There’s no shortage of affordable, budget-friendly gaming keyboards on the market, but only a handful come packed with features that truly come through for gaming. You’re likely to end up with a standard mechanical keyboard when shopping for models under $100, but the EPOMAKER G84 HE we’re looking at today checks all the basics while also bringing some noteworthy extras to the table at this price point. I kept my expectations in check when I started using it as my daily driver for gaming – especially since I was coming from some more premium boards in my collection – but I have to admit it’s proven to be a reliable performer that has consistently earned a spot on my desk alongside the LOFREE Flow 2 wireless model I usually rely on for work. You can read more about my experience using it as my everyday gaming keyboard below.
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Hands on with Epomaker’s G84 HE gaming keyboard
EPOMAKER’s offical Amazon storefront has listed this particular model for $84.99 shipped. You’ll typically see it dip closer to the $65 to $70 range during major sale events, so it’s worth keeping an eye out if you’re hoping to snag it at its lowest price. You can get this in black and white finishes, and the white one is listed for $76.49 shipped right now. They do come with a different set of keycaps, though, so keep that in mind and pick the one you like.
Features at a glance
- Fast Trigger & Zero Dead Zone: The G84 HE offers ultra-sensitive actuation down to 0.01mm with adjustable travel from 0.1mm to 3.3mm and zero dead zone for instant response.
- Snap Key (SOCD) & DKS: SOCD prioritizes the latest input for precise movement, while DKS lets a single key trigger up to four actions based on press depth.
- 8K Hz Polling & 256K Scan Rate: An 8000Hz polling rate and 256K scan rate reduce latency to just 0.125ms for faster, more accurate inputs.
- Custom Driver (Mac/WIN): EPOMAKER’s software enables easy customization of keys, macros, lighting, and advanced input settings on Windows and Mac.
- Tri-Mode Wireless for Mac/WIN: The keyboard supports Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired connections for flexible use across multiple devices.
9to5Toys’ Take
One of the first things you’ll notice about this keyboard is how solidly it’s built, showing no obvious signs of being a budget model. It feels sturdy overall despite having a plastic shell, and there’s very little flex to speak of. The G84 HE features a slightly extended 75% layout, meaning it isn’t as large as a standard tenkeyless (TKL) board, but it’s also not quite as compact as a typical 75%. The arrow keys are spaced out from the main cluster to make room for two rows of function buttons, including a dedicated “End” key.
As for the ergonomics, the board sits a bit higher to accommodate the underglow RGB lighting and includes 2-stage height-adjustable feet. The front height measures a comfortable 18mm, which helps with long gaming sessions, though you can always add a wrist rest for extra comfort. EPOMAKER has also equipped the board with RGB lighting, and when it’s turned off, you’re left with a clean, tastefully designed keyboard featuring the brand’s badge on the left.
The gray-to-blue gradient keycaps on this black variant definitely help it stand out. While I’m personally not a big fan of the gradient look, they do look good and certainly have a strong demand in the market. And of course, you can always swap them out later if you prefer a different set of keycaps.
The magnetic Hall effect switches that come pre-installed in this keyboard perform well overall. I’ve been leaning more towards tactile mechanical switches these days, but these require enough force to feel controlled. I rarely trigger keys by mistake during normal use, unless I lower the actuation point through the EPOMAKER software. Because these are hall-effect switches, you can register a keystroke with only the slightest press if you choose to fine-tune them that way.
That ultra-sensitive responsiveness can be great for fast-paced games where quick reactions matter, but in my experience, it also led to more accidental key presses than I would have liked. It’s definitely something that takes time to adapt to, but you’ll feel right at some if you’re already coming from a magnetic Hall effect keyboard. Unlike the Glorious GMMK3 Pro HE we looked at earlier – which supports both magnetic Hall effect and standard MX-style mechanical switches – this keyboard limits you to swapping the stock switches only with other hall-effect options. This isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, but you should definitely keep that in mind while making a purchase decision.
Some other things I really appreciate about this keyboard include how well-stabilized and finely tuned the keys feel – especially the spacebar, which has remained completely rattle-free in my testing. EPOMAKER has also included layers of sound-dampening foam to deliver a smoother, more “thocky” sound profile, a signature that’s particularly popular among gamers and newcomers to the keyboard hobby. It also checks the right boxes with dependable wireless tri-mode connectivity and a soft, cushioned typing experience thanks to its gasket-mounted design.
All things considered, it’s fair to say the EPOMAKER G84 HE offers a very compelling package for its price. It’s easily one of the better-sounding and more satisfying magnetic Hall effect keyboards I’ve used in the sub-$100 range. You will, of course find better alternatives as long as you spend more and splurge on some of the mainstream models. That being said, this EPOMAKER keyboard is a great option if you’re looking for a dependable, budget-friendly daily gaming keyboard without spending the kind of money many of the more premium models demand – often costing nearly two or even three times as much.
Buy EPOMAKER G84 HE magnetic wireless gaming keyboard
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