The Epomaker Magcore 87 keyboard introduces a significant innovation in the mechanical keyboard market with its inductive switch technology. This Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard is designed to cater to both gaming enthusiasts and professionals seeking precision and durability.
Design and Build Quality
The Magcore 87 boasts a solid construction with a black anodized CNC-machined aluminum case, providing both durability and a premium aesthetic. The keyboard’s weight of approximately 2 kilograms ensures stability during intense typing or gaming sessions. Its compact TKL layout offers a balance between functionality and desk space optimization.
The keycaps are made from double-shot PBT plastic in a Cherry profile, known for their resistance to wear and a comfortable typing experience. Notably, the Escape, Backspace, Enter, and Spacebar keys feature a translucent purple design, adding a unique visual flair. The south-facing RGB backlighting enhances the keyboard’s aesthetics, providing customizable lighting effects that are both vibrant and evenly distributed.
Inductive Switch Technology
At the heart of the Magcore 87 are its inductive switches, specifically the Kailh Box Inductive Switches. Unlike traditional mechanical switches that rely on physical contact to register keystrokes, inductive switches operate on the principle of detecting metal passing through an electromagnetic field. This contactless actuation method offers several advantages:
– Durability: The absence of physical contact reduces wear and tear, significantly extending the lifespan of the switches.
– Adjustable Actuation Points: Users can fine-tune the actuation point of each key, allowing for a personalized typing or gaming experience.
– Rapid Response: The contactless nature ensures ultra-fast response times, crucial for competitive gaming scenarios.
The switches have an initial force of 35g and a total travel distance of 3.5mm, providing a balance between responsiveness and tactile feedback. The keyboard supports hot-swapping of switches, but it’s important to note that only inductive switches are compatible due to the specialized technology.
Performance and Features
The Magcore 87 is engineered for high performance:
– 8K Polling Rate: With a polling rate of 8000Hz, the keyboard reports its status to the computer 8,000 times per second, resulting in a minimal input latency of 0.125ms.
– N-Key Rollover (NKRO): This feature ensures that multiple keys pressed simultaneously are registered without conflict, essential for complex gaming commands.
– Wired Connectivity: The keyboard utilizes a USB-C wired connection, providing a stable and low-latency data transmission, which is particularly beneficial for esports professionals and competitive gamers.
User Experience
The typing experience on the Magcore 87 is characterized by its stability and precision. The gasket-mounted design, combined with multiple layers of sound-dampening materials such as silicon sandwich foam, IXPE switch pad, and bottom EVA foam, contributes to a quieter and more satisfying keystroke. The aluminum alloy plate adds to the rigidity, ensuring minimal flex during use.
The keyboard’s software allows for extensive customization, including key remapping, macro creation, and RGB lighting adjustments. Users can tailor the keyboard to their specific needs, whether for gaming, programming, or general typing tasks.
Considerations
While the Magcore 87 offers numerous advantages, there are a few considerations:
– Weight and Portability: The substantial weight makes it less ideal for users who require a portable keyboard solution.
– Switch Compatibility: The hot-swappable feature is limited to inductive switches, restricting the variety of switch options compared to keyboards that support standard mechanical switches.
– Price Point: Priced at $200, the Magcore 87 is positioned in the premium segment, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious consumers.
Conclusion
The Epomaker Magcore 87 stands out with its innovative inductive switch technology, robust build quality, and high-performance features. It caters to users seeking a durable and customizable keyboard experience, particularly in gaming contexts. However, its weight, switch compatibility limitations, and price point may not align with everyone’s preferences. For those prioritizing cutting-edge switch technology and a premium build, the Magcore 87 is a compelling option.
