Compare McHose GX87 Keyboard vs NuPhy Air60 HE

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

Acoustics were usually a strength, with reviewers praising the deep, muted, premium, or satisfying low-profile sound, though one reviewer found the sound somewhat lackluster.

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

The dual-rail switch design and stable travel supported good actuation consistency, although one critical reviewer disliked that the travel matched full-size switches.

Analog-style Hall Effect depth sensing is present through adjustable actuation and variable travel behavior, though reviewers focused more on actuation tuning than true analog gameplay use.

Backlight brightness was praised as bright, clear, and adjustable, with reviewers noting visible LEDs and strong maximum brightness.

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

Battery life is not a meaningful strength because the board omits a battery; reviewers framed this as a tradeoff that avoids battery anxiety but removes wireless use.

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

Build quality was consistently strong, with reviewers calling the board sturdy, solid, well put together, and premium for its size.

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

Cable quality was generally good thanks to the included angled USB-C cable, though side-port placement made some custom or coiled cables awkward.

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

Compatibility was broad across operating systems and laptop use, with reviews mentioning Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, and on-laptop placement.

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

Connectivity is the product’s clearest tradeoff: wired USB-C is fast and simple but lacks wireless flexibility.

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

Customization options were extensive, including actuation depth, remapping, multiple profiles, lighting, trigger settings, and advanced Hall Effect behaviors.

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.

Desk space efficiency was strong because reviewers highlighted the tiny footprint and reclaimed mouse space of the 60% layout.

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

Durability evidence was mixed: PBT dye-sub legends should resist fading, but one long-use critic reported scratching on keycaps and the back.

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

Switch replacement is physically possible through hot swap, but the practical benefit is limited because only compatible low-profile magnetic switches fit.

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

Ergonomics were generally acceptable with multiple tilt angles and laptop-deck use, but one reviewer criticized loose smaller feet.

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

Extra gaming features are extensive, including SOCD/LKP/Snap Tap-like behavior, Dynamic Keystroke, Hyper Tap, Mod Tap, and game optimizations, but some may be restricted in competitive games.

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

Frame rigidity was supported by the keyboard’s small-size heft and sturdy feel rather than extensive frame-specific stress testing.

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

Gaming performance was strongly praised for speed, responsiveness, and Hall Effect features, especially for competitive movement, although some automation-like features may be restricted in games.

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

Hot-swappable switch support exists, but reviewers repeatedly warned that compatibility is restricted to the new low-profile magnetic switch niche.

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

Keycap quality was mixed: reviewers liked PBT, thickness, and some textures, but others criticized slippery feel, average legends, shine-through, and scratching.

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

Responsiveness was one of the strongest points, with reviewers describing fast, sensitive, and highly responsive inputs in gaming and Hall Effect tuning.

Key spacing and key shape drew criticism from reviewers who found the flat profile or wide keycaps more error-prone than full-height keyboards.

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

Switch stability drew praise from reviewers who found the low-profile magnetic switches stable and not very wobbly.

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.

Latency impressions were very positive, helped by wired USB-C and high polling, with reviewers saying delay was negligible or competitive with other Hall Effect boards.

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

Layout options were a recurring limitation: the 60% format sacrifices arrow keys, function row, nav cluster, and ISO availability, pushing some users toward larger alternatives.

Legend visibility was mixed to negative, with praise for durable dye-sub legends offset by complaints about unclear symbols, low-resolution printing, and distracting light bleed.

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

Macro customization was present in several reviews through macro recording and key remapping, though one reviewer’s software version did not include macro creation yet.

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

Materials quality was mostly positive thanks to aluminum top-case construction, PBT keycaps in several reviews, and a plastic bottom that still kept the board light.

Media controls are available only as layered controls, so they exist but are not a major dedicated-control strength.

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

Noise level was favorable overall, with reviewers saying it was office-friendly or quieter than expected for a magnetic low-profile board.

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

Per-key lighting evidence was mixed: specs list per-key RGB, while one hands-on reviewer did not find a per-key RGB selection option in the software.

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

Reviews consistently highlighted the 8,000Hz polling and scan-rate capability, though some noted ultra-high polling is more spec-sheet advantage than clearly perceptible edge.

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

Portability was mixed: the small low-profile body is easy to pack, but wired-only operation reduces travel convenience.

Profile management is physical and immediate through three selectable modes, but the hard cap of three profiles was a limitation for some gamers.

Rapid Trigger support was repeatedly confirmed and praised, including fine reset control and near-instant key reset behavior.

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

Reliability was mostly fine in routine use, but one reviewer reported firmware-update issues and another praised ongoing updates, making this cautiously positive rather than flawless.

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

RGB customization was solid through NuPhy.io effects, side-light controls, and color options, though not every reviewer found true per-key color selection available.

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

RGB lighting quality was generally liked for brightness, effects, side lighting, and style, but some reviewers disliked light shining through non-shine-through keycaps.

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

Size and form factor were defining strengths for users wanting a compact low-profile 60% Hall Effect board, but one critic felt the long-travel switches undermined the low-profile concept.

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

Software quality was a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly praising NuPhy.io as easy, powerful, clean, stable, and browser-based, despite one firmware-update caveat.

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

Sound dampening was well supported by repeated mentions of foam, silicone, gasket/switch pads, and quieter acoustics.

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

Stabilizer quality was mixed: reviewers noted pre-lubed stabilizers and smooth switch stability, but multiple reviews called out spacebar wobble, rattle, or a lighter clacky sound.

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

Reviewers broadly liked the low-profile magnetic switches, especially the Jade Pro feel, calling them smooth, stable, and close to full-height travel, though one reviewer questioned whether that much travel still fits a low-profile brief.

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

The board offers Jade and Jade Pro low-profile magnetic switches, but reviewers repeatedly noted that aftermarket choices are very limited right now.

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

Typing comfort was praised by reviewers who called it super-comfy or comfortable to type on, especially with the low height and smooth switches.

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

Typing feel was one of the most divided attributes: several reviewers loved it, while others found it less exciting, less accurate, or different from typical low-profile boards.

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

Value for money was usually positive because reviewers compared its $119–$140 pricing favorably with other Hall Effect boards, though one critical reviewer rejected the value against NuPhy’s own Halo65 HE.

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

Wireless performance is effectively absent; reviewers repeatedly described the Air60 HE as wired-only and criticized the missing wireless option.

Wrist rest quality was lightly covered; reviewers found the optional acrylic rest comfortable and nice-looking, but not always necessary for such a low board.