Epomaker HE80 vs VTER ATO87Gaming Features vs Aluminum Build
Choose the Epomaker HE80 for its extensive gaming software features and sound-dampened build, or the VTER ATO87 for its aluminum case construction.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
4.8 (49)4.8 · 49 reviews
from$59at Epomaker
90-day lowLowest price in 90 days
No reviews
from$59at WhatGeek
Which one should you get?
Get the
Epomaker HE80
Gaming Features
Build quality in the bottom 45% of 80% boards under $100.
- Advanced gaming software with Rapid Trigger, SOCD, and DKS functionality via a web driver.
- Comprehensive sound dampening with four layers of foam including latex sandwich and silicone.
- Gasket mount design with an FR4 plate for a more cushioned typing feel.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Get the
VTER ATO87
Aluminum Build
Build quality in the bottom 35% of 80% boards under $100.
- Aluminum case construction typically offers a more solid and premium feel.
- Features a standard 8KHz polling rate and adjustable actuation for gaming.
- The vendor description mentions support for mixed magnetic switches mode.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
For most users, the Epomaker HE80 is the recommended choice. Its well-documented gaming features, mod-friendly design, and thoughtfully dampened build offer greater tangible value and versatility at this price point. Only choose the VTER ATO87 if a metal case is your non-negotiable priority and you can verify its availability and hot-swap capability, as it sacrifices detailed feature transparency for that material upgrade.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Epomaker HE80
VTER ATO87
Rapid trigger
Yes
No
Faster resets help in games and not in normal typing
Hot-swappable
Yes
No
Switch changes without soldering
Case material
Plastic
Aluminum
Switch options
Magnetic
Linear, Magnetic
Weight
830 g
950 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
- Epomaker HE80
- VTER ATO87
- Performance
- 9886
- Build quality
- 6053
- Productivity
- 7660
- Customizability
- 5850
- Portability
- 5856
- Layout size: 80%
- Hall effect (magnetic)
- Connection: Wired
- Max polling rate: 8,000 Hz
What will you mostly use it for?
The Epomaker HE80 is the more versatile choice, winning in gaming, office, travel, and modding scenarios due to its detailed feature set, included accessories, and lighter build. It excels where software customization, quiet operation, and ease of modification are valued. The VTER ATO87's primary advantage is its aluminum case, but a lack of detailed specification on hot-swap capability and sound design limits its wins. For programming and content creation, the core magnetic switch and layout similarities make it a tie.
Pick the Epomaker HE80
- The Epomaker HE80's driver software explicitly supports Rapid Trigger, SOCD, and DKS functions for advanced key mapping.
- Its vendor description details a 0.125ms latency and adjustable actuation down to 0.02mm for precise control.
- It includes four layers of sound dampening materials for a quieter gaming session.
Epomaker HE80 vs VTER ATO87 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 23 specs differ
Epomaker HE80
VTER ATO87
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Rapid trigger
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Epomaker HE80 vs VTER ATO87: your questions
The vendor description for the VTER ATO87 does not explicitly state that it is hot-swappable. In contrast, the Epomaker HE80's specifications clearly list hot-swappable compatibility with other south-facing magnetic switches.
The Epomaker HE80 has a more detailed feature set for gaming. Its manufacturer highlights software-enabled functions like Rapid Trigger, SOCD (Snap Key), and DKS (Dynamic Keystroke), alongside its 0.125ms latency and 0.02mm adjustable actuation.
Yes, the Epomaker HE80 uses a Chrome-based web driver for customization. This software allows adjustment of actuation travel, key functions, macros, RGB lighting, and access to advanced gaming features like SOCD and DKS.
The Epomaker HE80 uses a plastic case, while the VTER ATO87 uses an aluminum case. Aluminum typically provides a more rigid and premium feel, whereas the HE80's plastic build facilitates its gasket-mount design and integrated sound dampening.
The Epomaker HE80 is designed to be quieter. Its technical specifications list four layers of sound dampening materials, including latex sandwich foam, an IXPE switch pad, bottom silicone, and bottom foam, which are intended to reduce typing noise.
Yes, both the Epomaker HE80 and the VTER ATO87 are specified to have an 8000 Hz (8K) polling rate in wired mode. This provides a faster response time compared to standard 1000 Hz keyboards.
The Epomaker HE80 comes with double-shot PBT keycaps and includes three additional PBT keycaps in the box. The listing also mentions extra PC transparent keycaps, offering material variety.
The Epomaker HE80 includes a multilingual manual, three extra magnetic switches, three additional PBT keycaps, and a 2-in-1 keycap-and-switch puller. The VTER ATO87 includes a Type-C cable, a keycap & switch puller, and a user manual.
They are both hall effect magnetic switches but from different manufacturers. The Epomaker uses its 'MagneX' switch, lubed at the factory, while the VTER uses its 'Aurora' magnetic switch. Both offer adjustable actuation and a linear feel.
The Epomaker HE80 offers more documented customization. Its gasket mount structure and FR4 plate are known to affect flex and sound, and its software allows for precise adjustment of the actuation and release points of every key.
Yes, there is a notable difference in length. The Epomaker HE80 measures 332 mm in length, while the VTER ATO87 is longer at 395 mm. The HE80's more compact 75% layout may save more desk space.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.