The Epomaker Magforce 68 might just be one of the best-sounding Hall Effect keyboards we’ve tested in the studio. Epomaker sent us this keyboard to review, and as always, we will provide our honest thoughts and opinions.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The keyboard comes in a sleek, well-packaged box, and upon unboxing, we were immediately impressed by the build quality. It features a 65% ANSI layout, which we consider an excellent choice for gaming. This compact layout saves desk space while still including essential keys, making it particularly ideal for first-person shooter (FPS) games, where additional mouse pad space is always appreciated.
What’s in the Box?
- Epomaker Magforce 68 Keyboard
- USB Type-C Cable
- Keycap Puller
- Extra Switches
- User Manual
Design and Build Quality
The Epomaker Magforce 68 sports a matte black anodized aluminum case, which feels premium. The surface has a smooth, powder-like texture, adding to its high-end aesthetics. While the finish does attract oil marks, regular cleaning keeps it looking pristine. There are no visible Epomaker logos or branding, giving the keyboard a clean and minimalistic look.
On the sides, we have a two-layer structure with an ergonomic design, ensuring natural wrist positioning to prevent discomfort during extended gaming sessions. The keyboard also features south-facing RGB LEDs with 21 lighting effects and eight customizable colors, adjustable via function key combinations.
Performance and Features
One of the standout features of this keyboard is its Hall Effect technology, allowing users to adjust actuation points. This means that users can fine-tune how far a key needs to be pressed before registering an input. Originally pioneered by Wooting, this technology is now widely adopted across high-end gaming keyboards.
The keyboard is equipped with Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro switches, which offer an initial force of 40g and a total travel distance of 3.5mm. These switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, closely resembling 50g linear mechanical switches. The 8000Hz polling rate ensures ultra-low input latency of 0.125ms, making it a strong choice for competitive gamers who require rapid keystroke registration.
Typing and Sound Profile
Right out of the box, the Magforce 68 delivers an exceptional typing experience. The 1.3mm FR4 plate helps produce a deep and solid typing sound, superior to aluminum or polycarbonate alternatives. The gasket-mounted structure, combined with plate-mounted stabilizers, further enhances the typing feel, reducing vibrations and rattling.
Under the PCB, Epomaker has included poron sandwich foam and base foam, which significantly improves acoustics by dampening vibrations. This results in a keyboard that sounds refined and premium straight out of the box, with no need for additional modding.
Connectivity and Software
This keyboard is strictly wired via USB-C and does not feature any wireless connectivity. This is primarily due to the high power demand required to achieve its 8000Hz polling rate, which provides a competitive edge in fast-paced gaming scenarios. While wireless Hall Effect keyboards do exist, they are significantly more expensive.
Currently, Epomaker does not offer a downloadable app to customize the Magforce 68.
Final Thoughts
The Epomaker Magforce 68 is an impressive keyboard that combines premium build quality, Hall Effect technology, and a well-tuned sound profile. While the lack of wireless connectivity may be a drawback for some, the high polling rate and customizable actuation points make this keyboard a powerhouse for gaming.
The Epomaker Magforce 68 is a great choice for gamers and enthusiasts looking for a top-tier Hall Effect keyboard. If you’re in the market for a compact, high-performance gaming keyboard with customizable actuation and an excellent sound profile, this is a strong contender.
Also Read: KiiBOOM Moonshadow V2 Review
