A keyboard with fast actuation can drastically improve how you type or play games. Right now, keyboards featuring magnetic switches rank among the fastest, thanks to their adjustable actuation points and rapid trigger functionality. The best mechanical keyboards can rival magnetic keyboards in terms of speed, but the latter can be more consistent in this regard.
We at Tom’s Guide review many of the best keyboards. Because of that, the team and I have gotten to test more and more keyboards with Hall Effect magnetic switches as these peripherals rise in popularity. To that end, I wanted to spotlight some of the fastest keyboards we’ve tried out.
Below, you’ll find a handful of my favorite Hall Effect (or magnetic) keyboards. While not all of these have an 8K polling rate (which is absurdly fast), I guarantee you’ll notice an immediate improvement in your speed, both in typing and in gaming.
Keychron Q1 HE
The Keychron Q1 HE is a 75% Hall Effect keyboard that’s an advanced version of the Keychron Q1 Pro and a metal-cased evolution of the Keychron V1. Like the other keyboards I’ve listed here, the Q1 HE features Hall Effect switches that use magnets for actuation, allowing for adjustable actuation points and multiple actions per press.
These magnetic switches significantly enhance the Q1 HE's gaming performance, elevating it above other Keychron mechanical keyboards and placing it alongside top gaming keyboards such as the Corsair K70 Max and the SteelSeries Apex Pro. Despite its advanced technology, the Q1 HE keeps Keychron's signature feel and sound due to excellent noise and impact dampening, making it equally suitable for typing. Its QMK firmware allows for extensive customization, which can be especially useful if you’re a gamer who’s also a writer like I am.
While the Q1 HE costs a pretty penny, and Hall Effect switches are still relatively new and have limited switch choices, the performance and features make it a worthwhile investment. This Keychron keyboard comes with my highest recommendation.
Keychron K4 HE
If you’re looking for something with elegance, the Keychron K4 HE is sure to turn heads if you work in an office. Its design features tasteful rosewood bits and a nice mix of black and brown keycaps.
This makes it more than just a keyboard — it's a statement piece that can spruce up any work environment. This attention to detail is backed up by a solid build that’s made to last.
This keyboard isn’t just about looks, as it also boasts excellent performance. This versatility comes from innovative features like Rapid Trigger, which lets you press keys super fast, and Snap Tap, for really precise, quick moves.
For gaming, the dedicated Gamepad mode is a huge bonus since you can configure the keyboard for different game genres. The K4 HE also lets you customize individual keys and even combinations, giving you a lot of control and responsiveness.
For typing, the built-in number pad is crucial for data entry, and the responsive switches make typing feel genuinely smooth and efficient.
The Keychron K4 HE’s 96% layout might feel too cramped if you’re used to a full 100% keyboard. And like other keyboards with Hall Effect switches, switch options aren’t exactly plentiful. However, these flaws might be negligible to most, considering all the benefits this keyboard provides.
If you're looking for a high-quality, versatile, and eye-catching keyboard, the Keychron K4 HE is definitely a smart buy.
Lemokey P1 HE
The Lemokey P1 HE is the keyboard that converted reviewer Nikita Anchata into a magnetic keyboard fan. Why? Because this keyboard is not only dependable for productivity, but it’s packed with features that also make it a gaming powerhouse. If you haven’t noticed yet, this is one of the reasons magnetic keyboards are so great.
The Lemokey P1 HE has quad-actuation points that let you assign up to four commands to a single key, while you can adjust the actuation point of every key. You also get a 1,000Hz polling rate and Rapid Trigger, both of which ensure there are no missed inputs. Web-based software makes it very easy to customize the keyboard to suit your needs.
The only flaw here is that the P1 HE doesn’t come with Mac-specific keycaps despite being compatible with macOS. But if you’re like me and need a keyboard that’s compatible with both Windows 11 and macOS, you can easily overlook that. The bottom line is that this is a fantastic Hall Effect keyboard that’s charming to boot.
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