One of the biggest issues I often run into with Hall effect gaming keyboards is that they typically fall short when it comes to typing experience outside of gaming. The few that do get it right – or at least come close – like the Glorious GMMK 3 Pro HE, usually cost over $300. As someone who enjoys building and tweaking mechanical keyboards as a hobby, I found myself constantly switching between standard mechanical keyboards for typing and Hall effect models for gaming. That changed when I got my hands on the Luminkey Magger68 Pro HE. Built by a brand known for offering a wide range of layouts and catering to enthusiasts with “high-end” custom boards, the Magger68 strikes that rare balance, at least for me. It’s not only great for typing but also includes all the key magnetic keyboard features like customizable actuation points. I’ve been using it as my main keyboard for both work and gaming over the past few weeks, and in this review, I’ll break down whether it’s worth considering for your setup. Hit the jump for a closer look.
Luminkey is a pretty popular name in the keyboard space with more than a few boards in its catalog. The Magger68 HE debuted towards the end of last year, and it comes in two flavors – a “Performance” version for $129.99 shipped and a “Professional” model that costs $149.99 shipped. The model featured here in this review is the latter with a higher price tag, though it still costs quite a bit less compared to many other high-end Hall effect boards out there. Both Performance and Professional models share a lot of similarities like full aluminum two-piece cases, PBT keycaps, pre-lubed Gateron switches, and more. They even share a lot of the same features like rapid 8,000Hz polling rate and RGB lighting. There are a few things that warrant the added cost for the “Professional” model and I’ve highlighted those in detail below.
Luminkey Magger68 Pro HE keyboard features at a glance
- Pre-installed Magnetic switches
- Premium aluminum case with a compact form factor and 65% layout
- Customizable RGB lighting
- Wired connectivity
- Pre-installed high-quality PBT keycaps
- Customizable software experience
Build quality and feel
The Magger68 Pro keyboard, as the name implies, comes in a single 65% layout size with a standard 68-key config. This layout is arguably the best for folks looking to pick up a compact keyboard for their desk while also not giving up the arrow keys. The Magger68 keyboard has an all-metal case, which is pretty heavy and gives it a premium feel. The heft also helps keep the board planted on a desk, though it also has rubber feet to keep it from moving. The metal construction also enhances acoustics, especially when paired with proper tuning like silicone dampening and lubed stabilizers. I am happy to report that the folks over Luminkey have managed to do get the acoustics right, delivering a satisfying typing experience with that sought-after “creamy” and “poppy” sound signature.
I also like the overall design of this keyboard with the chamfered edges. It allows you to rest your thumb on the bottom edge for a comfortable experience, and it even has an accent piece on this Professional model. The side profile follows a familiar “box-on-wedge” shape, but it’s the back of the keyboard where this model really stands out from the regular Performance version. I like what Luminkey has done with the back panel here with three accent pieces. It gives it that unique look and feel many premium keyboards like the GMMK 3 Pro HE keyboard often lack, in my opinion.
This is a wired model that comes with a Type-C connector on the PCB, and it’s located on the top-left corner. The anodised aluminum shell in Champagne Gold finish looks great, but you can also get it with a Black anodised finish or a Milky White E-coat. They all ship with different colored keycaps, so keep that in mind if you’re picky about what keycaps you use on your boards like I do. All three keycap sets have see-through escape and arrow keys to let the RGB light shinethrough for that unique touch as well.
Typing and gaming experience
The Magger68 Pro HE is a magnetic keyboard that comes with Gateron’s magnetic Jade Pro Pro switches. The more affordable “Performance” model, on the other hand, comes with Gateron’s magnetic White Pro switches, which is also a linear switch with smooth actuation. They’re both pre-lubed switches that are ready to be installed into your board out of the box. The Jade Pro switches have a slightly higher actuation compared to the White Pro ones at 36±5gf, but they’re both linear actuators delivering a smooth, consistent keypresses with no tactile bump or audible click.
The fact that this board has a Hall effect PCB means you can’t use your standard mechanical switches on it, thereby limiting your options. Luckily, the Jade Pro switches do the job well and you won’t necessarily feel the need to upgrade or try a different set. I’ve been using this keyboard for the past few weeks, and the typing experience has been genuinely enjoyable. The Cherry profile keycaps made it a breeze for me to get used to this board within a few minutes, and I was already clocking over 110 wpm without a hitch.
The Magger68 Pro HE support Rapid Trigger, Dynamic Keystrokes, and even Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions (SOCD), so it’s safe to say that it has got you covered if you’re gamer looking for a reliable keyboard. It also boasts an 8,000 Hz polling rate and includes a special “8K high-quality data cable” with an “independent shielding ring” to reduce signal interference. Even if you don’t necessarily care about the fancy gaming features, I’d say you’ll at least appreciate its compact form-factor which gives you more room for your mouse movements.
Luminkey also offers custom software that lets you fine-tune your experience – adjusting switch actuation points, Rapid Trigger sensitivity, Dynamic Keystrokes, key remapping, and macros. What’s great is that you don’t need to install a separate app on your PC; all of these features are available through a fully functional web-based version. It offers the same capabilities as the desktop software, including customization of trigger effects, actuation points, and even the top and bottom dead zones of each switch. You can also personalize the per-key RGB lighting, which – believe it or not – is a rare feature for mechanical keyboards.
Price
The Magger68 Pro HE keyboard is priced at $149.99 shipped, and at that price, it’s hard to overlook the value it offers. You’re getting a well-built board with a CNC-machined aluminum case, aluminum switch plate, a Hall effect PCB, and pre-installed Magnetic Jade Pro switches – features typically reserved for more expensive models. The overall design and finish easily rival higher-end boards in my collection, making it look and feel more premium than its price tag suggests.
That said, I do wish it came in more color options like Varmilo’s Muse65 HE, and it would’ve been nice to see a few extras included – like a basic carrying case or a wrist rest, especially with the Professional edition.
Still, these are minor gripes that don’t take away from the overall experience. The Magger68 Pro HE is a compelling option if you’re looking for a mechanical keyboard that excels at both work and gaming. With its refined design, high-quality PBT keycaps, and robust customization via software, it delivers a lot for the money. There aren’t many boards that match its value at this price point, making it well worth adding to your list of keyboards to consider.
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