Compare Epomaker Cypher96 Keyboard vs McHose GX87 Keyboard

Reviewers describe the Cypher96 as pleasingly clacky or thocky, with strong overall sound quality, though one review notes pinging can spoil the profile.

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

Actuation is supported by one review that describes keypresses as consistent and smooth, helped by the gasket-mounted design.

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

Lighting brightness is generally viewed positively, with several reviewers calling it vibrant or bright, while one found the side underglow weak.

Battery life is a strength thanks to the dual 4,000mAh packs, with reviewers repeatedly noting the large 8,000mAh total capacity.

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

Build quality is mostly solid for a plastic budget board, though opinions differ because some reviewers report flex while others found no creaks or wobble.

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

Cable feedback is mixed: one review praises the braided USB-C cable, while another calls the included cable generic but usable.

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

Compatibility is good for Windows and Mac users, though one review notes the lack of dedicated Mac-specific keycaps or hotkeys.

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

Connectivity is a major strength, with reviewers consistently pointing to wired, 2.4GHz, and Bluetooth modes, plus multi-device pairing.

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

Customization options are strong, covering key remapping, RGB adjustments, macros, programmable inputs, and shared configurations.

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

The 96-key layout keeps a numpad while saving desk space, making it more compact than a typical full-size keyboard.

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 evidence centers on double-shot PBT keycaps, which reviewers say resist shine and should last well over time.

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

Switch replacement is easy because the board is hot-swappable and supports common 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.

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

Ergonomics are helped by adjustable feet and multiple resting positions, though the evidence is limited to setup angle rather than wrist support.

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

Gaming extras are present but basic, with reviews citing anti-ghosting, N-key rollover, and a 1,000Hz polling rate rather than advanced analog features.

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 is mixed: some reviewers report flex and twisting, while another found no flex when pressing down.

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 is solid for conventional play thanks to responsive switches, anti-ghosting, N-key rollover, and 1,000Hz polling.

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 switch support is consistently praised, with reviewers noting easy replacement and broad 3-pin or 5-pin compatibility.

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

Keycap quality is mostly strong because of double-shot PBT caps, although one reviewer disliked inconsistent thin legends.

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 is rated highly, with reviewers calling the switches responsive, fast enough, and light to actuate.

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

Key spacing is a weakness for one reviewer, who found the 96% layout harder to navigate without looking.

Key stability is mostly good on large keys, but stabilizer looseness appears as a caveat for rattle-sensitive users.

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

Latency is strong in 2.4GHz and wired modes, with low-latency wireless and minimal-latency wired performance cited; Bluetooth is a slight caveat.

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 are somewhat mixed: the board supports Mac/Windows layout modes, but one reviewer preferred a true full-size layout.

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

Legend visibility is mixed, with one review praising sharp visible legends while another criticizes inconsistent thin lettering.

Macro customization is a clear software strength, with reviews citing macro recording, mouse-click detection, and easy setup.

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

Materials quality is acceptable rather than premium: reviewers repeatedly identify an ABS plastic build that feels sturdy but not aluminum-like.

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

Noise level is generally well controlled by dampening, with reviewers saying it avoids obnoxious noise and keeps rattles down.

Noise character is favorable: reviews describe muted, thocky sound and stabilizers tuned to be nearly silent, not necessarily a silent 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 is limited but positive, with references to per-key RGB underglow and zone-based effects.

Polling rate is strong, with multiple reviewers citing a 1,000Hz rate in wired and wireless modes.

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

Portability is decent for a 96-key board because reviewers cite a lightweight portable form and use while commuting, though it is not tiny.

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 has limited but positive evidence through shareable configurations for keymaps, macros, and lighting profiles.

Reliability is mixed: some evidence praises reliable switches and daily dependability, but one review warns PCB bending may be a long-term risk.

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

RGB customization is consistently strong, with software controls for effects, colors, brightness, zones, and multiple lighting modes.

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

RGB lighting quality is generally praised as vibrant, bright, and attractive, though the lack of shine-through legends limits visibility through keycaps.

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

The compact 96%/96-key form factor is widely recognized as useful because it retains a numpad in a smaller footprint.

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

Software quality is generally good and easy to use, though one review says it is less customizable than deeper enthusiast platforms.

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 is one of the clearest strengths, with reviews repeatedly citing foam, silicone pads, gasket mounting, and reduced vibration.

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

Stabilizer quality is mixed: several reviews say large keys are rattle-free or solid, while others recommend tuning or relubing.

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

Switch feel is mostly positive, with smooth pre-lubed linear switches praised, though some reviewers found them generic or too light.

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 are limited because stock choices are basically Wisteria or Flamingo, though hot-swap support lets users change them later.

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

Typing comfort is a highlight, with reviewers describing long sessions as comfortable, cushioned, and easy on the fingers.

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

Typing feel is one of the strongest attributes, repeatedly described as smooth, cushioned, pleasant, and premium for the price.

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 is strong, with reviewers repeatedly framing the Cypher96 as affordable or well priced for its features.

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

Wireless performance is strong overall, with low-latency 2.4GHz, multi-device Bluetooth, and usable range, though Bluetooth response rates can dip slightly.

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