What’s the Difference in Magnetic Keyboards? – Keychron

1. Higher Sensitivity: TMR resistance changes significantly with magnetic fields, with far higher signal amplitude than Hall.

2. Excellent Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): With stronger output signals, its anti-interference capabilities and accuracy are generally superior to Hall.

3. Low Power Consumption: In low-power designs, the TMR sensor consumes less energy than the Hall Effect sensor, making them particularly suitable for battery-powered devices. 

4. Fast Response Speed:  Ideal for high-speed magnetic field detection with minimal latency.

5. Fast Start-up Time:  Supports matrix scanning by powering rows or columns of sensors sequentially, further reducing power draw.

Drawbacks of TMR

1. Higher Cost: Complex manufacturing process, resulting in higher wafer and packaging costs than Hall.

2. Process and Temperature Sensitivity: TMR devices require high process consistency and temperature drift, making mass production more challenging than Hall Effect Sensors.

3. Applications are very new compared to Hall’s decades of widespread adoption. TMR remains an emerging technology in some fields (e.g., magnetic keyboard switches), with relatively fewer supply chains that can support.

 

Advantages of the Hall Effect

1. Lower Cost: Mature silicon manufacturing and mass production result in low prices and a well-established supply chain.

2. Simple Circuitry: It directly outputs voltage signals, with relatively low requirements for peripheral circuits.

 

Drawbacks of Hall Effect

1. Moderate Sensitivity:A relatively strong magnetic field is required to achieve stable output, and the resolution is limited.

2. Higher Power Consumption:Compared with TMR, it consumes more power under the same conditions.

3. More Noise-Prone:Weak signals require amplification and are susceptible to noise interference.

4. Slower Start-up Time:Not suitable for matrix scanning methods with row-by-row or column-by-column power supply of sensors sequentially.

 

Here’s the quick comparison:

FeatureTMR SensorHall Effect Sensor
SensitivityHighModerate
Signal-to-noiseExcellentFair
Power ConsumptionLowHigher
Response speed & StartupFastSlower
CostHigherLower
Supply MaturityEmergingEstablished

Conclusion

If you value cost-effectiveness, a mature supply chain, and proven reliability, Hall Effect should be a better option.

However, if you’re after high precision, low power consumption, and a superior experience, TMR is the preferred choice.

Overall, TMR holds clear advantages, though it comes at a higher cost. 

 

FAQs

Why We Named It “HE” In Our Models?

Early on, TMR wasn’t widely known. Using the widely known “HE” magnetic in the keyboard industry helped the market quickly understand our magnetic switches, though our fundamental tech has always been TMR.

Looking for a magnetic keyboard with TMR technology?

All Keychron magnetic keyboards adopt TMR technology for superior precision and performance.Explore the collection for high-quality, affordable choices!

🛒 Shop Keychron HE Keyboards

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