The sheer variety of keyboards can make choosing one a daunting task. From mechanical to membrane options to wireless and ergonomic designs, keyboards have come a long way, constantly evolving in form and functionality. This article dives into the fascinating journey of keyboard switches, focusing on the most recent advances—Hall Effect magnetic switches versus traditional mechanical switches. But before we compare these latest innovations, let's trace the history of computer keyboard switches and see how we arrived at today's options.

Membrane Keyboards: The Budget-Friendly Staple
Membrane keyboards remain a popular choice, especially for those seeking affordable and quieter options. Their simple yet effective technology has seen multiple iterations to suit diverse user preferences. Full-travel rubber dome over membrane keyboards, for instance, utilize a rubber dome layer aligned with contact pads. A popular rubber dome membrane keyboard is the Kensington 6430A Keyboard for Life. This design provides tactile feedback while acting as a spring for each key. While they're budget-friendly and offer a softer, quieter typing experience, they also tend to have a shorter lifespan.
Another variation is the scissor-switch keyboard, also known as a chiclet keyboard. These keyboards feature two interlocking pieces under each keycap, creating a "scissor" motion that allows for shallower key travel. This design requires less force to press and produces minimal noise, making it a staple in ergonomic setups like the Logitech K380 or the low-profile MX Keys Mini.
(Below: Top - Logitech MX Keys for Mac. Bottom - Logitech K380)

Somewhere in between are buckling spring switches, popularized by the legendary IBM Model M. These keyboards use a spring mechanism that bends to trigger a small hammer to strike the membrane, delivering the tactile and audio feedback associated with classic keyboards.
Mechanical Keyboards: The Enthusiast's Choice
Mechanical keyboards offer a distinct typing experience with more responsive feedback. Their switches use metal contacts to connect the circuit for each keystroke. This direct physical mechanism is what makes these switches feel so responsive. Switch types, like Cherry's iconic color-coded system—red (linear), brown (tactile), and blue (clicky)—have set a standard for enthusiasts. Brands such as Gateron, Kailh, Outemu, and JWK have expanded the market with similar offerings.
A significant innovation in mechanical switches is the advent of optical switches, which use light sensors instead of physical contacts. Introduced as early as 1962 to reduce typewriter noise, optical switches deliver reduced latency, resistance to moisture and debris, and lighter actuation forces. These features make them an excellent choice for users seeking speed and longevity in their keyboards.
Hall Effect Magnetic Switches: The New Frontier
Hall Effect switches represent one of the most exciting advancements in keyboard technology. Named after the Hall Effect, a principle discovered in 1879 by physicist Edwin Hall, these switches work by measuring magnetic fields rather than relying on physical metal contacts. This contactless mechanism is a stark departure from traditional mechanical switches and introduces several unique advantages. When a key is pressed, a magnet moves closer to a sensor, triggering the keypress electronically. This absence of direct physical contact minimizes wear and tear, resulting in faster, more reliable, and longer-lasting switches.
(Below: Magnetic Switch versus Mechanical Switch Diagram. Nuphy Studio. "What is a Hall Effect Keyboard? The New HE Keyboards in 2024." Nuphy. 2024.)

Early Innovations and Industrial Applications
While Hall Effect switches might seem like a modern innovation, their origins trace back to industrial and military applications in the 1960s. These switches were used in environments demanding high reliability such as aerospace engineering and nuclear facilities. Some speculated that early Hall Effect keyboards may have been deployed in critical infrastructure like the Chernobyl nuclear power plant (check out our Soviet-era Hall Effect keyboard video!).
"The computer industry is no doubt one of the most rapidly growing industries today. With the increase in computer usage, there is an increased demand to improve man's ability to communicate with the computer. The prime instrument of input communication today is a keyboard, and it appears that this will be true for some time in the future." - Vorthmann and Maupin, Honeywell (1969)
Manufacturers like Honeywell pioneered the use of Hall Effect sensors, producing some of the earliest keyboards using this technology. Their durability and resistance to environmental factors made them ideal for high-stakes operations. However, the high production costs of the 1960s limited their use to industrial and professional settings, leaving consumer markets untouched. Even today, many Hall Effect sensors are still manufactured by Honeywell.
Transition to Consumer Electronics
As manufacturing costs declined and consumer computing grew, Hall Effect technology gradually entered more mainstream markets. The transition began in gaming controllers during the late 1990s, with Sega utilizing Hall Effect sensors in its Saturn 3D and Dreamcast controllers. These controllers demonstrated the technology's precision and reliability, attributes that would later resonate with keyboard enthusiasts.
The true renaissance of Hall Effect switches in keyboards likely started in the 2010s, largely driven by hobbyist keyboard builders. Early adopters in the mechanical keyboard community experimented with integrating Hall Effect switches into custom builds, often sharing their experiences on niche forums. However, these keyboards were typically DIY projects, not mass-produced products.
(Below: Wooting 60HE)

