Traditional technology with innovative applications
Selecting gaming accessories for your computer can seem like an overwhelming task — sometimes, you might suspect it’s deliberately perplexing as a marketing strategy. Let’s take keyboards as an example; there are countless switch types, form factors, design styles, and price brackets, creating an almost infinite selection that can leave customers utterly confused.
Such confusion can, interestingly, result in a deeper emotional commitment to your final pick. The time you invest in meticulous research, trying to pinpoint the most suitable option for your requirements, can create a strong attachment to your chosen product. Once you’ve made up your mind, you’re more inclined to champion and promote your selected item both on the internet and amongst your acquaintances, primarily due to the time, emotional effort, and finances you’ve already poured into it.
It isn’t always the case that a pricier product implies superior quality. There are occasions when high-end tech goods don’t hit the mark, or they embellish attributes that might look attractive but contribute little to your gameplay. Case in point, the gaming mouse; the same precise sensor can be found in a $99 mouse and a variant twice its price due to PixArt’s market dominance. A higher cost doesn’t necessarily equate to improved components.
Yet, in the realm of gaming keyboards and controllers, there is noticeably superior technology that most users will appreciate and profit from. This technology, the Hall Effect Switches, has seen an impressive surge in recognition over the past few years, gaining traction in eSports and amongst mainstream gamers.
Originating from the late 19th century, The Hall Effect is a principle of electromagnetic physics that proves very beneficial for precision measurements, especially in the realm of gaming. It is most commonly used to gauge with great accuracy the space between two entities, functioning as a key component in the construction of minute switches, for instance, in a keyboard. Generally, keyboards employ switches that are initiated through a tangible mechanical encounter or the interruption of a light beam. However, Hall Effect Switch switches hold the ability to continuously track the exact gap between the switch’s base and the key’s peak. This feature allows for instantaneous actuation, and also opens the door for complex functionalities such as rapid firing or multiple inputs on a single key.
Compared to conventional optical or mechanical key switches, Hall Effect Switches offer a more comfortable tactile experience. As you depress them, their travel is exceedingly seamless and their customizable nature ensures that they are not confined to a fixed actuation point. This means you can tune them to activate at the slightest touch, or you might require pushing the key entirely to the backplate to generate an input — the choice is yours, providing a seamless range of possibilities.
Experts in gaming often utilize superior quick-response mechanisms on favorited Hall Effect keyboards, enhancing the reset point speed, beneficial for swift execution of commands or more defined movements in FPS games. Moreover, you have the liberty to attribute several commands to a single key, allowing diverse actions depending on the press lengths.
However, there are a couple of potential disadvantages to these switches. Primarily, their cost is typically more substantial compared to other models, but in this case, the higher price point correlates with superior, more dependable technology. The second concern is the considerable travel for key-presses which is a characteristic of Hall Effect keyboards. For those accustomed to a more solid typing or gaming style, these keyboards might seem a bit distinct or slower. For instance, the Gateron Yellow switches I mentioned in a previous article bottom out at 3.2mm as opposed to the broader 4mm standard in Hall Effect keyboards. You’ll find the extra travel length evident and it may not be to your liking.
I am of the opinion that Hall Effect switches are genuinely spectacular. The leading rivals in this realm are the SteelSeries Apex Pro line and the Wooting 60HE. Let it be known that the links provided have no sponsorships or affiliations associated with them. These products were featured purely out of personal preference and not due to any financial incentives from the mentioned companies.
For a considerable time, SteelSeries has been crafting keyboards, leading to a somewhat more refined aesthetic and functionality. However, Wooting has surpassed expectations with their inaugural software launch, prompting SteelSeries to speed up and enhance their own software features. The adaptable software gives Wooting an edge among more dedicated users. However, sourcing their keyboards can be challenging due to limited production runs and minimal retail availability.
In comparison, Razer’s involvement in this competition is somewhat indirect with their Huntsman Pro keyboards. While these offer analog input, the support for this feature is integrated into their optical switches, bypassing the use of Hall Effect sensors. Razer’s optimistic assumption is that users won’t notice this workaround. A somewhat amusing blog post on their website claims their keyboards are superior because magnetic influences can alter the sensitivity of others. However, they then proceed to advertise very similar features to their rivals. The question is, would you really bring magnets near your snazzy keyboard while using it? The answer is likely no.
The Razer switches maintain their use of individual stabilizer bars, which may induce a rattle with movement or touch. This might not appeal to everyone, including me.
Hall Effect sensors offer enhanced dependability compared to conventional mechanical and optical switches, and frequently outperform in latency due to their steadfast measurement approach. These sensors aren’t just gadgets that the brilliant tech minds behind these companies rave about in captivating videos; their advantages are palpable even to the average user. Indeed, I’ll seize any opportunity to share that video about SteelSeries’ eccentric robotic fingertip contraption.
The same advantages are also evident in gaming controllers, with the technology being employed to counter the typical stick drift seen in aging analog stick modules, while simultaneously delivering superior control precision. My personal choice is the Zen Pro 2 controller which I utilize with my PC, Switch, and VR headset. Compared to the traditional mechanical versions in similar devices, these sticks provide a smoother experience.
I am thrilled to see that the inherent strengths of this technology have catapulted its popularity in various PC gaming arenas. I anticipate that the sustained integration of Hall Effect technology will pave the way for more cost-effective products in the time to come. While there has been a minor dip in the prices over the past few years, they predominantly fall within the premium category compared to optical and mechanical models. The starting price is generally around the $150 mark.
Presently, this is one of those unique occasions in the PC gaming accessories sphere where you’ll genuinely receive a superior performance in a costlier item rather than just extra RGB or enhanced polling rates that only a computer can discern.
