ATTACK SHARK X68 Gaming Keyboard Review UK 2026: Magnetic Hall Effect at £53

The ATTACK SHARK X68 Gaming Keyboard represents something I didn’t expect to see at this price point: genuine Hall Effect magnetic switches with 8000Hz polling rate for fifty quid. After two weeks of extended typing sessions, competitive gaming, and enough stabiliser testing to drive me slightly mad, I can confirm this isn’t just marketing rubbish. This is a proper magnetic switch keyboard that undercuts competitors by £100-150.

ATTACK SHARK X68 HE 8000Hz Rapid Trigger Keyboard, 0.01mm RT Accuracy Wired Gaming Keyboard with Magnetic Switch, Adjustable Actuation, Rapid Trigger, Snap Tap, RGB Lighting for PC/Mac, Black

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.4 (776 reviews)

£52.99

• 【MANDATORY FIRST-TIME CALIBRATION】For the most precise trigger points, calibrate the keyboard once before first use. This can be done via web driver or our software. Step-by-step instructions are shown in the detailed product description at the bottom of the page.
• 【F-ROW & NUMBER KEYS SWITCH】Easily switch between Function (F1–F12) keys and number keys by pressing FN + Right Shift.
• 【0.01mm RT Sensitivity, Zero Dead Zone】Ready for your next move before the first hit lands? With just 0.01mm of break, your trusted companion executes commands instantly. In rapid trigger mode, the X68 HE handles complex maneuvers effortlessly, like an extension of your nervous system.
• 【0.125ms Latency, 8000Hz Polling Rate】The X68 HE is the Magnetic keyboard with both 8000Hz polling and 128KHz scan rates. Its latency is drastically lower than most 8000Hz magnetic switch keyboards, offering a game-changing 8x faster response than conventional gaming keyboards.
• 【60% Ultra-compact Layout】The 60% layout offers a compact design that maximizes desk space and enhances typing efficiency. Its reduced size allows for faster mouse movements and improved ergonomics, making it ideal for gamers and professionals.

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Price checked: 10 Jan 2026 | Affiliate link

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But here’s the thing about budget Hall Effect keyboards: the technology is only half the story. Switch feel matters more than polling rates, and stabiliser quality trumps rapid trigger every single time.

I’ll be honest: I approached this review with scepticism. Hall Effect keyboards typically start at £150, and the technology isn’t cheap to implement properly. When ATTACK SHARK sent over a magnetic switch board for fifty quid, I expected corners to be cut everywhere. Check current pricing on Amazon because this seems almost too good to be true.

Spoiler: it’s mostly true, with caveats.

How It Types

The X68 uses magnetic Hall Effect switches, which is fundamentally different technology from traditional mechanical switches. Instead of metal contacts physically touching, these switches use magnets and sensors to detect keypress position. This means you get adjustable actuation points (0.1mm to 4.0mm), rapid trigger functionality, and theoretically infinite switch lifespan since there’s no physical contact wear.

In practice, after two weeks of typing everything from code to lengthy emails to this very review, the switches feel like well-executed linears. The actuation is smooth, consistent across all keys, and there’s no scratchiness that plagues cheap mechanical switches. The 45g actuation force feels light without being floaty, and the spring return is quick enough for rapid double-taps in gaming.

But here’s where it gets interesting: the rapid trigger mode changes everything for gaming. In standard mode, these feel like any decent linear switch. Activate rapid trigger, and the keyboard registers a new keypress the instant you release even 0.1mm. For counter-strafing in tactical shooters or quick ability cancels in MOBAs, this is genuinely transformative. I tested this extensively in Valorant, and the difference in movement precision is immediately noticeable.

The typing experience is good, not great. The switches themselves are lovely, but the stabilisers let the side down slightly. The spacebar has minor rattle on the upstroke, and the right Shift key sounds different from the left. It’s not deal-breaking, but it’s noticeable if you’ve spent time with premium keyboards. For £53, I’ll take it. For £150, I’d be annoyed.

The 60% layout takes some adjustment if you’re coming from full-size boards. No dedicated arrow keys, no function row, no numpad. Everything is accessed through function layer combinations. FN + Right Shift toggles between F-row and number keys, which is clever but takes muscle memory to internalise. I found myself accidentally triggering F-keys when I wanted numbers for the first three days.

