I tested the new Luminkey Magger68 HE — A standout 65% hall effect keyboard for practically anyone

Right now is an excellent moment to pique your curiosity about mechanical keyboards. Plenty of fresh players are introducing intriguing items within this niche, giving you an extensive array of options should you be in the market for a new keyboard.

Last year when the Glorious GMMK 3 Pro debuted, I had the opportunity to try it out, but I must say that I’m more partial to conventional gasket-mounted keyboards. However, I can’t deny that hall effect switches significantly enhance gaming experience.

This is what sets Luminkey’s Magger68 apart. It’s a stylish 65% keyboard equipped with hall effect switches, and its budget-friendly price gives it a definite advantage over competitors.

Mostly, I prefer 80% keyboards, but lately, I’ve found myself writing a lot on the iPad Pro M4. In this context, the compact Magger68 has emerged as my preferred keyboard to pair with it due to its size. This keyboard also benefits from the advantage of hall effect technology, allowing for custom actuation points, and it comes equipped with high-quality Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro linear switches.

With its captivating design, this keyboard becomes not only appealing but also suitable for both gaming and everyday use, making it quite intriguing.

Luminkey Magger68 HE: Pricing and availability

In October 2024, Luminkey launched the Magger68 keyboard, which is now available for purchase in certain international regions. You can buy it on Amazon for $139 or directly from Luminkey’s website for $119. On Luminkey’s site, there’s also a Professional version of the keyboard priced at $149. This variant features a more substantial back plate and slightly altered design, as well as Gateron’s Magnetic Jade Pro switches.

Luminkey Magger68 HE: What I like

The Magger68 is available in a compact 65% size, featuring a standard 68-key layout. It stands out as it’s smaller than TKL and full-size keyboards, making it ideal for saving desk space. While portable-friendly, its all-metal construction means it’s quite weighty. The keyboard angle is on the steep side, which might require using a wrist rest (not included).

I’m currently using the Professional version of the Magger68, and it boasts an eye-catching design. The E-Milky White color option, with its creamy white base accented by orange details, exudes elegance. Transparent arrow keys add a unique touch, scattering light effectively.

Remarkably, the E-Milky White model incorporates Kanji subtitles in vibrant orange, which are nicely executed. The structure is predominantly metal, giving it a substantial feel, and it remains firmly in place on a desk without any problems. Two halves make up the construction, and an aluminum plate beneath the keys combined with two silicone layers creates excellent acoustic sound and superior feedback compared to most other hall effect keyboards I’ve used.

To add, the Magnetic Jade Pro switch is impressive – its linear actuation offers a smooth response, and the 36gF actuation isn’t too heavy or too light. The switch has been pre-lubed, features a POM stem, and a polycarbonate housing that diffuses light effectively. Additionally, it boasts a PA66 bottom shell.

If you’re looking for a lighter keypress, the standard version of the keyboard features the Magnetic White Pro switch, boasting a 30gF actuation. On the other hand, I opted for the Jade Pro due to my preference for slightly heavier switches. It’s reassuring to know that there’s an option available for those who prefer a lighter touch. Both switches offer linear actuation.

Much like the other hall effect switches, the Magnetic Jade Pro comes with a magnet built-in, enabling you to customize the actuation point. The total travel distance of the switch is 3.6mm, yet it can be adjusted to activate from as little as 0.1mm up to 3.5mm. This customization can significantly alter your gaming experience.

This keyboard stands out due to its adjustable actuation point feature, providing an edge over other gaming keyboards. Its 8000Hz polling rate matches most mainstream gaming keyboards, and it can be connected via a detachable USB-C cable. The keycaps lack shine-through legends, yet they boast robust construction, made from PBT material. Their texture feels great, and even after three months of use, the keyboard remains in excellent condition. The RGB lighting is impressive, spreading well around the keys, and it offers customizable lighting modes along with a good degree of configuration options.

The Magger68 performs exceptionally well in everyday use. Although Hall effect keyboards may not possess the same tactile feel as gasket-mounted designs with conventional switches, Luminkey has managed to provide a satisfying feedback experience. The benefits of Hall effect switches make the keyboard an excellent option for gaming; quicker key triggers significantly enhance performance, and Luminkey’s software simplifies actuation settings and macro customization.

Much like other mechanical keyboards, it’s simple to modify the Magger68. You can easily swap out switches or keys, and even add your own personal touches. Since it uses Hall effect switches, you’ll need compatible magnetic switches for replacements, but otherwise, there are no restrictions on customization.

Luminkey Magger68 HE: What I don’t like

In essence, I’m fond of the Luminkey software overall, but finding that the web-friendly VIA utility, commonly found in modern mechanical keyboards, was missing on the Magger68, caused a slight inconvenience. VIA simplifies adjustments and macro setup, which I leverage extensively across all my keyboards.

Additionally, while I’ve grown accustomed to linear switches like Gateron’s Box Ink Black V2 over the past two years, an option for tactile switches would have added a touch of attractiveness to the Magger68. Similarly, incorporating Bluetooth or 2.4GHz connectivity would have significantly boosted its versatility. I primarily used this keyboard with my iPad Pro M4 via USB-C, and cordless operation would have been more convenient.

Luminkey Magger68 HE: The alternatives

In today’s market, you can find an array of high-quality hall effect switches, and I will be evaluating several boards in the upcoming weeks. If you’re looking for a dependable design from a reputable brand, Keychron’s Q1 HE is an excellent option, although it comes at a premium price tag of $219. It boasts Gateron’s Magnetic Nebula switch, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity, exceptional construction quality, and user-friendly software. I’ve owned this keyboard for more than half a year now, and if you don’t mind spending the money, it is an outstanding choice.

Luminkey Magger68 HE: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if:

✅ You want a hall effect keyboard that looks great

✅ You need a good value

✅ You want a smaller-sized gaming keyboard

You shouldn’t buy this if:

❌ You need a keyboard with Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity

❌ You want a tactile switch pre-installed

This Magger68 keyboard is definitely worth considering, thanks to Luminkey’s thoughtful design. The robust all-metal body ensures longevity, and its compact size keeps it from crowding your desk. The E-Milky White version with its white and orange color scheme looks great, and the premium quality of the keys is noticeable.

The main selling point of this keyboard is its hall effect switches, particularly the Gateron Jade Pro. These switches perform exceptionally well in everyday use as well as gaming, and their adjustable actuation combined with good linear feedback makes them a top choice. Unfortunately, it lacks Bluetooth connectivity, but if you don’t require that feature and are looking for a 65% mechanical keyboard featuring the latest magnetic switches, the Magger68 remains one of the best options on the market.

2025-03-26 16:41