MCHOSE GX87 vs WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80
Choose the PMO Aurora 80 for its RGB, QMK/VIA support, and specified 1000 Hz polling rate, or the GX87 if its six-layer dampening and three-mode connectivity appeal more.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
MCHOSE GX87
Build quality in the top 15% of 80% boards under $200.
- 80% ANSI layout with gasket mounting.
- Hot-swappable sockets and pre-built design.
- 8000mAh battery and wired/wireless connectivity.
Get the
WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80
Screw-in stabilizers
Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $200.
- Aluminum case with a steel top plate and FR4 plate listed in the specifications.
- RGB lighting, including south-facing LEDs.
- QMK and VIA support, plus hot-swappable sockets.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
For most feature-focused buyers, the PMO Aurora 80 is the more complete choice, particularly if QMK/VIA, RGB, or its listed 1000 Hz polling rate matters. Choose the MCHOSE GX87 if its six-layer internal padding is the deciding feature and the Aurora’s south-facing LED compatibility rule is a concern. Both offer an 80% ANSI gasket-mount layout, hot-swappable sockets, and an 8000mAh battery.
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.
MCHOSE GX87
WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80
Weight
2,800 g
2,300 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
Plate material
Plastic
FR4, Steel
Screw-in stabilizers
No
Yes
Easier to tune than the plate-mount stabs you get prebuilt
Backlight
RGB
RGB, south-facing
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
Released
2024
2025
- MCHOSE GX87
- WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80
- Performance
- 8081
- Build quality
- 8186
- Productivity
- 8995
- Customizability
- 8689
- Portability
- 8788
- Layout size: 80%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 8,000 mAh
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Case material: Aluminum
What will you mostly use it for?
The Aurora 80 takes most categories on the strength of its documented polling rate, RGB, and QMK/VIA support. Travel is a closer call because both have an 8000mAh battery and wireless operation, with the Aurora specifying Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz. The GX87 remains a reasonable alternative for buyers who value its stated six-layer internal padding. Both retain the same 80% ANSI gasket-mount foundation.
Pick the WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80
- The PMO Aurora 80 lists a 1000 Hz polling rate.
- Its specifications include N-key rollover and wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz connections.
MCHOSE GX87 vs WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
5 of 23 specs differ
MCHOSE GX87
WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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MCHOSE GX87 vs WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80: your questions
The Aurora 80 adds RGB, QMK and VIA support, N-key rollover, and a listed 1000 Hz polling rate. The GX87 vendor description instead specifies six-layer sound and shock-absorbing internal padding.
The GX87 specifications list RGB as absent. The Aurora 80 has RGB, including south-facing LEDs.
Yes, the Aurora 80 specifications list QMK and VIA support. The vendor also describes VIA, a web-based configuration option, and a desktop client.
The PMO Aurora 80 lists a 1000 Hz polling rate. No polling rate is listed for the MCHOSE GX87, so the available specs do not support a direct comparison.
Yes, both list hot-swappable sockets. The GX87 vendor description calls its sockets full-key hot-swappable.
The Aurora 80 lists Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity. The GX87 lists wired and wireless connectivity, and its vendor describes its connection options as three-mode.
Yes, both the GX87 and Aurora 80 list an 8000mAh battery. The vendor descriptions also identify an 8000mAh battery for each model.
The Aurora 80 compatibility note says shine-through legends stay dark with its south-facing LEDs. It also warns that some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
The GX87 vendor description specifies six layers of sound and shock-absorbing internal padding. The Aurora 80 vendor describes a five-layer acoustic filling structure, including full-surround 0.2mm IXPE foam.
Yes, both are listed as 80% keyboards with an ANSI layout. Both also use a gasket mount and are described as pre-built.
The Aurora 80 is listed at 2300g. A weight is not listed for the GX87, so its weight cannot be compared from the available specifications.
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