Logitech G has stepped into the TMR territory with the launch of the G512 X TMR, an analogue/mechanical gaming keyboard. Unlike most boards that use the same type of socket for all keys, this keyboard uses both Tunnel Magneto Resistance (TMR) and mechanical ones.

The keyboard features 39 hybrid TMR switch beds compatible with both magnetic analogue switches and standard 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical switches, allowing you to mix and match technologies on a single board. While the board ships with nine Gateron KS-20 analogue switches, the ability to drop in your favourite mechanical switches elsewhere provides a level of hardware flexibility rarely seen.

On the technical front, the G512 boasts true 8K performance, resulting in 0.125 ms end-to-end latency. Beyond speed, Logitech has introduced SAPP (Second Actuation Pressure Point) rings. These physical inserts allow you to assign two distinct actions to a single key (like a light press to walk and a deep press to sprint), while providing a physical tactile bump to notify you exactly when that second trigger point is hit. Moreover, the dual dials offer fully assignable hardware controls for everything from volume to macro scrolling.

Aesthetically, the G512 X features a PVD-coated RGB lightbar that syncs with the rest of the G5 Series ecosystem. For those looking for long-term comfort, an acrylic Prism of Comfort palm rest is available as an optional accessory to amplify the lightbar's glow. The keyboard is available in two layouts: a 75% layout retailing for £169.99/$179.99/€189.99 and a 98% layout for £199.99/$199.99/€219.99. Both versions come in black or white colourways with linear or tactile switches and will be available starting on May 2nd.

KitGuru says: Do you think Logitech should have gone full TMR across all switch beds, even if it meant a more expensive keyboard?

8BitDo has expanded its nostalgia-fuelled Retro lineup with the Retro 18 mechanical numpad in a striking Xbox Edition. Dressed in the iconic partially transparent green plastic that defined the early 2000s, this peripheral is designed to complement the Retro 87 Xbox mechanical keyboard.

The Retro 18 (via ITHome) is far from a travel-sized accessory, measuring 170 x 104 x 45.5 mm. Its substantial footprint is necessitated by its dual-purpose design, which makes it both a standard PC numeric keypad and a standalone calculator. A nine-digit seven-segment LED display sits at the top, allowing for quick math without ever needing to interact with your PC. Like its keyboard counterpart, it offers tri-mode connectivity via Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz wireless with a dongle, and USB-C. For the Xbox Edition, 8BitDo has opted for hot-swappable Kailh Jellyfish X linear switches.

While the Retro 18 is an aesthetic marvel, its software implementation remains somewhat limited. The 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2 application currently only supports firmware updates. This means that despite having mechanical switches and hot-swap capabilities, users cannot natively remap the keys to function as a macro pad or a specialised gaming controller.

On the hardware side, the 1000mAh battery offers up to 160 hours of use on a single 4-hour charge. The device also features a dedicated shortcut button to launch the Windows calculator app instantly. At €44.99, it is a dedicated piece of kit for those who opted for a tenkeyless keyboard but realised they needed a dedicated numeric keypad for work or calculations.

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KitGuru says: Given the substantial desk space this requires, do you think the standalone calculator functionality is genuinely useful, or is it mostly a gimmick?

Lofree is trying to make its mark in the keyboard market with the Hyzen. This 65% keyboard features a sleek, CNC-cut aluminium chassis that hides a suite of enthusiast-grade internals, most notably a brand-new switch type that claims to bridge the gap between traditional mechanical feel and magnetic performance.

According to TechPowerUP, these new hybrid switches are named Nexus, a co-engineered project between Lofree and Kailh. In what Lofree calls a world first, the Nexus switch combines standard metal contacts and pins for a mechanical typing experience with a TMR (tunnelling magnetoresistance) sensor in the stem. This hybrid approach allows the Hyzen to offer the tactile feedback typists enjoy alongside adjustable actuation, rapid trigger, and analogue input features usually reserved for magnetic gaming boards.

Connectivity is handled by a Nordic nRF54L series MCU, enabling an 8 kHz polling rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes. For those who prioritise longevity, the Hyzen packs a massive 10,000 mAh battery, which Lofree claims can provide up to 80 hours of continuous use. The keyboard also features a unique physical toggle that swaps the number row to a function row, accompanied by an LED strip that illuminates to show active function shortcuts.

Additional QoL features include a rear-mounted volume knob and a physical switch for toggling between Bluetooth 5.4, 2.4 GHz, and wired modes. The Hyzen is scheduled to launch on Kickstarter on April 23rd, but early-bird reservations are already open on the Lofree site (until April 22nd). Early bird backers can get the tri-mode wireless version for $189 (vs. a planned $299 MSRP) or the wired-only variant for $169 (vs. a $279 MSRP).

KitGuru says: Hybrid switches that offer the precision of a Hall-Effect gaming board without sacrificing the character of a mechanical switch could usher in a new trend in the keyboard market.