Okay, let’s get this straight: I’ve been around the block a few times when it comes to PC peripherals, especially gaming gear. My desk has seen its fair share of mice from Attack Shark, and I’ve generally been impressed with what they bring to the table. But today, we’re shifting gears from mice to their keyboard lineup, and the star of the show is the Attack Shark X68 HE mechanical keyboard. This isn’t just another clicky-clacky device; it’s packing some serious tech under the hood that caught my eye.
Design, Build, and That Wooting Resemblance
The Attack Shark X68 HE sports a 68-key layout, making it a 68% keyboard. This means you get your alphanumeric keys, arrow keys, and a few essential navigation keys, but no dedicated function row or number pad. This compact design is brilliant for gamers who need maximum desk space for wide mouse sweeps.
The build quality, as mentioned, feels robust. The back of the keyboard features four anti-slip rubber feet that keep it firmly planted. There are no foldable legs, so the 35-degree ergonomic tilt is what you get. The rear also has the Attack Shark logo and a design with lines that almost look like cooling vents, adding a bit of flair.
On the left side, there’s a small integrated tab designed for the included yellow transport strap – a quirky but potentially useful feature if you’re taking your keyboard to LAN parties or on the go. The rear houses the USB-C port for connectivity and a handy switch to toggle between Mac and Windows layouts.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room for keyboard enthusiasts. The design of the X68 HE is incredibly similar to the Wooting 60HE, a keyboard often lauded as one of the best for competitive gaming. The X68 HE is essentially a 68-key take on that design philosophy, which is by no means a bad thing if it can deliver similar performance at a more accessible price point.
Keycaps
The keycaps are one of the most visually striking elements. They are made from high-quality PBT plastic using a double-shot injection molding process. This means the legends (the characters on the keys) won’t fade or wear off over time.
What makes them unique is the design. Instead of having the letters and symbols on the top surface, they feature a subtle topography-like line pattern. The actual legends are printed on the front side of the keycaps (the side facing you). This gives the keyboard a very clean, almost blank look from above when the RGB lighting is off, but the legends are still perfectly visible when you’re typing. When the RGB kicks in, the light shines through the top topography pattern, creating a really cool effect.
Since it’s a 68% layout, accessing function keys (F1-F12) and other missing keys is done through combinations with the “FN” key. For example, FN + 1 typically acts as F1.
Switches
Underneath those stylish keycaps lie the heart of this keyboard’s gaming prowess: Outemu Jade White magnetic switches. These are linear switches, meaning they offer a smooth keystroke from top to bottom without a tactile bump or audible click (other than the sound of the keycap bottoming out).
Here are some key specs for these switches:
- Travel Distance: 0.3mm minimum (actuation) to 3.8mm maximum.
- Actuation Force: A light 37g.
- Lifespan: A whopping 100 million keystrokes.
The feel is incredibly smooth and responsive. The lightness makes them fast for repeated presses, crucial in many game genres.
A Look Inside:
I couldn’t resist taking it apart to see what’s under the hood. The X68 HE features a multi-layered construction:
- Aluminum Plate: Provides rigidity and a solid base for the switches.
- Foam Layer (between plate and PCB): This helps to dampen sound and vibrations, contributing to that satisfying “thocky” sound profile.
- PCB (Printed Circuit Board): This is where the magic happens. Interestingly, for the magnetic switches, there are no traditional hot-swap sockets. Instead, there are precise holes for the switches to sit in, allowing their magnets to interact with sensors on the PCB.
- Case Foam: Another layer of foam at the bottom of the plastic case further helps with sound dampening and reduces any hollowness.
Typing Sound and Feel
The combination of the PBT keycaps, the Outemu Jade White magnetic switches, and the internal foam dampening results in a pleasant typing experience. The sound is relatively subdued for a mechanical keyboard, with a soft “thock” rather than a sharp “click.” It’s satisfying without being overly loud.
This is where the Attack Shark X68 HE aims to shine. It boasts an 8000Hz polling rate, meaning it reports to your computer 8000 times per second. This, combined with a claimed precision of 0.01mm for key travel detection and a delay of just 0.125ms, puts it in the league of high-end competitive gaming keyboards. These specs are designed to offer the absolute fastest response times, potentially giving you an edge in fast-paced games.
Connectivity
To achieve these ultra-low latency figures, the X68 HE is a wired-only keyboard, connecting via the included USB-C cable. While some might miss wireless convenience, for competitive gaming, a wired connection is often preferred for its stability and speed. As mentioned, it’s compatible with both Mac and Windows systems, selectable via a switch on the back.
This layered approach is common in enthusiast-grade keyboards and shows Attack Shark’s attention to detail in delivering a quality typing and acoustic experience.
Software and Customisation
The Attack Shark X68 HE doesn’t come with its own dedicated software application. Instead, it leverages the power of QMK.TOP, a web-based configurator. This is fantastic news for enthusiasts because it offers a deep level of customization. You can remap keys, create complex macros, adjust the RGB lighting effects and colors, fine-tune the actuation points of the magnetic switches (a feature called “Rapid Trigger” or similar), and even update the keyboard’s firmware, all through your web browser. This level of control is a huge plus.
My Final Thoughts on the Attack Shark X68 HE
Now for the really impressive part: the price. The Attack Shark X68 HE can be found on AliExpress starting at around $50 USD. There are a few different models/colorways available (like Black, White, Black Contour Line, and Moonlit Night), and the price might vary slightly depending on the one you choose, but even at its slightly higher variations (around $60), it’s an incredibly competitive price for a keyboard with these features, especially the magnetic switches and 8K polling rate.
After spending some quality time with the Attack Shark X68 HE, it’s clear that this isn’t just another budget peripheral. It’s a thoughtfully designed tool that brings high-end gaming features to a much more accessible price point. The combination of fast magnetic switches, an 8000Hz polling rate, PBT keycaps, and a solid, well-dampened build makes it a joy to use for both gaming and typing.
If you’re a competitive gamer looking for every possible millisecond of advantage, or simply a keyboard enthusiast who appreciates cutting-edge tech without breaking the bank, the X68 HE is a serious contender. Its compact design is perfect for optimizing desk space, and the aesthetic, while perhaps a nod to more expensive boards, stands on its own with the unique keycap design.
It’s a remarkable piece of kit, and Attack Shark continues to impress me with the value they pack into their products.
What do you think of the Attack Shark X68 HE? Are magnetic switches the future for gaming keyboards? Let me know your thoughts down in the comments! I’m always keen to hear what products you’d like me to check out next.
