Compare Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard vs McHose GX87 Keyboard

P1 Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
P2 McHose GX87 Keyboard

Comparison Takeaways

Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard

Where It Has the Edge

  • cable quality is 4.0 vs 2.6. Cable quality has limited positive evidence from the included braided USB-C cable.
  • desk space efficiency is 4.0 vs 3.0. Desk space efficiency is supported by the lack of a function row and number pad, fitting the compact...
  • polling rate is 4.7 vs 4.3. Polling rate is consistently praised because reviewers confirm support for up to 8,000Hz, even though some users may...
  • key responsiveness is 4.6 vs 4.2. Key responsiveness is one of the strongest areas, with reviewers citing responsive switches, zero dead zone, and quick...

McHose GX87 Keyboard

Where It Has the Edge

  • software quality is 4.2 vs 2.2. Software quality is broadly useful thanks to QMK/VIA and dedicated software mentions, though reviewers note clunky RGB and...
  • value for money is 4.9 vs 3.2. Value for money is one of the clearest strengths, with reviewers repeatedly emphasizing the low price for the...
  • compatibility is 4.3 vs 2.8. Compatibility evidence is positive but limited, with persistence across multiple devices and software OS/layout changes mentioned.
  • reliability is 4.0 vs 2.6. Reliability is mixed: one review reports no QC issues, while another notes rare repeated inputs and worries the...
Average score
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
3.8
Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.2
acoustics
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
4.0

Acoustics are mixed-positive: several reviewers liked the sound, but one criticized the spacebar as cheap-sounding.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.7

Acoustics are a standout, with reviews calling the sound stock, poppy, thocky, and unusually good for the price.

actuation consistency
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
4.4

Actuation control is well supported, with adjustable ranges, accuracy claims, slider control, and rapid-trigger actuation repeatedly mentioned.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.3

Only one review directly addresses actuation consistency, saying the switches feel smooth with a consistent key press.

battery life
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
No score yet
Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.7

Battery life is a major strength, with the 8,000mAh capacity repeatedly highlighted and one reviewer saying it goes forever.

build quality
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
4.6

Build quality is a major strength, with repeated praise for the aluminum case, heavy feel, and tank-like construction.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.6

Build quality earns broad praise, with reviewers repeatedly describing a solid, dense, exceptional-feeling aluminum keyboard.

cable quality
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
4.0

Cable quality has limited positive evidence from the included braided USB-C cable.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
2.6

Cable quality is a weak spot because one reviewer calls the cable cheap, while another simply describes it as a standard rubberized cable.

compatibility
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
2.8

Compatibility has caveats, including Windows-focused software for customization and a narrow port opening that did not fit one coiled cable.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.3

Compatibility evidence is positive but limited, with persistence across multiple devices and software OS/layout changes mentioned.

connectivity
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
3.5

Connectivity evidence is limited to wired USB-C, with one review pointing to a USB-C port on the left side.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
3.9

Connectivity is good overall through tri-mode support, but one review flags infrequent minor connectivity issues.

customization options
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
3.9

Customization options are broad on paper, including remapping, actuation, layers, RGB, macros, and rapid trigger, but software friction hurts execution.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.8

Customization is one of the strongest themes, with easy disassembly, hot-swap support, software customization, and budget room for user mods.

desk space efficiency
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
4.0

Desk space efficiency is supported by the lack of a function row and number pad, fitting the compact 65% layout.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
3.0

Desk-space efficiency is a drawback for users who move the board around because one review says the chunky TKL is tricky on the desk.

durability
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
4.5

Durability is positively supported by one reviewer tying the aluminum case to premium feel and durability.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.7

Durability evidence centers on the aluminum case and durable PBT keycaps, with reviewers describing the board and caps as built to last.

ease of switch replacement
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
3.6

Ease of switch replacement follows the same split as hot-swap support: it is possible, but magnetic switch limits reduce flexibility.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.5

Switch replacement is generally easy due to hot-swap support, although one review says flex cuts can make installation more tedious.

