2024-2025 Peripheral Chipset Overview For High-Performance Keyboards & Mice

The landscape of high-performance keyboards and mice is undergoing a significant transformation, propelled by a new generation of advanced chipsets released between 2024 and mid-2025. These innovations are fundamental to developing peripherals that offer unprecedented levels of ultra-low latency, extreme precision, superior wireless connectivity, and increasingly, integrated artificial intelligence capabilities. 

While key independent semiconductor players such as PixArt, Nordic Semiconductor, Telink, NXP, and Infineon provide components accessible to a wide range of manufacturers, leading peripheral brands like Razer, Logitech, HyperX, and ASUS also push boundaries with their proprietary sensor and controller designs. 

This post details the technical specifications of cutting-edge chipsets that have emerged in 2024 and 2025, examining how they are enabling a new generation of “better peripherals” with unparalleled features and performance. We will cover technical specifications, real-world product integrations, and the broader market implications of these significant technological advancements. 

The Role of Chipsets in High-Performance Keyboards & Mice

The efficacy of modern keyboard and mouse peripherals is intrinsically tied to the sophistication of their underlying chipsets. These integrated circuits, encompassing sensor technology, microcontroller units (MCUs), and wireless transceivers, are the silent architects dictating critical performance metrics such as input lag, tracking accuracy, battery longevity, and customization potential. For competitive gamers and professionals alike, a millisecond’s lag can mean the difference between victory and defeat, or efficiency and frustration. That’s why the relentless evolution of these chipsets is so critical. 

The optical sensor serves as the central component of any high-performance mouse, responsible for accurately translating physical movement into digital input. Recent advancements in this domain from both independent suppliers and leading brands have focused on achieving higher Dots Per Inch (DPI) for sensitivity, faster Inches Per Second (IPS) for tracking speed, greater acceleration handling, and the integration of intelligent features. These intelligent capabilities ensure consistent tracking across diverse surfaces and precise control over lift-off distances, which are critical for precision and responsiveness in demanding applications like competitive gaming.

PixArt PAW3950 

The PixArt PAW3950 stands out as a “New-Gen Flagship Sensor,” signifying its leading position in optical tracking technology. This sensor offers a remarkable maximum programmable DPI of up to 42,000, representing a significant leap in sensitivity. It can achieve a tracking speed of 750 IPS and handle accelerations of 50G. A crucial attribute for competitive gamers is its low Lift-Off Distance (LOD) of 0.7mm, which effectively minimizes unwanted cursor movement when the mouse is lifted and repositioned. Moreover, the PAW3950 is recognized for its improved power efficiency compared to its predecessor, the PAW3395, a vital characteristic for extending the battery life of wireless gaming mice. This sensor is widely available to various peripheral manufacturers.

Products currently leveraging the PAW3950 include the Attack Shark X3MAX Wireless Gaming Mouse, released on August 15, 2024. This mouse features a 1000Hz polling rate, a super lightweight 49g design, Omron Optical Microswitches rated for 100 million clicks, an F-Switch encoder for precise scroll wheel steps, and an impressive 200-hour battery life.

Another notable product is the Attack Shark R2 Magnesium Alloy PAW3950 Gaming Mouse 8K, launched on July 26, 2024. This model pushes performance further with an 8000Hz wireless polling rate, a remarkable 45g super lightweight magnesium alloy construction, and also offers a 200-hour battery life. Other peripherals, such as the Darmoshark M3 Micro Pro Gaming Mouse and Darmoshark Gaming Mouse X6-MAX, also integrate the PAW3950 and support 8K wireless polling rates.

Razer Focus Pro Optical Sensor Gen-2 (Proprietary Example)

Developed in collaboration with PixArt, the Razer Focus Pro Optical Sensor Gen-2 achieves a maximum DPI of 35,000 with a high resolution accuracy of 99.8%. This sensor’s intelligent features are a key differentiator. “Asymmetric Cut-off” enables granular control with 26 levels for lift-off and landing distances, allowing users to fine-tune the sensor’s behavior to their specific playstyle.

