Epomaker HE68

9.3

SCORE

9.3/10

Pros

Crazy value for money
8K polling rate
Hall-effect hot-swappable switches

Cons

No wireless variants
No knob

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Epomaker HE68

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Epomaker HE68, the newest, compact, hall-effect keyboard from Epomaker.

The Epomaker HE series are a much younger line from the brand but has seen a faster growth in the number and variety of models being added to this series than the Cypher, RT and Tide fam.

In the past we have reviewed most keyboards from the HE series and we found them to be excellent models; like the Epomaker HE75 Mag, Epomaker HE75 Tri and Magforce 68.

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Epomaker HE68 Review

Tests & Scores

ACCESSORIES & PACKAGING
^4.25^_/5

The Epomaker HE68 comes in basic cardboard packaging; our unit got beat up by the courier services but the keyboard inside was intact.

With the keyboard you also get:

• 2x extra switches
• USB-C cable
• Key puller
• Dust cover

DESIGN
^4.75^_/5

The Epomaker HE68 had a 65% layout with 67 keys in an ANSI US layout.

With the use of white all across the case and keys, the Epomaker HE68 looks airy and refreshing, yet not lacking personality as the combined purple details and the inclusion of purple strap make it unique and full of personality.

Overall, we would say that the feel of the HE68 is a clean, minimal but premium looking device.

Despite being a compact keyboard, the brand included arrow keys and main navigation keys to the small case of the HE68.

On the bottom you will find a small silver-colored plate and 2 adjustable feet (2 positions)

The Epomaker HE68 is available in 2 colors:
• Epomaker HE68 black red
• Epomaker HE68 white purple

CONSTRUCTION & BUILD
^4.75^_/5

As we have already mentioned, the Epomaker HE68 has magnetic hall-effect switches but, on top of that, sports a hot-swappable board to allow users quick replacement of the switches with compatible ones.

Externally, the unit has a ABS case but underneath the plastic case you will be surprised to discover that the tiny keyboard is equipped with high-tier components such as an aluminum alloy plate, dual sound dampening layers, FR4 PCB, pre-lubed switches and lubed plate-mounted stabilizers; all in a gasket-mount structure design.

KEYCAPS
⁵^_/5

The keycaps of the Epomaker HE68 have a lovely white-centered design with deep purple fonts and extra key accents.

In addition to being nice looking, their construction quality is excellent with thick PBT with double-shot processing for long-lasting, fade-free and oil resistance lifespan.

The keycaps have Cherry profile and pleasantly textured finish that is not overly rough.

SWITCHES
⁵^_/5

The specific model of hall-effect switches pre-assembled in the Epomaker HE68 are the Epomaker Magnetic Pink.

Most probably you might have heard of other more popular switches brands when talking about magnetic switches; nonetheless, these Epomaker switches exhibited the same level of performance and customizability as any other main branded one that we have tested and reviewed.

In fact, the Epomaker Magnetic Pink do not only have an excellent force-travel balance but also give users the full unleashed access to the advanced features and custom tailoring of hall-effect tech, like:

• Adjustable actuation
• Deadzone settable
• DKS
• RT
• TGL
• MT

And even features such as SOCD, which is not found in older keyboards with hall-effect switches.

Switch Name
Epomaker Magnetic Pink Switch
Switch Type
Magnetic Switch
Total Travel
3.5±0.1mm
Force Travel
45±5gf
Initial Force
30gf Min
End Force
55gf Max
Initial Magnetic Flux
95±15GS
Bottom Magnetic Flux
580±50GS

CON

CONNECTIVITY
⁴^_/5

Being that nearly all Epomaker keyboards are wired and wireless, you could think that this one is too; but the Epomaker HE68 is a wired only model.

In spite of this, the wired performance combined with the hall-effect switches provide top-tier specs that are unimaginable at the MSRP of the Epomaker HE68; like:

• 8000Hz polling rate
• 0.125ms latency

The back edge of the case holds the detachable USB-C connection and a switch to set the keyboard in Mac or Win mode.

LIGHTING
^4.5^_/5

The white case and keys combine very well with the south-facing LED lights of the board, giving a 3D effect and a more pleasing look than some dark keyboards.

SOUND
^4.5^_/5

If you talk to an all-time mechanical keyboard enthusiast and fan, you will be told that hall-effect analogue keyboards are nowhere a competitor to mech. keyboards in the sound department.

We can say that there is a valid point there, as analogue keyboards do not offer the deep, meaty, thock that a premium mechanical keyboard can provide.

Nonetheless, we do not consider them inferior to mechanicals regarding sound; they are simply different with a more subtle, muted sound profile.

In the case of the Epomaker HE68, the sound offered could be defined as nearly semi-silent/clacky.

Moreover, there is zero scratch, pinging, echo, resonance noises and the plate-mounted stabilizers were rattle-free out of the box with perfect lube from factory.

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Epomaker HE68 Technical Specifications

Brand
EPOMAKER
Model
HE68
Layout
65% ANSI US Layout
Number of Keys
67 keys
Connectivity
Cable Wired
Compatibility
Mac/WIN
Case Material
ABS Plastic
Plate Material
Aluminum Alloy Plate
Flex-Cut
No Flex-Cut
Mounting Structure
Gasket-Mount
PCB Material
FR4
PCB Thickness
1.6mm
Sound Dampening
PRO Sandwich Foam and Silicon Bottom Pad
Keycaps Profile
Cherry Profile
Keycaps Material
PBT Plastic
Keycaps Manufacturing technique
Double-Shot
RGB
South-facing, per-key RGB
Polling Rate
8000Hz
Latency
0.125ms (USB)
Anti-Ghosting
N-Key Rollover
Keyboard Dimensions
327.61*112.9*39.85mm
Weight
0.7kg