If you’ve ever looked into getting a low-profile keyboard from Iqunix, you’ve probably run into the same question I did: which one should you actually pick? Should you go for the Pro or the non-Pro version? What’s the real difference between MQ80 and Magi75?
I’ve had the chance to spend proper hands-on time with three boards from their low-profile lineup – the MQ80, Magi75, and Magi65 Pro – to get a clear sense of what each of them brings to the table and to share my impressions and thoughts with you.
Since all of these keyboards share the same core DNA, I highly recommend reading MQ80 and Magi75 reviews first to get a general idea of what an Iqunix low-profile board is like before diving into this article. Here, I’ll focus on the nuances, trying to share as much information as I was able to gather about how these models differ and who each one is best suited for, hopefully helping you make a more confident and informed decision.
Layouts
The Magi series is available in 65%, 75%, and 96% form factors. 75% and 96% versions are available in ANSI, ISO-UK, and ISO-DE layouts, while the 65% version is only available in ANSI layout. Finally, each variant is available in both Pro and non-Pro options. The Pro version features a multimedia module on the right side of the keyboard, which I’ll talk about later.
As for the MQ80, this model is only available in an ANSI layout and, despite the “80” in its name, it actually has a 75% form factor.
So if you’re specifically looking at a 75% board without an additional multimedia module, you actually have two options: the MQ80 and the Magi75.
With all these choices, I think anyone can find a low-profile board to match their taste, especially considering the availability of ISO-UK and ISO-DE layouts, which are not that common among low-profile keyboards.
Box Contents
Overall, the box contents are quite similar across the lineup, but there are still a few noticeable differences, especially between the Magi series and the MQ80. So, for example, let’s compare the box contents of the Magi75 and the MQ80.
| Magi75 | MQ80 |
| Carrying case | Carrying case |
| 2.4GHz USB receiver | 2.4GHz USB receiver |
| USB-C/A converter | USB-C/A converter |
| 2-in-1 keycap and switch puller | 2-in-1 keycap and switch puller |
| 4 OS-specific keycaps | 4 OS-specific keycaps |
| Coiled USB cable (braided) | Straight USB cable (braided) |
| 2 extra metal keycaps | |
| 3 extra novelty keycaps | |
| Cleaning brush | |
| Dust cover |
Both keyboards come with a fairly generous set of extra accessories, but the Magi series leans more toward customization options, while the MQ80 focuses on more practical additions.
It’s also worth mentioning that when it comes to the Magi65, you might randomly receive it either in a carrying case or in a nice cardboard box (really better than you would usually expect).
With the Magi96, you also get a set of silicone blockers/separators (small black rubber pads). They are used to cover an open switch slot when you remove a keycap and switch, preventing dust from getting inside the keyboard. For example, you can use them to create an empty space to separate the arrow cluster from the rest of the keys, especially if you’re not a fan of a compact layout and want a physical gap for better tactile orientation when touch typing.
Colorways
The Magi series is available in Shadow Black and Ochre White colorways, while the MQ80 comes in Shadow Black and Moonlight Silver.
Shadow Black, available for the MQ80 and Magi series boards, is pretty straightforward – black case paired with black keycaps – a timeless classic that always works. Black fits into almost any setup and looks great regardless of the desk aesthetics.
Moonlight Silver is the second colorway option available for the MQ80. It features a silver case paired with paper-white keycaps. It’s a great fit for any setup built around white tones, blending in cleanly and looking very cohesive on a bright, minimal desk.
Ochre White is the second colorway option available for the Magi series. It features both case and keycaps in the same Ochre White color. It can be described more as a “cream white” – a very soft and gentle shade that offers a warm, slightly retro aesthetic. This color fits perfectly into “cozy” setups and, in my opinion, looks especially good on wood-grain desks.
Keycaps
On all models, the keycaps are made of PBT with dye-sub legends and feature an anti-oil coating, but there are some differences in the keycap design. On the Magi boards, you get copperish accents done in an industrial style, while the MQ80 uses gray and red accents in a futuristic style.
When it comes to the white MQ80, I must admit, there’s something undeniably stylish about the combination of paper-white keycaps with those red and gray accents. It immediately reminds me of a clean futuristic sci-fi aesthetic you often see in various movies and games, especially those space-themed.
Case Design
There are also some noticeable case design differences between the Magi series and the MQ80. The Magi series features evenly thin bezels around the keys on all sides, which gives it a very minimal and balanced look.
The MQ80, on the other hand, has wider side bezels where additional elements are placed. On the right side there’s a removable red accent piece. On the left side there’s an LED indicator.
The MQ80 and Magi series also have different decorative patterns on the bottom, but of course, that comes down to personal taste.
Plates
The main difference here is how high the plate sits on the MQ80 compared to the Magi series boards. On the MQ80, the plate sits flush with the case, while on the Magi boards, it’s set slightly below the case level. This makes the overall height of the MQ80 about 2 mm higher You can notice it in photos from a certain angles, but in real life I’d say the difference is barely noticeable.