“Smart Tracking” ensures a consistent lift-off distance regardless of the surface the mouse is used on, enhancing control and accuracy. “Motion Sync” synchronizes the sensor’s signals with the PC’s polling intervals, providing highly consistent tracking by ensuring the most current updates of the mouse position. The sensor also offers “Dynamic Sensitivity” for creating custom DPI curve profiles and boasts improved power efficiency. Note: This sensor is proprietary to Razer products and not available for general licensing by other manufacturers.

The Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K, released on October 1, 2024, incorporates the Focus Pro Optical Sensor Gen-2. This mouse supports an 8,000Hz polling rate wirelessly and features wireless charging capabilities. The Razer Viper V3 Pro is also cited as a “gold standard” for wireless 8K optical mice, likely utilizing this advanced sensor.

Logitech HERO 2 Sensor (Proprietary Example)

The Logitech HERO 2 sensor is positioned as a breakthrough in both precision and power-efficiency for wireless gaming mice. It boasts an impressive maximum DPI of 44,000, a top speed of 888 IPS, and 88G acceleration. A core tenet of Logitech’s sensor design is “zero smoothing, filtering, or acceleration,” ensuring pure, unadulterated tracking accuracy. This sensor supports wireless polling rates of up to 8,000Hz. Note: This sensor is proprietary to Logitech products and not available for general licensing by other manufacturers.

The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 integrates the HERO 2 sensor, offering an 8,000Hz polling rate and an ultralight 60g design. While some sources indicate a September 2023 release date, others point to September 2024, suggesting its continued market relevance and possibly a refresh or wider availability in the latter year.

HyperX 26K Sensor (Proprietary Example)

The HyperX 26K Sensor delivers native DPI detection up to 26,000, a tracking speed of 650 IPS, and 50G acceleration. This sensor is frequently paired with HyperX Optical Switches, which are engineered to provide smooth, rapid actuation without debounce, while maintaining a satisfying tactile feel. Note: This sensor is developed for and primarily used in HyperX products and not generally available to other manufacturers.

The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro 4K Wireless Gaming Mouse, released on January 7, 2025, utilizes the HyperX 26K Sensor. This mouse supports a true 4,000Hz wireless polling rate and features a super lightweight 61g structure. The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini Wireless Gaming Mouse, also released on January 7, 2025, is a compact variant weighing only 59g, offering up to 100 hours of battery life, and dual wireless connectivity via 2.4GHz and Bluetooth.

ASUS ROG AimPoint Pro Optical Sensor (Proprietary Example)

The ASUS ROG AimPoint Pro optical sensor is capable of achieving up to 42,000 DPI, demonstrating exceptional sensitivity. In products like the ROG Keris Wireless AimPoint, this sensor operates at 36,000 DPI, 650 IPS, and 50G acceleration. A key enabling technology for ASUS is its “ROG SpeedNova wireless technology,” which ensures low-latency, reliable wireless performance with optimized power consumption in the 2.4 GHz RF mode. This sensor boasts industry-leading precision with less than 1% CPI deviation. Note: This sensor is proprietary to ASUS ROG products and not available for general licensing by other manufacturers.

The Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini features the ROG AimPoint Pro 42K optical sensor, supporting 8KHz wireless polling rates and a lightweight 49g design. Although its initial release date was January 10, 2023, its continued recognition as “Best Esports Mouse Overall” in May 2025 underscores the enduring performance capabilities of this chipset. The Asus ROG Keris II Ace also features an 8,000Hz polling rate.

The evolution of mouse sensor chipsets reveals a clear progression beyond merely increasing raw DPI numbers. While high DPI remains a headline feature, the emphasis has significantly shifted towards “precision and intelligence.” Manufacturers are now differentiating their offerings through advanced functionalities such as granular lift-off distance control (e.g., Razer’s Asymmetric Cut-off), automatic surface calibration (Razer’s Smart Tracking), and precise signal synchronization (Razer’s Motion Sync).

This indicates that the competitive advantage is no longer solely about how many dots per inch a sensor can track, but how consistently and intelligently it can translate user input in dynamic gaming environments. The industry recognizes that real-world performance for competitive players hinges on the reliability and adaptability of the sensor, not just its peak theoretical sensitivity.

