ATK Launches RS8 Air Magnetic and RS8 Neo Mechanical Gaming Keyboards

ATK has expanded its gaming keyboard lineup with two new 87-key models, the RS8 Air and RS8 Neo, bringing different switch technologies and high-speed input features to the tenkeyless (TKL) market. While both keyboards share a similar design and internal construction, they target different types of users. The RS8 Air focuses on magnetic switches with fine-grained actuation adjustments, whereas the RS8 Neo combines conventional mechanical switches with 8K polling support over wired and wireless connections.

The ATK RS8 Air uses the company's third-generation Ultra magnetic switch solution, which supports adjustable actuation with a claimed precision of 0.001mm. ATK also advertises an end-to-end latency of just 0.28ms, making the keyboard particularly relevant to competitive players who rely on quick key registration and repeated inputs. Magnetic switches allow users to adjust actuation and reset behavior, providing more control over how individual keys respond during gameplay.

The RS8 Air also features a physical mode-switching lever that allows users to change between onboard profiles. This gives players a way to switch configurations without having to access software settings each time. Its magnetic switch technology is aimed at games where rapid directional changes and repeated key presses are common, including competitive shooters and other fast-paced titles.

The RS8 Neo takes a different route by using conventional mechanical switches. Its main feature is dual 8K operation, supporting an 8,000Hz polling rate through both wired and 2.4GHz wireless connections. The keyboard also supports tri-mode connectivity, providing additional connection flexibility for different devices and setups. This makes the RS8 Neo a more conventional mechanical keyboard option for users who still want high polling rates without moving to magnetic switches.

ATK has also included SOCD (Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions) and Mod-Tap (MT) functions on the RS8 Neo. SOCD allows users to configure how the keyboard handles opposing directional inputs, while Mod-Tap assigns different functions to a key depending on whether it is tapped or held. These features provide additional control over keyboard inputs, particularly in games that require precise movement.

Both models use an 87-key tenkeyless layout, retaining the function row, arrow keys, and navigation controls while removing the dedicated number pad. This leaves more room for mouse movement, which can be useful for players who prefer lower sensitivity settings. The keyboards also share a similar exterior design, featuring matte PC keycaps and a mirror-finish side structure inspired by mechanical wings.

Internally, the RS8 Air and RS8 Neo use a gasket-mounted construction with five layers of internal filling. This design is intended to influence typing feedback and reduce unwanted vibrations while typing or gaming. Although the two models share much of their construction, their different switch technologies give them separate positions in ATK's lineup.

ATK has not yet confirmed official pricing or international availability for the RS8 Air and RS8 Neo. Additional details about regional configurations and the full software feature set are also yet to be announced.