Introduction

If you’ve been looking for a new keyboard lately, you’ve likely seen magnetic keyboards or “Hall Effect” switches everywhere. But what does that actually mean for your gaming or typing? Is it just hype, or is it a real upgrade from the classic mechanical keyboard?

This beginner-friendly guide breaks down everything you need to know about magnetic vs. mechanical switches, stripping away the jargon so you can decide which type of keyboard belongs on your desk in 2026.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What Are Mechanical Keyboard Switches?
• What Are Magnetic (Hall Effect) Switches?
• How Do Magnetic vs. Mechanical Switches Actually Work Inside?
• Magnetic vs. Mechanical: The Core Differences That Matter
• Why Choose a Magnetic Keyboard?
• Why Choose a Mechanical Keyboard?
• How Do Magnetic and Mechanical Switches Feel and Sound?
• Which Switch Type Is Better for Gaming Performance?
• Redragon Magnetic Keyboards: Top Recommendations
• Who Should Choose Magnetic vs. Mechanical? (Use-Case Guide)
• What Should You Check Before Buying?
• Conclusion
• FAQ

What Are Mechanical Keyboard Switches?

Think of a mechanical switch as a traditional light switch.

Inside, there are physical metal "leaves." When you press the key, these metal parts touch to complete a circuit and send a signal to your computer. They are the industry standard because they feel great and come in three main "flavors":

• Linear: Smooth and quiet from top to bottom.
• Tactile: You’ll feel a slight "bump" halfway down (great for knowing you actually pressed the key).
• Clicky: You’ll feel a bump and hear a loud "click" (satisfying, but your roommates might hate you).

If you want a deeper look at the differences between these types and which one might suit you best, check out Keyboard Breakdown: The 3 Types of Mechanical Switches.

What Are Magnetic (Hall Effect) Switches?

Instead of a light switch, think of a magnetic switch as a gas pedal in a car.

There are no metal parts touching inside. Instead, there is a tiny magnet in the key and a sensor on the keyboard. The sensor measures how far down the magnet is. This creates an analog signal. Because nothing is rubbing together, these switches are incredibly smooth and don't "wear out" like traditional ones.

Want to learn more about how magnetic switches work and why they’re gaining popularity? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Magnetic Switch Keyboards.

How Do Magnetic vs. Mechanical Switches Actually Work Inside?

Inside Mechanical: The stem (the moving part) pushes a spring and forces two metal pieces together. This physical contact is why they eventually wear out or get "scratchy" over time.

Inside Magnetic: The stem moves a magnet closer to a sensor. The keyboard tracks the exact distance.

Pro Tip: You might see terms like Hall Effect (the standard tech) or TMR (the newer, more precise version). For a beginner, all you need to know is that TMR is the "premium" version—it’s more accurate and uses less battery if the keyboard is wireless.

Magnetic vs. Mechanical: The Core Differences That Matter

For a more detailed comparison, check out the diagram below:

Why Choose a Magnetic Keyboard?

The #1 reason is Speed.

Since the keyboard knows exactly how deep the key is, you can use Rapid Trigger. On a normal keyboard, you have to let the key go almost all the way up before you can press it again. With a magnetic board, the moment you start lifting your finger, the key "resets," letting you tap it again instantly. This works so well because magnetic switches have a very small dead zone, meaning even slight key movement is recognized quickly. It’s a literal cheat code for games like Valorant or OSU!

Why Choose a Mechanical Keyboard?

The #1 reason is Feel.

If you love the "click-clack" sound or want to feel a physical "bump" when you type, mechanical is for you. They offer a "soul" and personality that magnetic switches—which are always smooth and linear—can't match.

How Do Magnetic and Mechanical Switches Feel and Sound?

Mechanical: Can be anything from "loud and clicky" to "deep and thumpy." They feel more traditional and "springy."

🎧 Listen to 5 mechanical switch types on Redragon best-selling keyboards in this ASMR typing test:

Magnetic: They feel frictionless, like you’re gliding on air. Because there’s no metal contact, the sound is usually more muted and consistent (no "pinging" noises).

🎧 Now listen to a magnetic switch in action (K686 typing test):

Which Switch Type Is Better for Gaming Performance?

The Verdict: For competitive play, magnetic switches are the objective winner.

While mechanical switches are great for casual play, magnetic tech offers a "hardware advantage" in today's most popular titles:

Faster Stops (Rapid Trigger): In games like Valorant and CS2, accuracy depends on stopping instantly (counter-strafing). Magnetic switches reset the millisecond you lift your finger, letting you stop and shoot faster than any mechanical switch allows.

Instant Reactions: You can set a 0.1mm hair-trigger for movement keys. This gives you a split-second edge in fast-paced games like Apex Legends, Fortnite, or Call of Duty, where reacting first means winning the duel.