Key rollover is full n-key with the 8000Hz polling rate, and I couldn’t trigger any ghosting or missed inputs even during deliberately chaotic button-mashing tests. The 0.125ms latency claim is difficult to verify without specialised equipment, but subjectively, this feels as responsive as any wired gaming keyboard I’ve tested.

Construction & Materials

The X68 uses a plastic case, which is the expected compromise at this price point. The surprising bit is that it doesn’t feel cheap. There’s minimal flex when applying pressure to the centre of the board, and the weight distribution feels balanced. It’s not the aluminium tank construction of premium boards, but it’s perfectly adequate.

The keycaps are doubleshot ABS with shine-through legends for the RGB lighting. ABS will develop shine over time, which is unavoidable physics, but the legends won’t fade since they’re moulded through the entire keycap. The texture is smooth, and the thickness feels standard for this price bracket. I would have preferred PBT for the more textured feel and shine resistance, but that’s asking a lot at £53.

One detail I appreciate: the keycaps have proper scoops on the F and J keys for touch-typing reference. Small thing, but it shows someone thought about actual typing ergonomics rather than just gaming aesthetics.

The USB-C cable is non-detachable, which is disappointing. It’s a decent quality cable with a braided sleeve, but if it fails, you’re replacing the entire keyboard rather than just the cable. For a board targeting competitive gamers who might travel to LANs, a detachable cable would have been brilliant.

The stabilisers are plate-mounted and factory-lubed, though not particularly well. The spacebar has noticeable rattle, and the Shift keys sound slightly hollow. This is the most obvious cost-cutting measure on the board. I reckon someone with basic keyboard modding skills could improve this significantly with proper lubing and tuning, but out of the box, it’s merely acceptable.

There’s no switch hot-swap capability, which makes sense given these are magnetic switches rather than standard mechanical switches. You’re committed to this switch feel, so make sure you’re comfortable with linears before buying.

Software Experience

Here’s where things get slightly awkward. The X68 requires mandatory first-time calibration, which you can do either through web-based software or downloadable application. The instructions are clear enough, but this is an extra faff that most keyboards don’t require. Skip this step, and your actuation points will be inconsistent.

I used the web-based calibration tool, which worked fine on Chrome. It takes about two minutes: you press each key firmly, the software maps the magnetic range, and you’re done. It’s not complicated, but it is an extra hurdle between unboxing and actually using the keyboard.

The software itself is functional but basic. You can adjust per-key actuation points from 0.1mm to 4.0mm, enable rapid trigger mode, set the rapid trigger sensitivity (how far you need to release before it registers a new press), and customise RGB lighting. The interface is utilitarian, with no fancy graphics or smooth animations. It works, which is what matters, but it’s not winning any design awards.

RGB customisation offers the standard options: static colours, breathing effects, reactive typing, wave patterns. Nothing innovative, but everything you’d expect. The lighting itself is bright and even, with no dead LEDs or noticeable hotspots. I keep RGB off most of the time because I’m a miserable sod who finds it distracting, but for those who want it, it’s properly implemented.

One frustration: the software doesn’t save profiles to onboard memory particularly intuitively. I had to re-calibrate once after unplugging and moving the keyboard to a different PC. The settings eventually stuck, but it wasn’t seamless. This feels like firmware that could use another revision or two.

Performance Testing: Two Weeks of Real Use

I tested the X68 across multiple use cases to evaluate whether the Hall Effect technology delivers practical benefits or just impressive spec sheets.

Competitive Gaming: I spent roughly 20 hours across Valorant, Apex Legends, and Counter-Strike 2. The rapid trigger mode genuinely improves movement precision. Counter-strafing feels more responsive, and the ability to adjust actuation points per-key means I could set WASD to 0.2mm for faster movement while keeping ability keys at 1.5mm to prevent accidental presses. This level of customisation is typically reserved for keyboards costing three times as much.

