Epomaker sent over a new keyboard for me to explore, and this time it’s a little gem called the Epomaker HE68 Lite - a compact 65% wired mechanical keyboard with Magnetic Hall Effect switches. Priced at around US$50 (S$68–70), it’s affordable yet surprisingly feature-packed. This is actually my first time using a fully wired keyboard, and right out of the box, three things grabbed my attention:

The compact 65% layout which can really same some valuable desk space.
The little carrying strap. Yes, you can actually affix it and hand-carry the keyboard like a tiny briefcase. It’s practical, but also charming in a “I’m ready for a LAN party” way.
Magnetic Hall Effect switches were something I’ve never tried before. This is my first time experiencing them, and they definitely feel different from traditional mechanical switches.

Magnetic Switches vs. Traditional Mechanical Switches

Magnetic switches don’t rely on metal contacts like normal mechanical switches. Instead, they detect the key press using a magnetic sensor, allowing for adjustable actuation points and virtually eliminating debounce delay. This means with the Magnetic Hall Effect switches input response is faster and especially noticeable when I’m playing games like The Sims 4 (building feels smoother) or Genshin Impact (character swaps feel snappier).

Magnetic Hall Effect Switches vs Traditional Linear Switches

Feature	Magnetic Hall Effect	Traditional Linear Switch
Actuation	Adjustable (0.1–3.8 mm), per-key tuning	Fixed (~2 mm)
Feel	Smooth, customizable with possible analog behavior	Smooth, no tactile bump
Durability	Very high, no physical contact wear	Lower, wears over time
Responsiveness	Near-instant, low debounce	Slight delay due to physical contact
Customization	High – actuation, reset, analog sensitivity	Low – spring or switch replacement

As mentioned at the start of the post, I’ve always been a wireless or tri-mode user and this is the first time I’ve owned an only-wired mechanical keyboard. But there are no regrets as after a week of using it, I’ve come to appreciate the stability and zero-lag connection; especially for gaming. Although the actuation can be adjusted, I am happy with the stock option for now but might try it out in the future.

Build & Sound

The HE68 Lite weighs about 0.65kg, making it super light but still stable on the desk. The case is plastic, so if you’re expecting deep, thocky ASMR-worthy sounds, this isn’t quite that. Nonetheless, I was pleasantly surprised that it sounded pretty solid for a plastic mechanical keyboard; with a lesser "cheap" or hollow tone you might expect from a plastic case.

Little Details That Matter

One little detail I truly appreciate is that it comes with a dust cover. It’s such a simple touch, but it makes a difference in keeping things clean and lasting longer. These small but thoughtful inclusions show Epomaker’s attention to practicality.

Inside the box, you’ll also find:

The user manual
A keycap puller and a switch puller
A USB-C cable with dust-protective caps
Screws and a screwdriver to attach the hand strap
The strap itself
Two extra switches in case replacements are needed

Unboxing Experience

Quick Snapshot of the Epomaker HE68 Lite

Feature	Verdict
Price (~USD/SGD)	Excellent value (~US$50 / S$68–70)
Typing feel	Smooth, snappy and satisfying
Performance	Ultra-responsive, ultra-fast
Build & design	Lightweight and compact, but plastic
Connectivity	Wired only
Software	Functional, a bit rough around the edges

Why would you want to buy the HE68 Lite

If you’re browsing keyboards, here’s why the HE68 Lite might be a perfect match:
✅ Hall Effect Magnetic switches with per-key adjustable actuation (down to 0.1 mm precision).
✅ 8 kHz polling rate for ultra-fast input response.
✅ Compact 65% size with arrow keys intact.
✅ Lightweight and portable, made even easier with that included hand strap.
✅ Affordable price at just US$49.99 (around S$68–70) for premium-grade features.

Why it's suitable for Gaming

✅ Ultra-Low Latency: 8 kHz polling rate + 128 kHz scan rate = 0.125 ms input registration.
✅ Adjustable Actuation: Set your WASD for instant trigger while keeping other keys deeper to avoid mistakes.
✅ Space Efficiency: 65% layout frees up space for larger mouse swipes, crucial for FPS games.
✅ Durable Magnetic Switches: No physical wear points, so they last longer even with intense gaming.

I took the HE68 Lite through my typical day: typing articles, answering messages, and hopping into The Sims 4 and Genshin Impact in the evenings.

For typing: The “thocky” sound is satisfying without being loud. PBT shine-through keycaps make it easy to type even in dim light.
For gaming: The soft, consistent key feel keeps my fingers from tiring out.
For portability: That strap? Actually useful. I brought the keyboard to a friend’s place for a co-op gaming night and it was easy to carry without stuffing it into a bag.

And honestly? The wired-only setup hasn’t bothered me at all. No worrying about battery life, no random disconnects, just a consistent and lag-free performance.

💖The Goods

Highly adjustable actuation per key.
Fast and responsive for gaming.
Compact yet functional 65% layout.
Portable with included strap; perfect for on-the-go setups.
Affordable for the features offered.

💔The Bads

Plastic build: sturdy enough but not as premium as metal.
No wireless option: great for gaming stability, but not for cable-averse users.
Software learning curve: takes a little time to master.
No adjustable tilt: fixed typing angle may not suit everyone.

Final Verdict

The EPOMAKER HE68 Lite is a compact, performance-packed, and surprisingly fun keyboard. It is not just for gaming, but also suitable for everyday use. Its portability, unique Hall Effect features, and ultra-low latency make it a steal at just US$49.99 (S$68-70)!

So, if you’re after a compact, capable wired gaming / work keyboard that’s affordable, and has a bit of personality (yes, I’m talking about that handy strap), then the HE68 Lite deserves your attention. It comes in either Black or White, so it is perfect for that minimalist sleek look too.

Although I received the White version, I think the Black version should be more lasting as white has a tendency to turn yellow (which only time can tell and probably that would be another post in the future).

Grab yours here: Buy the EPOMAKER HE68 Lite →

While Epomaker kindly sent me the HE68 Lite for review, all thoughts and experiences shared here are my own honest opinions. As always, I recommend doing your own research before making any purchase to ensure the keyboard fits your personal needs. Happy typing and gaming!