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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Redragon EISA K686 HE vs PENUMBRA K687 HE98% vs 75% Layout

Choose the EISA K686 for its 8K polling rate and 98% layout, or the PENUMBRA K687 for its compact 75% form factor and CNC aluminum case.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Redragon EISA K686 HE

98%

If you want

  • Specified 8000 Hz polling rate for high-speed input.
  • 98% layout includes a numpad while saving space compared to a full-size board.
  • Includes PRCS technology with Snap Tap and SOCD functions for gaming.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.

Get the

Redragon PENUMBRA K687 HE

75% Layout

Build quality in the top 40% of 75% boards under $100.

If you want

  • CNC aluminum frame with a frosted finish for a premium, solid build.
  • Compact 75% layout (334mm long) saves considerable desk space.
  • Top function keys are directly accessible without an FN combo, according to the manufacturer.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
  • No numpad.

Bottom line

Your primary need dictates the choice. If competitive gaming latency and a numpad are critical, the EISA K686 HE is the clear pick. If you prioritize a compact, sturdy build with a premium aluminum case and are willing to forgo the numpad and a specified ultra-high polling rate, the PENUMBRA K687 HE is the better option. Both are capable wired boards with advanced Hall Effect and Rapid Trigger features.

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.

Redragon EISA K686 HE

Redragon PENUMBRA K687 HE

  • Layout size

    90%

    75%

  • Case material

    Plastic

    Aluminum

  • Weight

    1,200 g

    1,500 g

    Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel

  • N-key rollover

    Yes

    No

  • Mac & Windows

    No

    Yes

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Redragon EISA K686 HE
  • Redragon PENUMBRA K687 HE
Performance
98
86
Build quality
57
69
Productivity
62
77
Customizability
48
54
Portability
41
60

What they share

  • Hall effect (magnetic)
  • Rapid trigger
  • Connection: Wired
  • Switch options: Magnetic
  • Mount style: Gasket Mount
  • Knob
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The EISA K686 is the stronger choice for gaming due to its 8K polling rate and for office work due to its numpad. The PENUMBRA K687 wins for travel thanks to its compact 75% size. For programming, the decision is a tie between the EISA's full navigation cluster and the PENUMBRA's direct-access function row. Both keyboards are equally limited for modding due to their non-hot-swappable, proprietary switches, and both are capable for content creation, with the EISA having a slight edge with its numpad.

For gaming

Pick the Redragon EISA K686 HE

  • The EISA K686 has a specified 8000 Hz polling rate, which the PENUMBRA's listing does not mention.
  • Both keyboards feature Hall Effect magnetic switches with adjustable Rapid Trigger technology.
  • The EISA K686 includes PRCS tech with Snap Tap and SOCD functions, as noted in its vendor description.

Full specs

Redragon EISA K686 HE vs PENUMBRA K687 HE specs

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

6 of 22 specs differ

Redragon EISA K686 HE

Redragon PENUMBRA K687 HE

Typing & switches

Switch options

Magnetic
Magnetic

Hall effect (magnetic)

Yes
Yes

Rapid trigger

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

90%
75%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
Yes

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Wired

Max polling rate

8,000 Hz
—

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Plastic
Aluminum

Plate material

—
Aluminum

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Weight

1,200 g
1,500 g

Dimensions

39 x 394 x 144 mm
43 x 334 x 140 mm

Backlight

RGB
RGB

Firmware & software

N-key rollover

Yes
No

Mac & Windows

No
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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FAQ

Redragon EISA K686 HE vs PENUMBRA K687 HE: your questions

The core differences are layout and build. The EISA K686 uses a 98% layout with a plastic case and specifies an 8000 Hz polling rate. The PENUMBRA K687 uses a 75% layout with a CNC aluminum case. Both share Hall Effect switches, Rapid Trigger, and a gasket mount design.

The EISA K686 HE is likely better for competitive FPS gaming. Its product page explicitly lists an 8000 Hz polling rate and PRCS technology with Snap Tap and SOCD functions. Both keyboards have the same Hall Effect magnetic switches and adjustable Rapid Trigger technology.

No. Both product listings state the keyboards are not hot-swappable. Redragon specifies that their Hall Effect magnetic switches are exclusive and not cross-compatible with other brands.

The PENUMBRA K687 HE is significantly more compact. It measures 334mm in length with a 75% layout. The EISA K686 HE is 430mm long with a 90% (98-key) layout that includes a numpad.

The PENUMBRA K687 HE features a CNC aluminum board with a frosted finish. The manufacturer describes it as a 'tank-solid' aluminum frame, which differs from the plastic case of the EISA K686.

Yes. Both the EISA K686 HE and PENUMBRA K687 HE include four spare magnetic switches in the box, along with a keycap and switch puller.

Rapid Trigger is a software-adjustable feature that allows the actuation point of the Hall Effect magnetic switches to be dynamically reset. Both keyboards allow adjustment from 0.1mm to 3.4mm, enabling faster keystroke repetition.

Both advertise extensive five-layer noise dampening. The PENUMBRA K687's description lists specific materials: 3.5mm PO foam, IXPE switch foam, PET sound pad, bottom socket foam, and a silicone bottom pad. The EISA K686 also mentions five-layer dampening but does not list the specific materials.

The PENUMBRA K687 HE product specifications list OS support for Windows, macOS (basic functions), and Linux (basic functions). The EISA K686 HE lists driver support for Windows and a web-based driver.

Only the EISA K686 HE is listed as having height-adjustable feet. The specifications for the PENUMBRA K687 HE explicitly state 'Height Adjustable: No.'

Both the Redragon EISA K686 HE and PENUMBRA K687 HE use PBT keycaps. The EISA K686 description further specifies they are MOA profile round PBT keycaps.

No. Redragon's product descriptions for both models clearly state their magnetic switches are 'Redragon Exclusive, not cross-compatible' with other brands' Hall Effect switches.

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