Magnetic switches with programmable sensitivity: the Arbiter Studio mechanical keyboard seems like a real best buy

Even if you frequent the world of mechanical keyboards, it is unlikely that you have heard of the brand Arbiter Study. In fact, it is a new Californian brand that debuts on the market with a truly, truly particular keyboard. The model is called Polar 65 and, at first glance, it doesn’t seem to have much special about it.

Its strong points are all under the bonnet, although there are also some surprises on a construction level, both externally and internally. What’s so special about it? Magnetic switches with Hall effect sensor. What does this mean exactly? Traditional mechanical switches have specifications with well-defined values. The linear red ones, the most widespread in the world, have for example an actuation force of 45 gf (gram-force) and an actuation distance (i.e. the distance that the key travels before being actuated) of 2 mm. There are thousands of variations, with higher, lower values, with shorter or longer springs, smaller and larger strokes and so on.

But they are precisely constant values, which are impossible to change without physically changing each switch.

The switches with which the Polar 65 by Arbiter Studio is equipped, called, Fuji Magnetic Switchthey boast instead variable actuation force. Through the dedicated software you can adjust the actuation distance between 0.1 mm (practically instant) and 3.8 mm. The magnet hidden inside each single switch and the Hall Sensor PCB, i.e. the Hall effect printed circuit, allow you to choose between 20 different adjustment levels, customizing the performance of the switches to the maximum.

Going into detail, i Fuji Magnetic Switch They are factory-lubricated linear switches with an actuation force of 36 gf, a variable actuation distance between 0.1 and 3.8 mm, a total stroke of 4 mm and are guaranteed for 100 million presses.

But it doesn’t end here: Polar 65 integrates a lot of features that will delight lovers of mechanical keyboards.

The external body is in CNC aluminium; the keys are in Dual-Shot PBT (the most resistant) with KOP profile; the stabilizers are fixed to the PCB (and already lubricated), and the PCB itself boasts IP54 certification for splash and dust resistance. And, last but not least, there are also sound-absorbing layers: two in silicone to be precise, one between the plate and the PCB and one on the bottom of the keyboard. As the name suggests, it is a 65% size keyboard with ANSI USA layout designed mainly for gaming, given the small size which allows you to keep the hands that use the keyboard and mouse very close to each other.

Polar 65 can be purchased directly on the Arbiter Studio store in $150to which you must add us $35 tax and shipping. The total therefore amounts to $185, at the current exchange rate around €170. It is a price in line with that of other mechanical keyboards with metal bodies and many margins for customization, and that of Arbiter Studio has special magnetic switches that are certainly not found everywhere.

There are 8 colors available.

Polar 65 – Arbiter Studio