What Is HLPLANET? A Guide to the Keyboard and Controller Review Site

HLPLANET (hlplanet.com) is an independent gaming hardware publication, founded in 2016, that reviews mechanical and Hall Effect keyboards, switches, keycaps, gaming mice, controllers and sim racing gear. Alongside reviews and news, it publishes buying guides and runs free browser tools such as a stick drift tester, a controller reaction time test and a keyboard tester.

What does HLPLANET cover?

HLPLANET covers PC and console peripherals, with the deepest focus on keyboards and game controllers. Its own header describes it as a source of keyboard and controller news and reviews.

The main review categories on the site are:

• Mechanical and Hall Effect keyboard reviews
• Keyboard switches, including reviews and comparisons
• Gaming controllers, from budget gamepads to 8K polling models
• Gaming mouse reviews and buying guides
• Sim racing gear
• Guides, hardware, software, Steam and Steam Deck articles
• News and video games

According to its About Us page, the site pays special attention to well-built, affordable products from brands that get little coverage in Western media, many of them from China, and gives them the same scrutiny as high-end gear.

How does HLPLANET test products?

HLPLANET combines measured data with hands-on use. The About page lists objective tests, a consistent subjective scale and extended real-world sessions.

• Input latency is measured with OSLTT and GPDL.
• Hall Effect and TMR keyboards are checked for actuation and sensor accuracy.
• Software features are validated, and build quality and ergonomics are assessed.
• Typing feel and stick ergonomics are rated on a defined scale.
• Products are used for long gaming sessions and daily work.

The site states that it does not accept payment for higher scores or better placement in comparison guides, and that affiliate links and discount codes are disclosed and do not influence conclusions.

Who writes for HLPLANET?

Five writers appear on the site as of October 2026: Fang, Snimtas, Marcus Richardson, Jeremy and Alicia Clayton. Marcus Richardson is credited as editor-in-chief on several guides.

• Fang writes controller head-to-heads such as the Flydigi Vader 5 Pro vs Beitong KP40D, plus keyboard, mouse and sim racing reviews like the Moza R3 Bundle.
• Snimtas covers keycaps, switches, keyboards and controllers, including the EasySMX Dune 8K and Leadjoy Saber Plus.
• Marcus Richardson maintains the Hall Effect keyboard guide and hubs and reviews boards such as the MelGeek Centauri 80.
• Jeremy reviewed the RK A72, an Alice-layout keyboard.
• Alicia Clayton wrote a guide to useful Windows keyboard shortcuts and co-authored the low latency controllers list.

What free tools does HLPLANET offer?

HLPLANET runs four free browser-based tools that need no installation:

1. The HLPLANET gamepad tester, which checks stick drift, circularity and deadzones.
2. A controller reaction time test with simple and choice modes.
3. An online keyboard tester for dead keys, rollover, chatter, rapid trigger and SOCD.
4. A to-scale keyboard layout comparison for sizes from 60% to full size.

Which HLPLANET hubs are worth bookmarking?

The hub pages are long, regularly updated buying lists. There are four main ones:

• Keyboards with Hall Effect switches, grouped by size from 60% to full size
• Hall Effect controllers list, with sections for Xbox and PS5 players
• TMR controllers list
• TMR vs Hall Effect sensors for keyboards

What has HLPLANET reviewed recently?

As of October 2026, the newest reviews span mice, keyboards, controllers and racing wheels:

• Ragnok ErgoStrike7, a gun-shaped mouse with recoil (Fang)
• EasySMX Dune 8K, a controller with TMR sticks and 8000 Hz polling (Snimtas)
• MCHOSE ACE 75 review, judged fast and feature-packed but too plasticky for $139 (Marcus Richardson)
• Moza R3 Bundle, a budget direct drive sim racing setup (Fang)
• Kemove K94, a full-featured mechanical keyboard (Fang)
• MelGeek Centauri 80, a Hall Effect keyboard with an OLED touchscreen (Marcus Richardson)
• MelGeek Real81, summed up as the right product at the wrong price (Fang)

Who is HLPLANET for?

HLPLANET suits buyers who want measured, enthusiast-level detail before spending money. Typical readers include:

• Competitive players comparing rapid trigger keyboards or low latency controllers
• Controller owners dealing with stick drift and looking at Hall Effect or TMR replacements
• Keyboard hobbyists interested in switches, keycaps and less common brands
• Budget shoppers who want value picks rather than only big-brand gear

How should you use HLPLANET before buying?

Start with a tool or hub, then narrow down with individual reviews.

1. Test your current device with the free tools to confirm what is actually wrong.
2. Open the relevant hub to see which models fit your platform and budget.
3. Read the full review for your shortlist and check its documented scores.
4. Compare head-to-head articles if two models are close.
5. Check the discount codes page before ordering.

Key takeaways

• HLPLANET is an independent keyboard, controller and peripheral review site founded in 2016.
• Its testing combines latency measurements (OSLTT, GPDL) with long-term hands-on use.
• Four free tools cover stick drift, reaction time, keyboard testing and layout size.
• Hubs for Hall Effect and TMR keyboards and controllers are its core buying guides.

FAQ

Is HLPLANET an independent review site?

Yes. Its About page says it does not accept payment for higher scores or preferential placement.

Who runs HLPLANET?

Marcus Richardson is credited as editor-in-chief, with Fang, Snimtas, Jeremy and Alicia Clayton also writing.

Are HLPLANET's tools free?

Yes. The gamepad tester, reaction time test, keyboard tester and layout comparison all run free in the browser.

Does HLPLANET use affiliate links?

Yes, and it says affiliate relationships and discount codes do not affect scoring.

What products does HLPLANET review most?

Keyboards and controllers, especially Hall Effect and TMR models, followed by mice, switches, keycaps and sim racing gear.