Redragon PENUMBRA K687 HE vs UCAL K673Wired Hall Effect vs Wireless
Choose the Penumbra K687 HE for competitive gaming with Hall Effect switches, or the UCAL K673 for wireless flexibility and a lower price.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Redragon PENUMBRA K687 HE
Wired Hall Effect
Build quality in the top 40% of 75% boards under $100.
- Dedicated Hall Effect magnetic switches with 0.1-3.4mm adjustable actuation.
- CNC aluminum frame with a frosted finish for a premium, solid feel.
- Includes Rapid Trigger technology for gaming, adjustable via software.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
Get the
Redragon UCAL K673
Wireless
Build quality in the bottom 35% of 75% boards under $100.
- Tri-mode connectivity with Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB-C wired options.
- Lighter weight of 1240g and includes height-adjustable feet.
- Large 4000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
Your primary need dictates the choice. Gamers who want the fastest, most customizable keypresses should invest in the Penumbra K687 HE for its Hall Effect switches and aluminum build. If you need to connect to multiple devices wirelessly or prioritize a lighter, more affordable keyboard, the UCAL K673 is the practical option. Both deliver a compact 75% layout with sound-dampening and a control knob.
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 PENUMBRA K687 HE
Redragon UCAL K673
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Rapid trigger
Yes
No
Faster resets help in games and not in normal typing
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
Aluminum
Plastic
Weight
1,500 g
1,240 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
- Redragon PENUMBRA K687 HE
- Redragon UCAL K673
- Performance
- 8663
- Build quality
- 6958
- Productivity
- 7763
- Customizability
- 5454
- Portability
- 6073
- Layout size: 75%
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Knob
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Penumbra K687 HE is the clear choice for dedicated gaming due to its Hall Effect switches and Rapid Trigger. The UCAL K673 wins for office and travel use, thanks to its wireless connectivity and lighter build. For programming and content creation, both keyboards are closely matched on core layout and features, making the choice more about material preference and budget.
Pick the Redragon PENUMBRA K687 HE
- Features dedicated Hall Effect magnetic switches for adjustable actuation.
- Includes Rapid Trigger technology for faster keypress registration.
- Built with a heavier, tank-solid CNC aluminum frame for stability.
Redragon PENUMBRA K687 HE vs UCAL K673 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 23 specs differ
Redragon PENUMBRA K687 HE
Redragon UCAL K673
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Rapid trigger
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
Mac & Windows
Released
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Redragon PENUMBRA K687 HE vs UCAL K673: your questions
The core difference is the switch technology and connectivity. The Penumbra K687 HE uses Hall Effect magnetic switches and is wired-only, targeting high-performance gaming. The UCAL K673 uses standard linear red switches and offers tri-mode wireless connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired) for flexibility.
The Redragon Penumbra K687 HE is better for competitive gaming. Its Hall Effect switches allow for adjustable actuation points down to 0.1mm and feature Rapid Trigger technology. The solid aluminum frame also provides more stability during intense use.
Yes. According to Redragon, the UCAL K673 supports tri-mode connectivity, allowing you to switch between a 2.4GHz wireless dongle, Bluetooth, and a wired USB-C connection. This makes it easy to pair with a PC, laptop, or tablet.
Yes. The manufacturer states the Penumbra K687 HE package includes four spare Hall Effect magnetic switches along with a keycap and switch puller.
The UCAL K673 is more portable. It is 260 grams lighter than the Penumbra and operates wirelessly with a built-in battery, eliminating the need for a constant cable connection, which is ideal for travel or moving between workspaces.
Both keyboards list software support. The Penumbra K687 HE software is used to adjust Rapid Trigger and actuation points. The UCAL K673 vendor page also lists software support for customization.
The Redragon Penumbra K687 HE uses PBT keycaps. PBT plastic is known for being more durable and resistant to shine compared to ABS keycaps. The UCAL K673's keycap material is not specified in the provided information.
The UCAL K673 is equipped with a 4000mAh battery. Redragon's description suggests this provides long-lasting use for intensive gaming and work applications, though exact battery life in hours is not stated.
Both keyboards are pre-built and their product listings do not specify hot-swap sockets. The Penumbra includes spare switches and tools, implying some level of replaceability, but Redragon notes its Hall Effect switches are not cross-compatible with other brands.
Both feature sound-dampening foam. The Penumbra K687 HE is described as having a five-layer system including 3.5mm PO foam, IXPE switch foam, a PET sound pad, bottom socket foam, and a silicone pad. The UCAL K673 uses 3.5mm PO foam and a thick silicone pad under the PCB.
The vendor description for the UCAL K673 specifies a QWERTZ layout, which is standard for German-speaking regions (DE/AT/CH). Buyers should confirm the layout matches their region's standard before purchasing.
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