Compare Epomaker Cypher96 Keyboard vs Glorious GMMK 2

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 mostly positive thanks to foam and smooth switches, though one reviewer still heard some hollowness.

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

Actuation consistency is mixed: reviewers liked the switches overall, but two noted early inconsistencies before the switches settled in.

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

Backlight brightness is generally excellent, though one reviewer found brightness somewhat limited by the ABS keycaps.

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

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 is widely praised as solid, sturdy, weighty, and well assembled for the price.

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

Cable quality is generally positive, with detachable braided or color-matched cables, though one coiled cable was described as stiff.

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

Compatibility is broad for basic use, including Windows, Mac, consoles, Android, QMK, and VIA, but software support is less even.

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

Connectivity is reliable over USB-C, but reviewers repeatedly frame it as wired-only with no wireless option.

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

Customization options are a defining strength, spanning hot-swap hardware, keyboard-builder choices, software control, and mod-friendly design.

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 strong, with compact layouts saving room for mouse movement without giving up too much functionality.

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

Durability evidence is positive, including drop survival, sturdy construction, and expectations of long-term use.

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

Switch replacement is treated as easy and approachable, with tools included and no soldering required.

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

Ergonomics are mostly positive thanks to typing angles and comfort, but high key height and wrist-rest needs remain caveats.

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 present, including N-key rollover, Windows key lock, lighting hotkeys, and profile access.

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

Frame rigidity is a standout, with reviewers describing no flex, strong aluminum framing, and stable use on the desk.

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

Gaming performance was broadly strong thanks to responsive keys, low latency, and smooth linear switches across shooters and everyday play.

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

Hot-swappable switch support is one of the strongest points, repeatedly praised for 5-pin compatibility and easy switch changes.

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

Keycap quality is acceptable but not premium: reviewers liked the double-shot shine-through legends but repeatedly criticized ABS versus PBT.

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

Input response was consistently praised, with reviewers reporting no missed presses, quick actuation, and responsive gaming behavior.

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

Key spacing is mixed: one test found stable spacing, while others found the 96% numpad area too close or compact at first.

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

Key stability was viewed positively, with evidence of stable keys, minimal wobble, and smooth actuation.

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 support is a clear strength, with multiple reviews citing low-latency performance and adjustable settings down to 2ms.

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

Layout options are useful but limited: reviewers liked the 65% and 96% choices, while noting no TKL option and odd equal pricing.

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

Legend visibility is strong, with shine-through legends and side or front sublegends making controls and lighting easier to read.

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

Macro customization is strong, with reviewers citing key remapping, macro creation, and multi-layer assignments.

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

Materials quality is good for the class, combining an aluminum top with plastic lower sections and ABS keycaps.

Media controls are available through function shortcuts, but the board lacks dedicated knobs or wheels.

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

Noise level is generally controlled and quiet for a mechanical board, though one reviewer found it louder than a HyperX comparison.

Onboard memory is supported for saved profiles, adding useful portability for customized settings.

Per-key lighting evidence is limited but positive, with references to per-key RGB underglow and zone-based effects.

Per-key lighting control is well supported, with reviewers repeatedly noting individual key lighting customization.

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

Polling-rate control is well supported, with reviewers repeatedly noting adjustable polling and 1000Hz capability.

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 decent for compact layouts, but weight and lack of a case keep it from being a travel-first board.

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

Profile management is solid, with evidence of multiple saved profiles and lighting or layer setups.

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

Reliability evidence is positive, with reviewers reporting smooth operation, easy repair paths, and confidence in long-term use.

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

RGB customization is a strength, with Core and supported software offering presets, layered effects, and broad lighting control.

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 received strong praise for bright, vibrant, rich lighting, side strips, and good shine-through implementation.

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

Size and form factor are compact and practical, especially the 96% layout, though some reviewers needed adjustment time.

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

Software quality is useful but mixed, with Core praised as simple or powerful while Windows-only limits and cheap-feeling bugs were criticized.

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

Sound dampening is a major strength, with repeated mentions of internal foam, plate foam, and reduced high-pitched noise.

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

Stabilizer quality is mixed: several reviewers found little rattle or smooth large keys, while others criticized the spacebar or mushy stabilizers.

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

Reviewers generally liked the Fox linear switches for their smooth, lubed feel and satisfying sound, though a few noted break-in time.

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

Switch flexibility is strong through barebones builds and hot-swap support, but prebuilt units are repeatedly described as limited to Fox linear switches.

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

Typing comfort is high, with reviewers describing smooth, comfortable, and enjoyable long-form typing.

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

Typing feel was one of the strongest positives, described as sublime, pleasing, and among the best typing experiences reviewers had used.

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

Value for money is a major positive, with many reviewers praising the feature set at around the $80 barebones and $120 prebuilt price points.

Volume control exists through function-key media controls rather than dedicated hardware.

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

Wrist-rest support is weak because reviewers noted the keyboard does not include one and would benefit from wrist support.