Extended Typing Sessions: I wrote approximately 15,000 words on this keyboard, including this review, several articles, and countless emails. The linear switches are smooth and consistent, making them suitable for extended typing despite being marketed primarily for gaming. The lack of tactile feedback means I occasionally bottomed out harder than necessary, which could cause fatigue over truly marathon sessions, but for normal daily use, it’s comfortable.

Stabiliser Consistency: This is where the budget constraints show most clearly. The spacebar rattle became more noticeable over time, particularly during quiet evening typing sessions when every sound is amplified. It’s not egregious, and it doesn’t affect functionality, but it does detract from the premium feel that the switches themselves provide. The Enter key is better, with only minor rattle, and the Shift keys are acceptable.

Latency and Responsiveness: I couldn’t detect any input lag during gaming or typing. The 8000Hz polling rate is overkill for most use cases, but knowing it’s there provides peace of mind for competitive scenarios. I ran several online reaction time tests, and my scores were consistent with other high-end gaming keyboards I’ve tested.

One specific moment that sold me on the rapid trigger functionality: I was playing Valorant on Haven, holding C site, and an opponent pushed from garage. The ability to counter-strafe instantly, without waiting for the full key release, let me land the headshot before they fully cleared the angle. Would I have won that duel on a standard keyboard? Maybe. But the X68 gave me a measurable advantage.

Comparison: How It Stacks Against Alternatives

The X68 occupies a unique position: it’s the cheapest way to experience Hall Effect technology by a significant margin. The Razer Huntsman V2 Tenkeyless Gaming Keyboard offers optical switches with similar speed benefits but costs more than double and lacks the adjustable actuation points. The YUNZII B75 PRO Wireless Mechanical Keyboard provides better overall typing experience and wireless connectivity but can’t match the X68’s rapid trigger functionality for competitive gaming.

If your priority is competitive gaming performance per pound spent, the X68 wins. If you want a better all-rounder for typing and casual gaming, the YUNZII offers more versatility. If you want premium build quality and don’t mind spending extra, the Razer is the refined option. Check the current X68 pricing here to see if any sales make the decision even easier.

Sound Profile

The X68 sits somewhere between clacky and neutral. The magnetic switches themselves are relatively quiet since there’s no tactile mechanism or click jacket, just the sound of the keycap bottoming out against the switch housing and the return spring. It’s not silent, but it’s nowhere near as loud as clicky switches or even some tactile switches.

The spacebar is the loudest element, thanks to the stabiliser rattle. It produces a slightly hollow “clack” that’s more pronounced than the alphanumeric keys. The larger modifier keys (Shifts, Enter) have a similar but less noticeable hollowness. The overall sound signature is what I’d call “office-acceptable” – not silent enough for a library, but unlikely to annoy colleagues in a typical workplace.

For comparison, this is quieter than Cherry MX Blue or any clicky switch, roughly similar in volume to Cherry MX Red, and louder than Cherry MX Silent Red. If you’re coming from a membrane keyboard, this will sound noticeably more mechanical. If you’re coming from clicky switches, this will feel whisper-quiet.

The typing sound is consistent across all keys except the stabilised keys, which is typical for keyboards in this price range. There’s no ping or spring noise, which suggests decent factory lubing on the switches themselves, even if the stabilisers could use more attention.

One tangent: I’ve tested probably forty mechanical keyboards over the years, and the sound profile is weirdly personal. What sounds pleasant to me might sound cheap to you, and vice versa. I prefer deeper, “thocky” sounds, which this doesn’t provide. But the higher-pitched, crisper “clack” of the X68 is clean and consistent, which matters more than matching my personal preference. If you want to modify the sound, adding foam inside the case and properly lubing the stabilisers would deepen the tone considerably.

What Other Buyers Think

With 776 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, the X68 has developed a solid reputation among UK buyers. Diving into the verified purchase reviews reveals consistent themes.

