Epomaker Magcore 87 vs Keychron Q1 HEWired vs Wireless Hall Effect

Only the Keychron Q1 HE offers wireless connectivity. It supports 2.4 GHz with a 1000 Hz polling rate and Bluetooth 5.2 for connecting to up to three devices. The Epomaker Magcore 87 is a wired-only keyboard.

No, both keyboards use specialized magnetic switches with proprietary hot-swap sockets. The Magcore 87 is compatible only with its Kailh Box Inductive switches. The Keychron Q1 HE is compatible only with Gateron double-rail magnetic switches, as stated by the manufacturer.

The Epomaker Magcore 87 uses a TKL (Tenkeyless) layout, which retains the function row, navigation cluster, and arrow keys but removes the numpad. The Keychron Q1 HE uses a more compact 75% layout, which squashes the function row and navigation keys closer together, resulting in a smaller overall footprint.

Both are highly capable. The Magcore 87 offers an 8000 Hz polling rate in its wired mode for minimal latency. The Q1 HE offers a 1000 Hz rate in both wired and 2.4 GHz modes, plus gaming-specific features like rapid trigger and adjustable actuation points. The best choice may depend on whether you prefer a wired-only setup or the option to game wirelessly.

Yes, both keyboards list Mac and Windows support. The Keychron Q1 HE vendor description specifically notes it includes keycaps for both systems and has a system toggle switch.

Yes, both feature south-facing per-key RGB backlighting. The Magcore 87 description mentions customizable RGB backlights. The Q1 HE's lighting can be controlled via its QMK/VIA-compatible firmware.

According to the vendor description, the fully assembled version includes the keyboard, keycaps for Mac and Windows, Gateron double-rail magnetic switches, a Type-C cable, and a Type-A to Type-C adapter. It is also available as a barebones kit.

The Magcore 87 uses silicon sandwich foam, an IXPE switch pad, and bottom EVA foam. The Keychron Q1 HE features a double-gasket design with silicone pads and an acoustic pad in the bottom case, which the vendor states can be removed for more flex.

The Epomaker Magcore 87 is listed at approximately 2000 grams. The Keychron Q1 HE's fully assembled version is listed at 1735 grams ± 10 grams in its vendor specifications, making it slightly lighter.

The Keychron Q1 HE uses the open-source QMK firmware and can be configured via the VIA configurator or the Keychron Launcher web app. The vendor states the Launcher allows for remapping keys, adjusting actuation points, and setting macros.

The Magcore 87 lists VIA support in its features, which allows for key remapping and basic macro creation. It does not mention the same depth of per-key, travel-based programming as the Q1 HE.

The Epomaker Magcore 87 comes with Cherry profile, double-shot PBT keycaps. The Keychron Q1 HE comes with OSA profile, double-shot PBT keycaps that are not shine-through.