This changed in 2018 when Wooting sought to improve analog input for their products. Initially, Wooting experimented with Flaretech optical switches but found Hall Effect technology offered greater potential. By partnering with Ace Pad Technology and later Huano, Wooting developed their own Hall Effect switches, debuting with the Lekker switch in 2019 and later the 60HE in 2022. These switches not only gained traction in gaming circles but also set the stage for other manufacturers to adopt the technology.
Alongside Wooting’s lead, mainstream brands like SteelSeries and Corsair introduced their own Hall Effect keyboards. SteelSeries launched the Apex Pro in 2019 with their own OmniPoint switches, and Corsair followed in 2023 with the K70 Max, signaling a broader industry shift. Popular switch manufacturers like Kailh and Gateron soon joined the movement, releasing their own magnetic switches, including Kailh’s Source Series Magnetic Hall Effect Switches and Gateron’s Double-Rail Magnetic Switches.
(Below: Left - SteelSeries Apex Pro. Right - Corsair K70 Max.)

Unique Features and Advantages
Hall Effect switches boost several features that distinguish them from both mechanical and membrane alternatives. Hall Effect switches are notable for their durability. With no metal contacts to degrade, Hall Effect switches experience less wear over time and are resistant to moisture and dust, making them ideal for harsh or demanding environments. These qualities also make them a long-term investment for users seeking reliability.
Rapid Trigger and Multiple Actions
More standout capabilities include rapid triggering, which allows a key to register as soon as it is pressed. Unlike mechanical switches, which have fixed actuation points, Hall Effect switches offer adjustable actuation ranges—typically between 0.1 and 4.0 mm. This flexibility lets users customize their typing experience, whether they prefer ultra-sensitive input or a more deliberate feel.
Rapid Trigger activates a key the moment it is pressed and deactivates it as soon as it is released, bypassing the latency caused by the physical movement of the switch. Instead of relying on a fixed actuation or reset point, it responds to the key's travel distance. This allows users to repeatedly press a key mid-motion without exceeding a predefined threshold. The sensitivity of Rapid Trigger is often customizable, making it particularly popular among players of first-person shooters and rhythm games. Read more about Rapid Trigger from Wooting.
(Below: "Explaining Rapid Trigger." SteelSeries. 2023.)

SOCD and Gaming Features
Hall Effect keyboards have also become popular in gaming due to software innovations like SOCD (Simultaneous Opposite Cardinal Direction) input handling. SOCD allows users to press opposing directional inputs simultaneously, such as “A” (left) and “D” (right), without causing conflicts. Instead of registering both inputs simultaneously or becoming unresponsive, the keyboard prioritizes the most recent input.
(Below: "Razer Snap Tap Technology." Razer. 2024.)

This functionality, branded as Snap Tap by Razer or Snappy Tappy by Wooting, provides smoother control in competitive gaming scenarios. However, this feature has sparked controversy, as it is banned in certain games like Counter-Strike 2, Overwatch, and Valorant, where it’s seen as giving players an unfair advantage. Many of these features are found on optical switch keyboards, and not exclusive to Hall Effect switch keyboards.
Growing Market Presence
The current landscape of Hall Effect keyboards continues to expand. Manufacturers like Wooting, SteelSeries, Corsair, Keychron, and newer entrants are driving innovation in this space. Some of the most recent developments include Gateron’s Double-Rail Magnetic Switches, which enhance stability and precision. As production scales and adoption widens, Hall Effect keyboards are quickly becoming a preferred choice for gamers, typists, and enthusiasts alike.
Hall Effect Switches in Action
To see Hall Effect switches in action, we tested two standout keyboards: the Keychron K2 HE and the Pulsar PCMK 2 HE TKL.
(Below: Left - Keychron K2 HE. Right - Pulsar PCMK 2 HE TKL.)

