The Biggest Old Update to Mechanical Switches
Hall Effect: What is a Hall Effect switch and will it turn you into a gaming god? TL;DR: Nope, but there are reasons why you may want to use a Hall Effect Keyboard. Hall Effect switches are the newest trend in mechanical keyboard switches. From Gateron to Geon, switch manufacturers are starting to release HE switches. With Wooting at the forefront and seemingly the best implementation of Hall Effect technology, many other brands seem to be playing catch-up. We’ve seen releases like the RAKKA, BOOG75, DrunkDeer, and MOD007 HE start to stir up competition. But do you need another keyboard? Is this one going to be the end all be all for you? Is HE Endgame? If you’re like me, a keyboard enthusiast, your answers will probably be: no(yes), no, and no. Do I think that an HE board deserves a spot in your collection? Maybe… Let’s dive into the latest technological update to mechanical switches in a long time, and you can make that decision for yourself. First, we need to know...
Jun 18, 2024
- Very good typing experience using Box White switches
- Clicky but not too loud, nice weight, gently tactile (note: I have limited experience with switches beyond Cherry Reds/Browns). But better than what I have used before. Recently I purchased a Cooler MasterKeys Pro S Mechanical Keyboard to use at work and I prefer the CTRL with the Box Whites; I think the metal base helps. YMMV.
- Fast enough for my gaming needs and really good for accurate typing and programming
- Not too much play
- My son has more experience with Mechanical KBs than I do and he thought the stabilizers were good
- Supplied Keycaps are OK
- Some users report that they are too grainy, but for me they are just right; I like that they are not so slippery as those on my Corsair STRAFE for example
- They are easy enough to read (with sufficient LED light)
- But they are dull/boring. I replaced them with something more cheerful.
- Massdrop's keyboard configurator is easy to use for basic control
- I had no issue getting QMK up and running
- I hadn't thought about power issues (per above) until I saw the code in the driver
- I've not really had a problem with the feet being dislodged when the keyboard is moved. I agree with other users that a fixed hinged design would be better than the magnets, or to simply have screws to anchor them in place. I have only rarely moved the keyboard in a way that has caused them to come loose. No biggie for me.
- The screws on the base were tight but not too tight; I didn't have any issue with the screws being overly tight or loose that some users reported.
Best.