EWEADEN has just introduced a magnetic switch keyboard aimed at competitive gamers operating under budget constraints – ES68 Lite. The price level of 499.8 CNY ($74.92 approximately) makes the entry to high-speed gaming peripheral much lower. This device will be the answer for those in need for fast responsiveness, but lacking the budget to get the best aluminum boards.
Budget aluminum board features 8kHz polling and Hall Effect sensors
The ES68 Lite is a magnetic switch keyboard that makes use of the same CNC aluminum alloy material in the case like that of the regular ES68 model. There are anodizing and 220 mesh sandblasted finishing for the casing to enhance the durability. EWEADEN is advertising it as an all-aluminum solution for those who prefer solid-feeling boards but without the expensive pricing of flagship devices.
ES68 Lite Specifications
- Switch Type: Quantum Split Sky Magnetic Switches (4th Gen Hall Effect Sensor)
- Polling Rate: 8kHz
- Rapid Trigger Precision: 0.001mm
- Trigger Travel Range: 0.1~3.4mm
- Body Material: Aluminum Alloy (CNC + Anodized + 220 Mesh Sandblasted)
The keyboard's internal components include Quantum Split Sky Magnetic Switches with the fourth-generation Hall Effect sensors. The board is designed for 8KHz polling rate in order to minimize input latency. Meanwhile, the Rapid Trigger feature comes with 0.001mm level precision, allowing the selection of a wide trigger range from 0.001mm to 3.3mm. You will also be able to configure the trigger traveling range from 0.1mm to 3.4mm to fit your typing habits.
The keyboard has dual USB-C ports supporting 5Gbps data transmission rate. Moreover, the keyboard is equipped with ARGB backlighting. It comes with diffuse through-type lightstrip.
The internal component adopts a five-layer damping fill design to lower the noise. The keyboard is now on sale in China since November 1, 2024.
This is a follow-up version after the regular ES68 keyboard. However, it features downgraded internals in order to bring down the price. Essentially, the ES68 Lite has inherited the same external appearance as the original model.
But it is toned down on the switch technology aspect. You may now purchase it directly from Tmall.
8kHz at that price is wild.
Is it worth upgrading from the original ES68 if the internals are downgraded?
Only if you need the lower price point. The switch tech is older so latency might be slightly higher despite the 8kHz claim.
honestly the aluminum body is the only thing selling this tbh
Does it come with bloated software to control the ARGB or is it hardware based?
The article states 0.001mm precision for Rapid Trigger but lists a trigger range of 0.1mm to 3.4mm. The 0.001mm figure is the resolution not the minimum travel.
Finally a board under $75 that does not feel like plastic trash.
Will this work on Linux without custom kernel modules for the polling rate?
Standard HID compliance should cover it but the polling rate might default to 1000Hz on some distros.