KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Epomaker Magcore 87 vs Keychron Q6 HE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a high-performance Tenkeyless (TKL) and a full-size keyboard, both featuring premium aluminum builds and 8K polling rates. The Epomaker Magcore 87 offers a space-saving 85% layout, while the Keychron Q6 HE provides a complete 100% layout with a number pad. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize a smaller footprint or need the full key set, alongside the Keychron's more extensive suite of adjustable magnetic switch functionalities.

-10% off
85
Epomaker Magcore 87
97
Keychron Q6 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

Select a keyboard to compare

4.8 (64)
4.8 (28)
  • Available in a 85% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Weighs about 2000 g
  • Sized at 40 x 357 x 136 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Has Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ANSI layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Supports Wired, Wired only, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 2268 g
  • Sized at 31 x 446 x 137 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Metal case
  • 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: 99.7
  • Build Quality: 87.9
  • Productivity: 96.6
  • Customizability: 96.3
  • Portability: 55.6
Name
Epomaker Magcore 87
Name
Keychron Q6 HE
Release year
2025
Release year
2025
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Magnetic, Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
85%
Layout Size
100%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ANSI
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
Wired, Wired only, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wireless
Polling Rate
8000 Hz
Polling Rate
8000 Hz;1000 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, Metal
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
40 x 357 x 136 mm
Dimensions
31 x 446 x 137 mm
Weight
2000g
Weight
2268g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a full-sized keyboard with a number pad, wireless freedom, and want to explore cutting-edge adjustable magnetic switch features, the Keychron Q6 HE is the more capable and versatile board. Opt for the Epomaker Magcore 87 if you prefer a more compact TKL layout to maximize desk space and only need wired, high-speed performance without the advanced magnetic switch software suite.

Epomaker Magcore 87

  • +More compact Tenkeyless (TKL) layout saves desk space.
  • +Includes multiple sound-dampening foams: silicon sandwich foam, IXPE switch pad, and bottom EVA foam.
  • +Uses an FR4 plate material, which can offer a different typing feel compared to aluminum.
  • +Comes with three extra inductive switches in the box.
  • −Wired-only connectivity, lacking Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wireless options.
  • −Hot-swappable sockets only work with specific inductive switches, not standard 3-pin/5-pin mechanical switches.
  • −No adjustable typing angle, as it is listed with no feet.

Keychron Q6 HE

  • +Full 100% layout includes a number pad.
  • +Offers tri-mode connectivity: wired, 2.4 GHz, and Bluetooth.
  • +Extensive magnetic switch software features: adjustable actuation (0.1-3.35mm), Rapid Trigger, Analog Mode, and Dynamic Keystrokes.
  • +Double-gasket mount design with multiple listed foam layers for sound and feel customization.
  • +Available as a DIY kit/barebones for enthusiasts.
  • −Larger and heavier footprint may not suit all desks.
  • −Hot-swappable sockets are compatible only with Keychron Ultra-fast Lime Magnetic Switches, not other magnetic switches.
  • −The vendor description notes that no discount codes can be used for this model.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron Q6 HE wins in more categories, particularly where its full layout, wireless options, and advanced magnetic switch software provide clear advantages for office work, gaming, and content creation. The Epomaker Magcore 87 is the better choice for travel due to its smaller TKL size and lighter weight. For programming, the choice is a tie and comes down to personal preference for compactness versus dedicated navigation keys.

GamingKeychron Q6 HE
  • •The Keychron Q6 HE offers advanced magnetic switch features like Rapid Trigger, Analog Mode, and Last Key Priority, which are listed as gaming advantages.
  • •Both keyboards support an 8000 Hz polling rate for minimal input lag.
  • •The Keychron's Launcher web app allows for deep customization of actuation points and macros.
OfficeKeychron Q6 HE
  • •The Keychron Q6 HE has a 100% layout with a dedicated number pad, which is essential for data entry.
  • •It offers wireless connectivity options (Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz) for greater flexibility in a desk setup.
  • •It includes Mac and Windows keycaps and a system toggle for easy switching between operating systems.
ProgrammingTie
  • •The Epomaker Magcore 87 has a TKL layout that saves desk space for other peripherals.
  • •The Keychron Q6 HE's full layout provides dedicated navigation keys, which some programmers prefer.
  • •Both support VIA/QMK for key remapping and macro programming, essential for coding workflows.
TravelEpomaker Magcore 87
  • •The Epomaker Magcore 87 is significantly more compact (357mm wide) than the Keychron Q6 HE (446mm wide).
  • •The Magcore 87 is slightly lighter at around 2000g compared to the Q6 HE's 2178g.
  • •The Magcore 87 is wired-only, eliminating the need to manage a battery when on the go.
ModdingKeychron Q6 HE
  • •The Keychron Q6 HE is listed as a DIY Kit/Barebones option, suggesting greater out-of-the-box modding potential.
  • •It features a double-gasket mount design and multiple listed foam layers (EVA, PET, Silicone) for sound tuning.
  • •While both are hot-swappable, the Keychron's Launcher web app offers extensive firmware-level customization for its magnetic switches.
Content CreationKeychron Q6 HE
  • •The full-size layout of the Keychron Q6 HE includes a number pad, useful for shortcut macros and video editing timelines.
  • •Wireless connectivity allows for a cleaner desk setup for filming or streaming.
  • •The Dynamic Keystrokes (DKS) feature can be programmed for multiple actions per key, potentially streamlining creative software workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

100
$160
Keychron Q1 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

97
$199
Keychron Q6 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q6 Max
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

96
$170
Nuphy GEM80 Barebones Keyboard Kit
Nuphy Gem80
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

96
$199
Keychron Q5 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q5 Max
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

96
$149
Keychron Q3 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection - Image: 14
Keychron Q3 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

98
$219
Keychron Q3 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 HE
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

96
$169
Lemokey P1 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Gaming Keyboard
Keychron LemoKey P1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

98
$44
Keychron V6 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6
100%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

98
$186
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

97
$99
Keychron V5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V5 Max
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount