The Epomaker HE65 Mag is a compact 65% wireless mechanical keyboard that brings premium features—such as Hall Effect switches, quad-actuation, and 8,000Hz polling—at a price point that’s impressively accessible. While its layout may not suit every user, we found it to be one of the most capable compact keyboards currently available in this segment.
Design & Build
Despite being built primarily from ABS plastic, the HE65 Mag feels sturdy in-hand and shows no signs of flexing. Its aluminum top plate adds rigidity and weight, making it feel more premium than many keyboards in its price range.
The color scheme—a mix of black, grey, and blue keys—offers a bit of personality, though it may not suit every setup. Thankfully, the use of standard key sizes allows for easy keycap swapping. The built-in TFT screen and metallic rotary knob further elevate the design, offering utility and a touch of flair. While the screen isn’t essential for gameplay, it provides useful information such as battery level and system time.
What’s in the Box?
- Epomaker HE65 Magnetic Keyboard
- 2.4GHz Wireless Dongle
- USB-C to USB-A Braided Cable
- 2 Extra Gateron Magnetic Switches
- Keycap & Switch Puller
- Plastic Dust Cover
- User Manual
Typing Experience & Hall Effect Switches
The HE65 Mag ships with pre-lubed Gateron Magnetic White switches. These linear Hall Effect switches actuate at just 30g of force, offering a light and effortless typing feel. The actuation point is fully adjustable from 0.1mm to 4.0mm in 0.01mm increments using the Epomaker Driver software.
Typing performance is excellent for a compact board, and we encountered no fatigue during long sessions. That said, users with larger hands may find the 65% layout somewhat restrictive.
The actuation customization allows for fine-tuning based on activity—quick reactions for FPS titles or more deliberate presses for productivity tasks. We set a lower actuation point (0.1mm) for titles like Counter-Strike 2, which helped with responsiveness, although such sensitivity can lead to accidental key presses if not configured thoughtfully.
This keyboard is clearly designed with competitive gaming in mind. It supports:
- Quad-actuation (Dynamic Keystroke): Assign up to four commands per key (two on press, two on release).
- Rapid Trigger: Enables instant key reset on lift-off for fast re-presses—ideal for rhythm and action games.
- Snap Tap (Last Key Prioritization): Useful for precise movement mechanics such as counter-strafing in FPS games.
These features, typically found on much higher-end keyboards, perform reliably here. We were especially impressed by the HE65 Mag’s wireless 8,000Hz polling over 2.4GHz, a capability rarely seen even in wired models. Competitive players seeking ultra-low latency will appreciate this.
Software & Customization
The Epomaker Driver software is essential for unlocking the keyboard’s full potential. It allows users to:
- Adjust actuation points for each key
- Enable or disable Rapid Trigger and Snap Tap
- Remap keys and record macros
- Customize per-key RGB lighting
- Upload GIFs or static images to the TFT screen
- Update firmware
While the software UI could benefit from refinement, it provides deep customization without much learning curve.
Battery Life
With an 8,000mAh battery, the HE65 Mag easily outperforms most competitors in battery life. Epomaker claims up to 600 hours of use with RGB and screen off. In our testing—with both features enabled—it dropped just 5% over four days of moderate use.
Epomaker HE65 Mag Review: Downsides
The most notable limitation is switch availability. Currently, the HE65 Mag is only offered with Gateron Magnetic White switches. While these switches perform well and the board is hot-swappable, the lack of alternatives may deter users who prefer tactile or clicky feedback.
Additionally, the 65% layout may not be ideal for users who need dedicated function rows or a numpad, although this is expected given the form factor.
Epomaker HE65 Mag Review: Verdict
The Epomaker HE65 Mag delivers flagship-level gaming features—Hall Effect switches, quad-actuation, Rapid Trigger, 8,000Hz polling, and extensive customization—at a price point that is remarkably competitive. For gamers seeking precision, speed, and responsiveness in a portable form factor, this keyboard is a strong contender.
While limited switch options and a compact layout may not appeal to all users, the HE65 Mag more than makes up for these with performance, build quality, and battery life. It’s a serious piece of gear for competitive and casual gamers alike.
Also Read: Epomaker Magcore 87 Review