Furthermore, a parallel development is the standardization of high polling rates and improved power efficiency. What was once a niche feature for wired mice, 8,000Hz polling rates are now becoming a hallmark of premium wireless gaming mice, directly addressing the demand for near-instantaneous input response. This advancement, coupled with enhanced power efficiency, signifies that wireless peripherals are increasingly achieving performance parity with their wired counterparts without sacrificing battery life. This convergence of high performance and wireless freedom is a critical market driver, as it removes a traditional barrier for competitive gamers considering wireless options.

Table 1: Comparative Analysis of Leading Mouse Sensor Chipsets (2024-2025)

Innovations in Keyboard and Peripheral Controller ICs (MCUs/SoCs)

The intelligence and responsiveness of modern keyboards and other peripherals are largely governed by their embedded controller ICs, often in the form of Microcontroller Units (MCUs) or Systems-on-Chip (SoCs). Recent advancements in these components from independent suppliers focus on raw processing power, increased memory, robust multi-protocol wireless support, and specialized features for ultra-low latency communication. These developments allow for more complex functionalities, improved user experience, and greater integration within the broader IoT ecosystem, making them accessible to a wide range of peripheral manufacturers.

The trend in keyboard and peripheral controller ICs is marked by a relentless pursuit of “ultra-low latency and seamless connectivity,” particularly for wireless solutions. The emphasis on 8,000Hz polling rates, as seen with the Attack Shark R2 mouse and keyboards like the NuPhy Air60 HE and ATTACK SHARK X68 HE, signifies a major shift. This high polling rate reduces response time from 1ms to a mere 0.125ms, making wireless input virtually indistinguishable from wired in terms of perceived lag. 

This performance parity is achieved through a combination of proprietary 2.4GHz wireless protocols (e.g., Telink’s optimized protocol, Logitech’s LIGHTSPEED, ASUS’s SpeedNova) and advanced MCU architectures that can handle the increased data throughput. This development directly addresses a long-standing concern among competitive gamers regarding wireless input delay, fundamentally altering the market’s perception of wireless peripherals.

Another significant development is the increasing “integration of advanced features into System-on-Chip (SoC) designs.” Chipsets like Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF54H20 and Telink’s TL721x series are not just simple controllers; they are comprehensive solutions integrating multi-core processors, ample memory, and support for a wide array of wireless protocols (Bluetooth LE 6.0, Zigbee, Thread, Matter, 2.4GHz proprietary) within a single, compact package. 

This level of integration reduces the Bill of Materials (BOM) cost and PCB area, enabling manufacturers to design smaller, more power-efficient, and feature-rich peripherals. The ability to support multiple protocols also future-proofs devices, making them compatible with evolving smart home ecosystems and broader IoT applications, extending their utility beyond mere input devices. This holistic approach to chipset design streamlines development and accelerates market entry for sophisticated peripherals.

Nordic Semiconductor nRF54 Series

Nordic Semiconductor is a prominent provider of ultra-low-power wireless connectivity solutions, with its nRF54 Series representing the next generation of wireless SoCs building on the success of the nRF52 Series. The nRF54 Series aims to deliver enhanced processing power, expanded memory, and innovative peripherals, all while maintaining ultra-low power consumption.

nRF54H20

This is a revolutionary multiprotocol SoC, currently sampling, featuring multiple Arm® Cortex®-M33 processors clocked up to 320 MHz and RISC-V coprocessors. Its application processor doubles the processing power of the nRF5340. It boasts a generous 2 MB of non-volatile memory and 1 MB of RAM, consuming less power than external memory.

The nRF54H20 includes a 4th generation 2.4 GHz multiprotocol radio with excellent RX sensitivity (-99 dBm for 1 Mbps Bluetooth LE, -104 dBm for 802.15.4) and up to 10 dBm TX power, enabling robust and longer-range connections. It supports Bluetooth Low Energy, LE Audio, Bluetooth mesh, Thread, Matter, and 2.4 GHz proprietary protocols with throughput up to 4 Mbps, explicitly enabling “ultra-low-latency applications”.

New interfaces include high-speed USB (480 Mbps), CAN FD controller, and a 14-bit ADC. It is designed for PSA Certified Level 3 IoT security. The nRF54H20 is a compact all-in-one solution that can replace multiple PCB components, reducing design size and cost. It is suitable for advanced gaming controllers, VR/AR, and smart home applications.

