Compare Epomaker Cypher96 Keyboard vs HyperX Alloy Rise

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

Reviewers generally liked the damped sound profile, though one reviewer found the wireless model sharper and more metallic than ideal.

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

Switch actuation was usually described as smooth and consistent, but very sensitive switches caused misinputs for one reviewer.

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

Brightness was viewed positively, with strong saturation and auto-adjusting backlighting noted in multiple reviews.

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

Wireless battery life was a clear strength, with reviewers citing long runtimes from 80 hours with lighting to 1,500 hours without lighting.

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 was broadly praised, especially the sturdy chassis, aluminum/top-plate feel, and robust construction.

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

Cable impressions were mixed: the cable is detachable and flexible, but one review disliked the USB cable and mounting area.

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

Compatibility evidence was positive for PC, console, and Windows software support, though deeper software support was Windows-limited.

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

Connectivity depends on model: wireless versions earned praise for tri-mode options, while wired-only models were criticized for lacking wireless.

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

Customization was one of the strongest themes, covering top plates, badges, keycaps, switches, macros, lighting, and profiles, though some reviewers found the accessory concept premature.

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

The 75% model was praised for saving desk space, while the full-size version was criticized for limiting mouse room.

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

Durability evidence centered on PBT keycaps, rubber grips, and reviewers describing the board 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 functionally supported, but one reviewer found the removal process stiff and challenging.

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

Ergonomics were split: gasket feel and adjustable feet helped, but the tall chassis and missing wrist rest caused discomfort in some reviews.

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.

Gaming extras include Fn shortcuts, key lock/game mode, anti-ghosting, and onboard settings, but reviewers did not treat them as unusually advanced.

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

Frame rigidity was mostly solid, but the magnetic top plate could feel loose or come off too easily when handled one-handed.

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

Gaming performance was consistently good to excellent, with reviewers calling it responsive and suitable for competitive play even when not class-leading.

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

Hot-swap support was strongly covered, including 3-pin and 5-pin switch compatibility and easy mechanical switch changes in most reviews.

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

Keycap quality was consistently strong, with PBT, double-shot construction, thickness, texture, and durability praised.

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

Responsiveness was praised in most reviews thanks to fast actuation and minimal effort, though some reviewers disliked the deeper or overly sensitive press feel.

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

Key spacing and reach were praised on the 75% model, with reviewers noting accessible keys and spacing that did not feel cramped.

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

Key stability was strong where discussed, with box stems and stable keys reducing wobble.

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 was strong in the wired high-polling model and wireless reviews that found no noticeable input delay.

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

Reviewers valued the availability of both full-size and 75% layouts, with the 75% version balancing compactness and function.

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

Legend visibility was positively supported by clean, easy-to-read keycap fonts and backlit legends.

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

Macro customization was supported through NGENUITY, including macro recording, key remapping, and function assignment.

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

Materials quality was praised where directly discussed, especially the metal body/top-plate feel and PBT keycaps.

Media controls were mostly liked for tactile dedicated keys, though one review thought the full-size media buttons felt cheap.

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

Noise was mostly quieter or clean for a mechanical board, but one review found the 75 model louder than typical linear-switch keyboards.

Onboard memory and profile storage were well supported, with reviewers noting saved configurations and multiple profiles on the keyboard.

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

Per-key lighting control was strong, with individual key programming and per-key RGB noted in several reviews.

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

Polling rate was a standout spec on wired models at 8,000Hz, though reviewers differed on how meaningful that is for keyboards.

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 was limited by weight; one wireless review noted the 75% board still weighed more than a kilogram.

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

Profile management was supported through onboard profiles and profile switching for games or custom 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 was mixed: several reviews saw stable performance, while Windows Central reported disconnects and inconsistency.

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

RGB customization was broad, covering layered effects, presets, side lighting, per-key colors, and user-created patterns.

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 was widely praised as bright, vibrant, evenly distributed, and visually impressive.

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 were strengths for the 75% model and a mixed point for the full-size model depending on numpad needs.

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

Software quality was the most mixed area, ranging from easy and lightweight to basic, limited, buggy, or unreliable.

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

Sound dampening was a strength, with foam/gasket construction and dual-layer dampening repeatedly tied to cleaner sound and softer typing.

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

Stabilizer quality was positive where addressed, with well-tuned stabilizers and reduced rattle noted.

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

Switch feel was usually smooth, responsive, and pre-lubed, though one reviewer disliked the harsher overall keystroke.

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

Switch options were good, with linear and tactile choices plus broad compatibility through hot-swap sockets.

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

Typing comfort was generally positive on the 75% model and damped gasket design, but harsh keystrokes or missing wrist support hurt comfort for some.

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 product's strongest areas, with many reviewers calling it smooth, premium, comfortable, or satisfying.

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

Value for money was the weakest consensus point: full price often felt high, but sale pricing and feature depth improved the equation.

Volume control was praised for the notched rotary knob and mute function, though one reviewer wanted smoother rotation.

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 was strong in positive wireless reviews, but one reviewer reported occasional disconnections.

Wrist rest quality scored poorly because reviewers repeatedly noted that a wrist rest was needed or not included.