ergonomics
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
4.0

Ergonomics are positively supported by the light switch force reducing fatigue over time.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.0

Ergonomics are generally acceptable, with typing comfort praised, but the fixed angle and firmer feel may not suit everyone.

extra gaming features
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
3.4

Extra gaming features are mixed: rapid trigger, dead-zone settings, and high polling are present, but Snap Tap and quad-actuation are called out as missing.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.1

Extra gaming features are moderate: 1,000Hz polling and low-latency mode help, but reviews do not show advanced analog or rapid-trigger features.

frame rigidity
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
4.4

Frame rigidity is strongly implied by the heavy aluminum construction, solid weight, and reports that the board stays in place.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.9

Frame rigidity is excellent in the strongest evidence, with no flex or rattles and a ball-catch system that feels like one solid piece.

gaming performance
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
4.6

Gaming performance is strong in the evidence, with snappy movement, responsive rapid trigger, and flawless or complaint-free game testing.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.3

Gaming performance is good for a mechanical productivity/gaming hybrid, with reviewers reporting competent play and responsive behavior rather than elite Hall Effect features.

hot-swappable switches
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
3.6

Hot-swappable switch support is mixed-positive because some reviewers say switches can be changed, while the main written review says hot-swap ability is limited.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
5.0

Hot-swap support is consistently confirmed, with reviewers saying switches can be changed without soldering.

keycap quality
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
4.4

Keycap quality is praised where discussed, especially the dye-sublimated or PBT Cherry-profile keycaps.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.3

Keycap quality is mostly positive thanks to double-shot PBT and good thickness, but one review noted a color mismatch on the white unit.

key responsiveness
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
4.6

Key responsiveness is one of the strongest areas, with reviewers citing responsive switches, zero dead zone, and quick in-game actuation.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.2

Responsiveness is praised across typing and gaming, with reviewers describing responsive switches, immediate key presses, and tactile/responsive keys.

key stability
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
No score yet
Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
3.4

Key stability evidence is mixed because the plate-mounted stabilizers are described as less stable and more prone to future rattling.

latency
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
4.5

Latency evidence is positive, with the written review reporting no noticeable input lag during testing.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.3

Latency is generally strong for a mechanical board, helped by 1,000Hz polling and an ultra-low latency mode, though it is not framed as a Hall Effect esports board.

layout options
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
2.8

Layout options are limited in the evidence, with the board presented as a 65% layout and one reviewer wishing for TKL instead.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.0

Layout-options evidence is limited to software-side OS/layout changes, not broad physical layout choices.

macro customization
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
4.1

Macro customization is supported in several software walkthroughs, with reviewers showing macros and remapping options.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.6

Macro customization is supported through VIA/QMK-style remapping and the ability to create complex macros.

materials quality
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
4.7

Materials quality is a clear strength thanks to the aluminum case and premium feel mentioned by several reviewers.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.7

Materials quality is a strength, with aluminum construction, high-quality components, and PBT keycaps repeatedly cited.

noise level
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
3.8

Noise level is context-dependent: one reviewer liked that it was not too loud, while another disliked the spacebar sound during gaming.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.6

Noise character is favorable: reviews describe muted, thocky sound and stabilizers tuned to be nearly silent, not necessarily a silent board.

onboard memory
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
No score yet
Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.7

Onboard memory is directly supported by one review, which says customizations are stored on the keyboard and persist across devices.

per-key lighting control
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
2.5

Per-key lighting control has evidence only through the software workflow, and one reviewer found selecting keys for custom lighting unreliable.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
No score yet
polling rate
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
4.7

Polling rate is consistently praised because reviewers confirm support for up to 8,000Hz, even though some users may not need that ceiling.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.3

Polling-rate evidence is positive, with multiple reviews calling out 1,000Hz behavior and one video noting very high measured polling/latency behavior.

portability
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
2.0

Portability is weak because the board is heavier than average and built around a substantial aluminum case.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
2.0