Custom Sensitivity: Many players use software to make their "WASD" keys ultra-sensitive for movement while keeping their "Ultimate" ability key deeper to avoid accidental presses—a level of control mechanical boards simply can't offer.

Who Should Choose Magnetic vs. Mechanical? (Use-Case Guide)

The FPS Gamer: Magnetic. You need Rapid Trigger and adjustable speed for precise counter-strafing and faster reaction times.

If competitive shooters are your main focus, check out the 2025 Redragon FPS Keyboard Buyer’s Guide for a deeper breakdown of what actually matters in an FPS setup.

The Student / Writer: Mechanical (Tactile). The physical bump helps you type faster with fewer mistakes.

The Office Worker: Mechanical (Silent). Keeps your coworkers happy while still giving you a satisfying typing feel.

The "Lazy" User: Magnetic. No metal parts mean no maintenance, no lubing, and better resistance to dust and humidity.

What Should You Check Before Buying?

Adjustability: Does the software allow you to change the actuation point?

Hot-Swap: Can you replace the switches easily? (Most magnetic boards only fit magnetic switches.)

Build Quality: Look for PBT keycaps—they don’t get oily or shiny over time.

Redragon Magnetic Keyboards: Top Recommendations

Depending on your desk space and gaming needs, here are three standout options:

1. Fizz K617 (Magnetic Version) — Best for Budget FPS Players

If you are a competitive gamer on a tight budget, the Fizz K617 is the logical entry point. Its 60% layout is extremely popular because it frees up massive desk space for wide mouse swipes—essential for low-sensitivity aiming in shooters.

Why it stands out: Despite its price, it features an 8,000Hz (8K) polling rate, meaning the keyboard communicates with your PC 8 times faster than standard boards. It’s a pure, high-speed gaming tool without the unnecessary bulk.

2. Eisa K686 HE — Best Overall Performance & Feel

The Eisa K686 HE is a step up for users who want both a premium feel and cutting-edge features. It uses a 96% layout (98 keys), so you still get a numpad for work, but in a more compact frame.

Why it stands out: It uses UltraMag 100% POM switches, which offer a naturally "silky" and self-lubricating feel that most beginners find much smoother than standard plastic.

Performance Edge: It includes Snap Tap & SOCD (PRCS Tech), features that help you counter-strafe with surgical precision. The addition of a dedicated control knob for volume or brightness makes it a great hybrid for both gaming and daily productivity.

3. Diti K585 HE — The Ergonomic Specialist

The Diti K585 HE is a dedicated one-handed magnetic keyboard. It is designed specifically for gamers who either have limited desk space or want a secondary, ergonomic setup focused entirely on gaming.

Why it stands out: It packs the same high-end POM magnetic switches and Rapid Trigger technology as the full-sized boards, while adding 7 programmable macro keys and a detachable wrist rest. It’s a specialized gaming pad that lets you keep your main keyboard aside while you focus entirely on your match.

Conclusion

Both technologies offer an amazing experience compared to a cheap office keyboard. Magnetic switches are precision tools built for speed and durability, while mechanical switches remain the king of varied sound, tactile soul, and personalization.

FAQ

Are magnetic or mechanical switches better?

Magnetic for gaming speed; Mechanical for typing variety.

What are the disadvantages of magnetic switches?

They are mostly linear (no clicks) and often cost a bit more, and most models are wired-only to maintain the high-speed performance and power needed for the sensors.

What are magnetic switches used for?

Gaming, industrial controls, and high-performance PC setups.

Is a magnetic switch worth it?

If you play competitive games, yes—absolutely.

What is another name for a magnetic switch?

Hall Effect (HE) or TMR switches.

What is the lifespan of a magnetic switch?

100 million+ actuations—essentially built to last for years of heavy use.

Are magnetic switches reliable?

Yes. They have no physical metal contacts to break or wear out.

How do magnetic switches feel?

Extremely smooth, light, and friction-free.

What are the benefits of magnetic switches?

Speed, adjustability, and zero physical wear.

Are magnetic switches actually “faster” in real games?

Yes. Rapid Trigger allows for faster character stops and quicker resets.

Do I need to bottom out magnetic switches to register?

No. You can set them to trigger with a tiny tap at the top.

Are magnetic switches only for gaming, or are they good for typing too?

They are great for typing if you like smooth keys, though they can feel very sensitive.

Can I mix magnetic and mechanical switches?

No. They require different sensors and PCBs, so they are not interchangeable.

Will magnetic keyboards replace mechanical?

In the gaming world, likely yes. For others, they will coexist.

Is a Hall Effect keyboard worth it if I already have a good mechanical board?

Only if you feel your current board is limiting your gaming performance.

What is the difference between HE and TMR?

TMR is a newer type of magnetic sensor that is more precise and uses less power than traditional Hall Effect (HE) sensors.