# Syntech Chronos 68 HE Keyboard April 20, 2026, marks the day I received my [Syntech Chronos 68 HE keyboards](https://syntechhome.com/products/chronos-68-rapid-trigger-magnetic-keyboard?variant=45399376429221). 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 ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/61abac4ba375fb2266f3d33c/1fa3dae8-a0ec-41c6-85b8-27527129c669.png align="center") * 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. ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/61abac4ba375fb2266f3d33c/48c22000-2f4d-498a-a6ef-487cf1b78401.png align="center") 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](https://amzn.to/4vY9OOn): [![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/61abac4ba375fb2266f3d33c/5c198926-3a30-4b35-b5b8-37552b89838f.png align="center")](https://amzn.to/4vY9OOn) * 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](https://amzn.to/4eFv0lN). * 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. ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/61abac4ba375fb2266f3d33c/d5617ed0-a63c-4138-ba6c-ddc135b03e8d.png align="center") 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. ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/61abac4ba375fb2266f3d33c/8f7ac7d1-139f-439d-87c6-c62850601e3a.png align="center") Clicking the keyboard icon allows you to select keys from a full keyboard pane, as shown below. ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/61abac4ba375fb2266f3d33c/590cfdf8-31d7-4fa8-8aed-4d113d19d3d6.png align="center") 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](https://syntechhome.com/pages/driver-download-1) 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 ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/61abac4ba375fb2266f3d33c/75a235de-126f-463f-afdb-b4a988a0792c.png align="center") ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/61abac4ba375fb2266f3d33c/90098be7-665d-4767-9e26-b73f7fb17d98.png align="center") ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/61abac4ba375fb2266f3d33c/d8f6e4e4-109d-433d-b0c9-2a46bf791064.png align="center") * 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? ### Update #### Firmware Version and IOTVersion * Use the [WEB app](https://iotdriver.qmk.top/) to upgrade the firmware and IOTVersion for your keyboard. Make sure the keyboard is plugged in using the USB cable. * I swapped out the Outemu switches with Gateron's Magnetic Jade Attraction switches. ### Related Articles and Resources * [Chronos 68｜ Ultra Low Latency Magnetic Keyboard with Rapid Trigger](https://syntechhome.com/products/chronos-68-rapid-trigger-magnetic-keyboard?variant=45399376363685) * Downloads: [Chronos 68 Driver Download](https://syntechhome.com/pages/driver-download-1) - SynHub * [Gateron Jade Pro Linear Lubricated Factory Freely Setting Magnetic Keyboard Switches 20mm Plus Long Spring Key Switches (70 Pieces) :](https://www.amazon.ca/Gateron-Magnetic-Jade-Pro-Pre-Travel/dp/B0DFGZ9D6L) [Amazon.ca](http://Amazon.ca)[: Electronics](https://www.amazon.ca/Gateron-Magnetic-Jade-Pro-Pre-Travel/dp/B0DFGZ9D6L) * **Improve your typing skills:** * [Monkeytype | A minimalistic, customizable typing test](https://monkeytype.com/) ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/61abac4ba375fb2266f3d33c/156db72e-f2a2-44e9-a466-e20665f50e68.png align="center") * NitroType * [How Does Reading Affect Your Brain | by Sufyan Maan, M.Eng | ILLUMINATION | Medium](https://medium.com/illumination/how-does-reading-affect-your-brain-b1048eab9a7c) ## NitroType Race Calculations ![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/uploads/covers/61abac4ba375fb2266f3d33c/45af5dfe-0fe3-4262-ab73-17f9a28b9c97.png align="center")