Epomaker HE80 Gaming Keyboard Review: Performance Over Portability

How many Epomaker keebs are too many? That’s a question we sometimes ask ourselves around here, especially with another package from Epomaker landing on the test bench. We’re thankful for it, though, because it means we get to share hands-on insights with readers who care about every detail, whether it’s a subtle sound, a new switch tech, or one more way to personalize your setup. The HE80 is the latest in our growing stack, but it stands out for its performance-first, no-nonsense approach.

Related test article: Epomaker’s New Click Mouse Tested [Review]

Let’s address the most critical point upfront: the Epomaker HE80 is a wired-only keyboard. In a market saturated with tri-mode wireless options, this might seem like a step backward. But this choice is entirely intentional and central to the HE80’s identity. It is designed for performance, not portability. A wired USB-C connection ensures zero input lag and eliminates the possibility of signal interference, which can be a concern in competitive gaming. This direct line to your PC allows the keyboard to achieve its staggering 8000Hz polling rate and 0.125 ms latency. For gamers where every millisecond counts, this reliability is non-negotiable. So, while you won’t be carrying this keeb to a coffee shop, you will get a stable and lightning-fast connection at your desk. If you understand and value this focus on pure performance, the lack of wireless is a feature, not a flaw.

The magic of hall-effect switches

The main feature of the HE80 is its use of hall-effect switches. Unlike traditional mechanical switches, which rely on physical metal contacts to register a keystroke, Hall Effect switches utilize magnets and sensors. This contact-free design brings several significant advantages. First is durability. Epomaker rates these switches for one billion keystrokes, a number that dwarfs the 50 to 100 million clicks of standard mechanical switches. The typing experience itself is notably smooth. I tested the model with Epomaker’s MagneX switches.

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The keypress is linear and satisfying. While I personally lean towards keyboards with a more pronounced, louder sound, the HE80 strikes a pleasant balance. It produces a soft, muted “thocky” sound that is satisfying without being disruptive. For its price point, the out-of-the-box sound and feel are more than adequate. Perhaps the most significant benefit for gamers is the adjustable actuation. Through software, you can customize the sensitivity of a key, ranging from a hair-trigger 0.1mm to a more deliberate 3.3mm.

This customization is handled through the Epomaker Online Driver, a web-based tool that is a huge plus, as it saves you the hassle of downloading and installing clunky local software. In addition to actuation, this driver also unlocks an advanced feature called DKS (Dynamic Keystroke), which allows you to assign up to four different actions to a single key based on its travel depth (e.g., a light press to walk and a full press to run). This level of customization allows you to fine-tune the keyboard for different games and personal preferences.

Build quality and design

When you first unbox the HE80, its build quality is surprisingly robust. Although the case is made of plastic, it has a substantial weight and feels quite sturdy and reliable. There is no noticeable flex or creaking. Much of this solidity comes from its internal ‘Gasket-Mount’ design, which uses a cushioning structure to isolate the FR4 plate from the case. This, combined with multiple layers of internal sound-dampening foam, is what produces the clean, ‘thocky’ sound profile you noted, removing any hollowness or ping. At a glance, its clean lines and solid feel could easily be mistaken for a more expensive metal-cased keyboard.

The design is minimalistic and straightforward, built on a compact 75% layout with 82 keys. This format maintains the small footprint that gamers love while retaining the full functionality of the row and arrow keys. It’s available in both black and white colorways. What gives it a unique visual flair are the transparent keycaps used for the Escape, Backspace, Enter, and Space keys. These keys catch the RGB lighting beautifully and create a distinct look. I found the texture of these transparent keys to be different from that of the standard PBT keycaps. If this difference in feel bothers you, Epomaker thoughtfully includes a set of matching standard PBT keycaps in the box. It’s a great touch that shows attention to user preference.

RGB lighting and keycaps

The RGB lighting on the HE80 is what you would expect from a modern Epomaker keyboard. It is high quality, vibrant, and offers a range of customizable effects. The LEDs are south-facing, which prevents interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, a detail that enthusiasts will appreciate.

However, it is essential to note that the double-shot PBT keycaps do not have shine-through legends. This means the RGB lighting glows around the keys rather than illuminating the characters on them. This is a common design choice for keyboards with high-quality PBT keycaps and is not a problem for touch typists. For those who need to see the keys in the dark, it could be a consideration.

Who is the Epomaker HE80 keyboard for?

After extensive use, it’s clear who will get the most out of the Epomaker HE80. This keeb is built for gamers who prioritize performance above all else. The ultra-low latency, adjustable actuation, and features like SOCD (simultaneous opposite cardinal direction) cleaning. This function intelligently resolves conflicting directional inputs (such as pressing ‘left’ and ‘right’ simultaneously), which is a critical advantage in fighting games and platformers, providing a tangible competitive edge. It gives a tangible competitive edge. If you are a typist, you can certainly enjoy the smooth typing experience, but you may not fully appreciate the benefits of the advanced hall-effect technology.

It is also an excellent option for budget-conscious keyboard enthusiasts. The combination of hall-effect switches, a gasket-mounted design, and a solid build offers a premium feature set at a highly competitive price. The primary limitation is the ANSI US QWERTY layout, which may limit its appeal in specific international markets; however, this is a common practice in the industry.

The final verdict

The Epomaker HE80 is a solid keyboard that successfully executes its vision. It delivers exceptional performance, durability, and a premium feel for its price. The Hall Effect switches are a joy to use, providing a smooth and responsive experience for both gaming and typing. The build quality is impressive, and the inclusion of extra keycaps is a thoughtful bonus. This keyboard is currently available on Amazon for $55.99 in black and white options.

Pros:

• Excellent price-to-performance ratio
• Smooth and highly durable hall-effect magnetic switches
• Sturdy build quality with a premium feel
• Gaming-focused features like 8000Hz polling and adjustable actuation

Cons:

• Wired-only design with no battery or wireless options
• The simple aesthetic may not appeal to everyone
• Keycaps do not have shine-through legends for the RGB
• Limited to the ANSI US QWERTY layout

The critical takeaway is to know what you are buying. This is not a portable, all-in-one device. It is a specialized tool designed for a specific purpose: to provide the fastest and most reliable input possible for desk-based gaming and professional use. If you are in the market for a high-performance wired keyboard and are not concerned with wireless functionality, the Epomaker HE80 is an outstanding choice that punches well above its weight.

YouTube: Unboxing Epomaker HE80 | Unboxing, Showcasing, Sound test (promotional clip)

Photo credit: The feature image was created by Christopher Isak for TechAcute. Epomaker owns the product photos.
Editorial notice: We received a press test unit from Epomaker, but we were not compensated to review this product.