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Head to head · Prices checked Oct 28, 2026

AULA HERO84 HE vs Epomaker HE80Metal vs Gasket Mount Hall Effect

Choose the Epomaker HE80 for its hot-swappable, gasket-mounted typing experience, or the AULA HERO84 HE for a more affordable metal chassis with similar core gaming features.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

AULA HERO84 HE

Metal

Build quality in the bottom 5% of 75% boards under $100.

If you want

  • Features a metal case construction.
  • Includes a 5-layer sound dampening system according to its vendor page.
  • Offers a web driver for key remapping, macro, and actuation adjustment.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
  • No numpad.

Get the

Epomaker HE80

Gasket Mount Hall Effect

Build quality in the bottom 45% of 80% boards under $100.

If you want

  • Hot-swappable PCB for easy switch replacement.
  • Gasket mount design with an FR4 plate for a flexier typing feel.
  • Includes four detailed layers of sound dampening: latex sandwich foam, IXPE switch pad, bottom silicone, and bottom foam.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
  • No numpad.

Bottom line

The Epomaker HE80 is the more versatile and user-friendly choice for most buyers, thanks to its hot-swap capability, praised gasket mount design, and inclusion of useful accessories. Opt for the AULA HERO84 HE if your primary requirement is a metal chassis at a potentially lower cost and you do not plan on modifying the switches. Both deliver top-tier gaming performance with hall effect technology.

What actually differs

The differences that matter

Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.

AULA HERO84 HE

Epomaker HE80

  • Layout size

    75%

    80%

  • Hot-swappable

    No

    Yes

    Switch changes without soldering

  • Case material

    Metal

    Plastic

  • Switch options

    Linear, Magnetic

    Magnetic

  • Plate material

    Aluminum

    FR4

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • AULA HERO84 HE
  • Epomaker HE80
Performance
92
98
Build quality
39
60
Productivity
70
76
Customizability
48
59
Portability
60
58

What they share

  • Hall effect (magnetic)
  • Rapid trigger
  • Connection: Wired
  • Max polling rate: 8,000 Hz
  • Sound dampening
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Epomaker HE80 wins in more categories, particularly for modding, programming, and office use, due to its hot-swap capability, detailed sound dampening, and included accessories. For pure gaming performance, the keyboards are evenly matched with identical high-end specs. Travel is a tie given their shared wired nature and similar form factors. Content creators may lean towards the HE80 for its extra customization options out of the box.

For gaming

It's a tie

  • Both feature an 8000Hz polling rate for ultra-low latency.
  • Both support rapid trigger and adjustable actuation travel for competitive play.
  • Both have N-key rollover and south-facing RGB backlight.

Full specs

AULA HERO84 HE vs Epomaker HE80 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

6 of 23 specs differ

AULA HERO84 HE

Epomaker HE80

Typing & switches

Switch options

Linear, Magnetic
Magnetic

Hall effect (magnetic)

Yes
Yes

Rapid trigger

Yes
Yes

Hot-swappable

No
Yes

Mount style

—
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

75%
80%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Wired

Max polling rate

8,000 Hz
8,000 Hz

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Metal
Plastic

Plate material

Aluminum
FR4

Keycaps

PBT
PBT, PC

Weight

—
830 g

Dimensions

—
42 x 332 x 146 mm

Typing angle

—
9°

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2025
2025

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

AULA HERO84 HE vs Epomaker HE80: your questions

Only the Epomaker HE80 is confirmed to be hot-swappable. Its specifications and vendor description state it supports other south-facing magnetic switches. The AULA HERO84 HE is listed as a pre-built keyboard without a hot-swap feature in its metadata.

Yes. Both the AULA HERO84 HE and Epomaker HE80 feature hall effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation travel. The AULA advertises adjustment from 0.01mm, while the Epomaker specifies adjustment per 0.02mm via its web driver.

The AULA HERO84 HE uses a metal case and an aluminum plate. The Epomaker HE80 uses a plastic case, an FR4 plate, and a gasket mount design. This gives the AULA a more rigid feel, while the Epomaker aims for a flexier, more cushioned typing experience.

The Epomaker HE80 is likely better for quiet offices. It specifically lists four layers of sound dampening materials, including latex sandwich foam and bottom silicone. While the AULA also has sound dampening, the Epomaker's gasket mount design typically further reduces case noise.

According to Epomaker, the HE80 includes the keyboard, a manual, three extra magnetic switches, three additional PBT keycaps, and a 2-in-1 keycap-and-switch puller. The AULA HERO84 HE vendor description does not list included accessories.

No. Both the AULA HERO84 HE and the Epomaker HE80 are wired-only keyboards, as confirmed in their connectivity specifications. They connect via a USB-C cable.

Both keyboards feature an 8000Hz polling rate. This is explicitly stated in the specifications for both the AULA HERO84 HE and the Epomaker HE80, providing very low latency for gaming.

The Epomaker HE80 vendor description lists compatibility with PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. The AULA HERO84 HE description only mentions Mac and Windows support, so console compatibility for the AULA is not confirmed.

Both keyboards offer web-based drivers accessible through a browser for customization. The AULA HERO84 HE driver allows for key mapping, macros, lighting, and actuation adjustment. The Epomaker HE80 driver adds features like SOCD (Snap Key) and DKS (Dynamic Keystroke) for gaming.

Both keyboards use PBT keycaps, which are more durable and resistant to shine than ABS. The Epomaker HE80 specifically uses double-shot PBT keycaps and also includes extra transparent PC keycaps.

The AULA HERO84 HE vendor description states it is only compatible with specific TTC magnetic switch series, including Black King, Dragon King, and Jade King switches. It is not advertised as a universal hot-swappable board.

The Epomaker HE80 is more beginner-friendly. Its hot-swappable design allows for risk-free switch experimentation, and it comes with spare parts. The included sound dampening and gasket mount also provide a premium typing feel without requiring immediate modifications.

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