Hall Effect Keyboard: Everything You Need to Know

What is a Hall Effect Keyboard?

A Hall effect keyboard is a magnetic keyboard utilizesHall effect sensors to detect key presses.

Hal effect is a physical phenomenon that a magnetic field influences the movement of electric charges within a conductor.

Edwin Hall discovered the Hall Effect in 1879. It is a scientific phenomena in which the flow of electric charges within a conductor is influenced by a magnetic field.

Hall effect keyboards use Hall sensors to detect key presses. Whenever a key is pressed, the magnet moves, changing the surrounding magnetic field distribution. The Hall sensor senses this change and generates a corresponding electrical signal, thus triggering the key press.

How do Hall Effect Keyboards Work?

In order to better understand how the hall effect keyboards work, it is necessary for us to know how the mechanical switches work.

How Mechanical switches works

Each key on a mechanical keyboard has a separate switch to control the closure, which is also called the switch. Mechanical switches are generally composed of an upper cover, an stem, a spring, a metal contact and a housing. The spring is one of the key elements that reflects the conduction stroke and trigger pressure of the switch. Machanical keyboard switches rely on physical contact between metal contacts to register keystrokes. Key presses of mechanical switch are binary: press down, it’s on; release, it’s off.

In this way, we can also know that the actuation points are fixed. It can only be triggered when the pressing or releasing stroke reaches the fixed value that is physically set in advance.

How Hall effect keyboard works

For hall effect keyboard, there is a magnet at the bottom of the switch and the hall effect sensor on the PCB.  When the key on the keyboard is pressed, the magnet will be closer to the Hall sensor and alter the magnetic field. Hall sensors detect these changes and convert this signal into a digital signal. And then this signal is processed by a magnetic field signal processing chip and transmitted to the computer.

Unlike mechanical switches, Hall effect keyboards operate without physical contact between the switch and the computer, enabling contactless keypress registration.

Hall Effect vs Mechanical Keyboard​

Hall effect keyboards excel in trigger speed, consistent key feel, and exceptional durability, making them ideal for users who prioritise fast response and long-lasting performance.

On the other hand, mechanical keyboards are cherished for their distinct tactile feel and satisfying sound feedback, making them a favourite among typing enthusiasts and gamers. 

Advantages of Hall Effect Keyboards

1. Enhanced Speed

Hall effect keyboards detect the response of keys to magnetic fields, which can be faster and instantaneous.This can be especially beneficial for competitive gamers who require rapid key responses.

2. Low Latency

Hall effect keyboards allow an extremely low trigger point, and magnetic switches can potentially reduce input lag, allowing for faster response times. While the exact latency difference between magnetic and traditional switches is still up for debate, even small reductions can be significant in professional competitive gaming.

3. Customization

Hall effect keyboards often come with customizable actuation points, allowing users to adjust the sensitivity of key presses to their liking.

This level of customization is typically not available with traditional mechanical switches, giving Hall effect keyboards a unique advantage for those who enjoy fine-tuning their setup.

4. Smooth Typing Feel

The hall effect keyboard has no metal shrapnel to hinder the keystroke process, so the typing feel is very smooth, reducing the sense of resistance. This smooth typing feel not only improves the typing comfort but also makes the gaming experience smoother.

5. Stabile typing experience

The hall effect keyboard have no fixed actuation points, ensuring consistent performance regardless of the force applied. This results in more precise and reliable input, especially in high-pressure gaming scenarios.

6. Exceptional Durability

With no physical contact points, hall effect keyboards can last significantly longer, often exceeding 100 million keypresses, making them ideal for heavy use.

6 Powerful Features of Hall Effect Keyboards

1. Rapid Trigger

One of the most attractive features of hall effect keyboard is the rapid trigger. Rapid trigger technology achieve ultra-short key travel triggering.

Users can customize the trigger stroke, and even press 0.1mm to trigger and lift 0.1mm to stop. This high sensitivity and fast triggering characteristics give the hall effect keyboard a significant advantage in games that require fast reactions such as FPS.