• Link to Description: Nordic nRF54H20.
• Products: The nRF Desktop application, which can provide mouse, keyboard, or dongle functionality, supports the nRF54H20 DK for building mouse applications with Bluetooth LE and USB High-Speed transports.

nRF54L15

This ultra-low-power wireless SoC is part of the nRF54L Series, offering 1.5 MB NVM and 256 KB RAM. It features a 128MHz ARM Cortex M33 processor and a 128MHz RISC-V coprocessor, providing double the processing power of the prior nRF52840 (BL654). The nRF54L15 supports Bluetooth LE (qualified against Bluetooth Core 6.0), 802.15.4, Zigbee, Thread, Matter, Amazon Sidewalk, and 2.4 GHz proprietary protocols with up to 4 Mbps data rate. It also includes NFC A-Tag implementation and offers up to +7 dBm transmit power. The nRF54L15 is designed for PSA Certified level 3 security.

• Link to Description: Nordic nRF54L15.
• Products: The nRF54L15 Development Kit supports building both mouse and keyboard applications, with inputs simulated by hardware button presses. The Darmoshark M3 Micro Pro Gaming Mouse and M3s Pro Gaming Mouse are noted to use the Nordic 52840 (N52840), which is the predecessor to the nRF54L series, indicating a strong foundation for Nordic’s continued presence in high-performance wireless mice.

Telink TL Series (TL721x, TL321x)

Telink specializes in low-latency and high-stability wireless chips, providing comprehensive technical support for wireless gaming peripherals, including mice, keyboards, and headsets. Their chips aim to effectively reduce latency, ensuring real-time command transmission.

TL721x Series

This series is designed to support multiple wireless connectivity standards, including Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE), Zigbee, Thread, Matter, and 2.4GHz proprietary protocols. It integrates essential features and capabilities for high-performance wireless IoT devices into a single System on Chip (SoC). Telink emphasizes its comprehensive solution for gaming products, enabling them to work seamlessly together through a universal USB dongle with ultra-low latency.

• Link to Description: Telink TL721x Series.
• Products: Telink chips are broadly used in wireless gaming mice and keyboards. The Darmoshark N3 Gaming Mouse, for instance, uses a Telink solution for its wireless Bluetooth tri-mode connectivity.

TL321x Series

This is a low-power Bluetooth® System on Chip (SoC) that complies with the 802.15.4 standard and proprietary Bluetooth® technologies operating in the 2.4GHz frequency band. It is compatible with Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), Zigbee, RF4CE, Thread, Matter, and various proprietary protocols, seamlessly integrating essential functionalities for high-performance wireless IoT devices.

• Link to Description: Telink TL321x Series.
• Products: While specific keyboard/mouse products explicitly naming the TL321x are not detailed, Telink broadly supports wireless gaming keyboards and mice with its chip solutions.

NXP LPC5516

NXP Semiconductors offers solutions for high-performance peripherals, exemplified by the LPC5516 MCU. This chip is central to gaming keyboard solutions that demand high response speeds and performance.

Features: The NXP LPC5516-based solution supports an 8KHz report rate, enabling ultra-fast response times. It supports full keyless punch (N-key rollover), hibernation wake-up, and multimedia keys. The chip’s main frequency can reach up to 150MHz, and it features a large memory capacity (256KB Flash, 96KB RAM). It also supports HS USB and HS SPI (50Mbps). The solution supports keyboard, mouse, and data three-way channels, and can store more lighting effects with 2MB external Flash.

Link to Description: LPC551x/S1x: Baseline Arm® Cortex®-M33-Based Microcontroller Family

Products: The Dareu A980 Wired 8K Gaming Mouse explicitly states its MCU as the NXP LPC5516, supporting an 8KHz polling rate and featuring the P3395 optical sensor. This product demonstrates the chip’s application in high-performance wired gaming mice, where low latency is critical.

Infineon EZ-USB FX Series

Infineon’s EZ-USB FX series focuses on high-speed USB peripheral controllers, crucial for wired peripherals or for the wired mode of wireless devices. This series has been a cornerstone for high-bandwidth data acquisition systems and machine vision cameras for over a decade.