Portability is poor because the keyboard is heavy enough that one reviewer says they would not cart it to and from the office.

profile management
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
3.1

Profile management is mixed: layers are available, but one reviewer could not find a way to set a separate profile.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
No score yet
rapid trigger support
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
4.4

Rapid Trigger is a core strength and appears in every review, with reviewers confirming it exists and works as intended.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
No score yet
reliability
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
2.6

Reliability is mixed and mostly hurt by software problems, including crashes and finicky setup, despite one reviewer having no keyboard problems.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.0

Reliability is mixed: one review reports no QC issues, while another notes rare repeated inputs and worries the issue could worsen.

RGB customization
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
3.1

RGB customization is mixed: it has custom lighting and patterns, but multiple reviewers found the software or lighting workflow frustrating.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.1

RGB customization is supported through lighting controls, VIA/QMK-style tools, and software lighting effects, but one review found it clunky.

RGB lighting quality
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
4.0

RGB lighting quality is generally acceptable to good in the limited evidence, with reviewers saying the RGB looks nice or has patterns.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
3.9

RGB lighting quality is acceptable to good, with south-facing RGB and lighting effects mentioned, though it is not described as best-in-class.

size and form factor
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
4.0

Size and form factor are mostly positive for a compact 65% board with arrow keys, though one reviewer preferred TKL.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
3.9

The TKL form factor is familiar and comfortable for many, but one review also calls it chunky and heavy.

software quality
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
2.2

Software quality is the most divisive weakness, ranging from functional-but-early to janky, confusing, and severely frustrating.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.2

Software quality is broadly useful thanks to QMK/VIA and dedicated software mentions, though reviewers note clunky RGB and some uncertainty or wireless limits.

sound dampening
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
4.2

Sound dampening is supported by foam and internal layers, including dampening foam and spacebar foam.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.7

Sound dampening is strongly supported by multiple foam and PET layers that reduce harsh frequencies and ping.

stabilizer quality
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
4.0

Stabilizer quality gets positive but limited evidence, with lubed stabilizers mentioned, although spacebar sound remains a caveat.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
3.7

Stabilizer quality is mixed: some reviewers found them lubed and quiet, while others wanted more lube or noted plate-mounted limitations.

switch feel
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
4.3

Switch feel is described as light, smooth, and strong across reviews, with praise for the magnetic switches and actuation force.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.6

Reviewers describe the stock linear switches as smooth, poppy, crisp, snappy, and satisfying, though one notes the included choices lean linear rather than tactile.

switch options
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
3.0

Switch choice is a mixed point: reviewers note two or three magnetic switch options, but the main written review says the options are limited and all linear.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
3.2

Switch choice is a limitation: one review says there are no tactile options, while another notes Vintage White and Matcha Latte choices.

typing comfort
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
4.2

Typing comfort is positively supported by soft PBT keycaps and comfort during long typing sessions.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.5

Typing comfort is strong, with reviewers citing soft/bouncy feel, a comfort focus, and a generally pleasant typing experience.

typing feel
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
4.2

Typing feel is positive overall, with reviewers describing a good typing experience and a nice feel, aided by light switches and PBT keycaps.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.7

Typing feel is a major strength, with reviews praising a soft or satisfying feel, strong flex balance, and a generally enjoyable typing experience.

value for money
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
3.2

Value for money is mixed: one reviewer calls the price reasonable, another likes the $155 price, but the written review says better value exists elsewhere.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.9

Value for money is one of the clearest strengths, with reviewers repeatedly emphasizing the low price for the feature set and build.

volume control
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
3.5

Volume control evidence is limited to software-layer customization rather than a dedicated hardware control.

Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
No score yet
wireless performance
Product 1: Varmilo Muse65 HE Magnetic Keyboard
No score yet
Product 2: McHose GX87 Keyboard
4.2

Wireless performance is promising in the dedicated evidence, especially fast reconnection, but this is supported by one review only.