Redragon have very kindly sent me not one but two new Hall effect keyboards to try out! The Nova Magnetic comes in two variants: the fancy Glacier’s Pulse (which sounds like the title of a novel), and the slightly less flashy Serene Gray (which could be the lead character’s name). So, let’s check them out, shall we?
Nova Magnetics are 68-key / 65% keyboards. The layout of both is US ANSI, which means that they have a Del key (which is very important to me). Like the RK617, these are wired boards, so there’s no battery. It’s PC only (not compatible with Mac or non-PC platforms such as PS5/NS), and the free-to-use software is Windows only with a web-based option for non-Windows machines.
The Nova Magnetic Glacier’s Pulse variant has blue OEM profile PBT keys on the left of the board, which graduate from dark to light left to right. The keys then switch to frosted transparent on the right of the board. This, combined with the white and blue base, gives the whole thing a very wintery, icy look, especially with the backlights set accordingly. Glacier’s Pulse? Yes, I suppose that name makes perfect sense, actually. Well done, whoever came up with that.
The Serene Gray variant has grey and black OSA profile PBT keys, which look and feel great. I was genuinely surprised by what a good-looking board this variant turned out to be “in person” – the images making it look like yet another black keyboard. In fact, I think that, where the backlights really complete the look of the Glacier’s Pulse, the Serene Gray actually looks better without them on at all. You might feel differently, of course, but that’s the beauty of being able to adjust and customise your own lighting effects.
Both variants of the Nova Magnetic are equipped with five layers of noise dampening: 3.5mm PO foam, IXPE switch foam, PET sound pad, bottom socket foam, silicone bottom pad and a silicone gasket. Neither is silent, by any means, but they’re definitely not noisy. Both variants weigh about 850 grams, so they’re heavy enough to be solid and stable, but not overly weighty. Single-position flip-down feet give the user a bit of angle adjustment.
The Nova Magnetic come loaded with UltraMag magnetic switch featuring an anti-wobble dual-module floating structure “for unparalleled reliability & hyper-fast precision”. As with other magnetic boards, the latency and activation point of the keys can be adjusted. Like the RK617, there are rapid fire and other options, which don’t make any sense if you’re not a gamer, but maybe you are a gamer? I don’t know. The UltraMag’s are hot swappable with any compatible magnetic switches.
So, when all is said and done, both versions of the Nova Magnetic are pretty lovely, though aesthetically very different. Which one you might fancy is entirely a matter of personal preference, because their performance is identical. Whether you’re an ultra-fast typist looking for a more responsive board, or someone who wants something that can handle both work and play, a Nova Magnetic might well suit you.
Nova Magnetic Glacier’s Pulse is available from Redragon for £42 GBP/$55 USD
The Nova Magnetic Serene Gray is available from Redragon for £39 GBP/$50 USD