Features: The new EZ-USB FX5, FX5N, FX10, and FX20 families offer up to 600% higher performance than previous generations like FX3, with optimized PCB area and Bill of Materials (BOM) cost. These controllers support USB 3.2, with bandwidths doubling from 5 Gbps to 10 Gbps, and then to 20 Gbps. The FX20, for example, is a USB 20 Gbps Peripheral Controller. These advancements are critical for applications demanding high-speed data transfer, such as machine vision, industrial automation, and robotics, and can be leveraged for future high-bandwidth peripheral applications.

Link to Description: Infineon USB 3.2 Peripheral Controllers.

Products: While not directly cited for keyboard/mouse products, the high-speed USB capabilities are fundamental for wired modes of gaming peripherals supporting very high polling rates (e.g., 8KHz wired keyboards) or for internal data transfer within complex peripherals.

Table 2: Key Keyboard and Peripheral Controller ICs (2024-2025)

Transformative Features Enabled by New Chipsets

The advancements in both mouse sensor and peripheral controller chipsets are collectively enabling a new class of features that redefine performance and user experience in input devices.

Ultra-Low Latency & High Polling Rates

The most significant leap in peripheral performance is the widespread adoption of ultra-high polling rates, particularly 4,000Hz and 8,000Hz, even in wireless configurations. Polling rate refers to how often a peripheral reports its position or state to the computer. A 1,000Hz polling rate means data is sent every 1 millisecond (ms). Increasing this to 8,000Hz reduces the response time to 0.125ms. This dramatic reduction in latency is critical for competitive gaming, where every millisecond counts for precise aiming, rapid key presses, and instantaneous reactions. 

Products like the Attack Shark R2 Magnesium Alloy PAW3950 Gaming Mouse 8K (using PixArt PAW3950), Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K (using Razer Focus Pro Optical Sensor Gen-2), Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 (using Logitech HERO 2), and the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro 4K Wireless Gaming Mouse (using HyperX 26K Sensor) exemplify this trend in mice. 

For keyboards, models like the ATTACK SHARK X68 HE and NuPhy Air60 HE are pushing 8,000Hz polling rates, with the latter even boasting 8,000Hz PCB scan rates and 0.1ms latency. This level of responsiveness ensures that player commands are transmitted to the game in near real-time, providing a smoother and more precise experience.

Precision & Responsiveness

Beyond raw speed, new chipsets enhance precision and responsiveness through intelligent sensor features and advanced switch technologies. Mouse sensors like the Razer Focus Pro Optical Sensor Gen-2 offer “Asymmetric Cut-off” and “Smart Tracking” to maintain consistent lift-off and landing distances across various surfaces, eliminating inconsistencies that could affect accuracy. “Motion Sync” further refines tracking by synchronizing sensor signals with the PC’s data extraction intervals. 

On the keyboard front, “magnetic analog switches” and “Hall effect switches” (e.g., Gateron HE Double Rail, OmniPoint Hall Effect) are gaining prominence. These switches enable features like “rapid trigger,” allowing continuous actions to be repeated and stopped quickly, and “adjustable actuation,” where the point at which a keypress registers can be fine-tuned with extreme precision (e.g., 0.01mm accuracy on the ATTACK SHARK X68 HE keyboard). This level of customization empowers gamers to optimize their input devices for specific game genres or personal preferences, leading to a competitive edge.

Wireless Performance & Power Efficiency

A major historical challenge for wireless peripherals has been achieving wired-like performance without compromising battery life. New chipsets and proprietary wireless technologies are overcoming this. Companies like Logitech with LIGHTSPEED Wireless (enabled by their proprietary chipsets), ASUS with ROG SpeedNova (enabled by their proprietary chipsets), and Telink with its optimized 2.4GHz proprietary protocols are delivering robust, lag-free connectivity with 1ms report rates (or even faster with 8KHz polling). 

This is coupled with significant advancements in power efficiency. For instance, the PixArt PAW3950 is more power-efficient than its predecessor, and the Attack Shark X3MAX and R2 mice (both using PixArt PAW3950) boast 200-hour battery lives. Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF54L Series and nRF54H20 SoCs are designed for ultra-low power consumption, extending battery life in wireless devices. This combination means users can enjoy the freedom of wireless peripherals without perceiving input delay or constantly worrying about recharging.

