Epomaker Magcore65 Lite vs Split 65Analog or Split Design
Choose the Magcore65 Lite for magnetic analog gaming controls and 8K wired polling, or the Split 65 for an adjustable split layout and QMK/VIA programming.
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4.8 · 10 reviews
from$43at Epomaker
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4.9 · 62 reviews
from$101at Epomaker
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Epomaker Magcore65 Lite
Hall effect
Build quality in the top 50% of 65% boards under $50.
- Magnetic Hall Effect linear switches with vendor-listed SOCD, DKS, and Mod Tap functions.
- 8000 Hz polling in wired mode, as listed by the vendor.
- Tri-mode connectivity through Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, or wired USB.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- 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.
- Adjustable split layout designed to let each hand sit at a more natural angle.
- QMK and VIA support for remapping, macros, and layers.
- Hot-swap support for 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Pick the Magcore65 Lite if analog magnetic controls, SOCD/DKS/Mod Tap functions, and 8000 Hz wired polling are your priorities. Choose the Split 65 if you want adjustable split positioning, QMK/VIA programming, or the ability to swap in standard 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical switches. For buyers planning to use conventional MX switches, the Split 65 is the compatible option.
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 Magcore65 Lite
Epomaker Split 65
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Battery
4,000 mAh
3,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Ergonomics
Standard
Split
Max polling rate
8,000 Hz
1,000 Hz
Higher polling helps competitive FPS and does nothing for typing
Case material
ABS
ABS, Metal
- Epomaker Magcore65 Lite
- Epomaker Split 65
- Performance
- 9074
- Build quality
- 6672
- Productivity
- 6888
- Customizability
- 6786
- Portability
- 8789
- Layout size: 65%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Magcore65 Lite is the clear fit for gaming-focused analog controls and high wired polling, while the Split 65 takes office, programming, and content-creation use cases through its split layout and QMK/VIA features. Travel favors the Magcore65 Lite on listed dimensions and weight, though both have wireless connectivity. Modding favors the Split 65 because its hot-swap sockets accept conventional 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches. Buyers should treat the switch-system difference as decisive: the Magcore65 Lite does not accept standard MX mechanical switches.
Pick the Epomaker Magcore65 Lite
- Magnetic Hall Effect switches support analog control, with vendor-listed SOCD, DKS, and Mod Tap functions.
- The Magcore65 Lite lists 8000 Hz wired polling, compared with the Split 65’s 1000 Hz USB polling.
- Its conventional 65% layout avoids the Split 65’s divided two-half arrangement.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Epomaker Magcore65 Lite
10 owner reviews
“I’ve owned at least two inductive keyboards, each costing more than twice the price of the Magcore65, but none of them sound or feel as good, so I’m sticking with this one.”
Epomaker Split 65
62 owner reviews
“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!”
“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…”
Epomaker Magcore65 Lite vs Split 65 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
16 of 25 specs differ
Epomaker Magcore65 Lite
Epomaker Split 65
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Epomaker Magcore65 Lite vs Split 65: your questions
The Magcore65 Lite is the more gaming-oriented pick if you want magnetic analog controls, vendor-listed SOCD/DKS/Mod Tap functions, and 8000 Hz wired polling. The Split 65 lists 1000 Hz polling over USB and uses linear mechanical switches.
No. Its compatibility rule specifies magnetic switches only, and Epomaker’s product description says mechanical switches are not compatible. Its hot-swap feature does not make it compatible with standard MX switches.
Yes. The Split 65 supports hot-swapping 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches. This is a key difference from the Magcore65 Lite, which does not accept standard mechanical switches.
The Epomaker Split 65 lists both QMK and VIA support, with vendor-described remapping, macros, and layers. The Magcore65 Lite’s listed features do not include QMK or VIA support.
The Magcore65 Lite lists 8000 Hz polling in wired mode. The Split 65 lists 1000 Hz over USB, so the Magcore65 Lite has the higher stated wired polling rate.
Both list Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity. The Magcore65 Lite has a listed 4000mAh battery, while the Split 65 lists 3000mAh.
The Split 65 has two adjustable halves intended to support a more natural hand position. The Magcore65 Lite is a conventional compact 65% layout rather than a split design.
The Magcore65 Lite is listed at 750g and 43 x 324 x 118 mm, while the Split 65 is listed at 800g and 27 x 375 x 264 mm. Both support Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless, but the Magcore65 Lite is lighter and has smaller listed dimensions.
Both have south-facing LEDs, and both compatibility rules warn that shine-through legends can stay dark. The rules also note that some sculpted keycaps may clip the LEDs.
The Magcore65 Lite vendor description names sandwich latex foam, an IXPE switch pad, a PCB latex pad, and bottom silicone. The Split 65 lists Poron sandwich foam, an IXPE switch pad, a sound enhancement pad, and a Poron switch socket pad.
The Split 65 is the more directly documented choice for layout customization because it supports QMK and VIA for remapping, macros, and layers. The Magcore65 Lite is described with per-key adjustability and gaming functions including DKS and SOCD, but its listed features do not include QMK/VIA.
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