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Compare Epomaker HE80 vs Keychron V1 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a specialized gaming tool and a versatile daily driver. The Epomaker HE80 is a wired-only powerhouse built around Hall Effect magnetic switches and an 8000 Hz polling rate. The Keychron V1 Max offers tri-mode wireless connectivity, extensive layout support, and open-source firmware. The decision is difficult because both are compact 75%/80% keyboards with gasket mounts and hot-swap sockets, but they prioritize fundamentally different user experiences.

68
EPOMAKER HE80
98
Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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4.8 (41)
4.3 (32)
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Magnetic switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 830 g
  • Sized at 42 x 332 x 146 mm
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Features PBT, PC keycaps
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 770 g
  • Sized at 22 x 149 x 329 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Plastic case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 97.7
  • Build Quality: 60.4
  • Productivity: 76.3
  • Customizability: 59.5
  • Portability: 57.6
Scores
  • Performance: 83.1
  • Build Quality: 86.3
  • Productivity: 97.3
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 79.2
Name
Epomaker HE80
Name
Keychron V1 Max
Release year
2025
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Magnetic
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
8000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT, PC
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
42 x 332 x 146 mm
Dimensions
22 x 149 x 329 mm
Weight
830g
Weight
770g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. For competitive gamers who prioritize every millisecond of latency and want to fine-tune actuation points, the wired Epomaker HE80 is the specialized tool. For users who value a clean desk, need to work across multiple operating systems or countries, or want to deeply customize their keyboard's behavior with open-source software, the wireless Keychron V1 Max is the more flexible and practical daily driver.

Epomaker HE80

  • +Ultra-high 8000 Hz polling rate with a claimed 0.125ms latency for competitive gaming.
  • +Hall Effect magnetic switches with software-adjustable actuation down to 0.02mm.
  • +Includes four layers of sound dampening foam (latex sandwich, IXPE pad, bottom silicone, and foam).
  • +Comes with extra PBT keycaps, PC transparent keycaps, and three spare magnetic switches.
  • +Features gaming-specific firmware functions like Rapid Trigger, SOCD, and Dynamic Keystroke.
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits placement and adds cable clutter.
  • −Uses plate-mount stabilizers, which are generally less favored by enthusiasts than screw-in types.
  • −Lacks the extensive open-source firmware and multi-OS layout support of the V1 Max.

Keychron V1 Max

  • +Offers tri-mode connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB-C.
  • +Fully programmable via open-source QMK and VIA firmware with a web-based configurator.
  • +Available in a wide array of ISO layouts (UK, German, Nordic, etc.) and ANSI.
  • +Comes with screw-in PCB stabilizers and supports a barebones kit option.
  • +Includes a 4000mAh battery for cordless operation and dedicated Mac/Windows keycaps.
  • −Lower 1000 Hz polling rate in wireless and wired modes compared to the HE80's 8000 Hz.
  • −Does not feature Hall Effect switches or their associated adjustable actuation technology.
  • −Uses a polycarbonate plate, which may offer a different typing feel than the HE80's FR4 plate.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron V1 Max is the more versatile choice, winning for office use, programming, travel, and modding due to its wireless options, extensive customization software, and international layout support. The Epomaker HE80 is a decisive winner for competitive gaming, leveraging its high polling rate and Hall Effect switches. For general content creation, both offer solid foundations with their RGB and hot-swap capabilities, making it a tie.

GamingEpomaker HE80
  • •Features an 8000 Hz polling rate and a 0.125ms latency claim for ultra-fast response.
  • •Uses Hall Effect magnetic switches with adjustable 0.02mm actuation and rapid trigger support.
  • •Includes gaming-specific features like SOCD cleaning and Dynamic Keystroke programming.
OfficeKeychron V1 Max
  • •Offers Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity for a clean, cable-free desk.
  • •Includes dedicated Mac and Windows keycaps and a system toggle for multi-OS use.
  • •Supports a wide range of ISO layouts for international users.
ProgrammingKeychron V1 Max
  • •Features full QMK and VIA support for deep, open-source key remapping and macro programming.
  • •Wireless connectivity allows easy switching between multiple machines.
  • •The 75% layout retains arrow and navigation keys while saving space.
TravelKeychron V1 Max
  • •Has a built-in 4000mAh battery for cordless use.
  • •Is slightly lighter at 770g compared to the HE80's 830g.
  • •Bluetooth connectivity allows pairing with laptops, tablets, or phones without a dongle.
ModdingKeychron V1 Max
  • •Offers a barebones kit option for building from scratch.
  • •Uses screw-in PCB stabilizers, which are preferred for modding over plate-mount.
  • •QMK/VIA firmware allows for extensive software-level customization.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both have south-facing RGB backlighting and hot-swap sockets for personalization.
  • •The V1 Max's wireless operation reduces cable clutter on camera.
  • •The HE80's adjustable actuation could be useful for macro and shortcut precision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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