DrunkDeer X60HE Keyboard Review
Out Now
Version tested: PC
If you are interested in purchasing the X60HE or any of the other keyboards DrunkDeer has to offer, you can use my affiliate link by clicking HERE. You will receive a special discount (£10 off) and also support my channel, enabling us to test more products! TIA for any support!
Design & Build Quality
Right out of the box, the X60 HE feels really solid. The aluminium alloy frame gives the keyboard a premium feel that’s rare at this price point, and there’s very little flex even when applying pressure across the chassis. The cut‑out metal styling on the case adds a distinctive industrial look, though it may divide opinion for users who prefer a more traditional, understated aesthetic.
The 60% layout keeps things compact, stripping away the function row, navigation cluster and numpad in favour of maximum desk space. For competitive players, especially those using low mouse sensitivity, the extra room is a real advantage. However, productivity users will need some time to adapt to layered shortcuts for arrows and media controls.
The stock keycaps are good quality, with clean legends and a pleasant texture, although they don’t quite match the thickness or sound profile of higher‑end PBT sets. Stabilised keys like Space and Shift are well-tuned out of the box, with minimal rattle and a consistent feel.
Switches & Typing Experience
The headline feature here is DrunkDeer’s magnetic hall effect linear switches. Unlike traditional mechanical switches, these use magnetic sensors to detect key travel, allowing for adjustable actuation points and rapid trigger.
In practice, the switches feel extremely smooth and consistent across the board. There’s no scratchiness or wobble, and the travel is light enough for rapid tapping without causing fatigue. For typing, the experience is surprisingly enjoyable for a gaming‑focused board – while it won’t replace a dedicated enthusiast keyboard, long writing sessions remain comfortable and accurate after a few small tweaks on the DrunkDeers web based config tool.
Sound‑wise, the X60 HE leans toward a clean, slightly muted profile. It’s not silent, but it avoids the hollow ping and harsh clack sometimes found on budget boards. If you wasn’t happy with the sound then adding a few foam mods or aftermarket keycaps, this could easily become a very satisfying‑sounding compact keyboard.
Gaming Performance
This is where the X60 HE really shines. With an 8000 Hz polling rate and extremely low input latency, key presses feel instant and precise. In fast‑paced shooters and rhythm‑based titles, the difference compared to standard mechanical boards is noticeable – especially when using rapid trigger settings for movement and strafing.
The ability to fine‑tune actuation distance means you can set ultra‑short travel for competitive play or slightly deeper presses for everyday use. It’s a level of control that genuinely enhances performance once dialled in correctly.
While the X60 HE doesn’t quite reach the absolute polish of flagship magnetic keyboards like the Wooting, (over double the price) it delivers the core competitive advantages at a fraction of the cost – and for many players, that trade‑off is more than worthwhile.
Software & Customisation
DrunkDeer uses a web‑based configuration tool rather than traditional desktop software. On the plus side, this means no installations and fast access from any system. You can adjust actuation points, rapid trigger behaviour, lighting effects, macros, and key remaps with relative ease.
The interface is functional but basic. Compared to other premium brands, it lacks refinement and deeper visual feedback, and profiles can sometimes feel less intuitive to manage. That said, all the essential features are here, and once set up, the board performs flawlessly without needing constant tweaking. The reassuring thing is that DrunkDeer can improve this over time as the hardware is very good.
RGB lighting is bright and evenly diffused, with a solid range of effects and per‑key customisation. It’s not the flashiest implementation on the market, but it gets the job done and looks clean in both gaming and minimal desk setups.
Connectivity & Features
The X60 HE is strictly wired, which makes sense given its competitive focus. There’s no wireless option, but the USB‑C connection is stable and reliable, with zero dropouts during testing.
Hot‑swap support for magnetic switches adds future‑proofing, allowing users to experiment with different switch variants without replacing the entire board. Anti‑ghosting and full N‑key rollover ensure every input registers correctly, even during intense multi‑key sequences.
Value for Money
At its current price, the X60 HE undercuts most of its direct competitors while still offering genuine magnetic switch performance, ultra‑low latency, and solid build quality. This makes it one of the best entry points into the Hall Effect keyboard space right now.
While the software and stock accessories are slightly behind premium rivals, the raw performance‑per‑pound ratio is excellent.
If you are interested in purchasing the X60 Future or any of the other keyboards DrunkDeer has to offer, you can use my affiliate link by clicking HERE. You will receive a special discount (£10 off) and also support my channel, enabling us to test more products! TIA for any support!
Verdict:
The DrunkDeer X60 HE is one of the strongest budget‑friendly magnetic keyboards available right now. It delivers outstanding gaming performance, a smooth typing experience, and a genuinely premium build at a price that undercuts much of the competition.
While the compact layout and basic software won’t appeal to everyone, competitive players looking to step into Hall Effect technology without spending flagship money will find an excellent option here.
Score:
8.4 / 10
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The sample was provided free of charge for my honest and unbiased review.
Pros
- Elite responsiveness with 8000 Hz polling & ultra-low latency. Excellent for competitive gaming
- Magnetic/Hall Effect switches: smooth feel + high durability
- Solid build with metal chassis that feels premium for the price
- Hot-swap support lets you experiment with different magnetic switches
- Customizable lighting & settings via web software
Cons
- 60 % layout isn’t for everyone. Missing dedicated arrows/keys can impact productivity
- Software is functional but basic, behind rivals in polish
- Design may be too bare-bones or industrial for some tastes
- Lighting effects aren’t the flashiest compared to premium RGB boards
- No wireless mode, pure wired focus might limit desk setups