Emerging Technologies: AI Integration and Neural Interfaces

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into gaming peripherals is an emerging area, moving beyond traditional hardware capabilities. AI-powered peripherals are designed to learn, adapt, and enhance gameplay by analyzing player behavior and adjusting performance in real-time. For mice, AI can enable real-time DPI adjustments, pattern recognition, and predictive response, adapting sensitivity based on game type to increase precision for FPS games or enhance fluidity for RPGs. 

Smart keyboards can predict keystrokes, dynamically adjust actuation points, and optimize layouts for different genres, recognizing typing patterns to reduce fatigue. AI can also synchronize RGB lighting effects with on-screen actions for enhanced immersion. These AI enhancements are driven by chipsets with sufficient processing power and memory, such as AMD’s Ryzen AI Max APUs in gaming laptops, which could influence peripheral design.

Looking further into the future, “neural interface peripherals” are being explored. These brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) could revolutionize how players interact with games, offering intuitive control without traditional input devices. The foundational work by companies like Starfish Neuroscience on ultra-low power brain-computer interface chips, expected to be available in late 2025, suggests a future where direct thought control could become a reality. While still in early stages, the potential for direct neural control represents a paradigm shift in human-computer interaction, with profound implications for gaming.

Enhanced Customization & Ergonomics

New chipsets facilitate unprecedented levels of customization and support for ergonomic designs. Peripherals now commonly feature programmable buttons, custom macro support, and onboard memory profiles, allowing users to tailor their devices for specific applications or games and carry settings across different systems. Software suites provided by manufacturers enable detailed configuration of DPI settings, polling rates, lift-off distances, and RGB lighting effects. 

The focus on ergonomics is also growing, with manufacturers designing mice and keyboards with contoured shapes, adjustable weights, and low-friction feet to minimize strain and enhance comfort during extended use. This trend is driven by the increasing demand from both professional gamers and remote workers who spend long hours at their computers.

Notable Peripherals Featuring Latest Chipsets (Released 2024-2025)

The advancements in chipset technology are directly reflected in the capabilities of the latest high-performance peripherals. The following products exemplify the integration of these cutting-edge components, showcasing the features discussed:

Mice:

• Attack Shark X3MAX Wireless Gaming Mouse: Released August 15, 2024. Features the PixArt PAW3950 sensor (up to 42,000 DPI, 750 IPS, 50G acceleration), 1000Hz polling rate, Omron Optical Microswitches (100M clicks), F-Switch encoder, tri-mode connectivity (2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, wired), 49g super lightweight design, and 200 hours battery life.
• Attack Shark R2 Magnesium Alloy PAW3950 Gaming Mouse 8K: Released July 26, 2024. Utilizes the PixArt PAW3950 sensor (up to 42,000 DPI, 750 IPS, 50G acceleration), boasts an 8000Hz wireless polling rate (0.125ms response time), 45g super lightweight magnesium alloy construction, Omron Optical Microswitches, F-Switch encoder, and 200 hours battery life.
• Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K: Released October 1, 2024. Features the Razer Focus Pro Optical Sensor Gen-2 (35,000 DPI), supports 8000Hz wireless polling rate (with HyperPolling dongle), and includes wireless charging.
• Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2: Released September 2024 (or late 2023). Integrates the Logitech HERO 2 sensor (up to 44,000 DPI, 888 IPS, 88G acceleration), supports 8000Hz wireless polling rate, and maintains an ultralight 60g design.
• HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Pro 4K Wireless Gaming Mouse: Released January 7, 2025. Equipped with the HyperX 26K Sensor (up to 26,000 DPI, 650 IPS, 50G acceleration), supports a true 4000Hz wireless polling rate, and features a 61g super lightweight structure.
• HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini Wireless Gaming Mouse: Released January 7, 2025. A compact version with the HyperX 26K Sensor, 59g ultralight design, dual wireless connectivity (2.4GHz/Bluetooth), and up to 100 hours of battery life.
• Dareu A980 Wired 8K Gaming Mouse: While a wired product, it highlights the NXP LPC5516 MCU for its 8KHz polling rate capability, paired with a P3395 optical sensor.

