Epomaker G84 HE Gaming Keyboard Review: Magnetic Switches on a Budget, Kinda

Why It Matters

By delivering high‑end magnetic switch technology at a mid‑range cost, the G84 HE lowers the barrier for gamers and enthusiasts to adopt Hall‑effect keyboards, potentially reshaping price expectations in the peripheral market.

Key Takeaways

• Hall effect switches adjustable actuation height
• Priced around $85, far below typical Hall effect keyboards
• Supports Bluetooth, USB-C, and 2.4 GHz wireless
• Linear switches deliver fast input, rapid trigger works
• Backlighting uneven; spacebar noise resonant

Pulse Analysis

Hall‑effect keyboards have long been a niche for enthusiasts seeking magnetic actuation, which offers near‑zero debounce and adjustable travel. The technology’s appeal lies in its durability and the ability to fine‑tune key response for competitive gaming, but manufacturers have traditionally priced these devices in the three‑figure range. As a result, most gamers settle for conventional mechanical switches, missing out on the subtle performance gains Hall‑effect offers. The G84 HE challenges that status quo by integrating the core magnetic switch architecture into a compact tenkeyless layout without the premium price tag.

Beyond its pricing, the G84 HE distinguishes itself with a trio of connectivity options. Bluetooth support makes it a viable companion for portable platforms like the Steam Deck, while a low‑latency 2.4 GHz dongle and wired USB‑C ensure reliable performance for tournament play. The linear‑style switches provide a swift actuation curve, and the optional rapid‑trigger mode can be toggled for games that reward split‑second inputs. Users can also adjust actuation height on the fly, tailoring the feel to personal preference or specific titles. These features collectively deliver a high‑end experience that scales with the user’s skill level.

The keyboard’s trade‑offs are equally instructive for the market. While the build quality feels solid, the uneven RGB lighting and resonant spacebar thud reveal cost‑saving compromises. Nevertheless, the G84 HE serves as an entry point for gamers curious about magnetic switches, potentially expanding the user base and prompting competitors to explore more affordable Hall‑effect offerings. As price barriers erode, we may see a broader shift toward magnetic actuation in mainstream gaming peripherals, redefining what constitutes a "high‑performance" keyboard.

Epomaker G84 HE gaming keyboard review: magnetic switches on a budget, kinda

The Hall effect in whole, effectively

Image credit: Rock Paper Shotgun

I’m planning to better balance the recent glut of high‑end hardware reviews with some genuinely affordable stuff, but in the meantime, here’s something that’s a little of both. The Epomaker G84 HE is another Hall effect keyboard, meaning its magnetically operated switches can be adjusted for actuation height, and/or set up for strafey‑strafey, shooty‑shooty rapid trigger/Snap Tap shenanigans in compatible games. Both are features you’d normally expect to run pricing up into the triple figures, and yet at £80/$85, the G84 HE costs more like a lower‑mid‑range, traditionally mechanical “board”.

That’s an intriguing proposition, and it’s not like this is a pile of magnetic switches buried inside a mound of cheap plastic and scrap metal. The G84 HE is solidly built, comfortable to type on, and flexible in its connection options, working over Bluetooth (good for occasional secondment to a Steam Deck) as well as USB and 2.4 GHz wireless. It handles well in games too, the linear‑style switches exhibiting a swift input and a spry reset regardless of whether you have the (potentially VAC‑bothering) rapid trigger feature enabled.

Sadly, it’s not all Maybach quality at second‑hand Kia prices. The G84 HE may have the performance of other compact Hall effecters like the Endgame Gear KB65HE or QPAD Flux 65 Model 5, but it doesn’t have their refinement: the backlighting looks uneven on larger keys, and heavy presses are noisy. Not in a crisp, aural‑feedback way – it’s more resonant and hollow‑sounding, especially with deep thunks on the spacebar.

Features‑wise, it’s still well equipped for the money, providing an arguably much‑needed entry point into magnetic keebs that doesn’t also require squeezing yourself into an even smaller form factor. Just be sure that those features are the ones you want the most, because trade‑offs have been made in their favour.

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