If you want better switch options
Choose MonsGeek M1 V5 HE. It scores 4.8 vs 3.0 for switch options, with a 4.4 overall score.
McHose GX87 Keyboard Gaming Keyboard Review
Bottom Line
Choose the McHose GX87 if you want a dense aluminum TKL with standout sound, easy modding, and excellent value. Skip it if you need a light travel board, tactile switch choices, flawless RGB software, or elite Hall Effect gaming features.
Best for
Best for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts who want a thocky aluminum TKL, easy switch and case access, QMK/VIA-style customization, and premium feel without paying premium TKL prices. It also suits hybrid productivity and casual gaming setups.
Not for
Not for users who need a lightweight portable keyboard, broad tactile or clicky switch choices at checkout, per-key lighting evidence, or top-tier Hall Effect gaming features. It may also frustrate users who want flawless RGB software or zero connectivity quirks.
Verdict
The McHose GX87 earns unusually strong review support for a budget aluminum TKL. Reviewers repeatedly praise its dense build, thocky or poppy acoustics, smooth typing feel, big battery, and quick-access customization system. The tradeoff is that it is not the most refined in every detail: switch choices are limited, RGB controls can feel clunky, plate-mounted stabilizers draw caveats, and at least one review noted minor connectivity or input reliability issues. It also favors desk-bound use because of its weight. Still, the overall evidence points to a keyboard that delivers premium-feeling sound, construction, and modding potential at a price reviewers considered exceptional.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
41 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.019 (46%)
-
Positive 3.5-4.417 (41%)
-
Neutral 2.5-3.43 (7%)
-
Negative 1.5-2.42 (5%)
Pros
-
Customization options were a major strength, especially the magnetic or ball-catch quick-disassembly case, hot-swap design, and easy access for mods.
-
Value for money was one of the strongest areas, with reviewers repeatedly calling the keyboard exceptional for its price and feature set.
-
Build quality was a major point of agreement, with every review giving positive evidence around the aluminum body, dense feel, assembly, or lack of flex.
-
Acoustics were a standout strength, with reviewers repeatedly praising the thocky, poppy, solid, and very nice sound.
-
Typing feel was one of the strongest areas, with reviewers calling it joyful, great, smooth, and close to ideal.
-
Hot-swappable switches were consistently treated as a benefit because users can replace switches without soldering and personalize the board.
Cons
-
Cable quality was a weak point in one review, where the included cable was described as cheap and not very good.
-
Portability was a weakness because one reviewer said the heavy aluminum build makes it undesirable to carry to and from an office.
-
Switch choice was the clearest limitation: one reviewer wanted tactile options at checkout, while another wanted to try tactiles despite liking the included switches.
-
Reliability evidence was mixed to negative in one review due to occasional held-input recognition and rare multiple key registrations.
-
Connectivity was mixed: reviewers liked the wireless and tri-mode feature set, but noted mode-switch delay, visible front controls, and minor connectivity issues.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Gaming Keyboards, this product is above average in value for money, hot-swappable switches, battery life, near average in polling rate, macro customization, below average in cable quality, portability, RGB lighting quality.
Comparison summary
41 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher13 (32%)
-
Same as average within 0.3 pts22 (54%)
-
Below average 0.4+ pts lower6 (15%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| cable quality | 2.0 | 3.7 | -1.7 |
| portability | 2.0 | 3.5 | -1.5 |
| value for money | 4.9 | 3.7 | +1.2 |
| hot-swappable switches | 4.6 | 3.4 | +1.1 |
| battery life | 4.8 | 4.0 | +0.9 |
| ease of switch replacement | 4.5 | 3.8 | +0.7 |
| RGB lighting quality | 3.5 | 4.3 | -0.8 |
| compatibility | 4.5 | 3.8 | +0.7 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better portability
Choose Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard. It scores 4.7 vs 2.0 for portability, with a 4.4 overall score.
If you want better connectivity
Choose Corsair K65 Plus. It scores 4.7 vs 3.3 for connectivity, with a 4.2 overall score.
If you want better key stability
Choose Keychron Q1 HE. It scores 5.0 vs 3.9 for key stability, with a 4.2 overall score.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
- Alternative: smaller form factor The Keychron K2 HE is suggested as a smaller alternative if the GX87 feels too heavy or chunky.
- Alternative: smaller form factor The NuPhy Air60 HE is suggested as a smaller alternative for users who want easier desk movement.
Chilkey NDTKL
- Similar: customization hardware The Chilkey NDTKL is noted as offering similar quick-access customization features.
FAQ
Is the McHose GX87 good for typing?
Yes. Reviewers repeatedly described the typing feel as great, smooth, satisfying, bouncy, or close to ideal, though one noted it is firmer than the softest gasket-mounted boards.
How does the GX87 sound?
Sound is one of its strongest areas. Reviewers praised its thocky, poppy, muted, and refined acoustics, with one calling it the best-sounding stock keyboard they had heard.
Is it easy to customize?
Yes. Multiple reviewers praised the quick-disassembly case, hot-swappable switches, and QMK/VIA or dedicated software customization, while one noted switch installation can be trickier because the PCB flexes.
Is the GX87 good for gaming?
It is viewed as strong for casual or hybrid gaming, with 1,000 Hz polling and responsive inputs. Reviewers did not present it as an elite Hall Effect gaming keyboard.
How is the battery life?
Battery life was praised strongly. Reviewers emphasized the 8,000 mAh capacity and described it as lasting a long time between charges.
What are the main downsides?
The most evidence-backed downsides are limited switch choices, heavy weight, some RGB/software clunkiness, stabilizer caveats, a cheap included cable, and occasional minor connectivity or input issues.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
Video Reviews
YouTube - MechTech Keyboards
- Review score
- 4.5
YouTube - Merkeebs
- Review score
- 4.2
Article Reviews
tariosultan.com
- Review score
- 4.6
tomsguide.com
- Review score
- 4.3
Top Gaming Keyboards to Consider
Good if you want a premium 96% Hall Effect keyboard for work and gaming with excellent build, sound, and customization. Skip it if you need cheaper esports-first speed, 8,000Hz polling,...
Pros: cable quality, typing comfort
Cons: portability, switch options
Good if you want a premium, quiet TKL Hall Effect keyboard for typing and gaming. Skip it if price, portability, 8,000Hz polling, or broad switch choice matters most.
Pros: build quality, extra gaming features
Cons: switch options, hot-swappable switches
Good if you want a premium full-size Hall Effect keyboard with smooth switches, quiet sound, and deep customization. Skip it if you need a portable, budget-friendly board or broad switch...
Pros: key stability, frame rigidity
Cons: portability, switch options
Good if you want esports speed, analog tuning, and deep customization. Skip it if typing comfort, quiet office use, or included extras matter more.
Pros: polling rate, RGB customization
Cons: key stability, typing comfort