Skip to main content

Command Palette

Search for a command to run...

Syntech Chronos 68 HE Keyboard

Updated
4 min readView as Markdown
R

I have over 40 years of programming experience using a variety of languages over the course of my career to develop real-time solutions for real-world problems.

Keyboards connect us to the world and, as a keyboard enthusiast, I am searching for the ideal keyboard.

April 20, 2026, marks the day I received my Syntech Chronos 68 HE keyboards. Three colour options are available. I purchased a Black & White with Gateron Magnetic Jade Pro switches and a "Pure Black" with Outemu Magnetic Sealed switches, priced at $229.99 and $179.99, respectively.

At the time of purchase, a $40.00 discount was available.

Key Features

  • 8000 Hz polling rate

  • Customizable per-key actuation between 0.1 mm and 3.5 mm

  • Rapid Trigger

  • Snap Tap - Seamless Direction Switching

  • Pre-lubricated switches

  • Acoustic dampening: Poron & IXPE foam ensure satisfying acoustics with every press.

  • PBT Shine-Through Keycaps

  • Lubricated Plate Mounted Stabilizers

  • Warranty - three (3) years is better than most and reflects confidence in the keyboard's durability.

Performance

The Jade Pro switches are smooth and quiet, and worth the slightly higher price. As for speed, the keyboard felt and performed at least as well as my ATK RS6 Ultra+. Consistently achieving 100 WPM out of the box suggests great potential.

The Outemu Magnetic Sealed switches may be more suitable for workplaces where the keyboard may be exposed to harsher conditions. The initial force of 30 gf is only 5 gf less than the Jade Pro switches, but it is surprisingly noticeable.

All else being equal, I prefer the Jade Pro switches. They feel smoother and less susceptible to accidental key presses.

Aside:

  • Gateron Jade switches are premium switches. I will also be trying Gateron Jade Ultra switches available from Amazon:

  • There are hundreds, if not thousands, of switches to choose from. However, I tend to prefer Gateron switches. Gateron switches are popular and readily available from multiple sources, including Amazon.

  • I experimented with:

    • Gateron Spark switches. They sound great and feel great on this keyboard.

    • Gateron Magnetic Jade Attraction switches. Next to the Spark switches, these are also a favourite as the actuation pressure is constant throughout the keystroke.

PCB

The Printed Circuit Board (PCB) plays a key role in your keyboard's performance, yet it is often overlooked. While polling rate tends to dominate the discussion, the scan rate is equally important, if not more so.

Software - Customization

The SynHub driver app makes it easy to customize the keyboard. The application allows you to reassign keys, keystroke settings, calibrate switches, adjust lighting settings, and more.

You will note that I reassigned the "CAPS" key to the "Ctrl" key, as shown in the "Current Key Function" pane. To reassign other keys, simply click on the keyboard icon in the "Combination" pane.

Clicking the keyboard icon allows you to select keys from a full keyboard pane, as shown below.

The SynHub app lets you easily fine-tune key mappings, actuation settings, and macros via its intuitive app or web interface, making Chronos 68 a customizable keyboard.

Overall Impressions

This keyboard has surprised me in more ways than I expected. Visit the Syntech Downloads page to get the latest driver and firmware.

  • Key reassignment

  • Customized Keystrokes

  • Fn + Space = "Typing" mode

  • Fn + TAB = Number keys become Function Keys

  • Improved and Consistent SPEED and Accuracy

  • Exceptional look, feel, and sound enhanced by Gateron Jade Pro switches

  • A pleasant ambience with RGB lighting patterns and effects

  • Shine-Through PBT Keycaps

Syntech is a company I never knew existed until this day. Now I'm touting their keyboard as one of the better keyboards in my collection. How is that even possible?

NitroType Race Calculations