HATOR Skyfall 80 MAG ULTIMA 8K review: How good is the gaming keyboard with Hall effect and 8,000 Hz? If you think a high-quality gaming keyboard with magnetic Hall-effect switches, 8,000 Hz polling rate and integrated display has to cost 200 euros or more, you’ve done the math without HATOR. With the new HATOR Skyfall 80 MAG ULTIMA 8K, the manufacturer is shaking up the price structure and putting together an incredible overall package for less than 100 euros. Find out what’s inside and whether it’s worth buying in our test.
Technical data
| Product designation | Skyfall 80 MAG ULTIMA 8K |
| Switch type | Reverb effect |
| Button switch type | Aurum Ice Magnetic linear |
| Offered switch types | Linear |
| Switch interchangeable | Yes |
| Keycaps interchangeable | Yes |
| material | plastic |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 355 mm x 140 mm x 43 mm |
| weight | 930 grams |
| Onboard memory | 1 profile |
| Connectivity | USB Type-C; 2.4 GHz; Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Rollover technology | N-Key rollover |
| Keycaps | PBT Double-Shot |
| Operating modes | Typing; Gaming |
| Sampling rates | 8,000 Hz |
| price | € 99.99 * |
HATOR Skyfall 80 MAG ULTIMA 8K review: Premium look at a budget price
The HATOR Skyfall 80 MAG ULTIMA 8K is available in both a compact 65 percent layout and an 80 percent design (TKL). Our test model relies on a compact 80 percent layout, which does not require a separate numeric keypad and is particularly suitable for gaming setups and space-saving desktop arrangements. With dimensions of approx. 355 × 140 × 43 mm and a weight of around one kg, it looks surprisingly solid and stable, even though the casing is made almost entirely of plastic.
The housing therefore gives a solid, well-made impression. The top is cleanly finished, the edges are precisely cut and there are no noticeable burrs or production residues. There are rubberized feet on the underside, as well as two adjustable feet at two angles, which ensure a secure hold on the desk and a slight tilt for more ergonomic typing. The manufacturer has also installed the mode switch here, which can be used to switch between wired, wireless and Bluetooth operation.
The integrated TFT display (0.85″) next to the arrow keys, which can display information such as media status or system data, is striking and extremely unusual in this price range. If you like, you can also use a custom background image – which can even be animated if desired.
Another rare feature in this price range is the rotary control integrated into the Skyfall 80 MAG ULTIMA 8K at the top right-hand edge. It is pleasantly ribbed and very well graduated to enable precise media and volume control.
The double-shot PBT keycaps, here in a black and white look (including a pink ESC key), make a high-quality impression, are durable and the lettering does not fade even after prolonged use. Commendable: The scope of delivery also includes a keycap set for different layouts such as Nordic, French or English, which also includes a black escape key cap. The HATOR Skyfall 80 MAG ULTIMA 8K is hot-swappable, meaning that not only the keycaps but also the magnetic switches can be replaced quickly and easily.
Of course, attractive RGB lighting is also a must. This can be configured individually for each key on the Skyfall 80 MAG ULTIMA 8K and, together with the magnetic switches, gives the keyboard a modern, customizable appearance. The side lighting is also a visual highlight: Both sides have an additional light strip, which emits a pleasant indirect light onto the desk.
Features of the HATOR Skyfall 80 MAG ULTIMA 8K
In terms of features, the Skyfall 80 MAG Ultima 8K offers a lot that you would otherwise expect to find in the higher price segment. At its heart are the magnetic HATOR Aurum Ice Switches: They work magnetically with Hall sensor technology, which enables fast and precise triggering and also allows the actuation distance of each button to be finely adjusted via the software.
The equipment also includes:
- Tri-mode connectivity: 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.3 and USB-C port for wired operation.
- Polling rate up to 8,000 Hz – in both wired and wireless mode – for extremely low latency and high responsiveness.
- Hot-swap support for switch replacement without soldering.
- RGB lighting per button with extensive software control.
All in all, an extremely coherent set of features that would normally place a keyboard firmly in the premium segment. However, HATOR impressively demonstrates that this is also possible at a mid-range price. The combination of precise magnetic switches, 8,000 Hz polling rate and extensive connection options makes the keyboard interesting for gaming enthusiasts as well as for productive work. The gasket-mount architecture also reduces vibrations and contributes to a pleasant typing experience.
Only the small TFT display is rather sobering. Apart from the option of displaying your own image, it only provides details such as the date and time, which doesn’t really offer any added value in practice. Nevertheless, it is a nice detail.
