G-Lab KEYZ Elite 400 HE Review: Hall Effect and Precise Keystrokes

July 4, 2026

Tech

Launched at the end of last year, the KEYZ Elite 300 and 400 series keyboards already have a successor. A replacement with only two letters changed, but it changes everything. The KEYZ Elite 400 HE indeed introduces the Hall Effect without raising the price too much.

The G-Lab KEYZ Elite 400 HE

9 / 10

Les plus

Good build quality
Magnetic Hall-effect switches
Impeccable precision and stability
Dozens of adjustable settings!
Reasonable price

Les moins

No wrist rest
Still a bit noisy
Backlighting uneven

The four variants of the KEYZ Elite 300 and 400 series. ©The G-Lab

Thus we find two models described as “100%”: the KEYZ Elite 400 HE BB – which we test today – and the Elite 400 HE BW, the white version. There are also two more compact “75%” models: the Elite 300 HE B in black, and the Elite 300 HE GRW in white with no inscription on the key tops. The first two launch at €119.99, while the compact keyboards are priced at €99.99.

Les plus

Good build quality
Hall-effect magnetic switches
Impeccable precision, stability
Dozens of adjustments!
Competitive pricing

Les moins

No wrist rest
Still a bit noisy
Backlighting imperfect

The four variants of the KEYZ Elite series 300 and 400. ©The G-Lab

Thus we find two models described as “100%,” the KEYZ Elite 400 HE BB – which we test today – and the Elite 400 HE BW, the white version. There are also two more compact models at the “75%” size: the Elite 300 HE B, in black, and the Elite 300 HE GRW, in white with no inscription on the tops. The first two are launched at 119.99 euros, while the compact keyboards are at 99.99 euros.

Notez la petitesse des caractères second et troisième. ©Nerces pour Clubic

Avec l’Elite 400 HE, on se retrouve donc face à un clavier au format relativement classique, mesurant 394 millimètres de long sur 142 mm de large et 42 mm d’épaisseur. En effet, il s’agit de touches pleine hauteur et le poids de l’appareil est de 1,12 kilogramme. Classique, la stabilité ne sera pas un problème. Notez que toute la nouvelle gamme est entièrement filaire: l’Elite 400 HE est livré avec un câble USB, d’une longueur standard légèrement modifiée (1,8 mètre).

The cable plugs into the front edge of the keyboard. Beside the port, you’ll find the Windows/macOS switch and… that’s about it. Otherwise, the keyboard sports a design very close to the previous series, with a pleasing mix of tones across the keys. It’s well done. There is also a wheel in the upper-right corner, exactly like on the previous lineup.

PBT Keycaps and Hall effect

Fortunately, some will say, the first contact with the KEYZ Elite 400 HE’s keys is reassuring: The G-Lab kept the keycaps in PBT. This material is a guarantee of greater durability for the keys and their legends. However, every coin has its flip side: it makes manufacturing keys that light can pass through more difficult. The G-Lab therefore chose to illuminate around the keys rather than through them.

Hélas, le rétroréfléchissement ne passe pas au travers des keycaps. ©The G-Lab

Des touches PBT offrant une graphie impeccable. Le revers de la médaille, quand on veut un clavier plus « gaming », c’est que certains fabricants jouent aussi sur la typographie employée et ce n’est pas toujours une bonne idée. Là, aucun problème pour lire toutes les touches. Pour le look, un petit reproche: sur les touches numérotées, The G-Lab a cherché à aligner les trois caractères sur la même ligne, ce qui est un peu serré.

However, the most important part of the KEYZ Elite 400 HE lies beneath the keys. The G-Lab first opted for a five-layer construction, including two insulating layers, with what is known in the trade as a “gasket mount”: placing the keyboard plate on rubber gaskets to soften the feel. That said, to cut costs, the keyboard is built around a plastic chassis rather than aluminum as on the pricier models.

Une petite pince, mais « seuls » cinq switchs en rab sont livrés, contrairement à ce que dit la photo de The G-Lab. ©The G-Lab

Pour revenir à l’intérieur de la bête, notons l’un des points mis en avant par The G-Lab: la présence de contacteurs magnétiques à effet Hall. Il n’est plus question d’un interrupteur mécanique; un capteur mesure avec précision la position exacte de la touche… ce qui ouvre pas mal de possibilités en termes d’activation, nous y reviendrons. L’effet Hall présente aussi l’avantage de sa durabilité: l’absence de contact physique signifie moins d’usure et, par conséquent, une excellente longévité.

In practice, what does it feel like?

Since we were talking about wear, it’s worth noting that after months or years, it will still be possible to replace malfunctioning switches. The switches aren’t soldered to the PCB, and The G-Lab allows hot-swapping. Better still, the brand even ships a small pair of tweezers to remove keycaps and switches easily. Even better, The G-Lab also includes a handful of spare switches. Always nice.

Les multiples couches utilisés sur le clavier, dont deux pour l'isolation phonique. ©The G-Lab

Over the three weeks we replaced our keyboard with the KEYZ Elite 400 HE, we had few complaints about a keyboard that can be described as “good in every aspect.” From the first moments, it’s clear the typing will be smooth and responsive, and that The G-Lab’s switches do an excellent job. The key returns pose no problems, and we never pressed two keys at once.

The cable locks into the front edge of the keyboard. Next to the plug, you’ll find the Windows/macOS switch and… that’s it. Otherwise, the keyboard sports a design very similar to the previous series, with a tasteful blend of hues for the keys. It’s very well executed. There is also a wheel in the top-right corner, just like on the previous lineup.

Under the keys: PBT keycaps and Hall effect

Thankfully, the first touch with the KEYZ Elite 400 HE’s keys is reassuring: The G-Lab kept the PBT keycaps. This material guarantees greater durability for the keys and their legends. However, every coin has its downside: it makes manufacturing keys that light can pass through more challenging. The G-Lab therefore chose to light around the keys rather than through them.

Hélas, le rééclairage ne passe pas au travers des keycaps. ©The G-Lab

A remark about the characters: the PBT keys offer inscriptions with impeccable typography. The problem when pushing for a more “gaming” keyboard is that some manufacturers experiment with the font, which isn’t always a good idea. Here, reading all the keys is easy. One minor critique about the design: on the number keys, The G-Lab tried to fit three characters on one line, which is a touch tight.

The interface The G-Lab offers could perhaps use a touch of visual polish, but the features are present and clear. In addition to activating keys, you can adjust their dead zones, axis and recalibrate independently. The brand allows remapping each key’s function, and even supports secondary, tertiary and quaternary functions as you wish. It’s even possible to emulate a mouse!

All things considered, The G-Lab’s interface could use a touch of aesthetic polish, but the features are there and the overall presentation is clear. In addition to per-key activation, you can adjust their dead zones, axis, and recalibrate individually. The brand allows modification of each key’s function, but also the use of a second, third and fourth function as desired. It’s even possible to emulate a mouse!

The cable plugs into the front edge of the keyboard. Alongside the plug, there’s a Windows/macOS toggle and… that’s it. Otherwise, the keyboard carries a very similar aesthetic to the prior line, with a pleasant mix of colors across the keys. It’s well crafted. A wheel also sits in the top-right corner, just like on the previous range.

The four variants of the KEYZ Elite 300 and 400 series

The KeyZ Elite 400 HE BB tested today, the Elite 400 HE BW in white, and the compact 75% models Elite 300 HE B (black) and Elite 300 HE GRW (white with no top inscriptions). The first two are priced at 119.99 euros, while the compact keyboards go for 99.99 euros.