Here’s a quick comparison of their features:
Feature | Keychron K2 HE | Pulsar PCMK 2 HE TKL |
---|---|---|
Release Date | Q4 2024 | Q4 2024 |
Board Size | 75% | TKL/80% |
Switch Type | Hall Effect | Hall Effect |
Switch Manufacturer | Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic | Pulsar-exclusive Gateron Double-Rail Magnetic |
Polling Rate | 1000 Hz | 8000 Hz |
Average Wired Latency | 6.4 ms | 3.4 ms |
Adjustable Actuation Range | 0.2 - 3.8 mm in 0.1 mm steps | 0.1 - 4.0 mm |
Additional Features | Snap Click, Rapid Trigger | Quick Tap, Rapid Trigger |
Compatibility | Windows, MacOS | Windows, MacOS |
Customizations | Hot-swappable, QMK/VIA | Customizable via software |
Price | $140 USD | $160 USD |
Both keyboards delivered exceptional typing experiences, but the Pulsar's higher polling rate and faster latency make it the ideal choice for competitive gaming. The Keychron's QMK/VIA compatibility, however, gives it an edge for customization enthusiasts, though it isn't bad for gaming either.
For full reviews of the Keychron K2 HE and the Pulsar PCMK 2 HE TKL, check out the individual product pages.
(Left: 1. Keychron K2 HE Latency, 2. Pulsar PCMK 2 HE TKL Latency)
1 of 2
The Magnetic Appeal of Hall Effect Switches 🧲
The evolution of keyboard switches—from membrane to mechanical to Hall Effect—reflects the growing demand for speed, precision, and customization. Membrane keyboards remain budget-friendly and practical, while mechanical keyboards offer an array of tactile options for enthusiasts. Hall Effect switches, with their magnetic actuation and advanced features, represent the future of high-performance typing and gaming.
As manufacturers continue to innovate, keyboards are becoming more versatile, offering features to cater to a wide range of users—from casual typists to professional gamers. With durability, precision, and customization at the forefront, Hall Effect keyboards stand out as a magnetic force in the ever-evolving world of keyboard technology.
Are magnetic switches not your thing? Want to find your next keyboard? Take a peek at the other keyboards we've tested. ⌨️🧲
--- END
Bibliography:
“APT tactile & clicky Hall effect keyboards review - deskthority,” Deskthority.net, 2015. https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?t=18743 .
“Best rubber dome keyboard,” Geekhack.org, 2022. https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=116600.0 .
Calder, “Introducing the Lekker switch,” Wooting.io, 2019. https://wooting.io/post/introducing-the-lekker-switch
“Common Hall-effect sensor myths (2022) | Hacker News,” Ycombinator.com, 2022. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=34394738 .
Chyrosran22, “ITT Courier 110169-003 review (Honeywell Hall effect D1B3S),” YouTube, Feb. 20, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37tdDoC7rGA .
D. Cooper, “I researched Magnetic Keyboards so you don’t have to — Intro,” Medium, Feb. 02, 2024. https://medium.com/@damiancooper/i-researched-magnetic-keyboards-so-you-dont-have-to-intro-efdf8f10814f .
E. A. Vorthmann and J. T. Maupin, “Solid state keyboard,” Proceedings of the May 14-16, 1969, spring joint computer conference on XX - AFIPS ’69 (Spring), p. 149, 1969, doi: https://doi.org/10.1145/1476793.1476823.
E. James, “Keyboards with Hall Effect Technology – Why is it better than other switches?,” Keyboard Lab, Feb. 23, 2024. https://keybolab.com/hall-effect-keyboard-switches/.
GeeksforGeeks, “What is a Scissor Switch?,” GeeksforGeeks, Apr. 15, 2024. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/what-is-a-scissor-switch/
“Hall effect keyswitches,” Geekhack.org, 2017. https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43628.0.
