Review: IQUNIX EC75 offers the best of both worlds for gaming and work

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

When Hall effect keyboards launched, they became the must-have peripheral for PC gamers. The magnetic switches proved more versatile and responsive than their mechanical counterparts. More importantly, those perks gave players an edge in competitive games.

But the main problem with initial Hall effect keyboards is that they pack useful features but shortchange consumers on build quality. It was like having a V8 in the body of a Ford Pinto. That has changed over the past few years, and the latest entry to the category is the IQUNIX EC75. The latest device from the company boasts that high-end technology, but it puts it in a great package.

SOLID OUTSIDE CONSTRUCTION

It all begins with the build quality. The EC75 feels solid with an aluminum top, which sits atop a clever injection-molded bottom that’s semi-transparent so that the lights shine through. The keyboard has a 75% layout that drops the numeric keypad and extra keys but keeps the essentials. It sacrifices those work keys for a compact form that offers more desk space and portability.

Carrying it around, I found the EC75 feels tougher and sturdier than rivals. The aluminum body gives it heft, but it avoids feeling like a bludgeoning tool like some all-aluminum keyboards. Its weight is just right, so it doesn’t burden users if it’s stashed in the backpack.

GREAT INTERNALS

Manufacturers have their own take on Hall effect switches. SteelSeries has OmniPoint. Gateron has several variations, while Wooting highlights the Geon Raws. The EC75 features the Diamond Switch Pro, a linear style that glides smoothly with each press thanks to factory lubrication. It’s satisfying to type on, and the keyboard produces a pleasant plinking sound profile similar to the Rainy75.

That comes from the Poron foam and silicone base, which is one of the many layers built into the keyboard. The EC75 does come with gasket mounts, but the keyboard doesn’t have much give when typing. One nice feature is the adjustable feet that alter the typing angle. It’s great for comfort and helps with long gaming sessions.

Unfortunately, the device isn’t built for customization, so unless users want to risk breaking it, the keyboard is better left intact. They can still switch out the keycaps and the switches if they prefer another brand. The keyboard is hot-swappable.

Because it’s a gaming keyboard built for performance, IQUNIX made the EC75 strictly wired. That could be a deal breaker for some, but for gamers with an eye toward performance, it should be no big deal.

SUPER RESPONSIVE

As for performance, the EC75 is excellent at work or play. The 8000Hz scanning and polling means the keyboard scans for actuations at 0.125 milliseconds. That could be the difference between registering an attack or jump or getting hit in a competitive shooter. With the Hall effect switches, players can control the sensitivity of the button presses. They can make it super sensitive so that a slight press can register an action, or they can customize it for a deeper press for more deliberate moves.

The EC75 can even make any key act as an analog one, so a light press can trigger a walk while a harder press turns it into a run. Even better, each time players lift a finger, the keyboard registers it as a reset. All of this creates the responsiveness competitive gamers demand. It gives them a slight edge, and that matters for anyone looking for every single advantage.

At work, I found my fingers flying across the keys, and even with my typing speed, I made few errors. Every letter registered as intended.

CUSTOMIZATION

The hurdle is the setup. That’s where IQUNIX’s HyperCore V3 comes in. It’s a web-based tool that lets users customize the EC75 to their liking. They can choose the lighting or go dark entirely. They can also set key actuation. For players who use the keyboard for both work and play, it even comes with three profiles, each with its own lighting and settings.

But to get the most out of it, players have to learn the HyperCore V3 software, and the learning curve is steep. It’s comparable to VIA, the app used by mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, and users will have no problem setting up macros or adding other functions. The bigger obstacle is tuning the Hall effect keys. It’s harder to figure out. Thankfully, the HyperCore V3 has presets based on professional eSports players such as MIBR.Zeken.

It all adds up to a keyboard that excels in two worlds. For mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, it has a compelling sound profile with a top-tier typing experience. For gamers, it has the performance theydemand. Best of all, it leverages all those features to elevate both sides.

IQUNIX EC75

Four stars out of four

Manufacturer: IQUNIX

Price: $159.99