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Compare Epomaker Magcore 87 vs Keychron Q1 HE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two premium keyboards featuring advanced magnetic switches. The Epomaker Magcore 87 is a wired-only TKL, while the Keychron Q1 HE is a wireless 75% layout. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize a stable wired connection with an 8K polling rate or the convenience of wireless modes and more granular switch programmability. Both offer high-end materials and gasket-mounted designs, making the decision difficult.

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85
Epomaker Magcore 87
100
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

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4.8 (64)
4.0 (34)
  • Released in 2025
  • Available in a 85% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 2000 g
  • Sized at 40 x 357 x 136 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 4000 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 328 mm
  • Features PBT, ABS, keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 89.4
  • Build Quality: 80.8
  • Productivity: 91
  • Customizability: 79.3
  • Portability: 52.8
Scores
  • Performance: 100
  • Build Quality: 90
  • Productivity: 96.8
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 81.2
Name
Epomaker Magcore 87
Name
Keychron Q1 HE
Release year
2025
Release year
2023
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
85%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-DE, ANSI, JIS
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, Wired only
Polling Rate
8000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 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, White, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS,
Dimensions
40 x 357 x 136 mm
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 328 mm
Weight
2000g
Weight
4000g
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Pros and Trade-offs

The Keychron Q1 HE is the more versatile and customizable board, ideal for users who value wireless freedom, a compact layout, and deep firmware tweaking. The Epomaker Magcore 87 is a focused, high-performance wired keyboard for users who want a TKL form factor and the absolute highest polling rate without the complexity of wireless. Your choice ultimately depends on whether connectivity or pure wired speed is your top priority.

Epomaker Magcore 87

  • +Features an 8000 Hz polling rate in its wired Type-C connection.
  • +Includes a full TKL layout with dedicated navigation keys.
  • +Uses a silicon sandwich foam, IXPE switch pad, and bottom EVA foam for sound dampening.
  • +Comes pre-built with PBT double-shot keycaps and three extra inductive switches.
  • +Aluminum case and FR4 plate construction.
  • −Wired-only connectivity with no wireless options.
  • −Hot-swap socket is only compatible with its specific inductive switches, not standard 3-pin/5-pin mechanical switches.
  • −Larger and heavier footprint (357mm length, ~2000g) compared to the 75% Q1 HE.

Keychron Q1 HE

  • +Offers triple-mode connectivity: 2.4 GHz (1000 Hz), Bluetooth 5.2, and wired.
  • +Extensive magnetic switch customization with 0.1mm sensitivity, rapid trigger, and 4-in-1 action keys.
  • +Supports QMK and VIA for advanced key remapping and macro programming.
  • +Available in fully assembled and barebones kit versions.
  • +Compact 75% layout with an all-aluminum body and double-gasket mount design.
  • −Hot-swap is limited to Gateron double-rail magnetic switches only, per the manufacturer.
  • −The listed polling rate for its wireless modes (1000 Hz) is lower than the Magcore 87's wired 8000 Hz.
  • −Higher starting price point compared to the Magcore 87.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron Q1 HE wins in most categories due to its wireless versatility, compact 75% layout, and superior software customization via QMK. It is the clear choice for office work, programming, travel, and modding. For gaming, the decision is a tie; the Magcore 87's higher wired polling rate is matched by the Q1 HE's wireless gaming features and rapid trigger. The Magcore 87's primary advantage is its dedicated, high-speed wired connection.

GamingTie
  • •Both feature adjustable actuation points for magnetic switches.
  • •The Magcore 87 offers an 8000 Hz polling rate in its wired mode.
  • •The Q1 HE supports rapid trigger and 4-in-1 action keys per its vendor description.
  • •The Q1 HE provides a 1000 Hz polling rate in both its wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes.
OfficeKeychron Q1 HE
  • •The Keychron Q1 HE offers Bluetooth 5.2 for connecting to multiple devices.
  • •Its 75% layout is more compact, saving desk space while retaining arrow keys.
  • •The vendor description states it includes keycaps for both Mac and Windows systems.
ProgrammingKeychron Q1 HE
  • •The Q1 HE supports QMK and VIA for extensive key remapping and macros.
  • •Its 75% layout includes arrow keys and function row in a compact form.
  • •The vendor description highlights the ability to save different layouts for macOS and Windows.
TravelKeychron Q1 HE
  • •The Keychron Q1 HE is wireless with a 4000mAh battery.
  • •It is physically smaller (328mm length) and lighter (1735g per vendor specs) than the Magcore 87.
  • •Bluetooth connectivity eliminates the need for a cable when moving between devices.
ModdingKeychron Q1 HE
  • •The Q1 HE is available as a barebones kit, according to its listed features.
  • •It features a double-gasket design and an acoustic pad that can be removed, as per the vendor.
  • •It supports QMK open-source firmware, offering deeper programmability.
Content CreationKeychron Q1 HE
  • •Wireless connectivity on the Q1 HE reduces cable clutter on a production desk.
  • •QMK/VIA support allows for creating complex macros for editing software.
  • •The ability to connect to three devices via Bluetooth aids in multitasking across systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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