Keyboards:

• ATTACK SHARK X68 HE 8KHZ Rapid Trigger Keyboard: Released December 19, 2024. Features magnetic switches, 0.01mm rapid trigger accuracy, adjustable actuation from 0.1mm to 3.4mm, 8000Hz polling rate, 128KHz scan rate, and USB-C wired connectivity.
• NuPhy Air60 HE Magnetic Switch Gaming Keyboard: This low-profile magnetic switch keyboard boasts a true 8000Hz polling rate, 0.125ms ultra-low latency, and 0.01mm rapid trigger sensitivity with a 0.1-3.3mm actuation range.
• Keychron K2 HE: This keyboard has transformed into a gaming peripheral with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches, offering rapid trigger, last key prioritization, and multiple actuation points.

Market Impact and Future Outlook

The current wave of chipset innovation in peripherals is a direct response to several powerful market trends. The burgeoning esports and competitive gaming sector demands absolute minimal latency and maximum precision, driving the push for 8,000Hz polling rates and advanced sensor intelligence. These advancements provide a tangible competitive advantage, making such peripherals highly desirable for professional and enthusiast gamers. 

Simultaneously, the sustained rise of remote work has increased the demand for ergonomic and efficient input devices that enhance productivity and comfort during extended use. This has led to a greater focus on features like adjustable sensitivity, programmable buttons, and improved battery life for wireless solutions. The growing consumer desire for customization and personalization also plays a significant role, with chipsets enabling granular control over DPI, actuation points, RGB lighting, and macro functions, allowing users to tailor their peripherals to their unique preferences.

Looking ahead, the trajectory of peripheral technology is set to continue its rapid evolution. Further AI integration is anticipated to become even more sophisticated, moving beyond adaptive performance to potentially include predictive input based on long-term user patterns, advanced haptic feedback that simulates textures, and biometric sensors that monitor stress and fatigue levels to provide real-time health insights. These capabilities would transform peripherals from mere input tools into intelligent co-pilots for users.

Advanced connectivity standards, such as Wi-Fi 7, are also poised to play a larger role. While current high-performance wireless peripherals primarily rely on optimized 2.4GHz proprietary protocols, Wi-Fi 7’s features like Multi-Link Operation (MLO), wider channel bandwidths (up to 320 MHz), and higher data rates with 4K-QAM could offer unparalleled throughput and even lower latency for a broader range of connected devices, including peripherals. Broadcom, Qualcomm, and MediaTek are key players in the Wi-Fi 7 chipset market, with broader adoption expected by late 2025. This could lead to a future where peripherals seamlessly integrate into a high-bandwidth, low-latency wireless home or office network, further reducing the need for dedicated dongles or wired connections.

Perhaps the most transformative, albeit long-term, development lies in neural interface peripherals. The foundational work by companies like Starfish Neuroscience on ultra-low power brain-computer interface chips, expected to be available in late 2025, suggests a future where direct thought control could become a reality. While currently focused on medical applications, the potential for gaming is immense, offering intuitive control without traditional input devices. This represents a fundamental rethinking of human-computer interaction, driven by advanced chip design and a deeper understanding of neural activity.

Conclusion

The 2024–2025 wave of keyboard and mouse chipsets is driving a new era of ultra-low latency, intelligent tracking, and seamless wireless performance. Leading solutions like PixArt PAW3950, Razer Focus Pro Gen-2, Logitech HERO 2, and Nordic’s nRF54 Series are pushing wireless peripherals to match – or even surpass – wired precision, thanks to innovations like 8,000Hz polling and multi-protocol support.

This rapid progress is transforming peripherals into smart, adaptive tools that meet the demands of competitive gaming, remote work, and a growing appetite for customization. With AI integration and even neural interfaces on the horizon, peripherals are evolving beyond simple input devices into intelligent, immersive extensions of the user.

How Developex can help

Developex helps manufacturers of advanced peripherals unlock the full potential of modern chipsets by providing custom firmware development, feature optimization, wireless protocol integration, and thorough testing for ultra-low latency and power efficiency. With over 20 years of experience, we accelerate your innovation and help bring high-performance products to market faster.

To help manufacturers navigate these options, we created a Chipset Database tailored specifically for mice, keyboards, and other peripherals. It features detailed specs, performance benchmarks, power efficiency, and compatibility insights from leading vendors, making it easier to compare and choose the right chipset. You can request access to the database and learn more in our article on how to select the right chipset for your gaming peripherals.

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