Epomaker Magcore 87 vs RT98Speed or Wireless?
Choose the Magcore 87 for adjustable magnetic switches and fast wired input, or the RT98 for wireless connectivity and a repositionable numpad.
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4.8 · 64 reviews
from$109at Epomaker
90-day lowLowest price in 90 days
4.7 · 23 reviews
from$101at Epomaker
90-day lowLowest price in 90 days
Which one should you get?
Get the
Epomaker Magcore 87
- Kailh Box inductive switches offer per-key adjustable actuation and Rapid Trigger, according to Epomaker.
- 8000Hz wired polling rate and N-key rollover are listed for the Magcore 87.
- CNC aluminum case, gasket mount, and aluminum plate are specified.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Get the
Epomaker RT98
Build quality in the top 30% of 98% boards under $150.
- Tri-mode connectivity includes Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired modes, with an 8000mAh battery.
- The numpad can be detached and repositioned for southpaw or right-handed use.
- The magnetic Mini TV display can show system information and custom GIFs.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Pick the Magcore 87 if gaming responsiveness is the deciding factor: it combines 8000Hz wired polling with adjustable magnetic actuation and Rapid Trigger. Choose the RT98 if wireless use, a repositionable numpad, or standard mechanical-switch swaps matter more. Its Mini TV display is another distinct option for a desk setup that benefits from customizable visuals.
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 Magcore 87
Epomaker RT98
Layout size
85%
98%
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Ergonomics
Standard
Southpaw
Case material
Aluminum
ABS
Display
None
Yes
A case display rather than a typing feature
- Epomaker Magcore 87
- Epomaker RT98
- Performance
- 8977
- Build quality
- 8172
- Productivity
- 9184
- Customizability
- 7878
- Portability
- 5365
- Hot-swappable
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- VIA
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Magcore 87 has the clearer edge for gaming that benefits from adjustable magnetic actuation and fast wired input. The RT98 is more accommodating for office use and programming, particularly for buyers who want a numpad, quiet switch option, or wireless connection. It also takes the lead for switch modding because it supports standard 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches. For travel and creative desks, its battery, wireless modes, and display are useful differentiators, though its compact full-size layout is larger than the Magcore's TKL format.
Pick the Epomaker Magcore 87
- The Magcore 87 lists an 8000Hz polling rate, while the RT98 lists 1000Hz over USB or 2.4GHz and 125Hz over Bluetooth.
- Its Kailh Box inductive switches support adjustable actuation per key and Rapid Trigger.
- The RT98 offers 2.4GHz wireless and a repositionable numpad, but does not list adjustable actuation or Rapid Trigger.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Epomaker Magcore 87
64 owner reviews
“Just got my hand on this beast gaming keyboard and trust me.. its the most solid keyboard out there with its inductive switches it makes gaming next level.”
“The keyboard is excellent, and the build quality is great. But I have an issue with its weight—it’s very heavy. Also, if the design were more attractive, had additional features, and was wireless, it would be an amazing product for its price. In its current…”
Epomaker RT98
23 owner reviews
“High quality parts, seamless web application for the mini TV, just perfection in the form of a keyboard. Epomaker consistently exceeds my expectations every time.”
Epomaker Magcore 87 vs RT98 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 23 specs differ
Epomaker Magcore 87
Epomaker RT98
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Epomaker Magcore 87 vs RT98: your questions
The Magcore 87 lists 8000Hz polling and Kailh Box inductive switches with per-key adjustable actuation and Rapid Trigger. The RT98 may suit players who prefer its wireless modes or repositionable numpad, but it lists lower polling rates than the Magcore 87.
Yes. Epomaker lists Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired connectivity for the RT98, along with an 8000mAh battery. Its product description says it can pair with up to four devices.
No, the Magcore 87 is listed as wired only. Epomaker describes its connection as a Type-C cable.
The Magcore 87 is hot-swappable with inductive switches, but Epomaker specifies that it does not accept 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical switches. The RT98 supports 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.
Yes. The RT98 numpad can be detached and repositioned for a southpaw or right-handed arrangement. The product is described as a compact 98% layout with the numpad included.
Epomaker offers the RT98 with Sea Salt Silent V2 linear switches, described as quiet and intended for office or night use. The Magcore 87 vendor description identifies its switches as smooth linear inductive switches, but does not specify a silent version.
The Magcore 87 is an 85% ANSI board with a TKL layout. The RT98 is a compact 98% ANSI keyboard with a numpad that can be repositioned.
Yes. The RT98 has a magnetic Mini TV display that attaches via PogPins and can show time, date, status information, and custom GIFs. The Magcore 87 is listed without a screen.
The RT98 supports hot-swapping standard 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches. The Magcore 87 also supports hot-swap, but only for inductive switches, so its switch options are more specific.
Both keyboards have south-facing LEDs. Their compatibility notes warn that shine-through legends stay dark and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
The Magcore 87 uses a TKL layout, while the RT98 is a compact full-size layout with a numpad. The RT98's numpad can be repositioned, but its compatibility note clarifies that the board does not have the gaps of a full-size keyboard.
VIA support is listed for both keyboards. The RT98 vendor also describes driver software for customizing its Mini TV display and uploading GIFs.
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