Decent battery life
The battery life of the HATOR Skyfall 80 MAG Ultima 8K is also decent: With active backlighting, the keyboard manages up to 24 hours of wireless working or gaming. If the backlight is switched off, the manufacturer claims that up to 533 hours are possible before a new charge is required.
The charging time is up to 16 hours, which is quite long despite the large 8,000 mAh battery. However, as you can simply continue gaming while charging with the cable connected, this is hardly a problem in practice.
In everyday life, this means that an intensive day of gaming with lighting is possible without any problems before recharging is required. Without lighting, on the other hand, the runtime is enormous and is ideal for longer breaks without a power socket.
Software connection: In the browser or via app
The keyboard is supported by the SyncHUB software, which is available both as a PC version and web-based and allows comprehensive control. It’s good to see that HATOR also offers a browser solution here and that you don’t have to install any apps on your PC or notebook.
The interface is relatively intuitive and offers many options without being overloaded. Unfortunately, there is no option to create multiple profiles and the German translation of the tool is sometimes rather clumsy (“Reiseeinstellungen” for Key Travel, “Anti-Unfallmodus” and similar), but the range of functions is completely convincing.
Among other things, the following adjustments can be made in the software:
- Individual key assignment and macro assignment
- Configure RGB lighting for each button
- Select polling rate and energy options
- Profile management for different applications
- Setting the actuation distance of the magnetic switches
You will find all conceivable options that should be adjustable on a good magnetic gaming keyboard. In terms of setup, there are more intuitive and better app solutions, but in practice the SyncHUB software provides everything you need. The software also allows you to set the power status and sleep timer for wireless connections to further optimize battery life.
HATOR Skyfall 80 MAG ULTIMA 8K in a practical test
But how does the HATOR Skyfall 80 MAG ULTIMA 8K perform in practice? Where it really matters? In my opinion, the magnetic Hall-effect keyboard cuts a very good figure here. The first positive aspect is the successful ergonomics, as the keyboard is neither too high nor too flat, so that it feels comfortable to type on for hours on end.
In everyday and gaming use, the Skyfall 80 MAG ULTIMA 8K scores with its excellent responsiveness and very precise input. The magnetic Aurum Ice Switches provide a tactile, linear feel that is absolutely perfect for fast action in competitive games such as VALORANT, CS2, Marvel Rivals and more. In combination with the setting options of the mechanical switches, this results in an absolutely coherent package that is in no way inferior to the significantly more expensive competition such as the Corsair K70 Pro TKL (our test).
The extremely high polling rate of 8000 Hz ensures that inputs are registered almost without delay – an advantage especially in games where milliseconds count. In combination with tri-mode wireless support, the connection remains stable and smooth even in wireless mode. And if you like, you can connect the keyboard to your tablet or smartphone quickly and easily thanks to Bluetooth, which makes the Skyfall 80 MAG ULTIMA very versatile.
The acoustics of the keyboard are also pleasing. HATOR relies on a very creamy and well-accentuated sound that is never unpleasant. The gaming keyboard achieves this not least thanks to a convincing gasket mount and multi-layer insulation.
The RGB lighting is pleasantly even and supports various effects that can be customized via software. The additional keycaps also make it easy to switch to other layouts.
Only the rotary control could have been better integrated. It is the same height as the keycaps, which makes it somewhat difficult to feel in practice. A higher version would have been desirable here, even though it works perfectly in everyday testing. However, the manufacturer could have done without the TFT display. Nice-to-have, but it doesn’t offer any real benefit.
HATOR Skyfall 80 MAG ULTIMA 8K Review: Conclusion
The HATOR Skyfall 80 MAG ULTIMA 8K is a versatile and technically well-equipped gaming keyboard in a compact 80% format that impresses with its magnetic Hall sensor switches, 8,000 Hz polling rate and extensive software connectivity. In terms of response time, flexibility and range of features in particular, it is above and beyond what is often found in this price range. This makes it an attractively priced choice for anyone who wants the maximum without tearing too deep a hole in their wallet.
Deductions are made for the low additional display potential and the rotary control, which does not protrude enough from the housing. But let’s be honest: these are just minor details that hardly detract from the successful overall impression. A strong and versatile keyboard for gamers and frequent typists who value performance and customizability.
- Attractive price
- Reverb effect with all features
- 8,000 Hz
- Tri-mode connectivity
- Successful processing
- Comprehensive software
- Display offers little added value
- Rotary control too flat
- Software translations choppy
HATOR Skyfall 80 MAG ULTIMA 8K
Workmanship
Features
Ergonomics
Software
Value For Money
91/100
Versatile gaming keyboard with mechanical reverb effect switches, 8,000 Hz and powerful features at an unbeatable price.
