Redragon EISA K686 HE vs NOVA K709 HE98% vs 65% Layout Choice
Choose the EISA K686 HE for a full layout with a knob, or the NOVA K709 HE for maximum desk space savings.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Redragon EISA K686 HE
98%
- Includes a dedicated multi-function control knob for media and settings.
- 98% layout provides a number pad and navigation keys in a compact form.
- Comes with round-profile PBT keycaps for a larger contact surface.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Get the
Redragon NOVA K709 HE
65% Layout Choice
Build quality in the bottom 40% of 65% boards under $50.
- Ultra-compact 65% layout (336mm wide) saves considerable desk space.
- Lighter weight (820g) enhances portability.
- Keycaps are listed as POM material, which is known for a smooth feel.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.
Your desk space and need for a number pad decide this. If you work with numbers, prefer dedicated media controls, and have a permanent desk setup, the Redragon EISA K686 HE is the logical pick. If maximizing mouse space, portability, and a minimalist look are your priorities, the more affordable Redragon NOVA K709 HE delivers identical gaming performance in a much smaller package.
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.
Redragon EISA K686 HE
Redragon NOVA K709 HE
Layout size
90%
65%
Switch options
Magnetic
Clicky, Magnetic
Knob
Yes
No
Weight
1,200 g
820 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
Layout standard
ANSI
ANSI, ISO
ISO and JIS exist so regional layouts fit
- Redragon EISA K686 HE
- Redragon NOVA K709 HE
- Performance
- 9892
- Build quality
- 5762
- Productivity
- 6258
- Customizability
- 4848
- Portability
- 4166
- Hall effect (magnetic)
- Rapid trigger
- Connection: Wired
- Max polling rate: 8,000 Hz
- Case material: Plastic
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
What will you mostly use it for?
The EISA K686 HE wins for office work, programming, and content creation due to its number pad, navigation keys, and control knob. The NOVA K709 HE is the clear choice for travel and portability with its smaller, lighter 65% form factor. For pure gaming and modding, the keyboards are tied, sharing their high-performance Hall effect switches, rapid trigger, and identical internal foam structures.
It's a tie
- Both offer identical 8000Hz polling rate and 0.125ms latency for competitive play.
- Both feature Hall effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation from 0.1-3.4mm and rapid trigger support.
- Both include PRCS technology with Snap Tap and SOCD functions for gaming inputs.
Redragon EISA K686 HE vs NOVA K709 HE specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 20 specs differ
Redragon EISA K686 HE
Redragon NOVA K709 HE
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Rapid trigger
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
N-key rollover
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Redragon EISA K686 HE
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Redragon NOVA K709 HE
Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Redragon EISA K686 HE vs NOVA K709 HE: your questions
No. According to the manufacturer's specifications for the EISA K686 HE, it is listed as 'No (Redragon Exclusive, not cross-compatible)' for hot-swapping. The NOVA K709 HE listing does not mention hot-swap capability, and both are described as pre-built.
Both the Redragon EISA K686 HE and the NOVA K709 HE have an 8000 Hz polling rate. The vendor descriptions list this as '8K Hyper-Polling' with a latency of 0.125ms.
Yes. Both keyboards feature rapid trigger technology. The actuation point can be adjusted in 0.1mm increments from 0.1mm to 3.4mm via the supporting software.
Both keyboards use Redragon's UltraMag Hall effect magnetic switches. The switches are described as having a full-POM construction and a dual-module floating structure for anti-wobble stability.
Both keyboards come with the keyboard itself, a detachable USB Type-C cable, a keycap and switch puller, four spare magnetic switches, a user manual, and a Redragon sticker.
Both models feature a 5-layer noise dampening system. The NOVA K709 HE description specifies this includes 3.5mm PO foam, IXPE switch foam, a PET sound pad, bottom socket foam, and a silicone bottom pad, all combined with a silicone gasket.
Both support dual-platform drivers. They are compatible with a standard Windows client and a web-based driver, which allows users on other operating systems to access software features through a browser.
The primary differences are size and layout. The EISA K686 is a 98-key (96%) board with a control knob, measuring 430mm wide and weighing 1200g. The NOVA K709 is a 68-key (65%) board without a knob, measuring 336mm wide and weighing 820g. The keycap materials also differ, with the EISA using PBT and the NOVA using POM.
The Redragon NOVA K709 HE is better for a small desk. Its 65% layout is significantly more compact at 336mm wide compared to the EISA's 430mm, freeing up substantial space for your mouse and other peripherals.
Yes, both the Redragon EISA K686 HE and NOVA K709 HE feature RGB backlighting. The EISA product description mentions 18 preset and 10 music-sync backlit modes.
Yes, but you will need to use function layers to access the arrow keys and other navigation commands that are not physically present on the 65% layout. If you prefer dedicated arrow and navigation keys, the 98% EISA K686 HE would be a more straightforward choice.
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