Redragon EISA MAX K686 vs PENUMBRA K687 HEWireless vs Gaming Tech
Choose the EISA MAX K686 for wireless flexibility and a full layout, or the PENUMBRA K687 HE for competitive gaming features like Hall Effect switches and rapid trigger.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Redragon EISA MAX K686
Wireless
- Tri-mode wireless connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, USB-C wired).
- Hot-swappable PCB compatible with 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
- Includes a dedicated multi-function control knob.
Get the
Redragon PENUMBRA K687 HE
Gaming Tech
Build quality in the top 40% of 75% boards under $100.
- Features Hall Effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation from 0.1mm to 3.4mm.
- Includes software-enabled rapid trigger technology for gaming.
- CNC aluminum frame with a frosted finish for a premium build.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- No numpad.
Your primary need dictates the choice. For a versatile, wireless daily driver with a numpad and easy modding, the Redragon EISA MAX K686 is the better value. If your focus is purely on competitive gaming performance with features like rapid trigger and Hall Effect switches, and you don't mind a wired connection, the Redragon PENUMBRA K687 HE is the specialized tool, though its availability may be limited.
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 MAX K686
Redragon PENUMBRA K687 HE
Layout size
90%
75%
Hall effect (magnetic)
No
Yes
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Rapid trigger
No
Yes
Faster resets help in games and not in normal typing
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Hot-swappable
Yes
No
Switch changes without soldering
- Redragon EISA MAX K686
- Redragon PENUMBRA K687 HE
- Performance
- 6686
- Build quality
- 6369
- Productivity
- 8377
- Customizability
- 6754
- Portability
- 5260
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Knob
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The EISA MAX K686 wins for office use, travel, and content creation due to its wireless connectivity, included numpad, and media knob. The PENUMBRA K687 HE is the clear choice for dedicated gaming, leveraging its Hall Effect switches and rapid trigger. For programming, it's a tie based on layout preference, while modders will favor the EISA MAX for its standard hot-swap compatibility.
Pick the Redragon PENUMBRA K687 HE
- The PENUMBRA K687 HE features dedicated Hall Effect magnetic switches, which the manufacturer states eliminate physical input delay.
- It includes software-adjustable rapid trigger technology for precise actuation control.
- Its 75% layout provides more mouse movement space compared to the 96% EISA MAX.
Redragon EISA MAX K686 vs PENUMBRA K687 HE specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 21 specs differ
Redragon EISA MAX K686
Redragon PENUMBRA K687 HE
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Rapid trigger
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
Mac & Windows
Released
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Redragon EISA MAX K686 vs PENUMBRA K687 HE: your questions
The Redragon EISA MAX K686 offers tri-mode wireless connectivity, including Bluetooth, 2.4GHz via a nano receiver, and a USB-C wired option. The PENUMBRA K687 HE is a wired-only keyboard.
The product listing does not mention a hot-swappable socket for the PENUMBRA K687 HE. It uses dedicated, proprietary Hall Effect magnetic switches. In contrast, the EISA MAX K686 explicitly lists a hot-swappable socket.
Rapid trigger is a feature on the PENUMBRA K687 HE that, when enabled via software, allows for dynamic actuation. This means a key can be re-pressed without fully releasing it, which is beneficial for fast, repeated keystrokes in gaming.
Both keyboards use PBT keycaps and a gasket mount design with multiple sound-dampening foam layers for a comfortable typing experience. The choice may come down to layout preference: the EISA MAX has a 96% layout with a numpad, while the PENUMBRA uses a more compact 75% layout.
No. According to the manufacturer, the Hall Effect magnetic switches in the Redragon PENUMBRA K687 HE are exclusive to Redragon and are not cross-compatible with other brands' Hall Effect switches.
Both keyboards include a detachable USB-C cable, a keycap and switch puller, four spare switches, a sticker, and a user manual. The EISA MAX K686 additionally includes a wireless nano receiver.
The EISA MAX K686 has a plastic case. The PENUMBRA K687 HE features a CNC aluminum frame with a frosted finish, which generally offers a more premium and sturdy feel.
Yes, but only on the PENUMBRA K687 HE. Its software allows you to adjust the actuation point of its Hall Effect switches from 0.1mm to 3.4mm. The EISA MAX K686 uses standard linear switches with a fixed actuation point.
Both the Redragon EISA MAX K686 and the PENUMBRA K687 HE include a dedicated multi-function control knob for adjusting volume, media playback, and backlight brightness.
Yes. Both keyboards list software support. The EISA MAX software allows for macro programming and lighting effects. The PENUMBRA software is specifically needed to enable and adjust its rapid trigger feature and actuation points.
A 75% layout, like on the PENUMBRA K687 HE, is more compact. It removes the numpad, function row, and navigation cluster, keeping only the main alphanumeric block and a column of essential keys. The 96% layout on the EISA MAX K686 keeps the numpad but shrinks the spacing between keys.
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