AceReleased 2023

Pad Tech APT04 HE

72/100
Very good
Overall score · how we rate
60% ANSIHot-swappableHall-effectQMK / VIARGB backlightWired · USB-C

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Why we rate it

  • Class-leading performance (79/100)
  • Hot-swappable switches
  • First-class QMK / VIA firmware
  • Hall-effect switches with adjustable actuation
  • Productivity is the weak point (50/100)
  • Wired only — no Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz
Score profile

Where the Pad Tech APT04 HE wins and loses

Six weighted axes · the shape tells the story
BuildCustom.Perform.Productiv.Portab.Overall596379506762
Build quality
59
Customisability
63
Performance
79
Productivity
50
Portability
67
Overall
62
Full specification

Specifications

Grouped · supported features marked in blue

Layout

Layout size60
StandardANSI
ProfileNormal
ErgonomicsNormal
Volume knobYes
OLED / LCD screenYes

Switches & feel

Switch typesLinear · Tactile · Clicky · Magnetic
Hot-swappableYes
Mount typePlate Mount
Screw-in stabilisersYes
Sound dampeningYes
Hall-effect / magneticYes
Rapid triggerYes

Connectivity & firmware

ConnectionWired only
USB-CYes
N-key rolloverYes
QMKYes
VIAYes
VIALYes
Mac & WindowsYes
Multi-media keysYes

Build

Case materialWood
Keycap materialPBT
BacklightRGB
ColourwaysYes

More specs

Passthrough UsbYes

Watch it in action

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Head to head

Pad Tech APT04 HE vs Weikav STARS80 V2

Highlighted cell = better in that row
BuildCustom.Perform.Productiv.Portab.Overall
Pad Tech APT04 HESTARS80 V2
 AcePad Tech APT04 HEThis pageWeikavSTARS80 V2
Overall score62 /10080 /100Better
Build quality59 /10079 /100Better
Performance79 /100Better54 /100
ConnectionWired onlyWireless + wiredBetter
Polling rate
Mount typePlate MountGasket MountBetter
Case materialWoodAluminumBetter
Hot-swappableYesYes
QMK / VIAYesYes