- Alternative: smaller form factor The Keychron K2 HE is suggested as a smaller alternative if the GX87 feels too heavy or chunky.
McHose GX87 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.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
- 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.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
41 reviewed features- Very positive 4.5-5.0 46% 19 features
- Positive 3.5-4.4 41% 17 features
- Neutral 2.5-3.4 7% 3 features
- Negative 1.5-2.4 5% 2 features
- Very negative below 1.5 0% 0 features
Pros
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Value for money was one of the strongest areas, with reviewers repeatedly calling the keyboard exceptional for its price and feature set.
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Customization options were a major strength, especially the magnetic or ball-catch quick-disassembly case, hot-swap design, and easy access for mods.
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Battery life was strongly praised, with reviewers emphasizing the large 8,000 mAh capacity and long time between charges.
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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.
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Durability evidence centered on the solid aluminum build and PBT keycaps, which reviewers linked to lasting use.
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Typing feel was one of the strongest areas, with reviewers calling it joyful, great, smooth, and close to ideal.
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Sound dampening was praised for reducing ping, refining the sound, and isolating vibration through the case design and internal layers.
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Hot-swappable switches were consistently treated as a benefit because users can replace switches without soldering and personalize the board.
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Acoustics were a standout strength, with reviewers repeatedly praising the thocky, poppy, solid, and very nice sound.
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Switch replacement was mostly easy thanks to tool-free access and hot-swap sockets, though one reviewer found reinstalling switches harder because the PCB flexes.
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Reviewers generally liked the switch feel, calling the Vintage White or stock linear switches smooth, responsive, crisp, and satisfying, with only mild scratchiness or preference-based caveats.
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Materials quality was praised for the aluminum case, smooth finish, premium feel, and solid components.
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Compatibility evidence was positive where reviewers connected QMK and VIA support to deep, flexible keyboard customization.
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Macro customization was positively supported by reviewers who noted easy macro setup through VIA or QMK-style customization.
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Extra gaming features received positive evidence from one reviewer who highlighted the ultra-low-latency mode as a surprise at this price.
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Noise level received limited but positive evidence from a reviewer who described the sound as muted and thocky rather than harsh.
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Onboard memory was positively supported by stored keyboard customizations that persist when moving between devices.
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Profile management was supported by the ability to store customizations on the keyboard so settings persist across devices.
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Typing comfort was praised across reviews for its bouncy gasket feel, smooth typing, and balanced flex, though one reviewer found it slightly firm.
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Keycap quality was praised for PBT material, thickness, durability, and a profile that helped typing accuracy.
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Frame rigidity was mostly praised for its solid, flex-free construction, though the quick-release design was seen by one reviewer as less sturdy than screws.
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Key response was consistently praised, with reviewers describing the keys or switches as responsive and accurate enough for both typing and gaming.
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Software quality was mostly praised for VIA, QMK, and the dedicated MCHOSE software, with caveats around VIA being basic and RGB customization sometimes clunky.
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Latency impressions were positive overall, helped by 1,000 Hz operation and an ultra-low-latency mode, though this is still framed as strong budget performance rather than elite Hall Effect speed.
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Reviewers treated the 1,000 Hz polling behavior as a strength, linking it to responsive inputs and low-latency use.
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Size and form factor earned positive evidence from one reviewer who found TKL a comfortable step down from full-size keyboards.
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Design aesthetics were generally positive for clean, premium, and attractive looks, but some reviewers found the styling mundane or noticed mismatched colors.
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Gaming performance was viewed as more than adequate for casual or hybrid use, with reviewers reporting competent play across first-person and general gaming sessions.
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RGB customization was broadly useful, especially through VIA, QMK, or the MCHOSE software, though one reviewer found the RGB controls clunky.
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One reviewer found the switch actuation consistent, with only a slight scratchiness detectable during very slow presses.
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Desk space efficiency was positive in one review, which liked that TKL saves space while leaving room for an optional macro pad.
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Ergonomics received limited but positive evidence because the fixed typing angle was expected to be comfortable for most people.
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Wireless performance received positive evidence from a reviewer who found the wireless functionality impressive and quick to reconnect.
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Key stability evidence was mixed: one reviewer disliked the plate-mounted stabilizer tradeoff, while another found the installed stabilizers secure and free of ticking.
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Stabilizer impressions were mixed: some reviewers found them tuned and issue-free, while others noted plate-mount tradeoffs or a need for more lube.
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RGB lighting quality was acceptable but not class-leading, with one reviewer saying the lighting options do not match bigger keyboard brands.
Cons
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Connectivity was mixed: reviewers liked the wireless and tri-mode feature set, but noted mode-switch delay, visible front controls, and minor connectivity issues.
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Switch choice was the clearest limitation: one reviewer wanted tactile options at checkout, while another wanted to try tactiles despite liking the included switches.
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Reliability evidence was mixed to negative in one review due to occasional held-input recognition and rare multiple key registrations.
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Cable quality was a weak point in one review, where the included cable was described as cheap and not very good.
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Portability was a weakness because one reviewer said the heavy aluminum build makes it undesirable to carry to and from an office.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Gaming Keyboards, this product is above average in value for money, hot-swappable switches, battery life, below average in cable quality, portability, RGB lighting quality.
Summary
8 compared features- Above average 0.4+ pts higher 63% 5 features
- Same as average within 0.3 pts 0% 0 features
- Below average 0.4+ pts lower 38% 3 features
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| cable quality | 2.0 | 3.6 | -1.6 |
| portability | 2.0 | 3.5 | -1.5 |
| value for money | 4.9 | 3.7 | +1.2 |
| hot-swappable switches | 4.6 | 3.3 | +1.2 |
| battery life | 4.8 | 3.9 | +0.9 |
| ease of switch replacement | 4.5 | 3.7 | +0.8 |
| RGB lighting quality | 3.5 | 4.2 | -0.7 |
| compatibility | 4.5 | 3.8 | +0.7 |
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
- 4.5/5
YouTube - Merkeebs
- Review score
- 4.2/5
Article Reviews
tariosultan.com
- Review score
- 4.6/5
tomsguide.com
- Review score
- 4.3/5
Consider This Instead
If you want better cable quality
Choose Keychron Q5 HE. It scores 5.0 vs 2.0 for cable quality, with a 4.5 overall score.
If you want better reliability
Choose ASUS ROG Azoth Extreme. It scores 5.0 vs 3.0 for reliability, with a 4.1 overall score.
If you want better switch options
Choose MonsGeek M1 V5 HE. It scores 4.8 vs 3.0 for switch options, with a 4.3 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.
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