angle

Varmilo 67 vs Muse65 HE

What are the differences between these two keyboards? The design is different, the latency should be better in Muse65 HE according to Varmilo. Also Muse65 supports deadzone of from 0.0mm and there’s switch calibration in the software. And Muse65 comes with two magnetic switches to choose from, the mentioned earlier Gateron White and Gateron Jade switches.

Is it worth it?

I have used the Muse65 HE as my main keyboard for gaming and work for two weeks. Honestly the biggest plus I see is how comfortable it is to type and game with. I like the keycaps and the switches aren’t too loud but the sound is satisfying for me.

In gaming I have mostly tested it in Counter Strike 2 and Rapid Trigger and DKS worked as intended, the counter strafing with Rapid Trigger took a while to learn, but I had fun with it. The latency felt good, but I can’t measure it as I don’t have a high speed camera. It’s advertised at as low as 0.3 ms and I think I can believe that.

What are the cons? I wish the keyboard had an adjustable stand to change the angle, but I think that was a design choice not to add that? I don’t know. Also, the software is improved, but it still could be a bit better and more beginner friendly.

The price is $155 which is not as cheap as some other Rapid Trigger keyboards, but I guess it’s mostly due to CNC metal case and the overall build quality. Also, I have already reviewed a couple of Varmilo keyboards and never had an issue with them which makes me think their quality control is pretty good.

If you are in the market for a 65% Rapid Trigger keyboard with magnetic switches then I can definitely recommend Varmilo Muse65 HE. It’s just super comfortable and it’s probably the best 65% layout magnetic switch keyboard right now.