In today’s crowded mechanical keyboard market, brands are constantly pushing the limits to stand out, and Epomaker is no exception. Their latest release, the Epomaker Magcore 87, is a TKL (Tenkeyless) mechanical keyboard that blends premium design, cutting-edge inductive switch technology, and top-tier performance. Priced at $199.99, it’s designed for serious typists, competitive gamers, and professionals who demand the very best from their gear.
In this in-depth review, we take a closer look at its build quality, performance, ergonomics, customization options, and overall value for money.
What’s inside the box?
When you open the box, you’ll find:
- The keyboard itself
- A durable, braided USB-C cable
- A handy keycap puller
- Three extra switches
- A multilingual user manual
The packaging is sleek and thoughtfully designed, perfectly matching the premium feel of the product.
Design
The Magcore 87 makes a strong first impression with its clean, minimalist design. Its tenkeyless (TKL) layout strikes a perfect balance, trimming off the number pad while keeping all the essential keys you need for work and play. Built with a sturdy aluminum chassis and a sleek anodized top plate, it looks professional and feels rock-solid in your hands.
Weighing around 2 kg and sized at 357 x 136 x 40 mm, this keyboard is definitely on the heavier side. The upside? Once you set it down, it stays put — even during the most intense gaming marathons. The downside? It’s not exactly travel-friendly.
Inside, Epomaker has equipped the Magcore 87 with a gasket-mount system, where the switch plate is suspended between layers of foam. This setup dramatically improves typing comfort by soaking up vibrations and cutting down on noise.
The keyboard also features a silicone foam layer sandwiched inside, an IXPE sheet under the keys, and an EVA foam base. Together, they deliver a soft, cushioned typing experience, free from the annoying metallic ping you often get with cheaper keyboards.
Typing on the Magcore 87 feels smooth and satisfying. The tactile feedback is just right — not too sharp, not too stiff — and keystrokes feel effortlessly consistent. It’s a premium experience that rivals some high-end custom boards, but without the steep price tag.
Switches
The true magic of the Magcore 87 is in its Kaih Box inductive switches. Unlike traditional mechanical switches, these don’t rely on direct electrical contact. Instead, they detect movement through an inductive sensor.
What does that mean for you? Far less wear and tear, a lifespan of over 100 million keystrokes, and razor-sharp precision.
The included linear switches offer an actuation force of 35 ±10gf and a total travel distance of 3.5mm. The result is an incredibly smooth typing experience, with a crisp yet soft actuation point.
The keyboard is also hot-swappable, but only with other inductive switches, meaning you won’t be able to mix in standard MX switches. While this slightly limits customization options, it ensures consistent performance tailored for these advanced sensors.
8000 Hz Polling Rate
Designed for serious gamers, the Magcore 87 brings some serious firepower to the table. With an incredible 8000 Hz polling rate, it checks key inputs every 0.125 milliseconds, making it eight times faster than a typical 1000 Hz keyboard.
In real-world use, this means lightning-fast response times, especially noticeable in fast-paced, competitive FPS games. Latency is virtually nonexistent, ensuring every keystroke registers the instant you press it. The Magcore 87 is clearly built for eSports pros and anyone who refuses to compromise on performance.
RGB
The Magcore 87 is not just a keyboard but a stylish addition to your setup, with fully customizable RGB backlighting. It features south-facing LEDs that ensure smooth, even lighting diffusion, even with opaque keycaps. You can choose from a variety of lighting effects—like wave, spiral, or reactive—and personalize them to your liking using the Epomaker software.
The keyboard also comes with high-quality Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps. The textured coating feels great to the touch, and the lettering will stay crisp and clear, no matter how long you use them.
Software
The keyboard connects via a detachable USB-C cable, offering plug-and-play functionality right out of the box. However, to unlock its full potential—including macros, RGB customization, and firmware updates—you’ll need to use the Epomaker software. While the software is straightforward to navigate, a more modern interface would have been a nice touch.
The Magcore 87 works seamlessly with both Windows and macOS, featuring keyboard shortcuts that allow you to easily switch the mapping based on your operating system.
Verdict
The Epomaker Magcore 87 is an impressive keyboard in many ways, blending exceptional build quality, cutting-edge typing technology, and high performance. With its hefty price tag of $199.99, it’s geared towards a more discerning crowd, but it truly delivers value for the investment.
- Competitive gamers, especially those into FPS or MOBA games
- Professionals who spend a lot of time typing
- Custom keyboard enthusiasts in search of a solid base to work from
There are a few downsides to consider: it lacks wireless connectivity, is pretty heavy, and has limited compatibility with standard switches.
While the Magcore 87 might cater to a niche audience, it executes its concept flawlessly. If you’re after a fast, reliable, and enjoyable typing experience with a dash of exclusivity, this keyboard is worth serious thought.
The Epomaker Magcore 87 is a premium TKL mechanical keyboard that shines with its inductive switches, sturdy aluminum frame, and an ultra-fast 8000 Hz polling rate. It’s designed for both typing enthusiasts and serious gamers, offering a smooth, quiet typing feel and impressive responsiveness. While its weight, lack of wireless support, and limited switch compatibility may be drawbacks for some, it’s still an excellent pick for those prioritizing performance and build quality.
Read Also: EPOMAKER TH85 Review: Balances Performance and Aesthetics