Epomaker Magforce 68
Price
$159.99There's no doubt in the fact that Epomaker is a leading keyboard manufacturer, offering one of the best product lineups, ranging from full-sized keyboards, all the way to 65% designs, and they manage to nail every single one of them. Now, with Epomaker's Magforce 68, the company has been able to integrate compactness, design, and quality all in a single package, and this particular keyboard is what I would call one of the best options out there if you are looking for something "small."
Epomaker Magforce 68 - Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro Switches, Hall Effect Technology & Speedy Type-C Connection
Well, in the keyboards segment, there are really many 65% layout options that are said to be something a hardcore gamer would prefer, and Epomaker probably had these in mine before designing the Magforce 68. For someone like me whose work performance revolves around having a decent keyboard, my experience with this keyboard has been a charm. While the "compactness" hasn't appealed to me much, the typing quality is simply something that I am sure every purchaser will appreciate.
For a quick rundown of Epomaker Magforce 68 specifications, it features the Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro switches, which we'll discuss extensively ahead of time, along with a CNC aluminum body and much more. Here's a summary of the keyboard's features/specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | EPOMAKER |
| Model | Magforce 68 |
| Layout | 65% ANSI US Layout |
| Number of Keys | 68 keys |
| Connectivity | Type-C Wired |
| Compatibility | WIN |
| Case Material | Aluminum |
| Finish | Anodized |
| Flex-Cut | No Flex-Cut |
| Mounting Structure | Top-Mount |
| Plate Material | FR4 |
| PCB Thickness | 1.6mm |
| Stabilizers | Plate-Mount Stabilizer |
| Typing Angle | 7 degree |
| Sound Dampening | Poron Sandwich Foam, Bottom Foam, Bottom EVA |
| Keycaps Profile | Cherry Profile |
| Keycaps Material | PBT Plastic |
| Keycaps Manufacturing Technique | Double-Shot |
| RGB | South-facing, per-key RGB |
| Polling Rate | 8000Hz |
| Scan Rate | 32kHz per key |
| Latency | 0.125ms (USB) |
| Anti-Ghosting | N-Key Rollover |
| Keyboard Dimensions | 314.5 * 113.9 * 38.6 mm |
| Keyboard Weight | 1.5kg |
| Package Weight | About 2kg |
Epomaker Magforce 68 - Unboxing & Close-Up
The packaging of the keyboard is undoubtedly creative, as the box features a black and blue-themed design, with the branding at the very front. When you open up the box, there's cushioning on both the top and the bottom, which means that the company has ensured that the unit doesn't get damaged when shipping it across different regions.
Inside the box, you get the standard manual, a Type-C USB cable, and a keycap puller, which is pretty standard for every keyboard. You also get extra Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro switches in case a replacement is needed, which might come in handy.
When I saw the keyboard for the first time, I started to think about the unit's compactness, since I could almost carry its weight entirely at the palm of my hands. That is indeed the beauty of a 65% layout, since not only does it make portability much easier, but it occupies a little space on your desk, which means that you can use the extra space left for something else. But, you do get void of elements such as a dedicated numpad, so it is more of a consumer choice in the end.
Starting with the keycaps come in a cherry profile design, which is the common notion in the segment. They are made out of PBT Plastic, which not only is a sturdy material but also ensures that there are no thumbprint impressions on the keycaps after extensive use, and I did notice this after using the keyboard for several days. Another interesting factor about the Magforce 68 is its sound-dampening mechanism, which uses Poron Sandwich Foam as the main cushion, creating that "crisp" typing sound.
Epomaker Magforce 68 - Design Language, Hall Effect Technology & Gateron Magnetic Switches
One thing about the keyboard that makes it a bit weird is the design language. The overall vibe of the product is seen as something "minimalistic" and more professional-oriented, but switching on the RGB makes the design layout complicated. Apart from this, the RGB really strikes out when you look at it for the very first time, and a more "diffused" look would have been a better choice, like the Galaxy100 counterpart.
One of the standout features of the Magforce 68 is the "Hall Effect" technology, which uses a magnetic field to detect keystrokes, providing a smoother and quieter experience. Here's how Epomaker describes it:
This feature allows users to fine-tune the actuation distance, catering to specific gaming or typing preferences. The Snap Tap function ensures rapid keystroke registration, while the Dead Zone adjustment eliminates unintended inputs, providing unparalleled control. This level of customization, powered by magnetic switches, ensures that every keystroke is accurate and consistent, enhancing performance across various use cases.
So, consumers of different segments could easily fine-tune the actuation distance to get the desired typing experience, which really opens up the Magforce 68 to several types of users. You can utilize Epomaker's cloud adjustment platform to fine-tune the keyboard's performance.
Speaking of the onboard switches, the Epomaker Magforce 68 comes with the widely-known Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro, a magnetic linear switch popular for their "cracky" sound, similar to Mahjong tiles clicking together. They come with a travel distance of 3.5mm with a lifespan of over 100 million keystrokes. These switches are primarily used in keyboards supporting the Hall Effect technology and are widely used by a variety of keyboard integrators. Since switches are a personal preference, I won't comment much on them, apart from the fact that if you don't like a "cracky-sounded" keyboard, the Magforce 68 isn't for you.
Epomaker Magforce 68 Conclusion - Ideal Option If Compact & High-Performing Keyboard Is Your Need
This particular keyboard is one of the best options in a 65% layout segment, but it comes with a hefty price tag of $159.99, which might seem justified if you look at the specifications alone. If you are eager to purchase the Epomaker Magforce 68, you can refer to the company's official website here and enjoy a great experience.
The Epomaker Magforce 68 is a great option for consumers looking for a compact keyboard option that features a great typing experience. Combined with the Hall Effect technology, the Magforce 68 is suited for many consumers out there.
- Compact Form Factor
- High-Quality Gateron Switches
- Hall Effect Technology
- Minimal Design
- Extensive Customization
Pros
- High Pricing
- Wired Connectivity