2. SOCD

SOCD can prioritize the most recent keypress for swift directional changes without releasing previous inputs.

This guarantees sensitive and fluid handling, which is especially important in first-person shooter games where accurate motions and fast reactions are essential.

3. Adjustable Actuation Distance

You can adjust every key’s actuation point from 0.2mm to 3.8mm in 0.1mm increments. That means gamers can get faster speed, at the same time, typists can avoid accidental key strokes by setting deeper presses.

4. Dynamic Keystrokes 

With Dynamic Keystrokes, pressing a key can trigger four different key operations. This means you can streamline your gameplay, executing complex moves with just one keypress.

5. Mod-Tap

You can assign two different actions to a single key. Holding down the key for one function, and press the key for another. This means you can get the essential functions in a key without moving your hand, provide benefits for fast-paced games.

6. Toggle Key

Tap the key to continuously trigger the key or turn this mode off. Press and hold the key for a regular key press. Click to set the key you want to use as a toggle key. Just one gets the job done!

Potential Drawbacks of Hall Effect Keyboards

Since hall effect keyboard's accuracy relies on permanent magnets and sensors, the performance of the sensors and the accurate position of the permanent magnets are very important.

Therefore, the bumps during transportation may cause displacement of the magnets. It is best for users to use the calibration function in the driver to calibrate each key position once, so its out-of-the-box usability is weaker than that of mechanical keyboards. Similarly, it is necessary to recalibrate the switch after being dropped.

To overcome some of these drawbacks, we are now integrating TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) technology into keyboard. You can find our latest Fun60 Ultra magnetic keyboard feature with TMR version. Fun60 Ultra TMR combines ultra-sensitive key detection with low latency, ensuring every keystroke is registered instantly. Even in wireless mode, it delivers uninterrupted performance, making it perfect for intense gaming sessions.

Best Hall Effect Keyboard

FUN60 Pro HE Magnetic Keyboard

Features: 

• Cross-Compatible with Mainstream Magnetic Switches
• Full Range 0.01mm RT
• 8K Polling Rate
• ARGB backlit

The FUN60 Pro offers unparalleled value, combining advanced Hall Effect technology with an affordable price point. Its precise and durable switches make it an excellent choice for professionals and gamers alike, delivering exceptional performance without breaking the bank.

MonsGeek MG75S HE Shine-through

Features:  With a unique shine-through design, the MG75S HE not only performs brilliantly but also stands out aesthetically. Its Hall Effect switches provide a smooth and reliable typing experience, perfect for those who value both style and performance.

MonsGeek M1W V3 HE-SP

Features: 

The MonsGeek M1W V3 HE SP offers a perfect balance of functionality and portability. With its sleek design and Hall Effect magnetic switches, this keyboard delivers consistent keypresses and exceptional responsiveness, whether for work or play.

Conclusion

Hall effect keyboards have become the first choice of modern competitive gamers due to their fast actuation, long life, adjustable actuation points and Rapid Trigger function. As technology continues to mature and new technoly just like TMR application, the magnetic keyboard will take up a larger share in the market and will become the new favorite choice for gamers and typists.

At the same time, with the reduction of costs and the popularization of technology, more and more users will be able to enjoy the superior experience brought by magnetic keyboards.

FAQ

Do Hall Effect keyboards last longer?

Yes, Hall Effect keyboards are known for their longevity compared to traditional mechanical keyboards. Unlike mechanical switches, Hall Effect keyboards rely on magnetic field changes to register keypresses. This eliminates physical contact between components, reducing wear and tear over time.

Many Hall Effect keyboards boast lifespans exceeding 100 million keystrokes per switch, significantly outlasting most mechanical switches.

Are Hall Effect switches quiet?

Hall Effect switches operate without physical contact for actuation, which reduces the noise generated by internal components during a keypress. Hall Effect switches are generally quieter than clicky switches but may be comparable to or slightly quieter than linear switches.