I’m not a competitive gamer, and I don’t really spend my time playing FPS titles. However, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the HE30 30% form factor keyboard from Epomaker. This fantastic device is ideal if you love elite gaming and have a small workstation. Moreover, it has magnetic switches and south-facing RGB. Accordingly, it ticks many boxes for hardcore gamers.
This compact device is perfect if you want responsive inputs, adjustable actuation, and DKS/SOCD support. In short, it is the ideal product for people who want to focus on their controls and little else. Why have a full-size keyboard when 36 keys help to increase accuracy while improving your gaming experience?
What’s in the box of the HE30 keyboard?
- The box is small, vibrant, and robust. Additionally, it can be recycled.
- The HE30 keyboard is a compact device that is pleasant to look at. It has a clean white and purple livery. Moreover, it has a handy strap if you need to transport it.
- A USB-C cable is provided.
- The purple strap matches the coloured keycap accents.
- Pull the keycaps with the tool.
- Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
The HE30 keyboard is an ultra-low-latency device that highlights the benefits of magnetic hall effect switches. This impressive device delivers a latency of around 0.125ms. Furthermore, there is a 128 kHz per-key scan rate and 8k polling. These figures are essential for elite gaming as they give you that match-winning edge.
This is a wired-only product, and that may upset some players. However, I prefer no battery and the increase in performance measures. Additionally, this is a plug-and-play keyboard, so hiding the cable was a breeze.
If you need DKS or SOCD functionality, this keyboard supports both. Dynamic Keystrokes and Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions are superb options when every split second counts. Both features offer unique properties that allow for increased keystroke functionality and cleaner movement.
Build quality.
Epomaker are renowned for its quality products. This lightweight, 30% form factor peripheral is no different! The plastic case is clean, robust, and easy to handle. I like the position of the wrist strap and the ability to remove it. Furthermore, the colour matches the keycaps, and this makes it a subtle but attractive extra.
This analogue keyboard doesn’t have that familiar clacky sound of its mechanical counterparts. Additionally, the keystrokes feel softer and less defined. This took a little time to get used to, but I like the low-fatigue design and the quieter approach. Alongside this, this device has 5 layers of sound-dampening material. The result is a delightful typing soundscape.
Is the HE30 keyboard worth it?
The HE30 keyboard is a niche product aimed at a refined audience. However, this group of gamers wants the best, and this keyboard delivers. The south-facing RGB is vibrant and looks great against the white backdrop. Furthermore, the mechanical switches offer impressive polling and scan rates. Alongside this, I like the DKS and SOCD functionality. Accordingly, I think it’s great, and I recommend buying it here!
(More information on Epomaker can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