“Honeywell Hall Effect Board,” Geekhack.org, 2020. https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=106557.0.
HP, “Mechanical vs Membrane Keyboard: Which is Best for Gaming?,” Hp.com, Nov. 16, 2019. https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/tech-takes/mechanical-vs-membrane-keyboard-for-gaming
https://www.facebook.com/thoughtcodotcom, “Why Your Computer Keyboard Has a QWERTY Layout,” ThoughtCo, 2019. https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-the-computer-keyboard-1991402
I. yu, “SOCD in Gaming Keyboards: What You Need to Know,” Akkogear.eu, Aug. 28, 2024. https://akkogear.eu/blogs/news/socd-in-keyboard-what-you-need-to-know?srsltid=AfmBOoqsLnV0jiTeHedsoGoEyWkPtqqAIKHIt0Oko-MZF9We7hC5UPA_.
I. yu, “What is a Hall Effect Keyboard?,” Akkogear.eu, Aug. 28, 2024. https://akkogear.eu/blogs/news/hall-effect-keyboard?srsltid=AfmBOorPnTSgVhR-okU7v1CixH8SxlkYAiinvtGSl6-APOlyEJwfFkMc.
J. Archer, “Should You Bother With... Hall effect keyboards?,” Rock Paper Shotgun, Apr. 24, 2024. https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/should-you-bother-with-hall-effect-keyboards.
J. Harrington, “Optical vs Mechanical: Which is Better?,” Switch and Click, Aug. 13, 2020. https://switchandclick.com/optical-vs-mechanical-keyboards-which-is-better/.
L. Siuty, “Snap Tap vs. Snappy Tappy vs. Rapid Tap,” SteelSeries, Oct. 2024. https://steelseries.com/blog/snap-tap-vs-snappy-tappy-vs-rapid-tap-1172?srsltid=AfmBOopLyHRrzuvmTIBjqGw8-ljqlueBy8vKoU-bUgnAMSlK0FAUyaoS.
Lili, “Analog input technologies for keyboards,” Wooting.io, 2018. https://wooting.io/post/analog-input-technologies-for-keyboards.
M.-A. Paun, J.-M. Sallese, and M. Kayal, “Comparative Study on the Performance of Five Different Hall Effect Devices,” Sensors, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 2093–2112, Feb. 2013, doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/s130202093.
“New Hall Effect Switch/Keyboard from Steelseries,” Geekhack.org, 2019. https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=100926.0.
“NuPhy Field75 HE,” NuPhy, 2024. https://nuphy.com/collections/he-keyboards/products/nuphy-field75-he-magnetic-switch-gaming-keyboard?variant=41482716938349.
“Razer,” Razer, 2022. https://www.razer.com/ca-en/technology/razer-snap-tap?srsltid=AfmBOordip5QofsJcg-5EZvYz1k1sODe6n2GBkFNo954jEFpbTwN-_g5.
“SSZT079 Technical article | TI.com,” Ti.com, 2022. https://www.ti.com/document-viewer/lit/html/SSZT079.
T. Singh, “3 reasons to get a Hall effect keyboard instead of a mechanical one,” XDA, Sep. 02, 2024. https://www.xda-developers.com/get-hall-effect-keyboard-instead-of-mechanical/.
Tim, “Rappy Snappy Tappy,” Wooting.io, 2024. https://wooting.io/post/rappy-snappy-tappy.
Typing Through Time: Keyboard History, “Typing Through Time: Keyboard History,” Das Keyboard Blog, Jun. 19, 2019. https://www.daskeyboard.com/blog/typing-through-time-the-history-of-the-keyboard/.
Wikipedia Contributors, “Computer keyboard,” Wikipedia, Mar. 28, 2019. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_keyboard.
Wikipedia Contributors, “Hall effect,” Wikipedia, Aug. 16, 2019. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hall_effect.
Wikipedia Contributors , “Keyboard technology,” Wikipedia, Apr. 03, 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyboard_technology.
Y. Abidi, “Hall Effect vs. Optical: What Mechanical Keyboard Switches Should You Choose?,” MUO, May 12, 2023. https://www.makeuseof.com/hall-effect-vs-optical-switches/.
“Zbrojovka Brno – Telcontar.net,” Telcontar.net, 2022. https://telcontar.net/KBK/Zbrojovka_Brno/.
月鑫 黄, “What is Magnetic Switch?,” Nuphy.com, 2024. https://nuphy.com/blogs/journal/what-is-magnetic-switch?srsltid=AfmBOor1gl9S-d_o1foISoNu4Gp7cdvm515Cdkl8MuVsMPeoR7KPhsEW.