Most Praised Aspects:

• Value for money dominates positive reviews, with buyers repeatedly mentioning they can’t believe Hall Effect technology is available at this price
• Gaming performance, particularly the rapid trigger functionality, receives consistent praise from competitive FPS players
• Switch smoothness and consistency exceed expectations for the price point
• RGB lighting quality is noted as being bright and even, better than some more expensive boards

Common Complaints:

• The mandatory calibration process confuses some buyers, with several reviews mentioning inconsistent key feel until they found the calibration instructions
• Spacebar rattle appears in roughly 30% of reviews, suggesting quality control variation between units
• The non-detachable cable frustrates users who prefer custom cables or need easy portability
• Software experience is described as “functional but basic” by several reviewers
• The 60% layout learning curve is steeper than expected for buyers coming from full-size keyboards

One review that resonated: “Bought this after watching my mate’s Wooting cost him £175. Honestly can’t tell the difference in-game. The spacebar rattles a bit, but for a third of the price, I’m not complaining.” This captures the X68’s positioning perfectly – it’s not flawless, but the compromises are reasonable given the cost savings.

Another buyer noted: “Calibration was confusing at first, but once I figured it out, the adjustable actuation is brilliant for different games. I use 0.2mm for Valorant and 1.5mm for typing.” This highlights both the initial friction and the eventual payoff of the Hall Effect technology.

The negative reviews cluster around two issues: buyers who didn’t realise calibration was required and experienced poor performance until they completed it, and buyers who received units with more severe stabiliser rattle than typical. ATTACK SHARK’s customer service gets mixed reviews, with response times varying from prompt to slow depending on the reviewer.

Should You Buy the ATTACK SHARK X68 Gaming Keyboard?

Buy it if:

• You’re a competitive gamer who wants Hall Effect performance without spending £150+
• You play FPS or MOBA games where rapid trigger and adjustable actuation provide tangible advantages
• You’re comfortable with linear switches and don’t need tactile feedback
• You want a compact 60% layout to maximise mouse space
• You’re willing to spend two minutes calibrating the keyboard for optimal performance
• You value gaming performance over absolute typing perfection

Skip it if:

• You’re a typing purist who demands perfect stabilisers and premium build quality
• You need dedicated arrow keys, function row, or numpad (consider 75% or TKL layouts instead)
• You prefer tactile or clicky switches over linears
• You want hot-swappable switches to experiment with different switch types
• You need wireless connectivity for a cleaner desk setup
• You find the mandatory calibration process too much faff

Is the X68 perfect? No, and it doesn’t pretend to be.

Is it the best value in Hall Effect keyboards right now? Absolutely.

The question isn’t whether the X68 competes with £200 premium boards – it doesn’t, and that’s fine. The question is whether it delivers Hall Effect performance at a price that makes the technology accessible to budget-conscious gamers. On that metric, it succeeds brilliantly.

For context, the cheapest alternative Hall Effect keyboards in the UK market start around £120-150. The X68 costs less than half that while delivering the core functionality that matters: adjustable actuation, rapid trigger, and smooth magnetic switches. Yes, the stabilisers could be better. Yes, the software could be more polished. But those compromises buy you access to technology that was premium-only until very recently.

The Bottom Line

The ATTACK SHARK X68 Gaming Keyboard democratises Hall Effect technology in a way that genuinely surprises me. At £52.99, it’s not just cheap for a magnetic switch keyboard – it’s cheap for any decent gaming keyboard, full stop.

After two weeks of testing, the switches remain the star of the show. They’re smooth, consistent, and the rapid trigger functionality provides a legitimate competitive advantage in fast-paced games. The ability to adjust actuation points per-key opens up customisation options typically reserved for enthusiast-grade boards costing three times as much.

The compromises are there: stabiliser rattle on the spacebar, basic software, non-detachable cable, mandatory calibration. But none of these are deal-breakers at this price point. They’re the expected trade-offs that make the low price possible.

I’m genuinely impressed by what ATTACK SHARK has achieved here. This isn’t a perfect keyboard, but it’s a cracking entry point to Hall Effect technology. If you’re a competitive gamer on a budget, or if you’re simply curious about magnetic switches without wanting to spend premium money, the X68 delivers. Current pricing is available here, and I reckon it represents some of the best value in gaming keyboards right now.

For typing purists and build quality enthusiasts, look elsewhere. For gamers who prioritise performance per pound, this is sorted.

Final Rating: 4.2/5 – Exceptional value with minor compromises that don’t undermine the core gaming performance.