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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

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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Quick verdict

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.

If you want

  • 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.

Rules this board out

  • 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.

If you want

  • 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.

Rules this board out

  • Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.

Bottom line

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.

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 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

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Redragon PENUMBRA K687 HE
  • Redragon UCAL K673
Performance
86
63
Build quality
69
58
Productivity
77
63
Customizability
54
54
Portability
60
73

What they share

  • Layout size: 75%
  • Mount style: Gasket Mount
  • Knob
  • Sound dampening
See every spec side by side

Best for

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.

For gaming

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.

Full specs

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

Typing & switches

Switch options

Magnetic
—

Hall effect (magnetic)

Yes
No

Rapid trigger

Yes
No

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

75%
75%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
Yes

Display

None
None

Media keys

No
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

—
1,000 Hz

Battery

Wired only
4,000 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
Plastic

Plate material

Aluminum
—

Keycaps

PBT
—

Weight

1,500 g
1,240 g

Dimensions

43 x 334 x 140 mm
104 x 335 mm

Backlight

RGB
RGB

Firmware & software

Mac & Windows

Yes
No

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 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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