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Head to head · Prices checked Oct 31, 2026

Epomaker Magcore 87 vs Split 65Wired Speed or Split Wireless

Choose the Magcore 87 for wired magnetic-switch features and 8000Hz polling, or the Split 65 for a split layout and wireless connectivity.

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EPOMAKER Magcore 87

polling rate

Epomaker Magcore 87

4.8 · 64 reviews

from$109at Epomaker

90-day low

EPOMAKER Split 65

Epomaker Split 65

4.9 · 62 reviews

from$101at Epomaker

90-day low

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Epomaker Magcore 87

polling rate

If you want

  • CNC aluminum case with gasket mount and aluminum plate.
  • 8000Hz polling over a wired Type-C connection, with 0.125ms latency listed by Epomaker.
  • Kailh Box inductive switches support per-key adjustable actuation and Rapid Trigger.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.

Get the

Epomaker Split 65

Build quality in the top 35% of 65% boards under $150.

If you want

  • Adjustable split layout with Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity.
  • At 800g, it weighs less than the Magcore 87.
  • Hot-swappable for 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, with QMK and VIA support.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
  • 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.

Bottom line

Pick the Magcore 87 if wired gaming features, per-key adjustable actuation, and its aluminum gasket build are your priorities. Choose the Split 65 if you want adjustable split halves, wireless connectivity, lighter weight, or broader mechanical-switch hot-swap support. Check the 65% layout’s missing function row and numpad against your workflow before choosing the Split 65.

What actually differs

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 Split 65

  • Layout size

    85%

    65%

  • Connection

    Wired

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Ergonomics

    Standard

    Split

  • Max polling rate

    8,000 Hz

    1,000 Hz

    Higher polling helps competitive FPS and does nothing for typing

  • Case material

    Aluminum

    ABS, Metal

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Epomaker Magcore 87
  • Epomaker Split 65
Performance
89
74
Build quality
81
72
Productivity
91
88
Customizability
78
86
Portability
53
89

What they share

  • Hot-swappable
  • VIA
  • Sound dampening
  • Keycaps: PBT
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Magcore 87 takes the gaming comparison on its wired polling rate and adjustable magnetic-switch features, and its layered acoustic build gives it an edge for a desk-focused creator setup. The Split 65 is the more adaptable pick for office work, coding, and travel, thanks to its split design, smaller layout, wireless connections, and lower weight. For switch and firmware experimentation, the Split 65 has broader stated hot-swap compatibility and adds QMK alongside VIA. Both include VIA, RGB, and sound dampening, so the choice comes down to the distinct layout and connection options you need.

For gaming

Pick the Epomaker Magcore 87

  • The Magcore 87 has 8000Hz polling over its wired connection; the Split 65 lists 1000Hz over USB and 2.4 GHz.
  • Magcore vendor details include adjustable actuation per key and Rapid Trigger.
  • Both keyboards support N-key rollover.

From real owners

What owners say

Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.

Epomaker Magcore 87

4.8

64 owner reviews

Praise
“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.”
Ahtisham A.Verified buyer· via Epomaker
Critique
“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…”
Khaled M.Verified buyer· via Epomaker

Epomaker Split 65

4.9

62 owner reviews

Praise
“I instantly fell in love with this keyboard despite never having tried a split before. I really hope Epo comes out with more split models and colors!”
Michael M.Verified buyer· via Epomaker
Critique
“Several keys on this keyboard double type, causing two letters to type instead of one. The fixes suggested by customer service have not resolved this, nor has changing the repeat delay or repeat rate settings as was suggested online. Otherwise it's a good…”
Elle F.Verified buyer· via Epomaker

Full specs

Epomaker Magcore 87 vs Split 65 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

12 of 25 specs differ

Epomaker Magcore 87

Epomaker Split 65

Typing & switches

Switch options

—
Linear

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Top Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

85%
65%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Split

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

8,000 HzBetter
1,000 Hz

Battery

Wired only
3,000 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
ABS, Metal

Plate material

Aluminum, FR4
Plastic

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Weight

2,000 g
800 g

Dimensions

40 x 357 x 136 mm
27 x 375 x 264 mm

Typing angle

—
7°

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

No
Yes

VIA

Yes
Yes

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2025
2024

Where to buy

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.

FAQ

Epomaker Magcore 87 vs Split 65: your questions

The Magcore 87 is an 85% wired keyboard with inductive switches, while the Split 65 has a 65% split layout and wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz connectivity. The Magcore emphasizes adjustable actuation and 8000Hz polling; the Split 65 emphasizes adjustable split halves and wireless use.

The Magcore 87 is the more gaming-focused choice if you want its 8000Hz wired polling, adjustable actuation, and Rapid Trigger. The Split 65 supports gaming too, but its listed polling rate is 1000Hz over USB and 2.4 GHz.

Yes. The Split 65 supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connections, and it has a 3000mAh battery. The Magcore 87 is listed as wired only.

Yes. Epomaker says the Magcore 87 lets you adjust the actuation point per key using its inductive switches. Its vendor description also lists Rapid Trigger.

The Magcore 87 is hot-swappable for inductive switches, but its vendor description says it does not support 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical switches. The Split 65 is listed as compatible with 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.

Yes. The Split 65 lists both QMK and VIA support for programming and customization. The Magcore 87 lists VIA support.

The Split 65 weighs 800g, while the Magcore 87 weighs 2000g. The Split 65 is also the smaller layout at 65%, compared with the Magcore 87’s 85% layout.

No. The Split 65’s compatibility notes specify that its 65% layout has neither a function row nor a numpad. The Magcore 87 is an 85% layout.

Both keyboards have PBT keycaps and south-facing RGB. The Magcore 87’s vendor description specifies Cherry-profile double-shot PBT keycaps, while the Split 65’s vendor description specifies Cherry-profile PBT keycaps.

Both use south-facing LEDs, and the compatibility notes warn that shine-through legends stay dark. They also note that some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.

The Magcore 87’s vendor description names silicone sandwich foam, an IXPE switch pad, and bottom EVA foam. The Split 65 lists Poron sandwich foam, an IXPE switch pad, a sound enhancement pad, and a Poron switch socket pad.

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