Test
Now let’s move on to the actual test of this Skyfall 65 Mag Ultima 8K from Hator. We put it through its paces in just about every scenario: video games, office work, etc.
Getting started:
If you’ve been using a 100% keyboard up until now, it’s likely to feel strange for a while. Hator offers a “65%” model, which is missing a number of keys. The numeric keypad is gone, as are a number of navigation keys. By default, only PGUP and PGDN remain… Oh, and let’s not forget the arrow keys, which remain in place. Otherwise, the entire row of function keys is also gone. Some remain accessible via shortcuts, such as F5, which can be accessed via Fn + 5, for example. Fortunately, the software will allow you to reconfigure all of this. For example, we recovered the print screen key, which we reassigned to PGDN, while the delete key replaces PGPUP.
Of course, the aim of this maneuver is to free up space on the desktop, and once you get used to this type of keyboard, switching to a 104-key model (with numeric keypad, navigation keys, etc.) can be complicated, as you quickly find yourself typing on the keyboard with the mouse. Believe us, this was a frequent occurrence when we received the Corsair Galleon 100 SD.
With this Skyfall 65 Mag Ultima 8K, if you want to change the keyset because… Why not, after all, keep in mind that the bottom row requires three small 1U keys to the right of the space bar. On a 100% standard keyboard, these keys are 1.25U, which is not the case here.
Here, the typing position is pretty good; at least, I didn’t experience any major discomfort, unlike with Corsair’s Vanguard Pro 96 keyboard. In addition, if necessary, the riser feet allow you to tilt your keyboard on two levels.
However, what struck us was how light this keyboard is, as it’s really easy to push around, even on a large mouse pad. This is a real change from the Bridge75 that I use every day. On the other hand, it’s worth noting that the Shortcut Studio keyboard weighs in at nearly 2 kg… But when you add a brass weight to the box, it’s not surprising.
Like the Vanguard Pro 96, this keyboard has a small screen. It’s quite visible, with only the bottom of the screen slightly obscured depending on the viewing angle. Nevertheless, Hator has managed to fit the date and time, connection type, system type, and remaining battery level onto the surface of a key (0.85″). The software also allows you to customize it if you wish.
Just above the screen is a wheel that is used to control the sound. Pressing it mutes or unmutes the sound. It is a basic function, but the notches are clearly marked.
The Skyfall 65 Mag Ultima 8K features a gasket mount, a system that improves keyboard comfort in terms of both typing and noise. The keycap plate rests on gaskets that absorb vibrations. The keycap is white, allowing for successful color diffusion. However, the lighting could be improved, as the colors do not stand out on all the lettering on the keys. For example, on the “Enter” key, the “R” is not fully illuminated, nor is the “P” on PGUP.
The switches:
The Skyfall 65 Mag Ultima 8K comes with Hator-branded Aurum Ice Magnetic switches. These switches offer fairly standard features, with a force of 45g and a total travel distance of 3.5mm. As they are magnetic, you can configure the height of the keyboard’s accent point to suit your preferences. Moreover, unlike Corsair, we did not experience any ghost typing issues here, even when setting this point very high at 0.1 mm.
Lubricated as standard, the switches are pleasant to use, with smooth gliding and no noticeable friction, although there is some disparity. For example, on the arrow pad, there is more friction than on some of the letter keys. But overall, Hator’s switches don’t quite measure up to SteelSeries’ Omnipoint switches on its Apex Pro.
Furthermore, the big advantage of these switches is the many possibilities for configuring them. Whereas with a conventional switch, we have an on/off effect and that’s it, here it will be possible to program several actions on a single keystroke (depending on the depth of the press) both on the way down and on the way up. It is even possible to configure action loops or give priority to the last key pressed when two different keys are pressed simultaneously. In short, you can really go far with this keyboard!
Noise:
Thanks to the gasket mount, the noise is much more muted than on other keyboards. I even find it quite pleasant to listen to (but that’s just me), so I don’t think it will alert your entire office if you work in an open space.
