The Endgame Gear KB65HE marks the manufacturer’s first foray into the gaming keyboard market, and it’s a resounding success, especially for FPS enthusiasts. This keyboard boasts innovative Hall-effect switches, a robust aluminum chassis, and user-friendly software. But does the KB65HE truly deliver on all fronts? Our in-depth review explores its strengths and weaknesses.
RGB Lighting
Design and Build: Understated Elegance and Robustness
The Endgame Gear KB65HE’s all-black aluminum housing might appear understated at first glance. However, this minimalist aesthetic hides exceptional stability and build quality. The CNC-milled aluminum chassis not only looks premium but also eliminates flex, ensuring remarkable durability.
Weighing in at 2.03 pounds (1.05 kilograms), the keyboard sits firmly on your desk. While it lacks adjustable feet, a second set of slightly higher rubber feet allows for angled positioning. A detachable, fabric-covered USB-C cable adds to the premium feel. A wrist rest is not included.
Underside of the Aluminum Housing
The 65% layout strikes a balance between compactness and functionality. By omitting the numeric keypad while retaining essential arrow and special keys, it caters to gamers and frequent typists seeking a space-saving design without sacrificing crucial inputs. The doubleshot PBT keycaps, produced in collaboration with Ducky, offer exceptional durability and resistance to wear, ensuring a consistently precise and comfortable typing experience.
Key Layout
Hall-Effect Switches: A Game Changer
The true stars of the KB65HE are the Gateron KS-37B linear Hall-effect switches. These switches employ magnets to detect keystrokes without physical contact, resulting in a near-limitless lifespan far exceeding that of traditional mechanical switches. This technology also allows for incredibly precise trigger point adjustment down to 0.1 millimeters, customizable for each individual switch.
The light 30-gram actuation force, combined with a 50-gram bottom-out and factory lubrication, makes every keypress incredibly smooth and responsive.
Gateron Switches
The dual-rail structure of the Gateron switches provides superior stability compared to single-rail designs, which can wobble or exhibit inconsistent actuation under heavy use. The KS-37B delivers consistent and precise performance.
The KB65HE also features hot-swap sockets, though these are compatible only with Hall-effect switches. This allows for easy experimentation with different switch types without soldering, and simplifies replacement should a switch malfunction.
Hot-Swap Socket
Software and Customization: Powerful Yet Limited
The Endgame Gear software (Windows only) allows for extensive customization, including RGB lighting, macro programming, and fine-tuning of the Hall-effect switches for the “Rapid Trigger” feature. This feature enables incredibly fast key responses, providing a competitive edge in fast-paced games. While intuitive and user-friendly, the software lacks onboard memory. This means custom settings are not saved directly to the keyboard, requiring reconfiguration when switching devices. Some core functions can be accessed directly on the keyboard using key combinations.
Adjustable Trigger Points
Advanced Functions
Gaming Performance: A Noticeable Advantage
The benefits of the fast switches are immediately apparent in fast-paced FPS titles like Counter-Strike 2. The adjustable trigger points and rapid trigger response provide a tangible advantage. The robust construction and precise switches ensure reliable input accuracy even during intense gameplay.
USB-C Connection
Conclusion: A Premium Gaming Keyboard
The Endgame Gear KB65HE is a high-performance gaming keyboard offering exceptional precision, customization, and durability. Its innovative Hall-effect switches, robust build, and user-friendly software make it a compelling choice for serious gamers and discerning users. While the lack of onboard memory is a drawback, the overall performance and feature set make the KB65HE a strong contender in the premium keyboard market.