There are also some differences in the visual design of the plates.
On the Moonlight Silver (basically white) version of the MQ80, the plate is white, while on all the other boards, regardless of the color, the plate is black. This makes the white MQ80 stand out a bit, and I have to admit, I really like it.
However, the Magi65 plate has more golden decorative elements compared to the other models in the line-up, making the plate itself look even more premium. The horizontal gold traces in the spaces between the keys are particularly noticeable.
Magi Line-up: Pro or Non-Pro?
The obvious difference between the Pro and non-Pro versions in the Magi series is the multimedia module on the right side of the keyboard. It includes a roller, four programmable X-shaped media buttons, decorative LED strip, and a hidden compartment for the 2.4GHz dongle.
This is literally the only difference. There are no improvements or anything like that in the Pro version compared to the Non-Pro version. So you get the same high-quality keyboard regardless of whether you choose the version with this extra module or without it.
The first time I saw this multimedia module, it felt a bit odd to me. However, once I got the board on my desk, I realized I didn’t want to put it away at all. Quite the opposite – I wanted to keep it on my desk. At first, I couldn’t explain why, until my wife looked at it and said: ‘Wow, that’s something new – what’s it for?’ That’s when it clicked.
In today’s keyboard market, where most designs look almost the same, this multimedia module gives the Magi series its own identity. It creates a visual accent that constantly draws attention and at the same time signals that this keyboard has something unique that others don’t. Thanks to it, the Magi stops being “just another keyboard” and becomes a product that is easy to recognize and remember. I realized I own plenty of keyboards, yet none of them ever felt this unique, so why not?
I had never used rollers before, but to my surprise I actually find them more convenient than my beloved knobs. On top of that, the extra X-shaped buttons are fully programmable, which allowed me to tailor them perfectly to my workflow. This combination of comfort and customization makes the module not just a cool visual addition but also very practical.
So, if the design of the Pro version doesn’t bother you and the added width isn’t an issue, I’d say give it a try – the multimedia module might surprise you, as it did for me.
Also, when it comes to the Pro versions of the Magi series, there’s one noticeable difference between Ochre White and Shadow Black – the X-shaped media buttons come in different colors depending on the chosen keyboard colorway.
On the Ochre White keyboard, they match the rest of the board and have the same cream-white finish, which, to me, feels like a very intentional design choice. This cream-white color has a soft, cozy vibe, and adding a big copper-colored part here would probably disrupt that overall harmony.
At the same time, I really like how striking those X-shaped buttons look in copper on the Shadow Black version. The contrast works really well, and they pair beautifully with the matching metal accent keycap that comes with keyboard. It creates a more bolder and visually interesting look.
So personally, I still lean a bit more toward the black version when it comes to the Pro model. But of course, that really comes down to personal taste.
Typing Sound And Feel
In terms of typing sound, all the boards are quite similar. Overall, I’d describe it as a “creamy” sound profile, but there are still subtle differences I can’t miss. However, keep in mind, this is a direct comparison. And if I didn’t have all three keyboards in front of me at the same time for comparison, I would probably describe the sound of each of them just as creamy, since they all have a dominant creamy signature, but with some differences in tonality.
The MQ80 has a soft, marble‑like, creamy tone. It sounds deep and rich, with a clean and well‑defined character. The softness keeps it pleasant and not overly loud while the clarity ensures the sound remains distinct. This balance of gentleness and purity makes the MQ80’s sound profile very refined and premium.
The Magi75 sounds a little quieter, and its creamy tone comes across as more muted. I’d describe it as a thocky‑creamy profile – softer and more muffled compared to the MQ80’s cleaner tone. This gives the Magi75 a warmer, more cushioned character, which some might find especially pleasant for long typing sessions.
The Magi65 has a sound profile similar to the MQ80, but it comes across as slightly higher‑pitched and just a bit louder. This gives it a crisper, more lightweight character compared to the creamy richness of the MQ80. While it still retains that creamy profile, the brighter tone makes the Magi65 stand out with a sharper edge in its sound signature.
That said, credit where it’s due – they all sound great, exactly what you’d expect from a premium board, but each in a slightly different way.
As for the typing feel, all of the keyboards use the Le‑Tray Mount, so the overall experience is quite similar across them. The keystrokes feel fast and smooth, with a softness that makes typing comfortable.
Sizes
If you’re wondering how much wider the MQ80 is compared to the non-Pro Magi75, the difference is actually very small – just 5 mm (2.5 mm on each side).
The case height (11 mm) and profile are essentially the same. However, the MQ80 measures about 2 mm higher overall, as I mentioned earlier, due to the plate sitting flush with the case, while on the Magi series boards it sits slightly below.
The multimedia module adds 39 mm (roughly 4 cm) to the overall length, bringing the 65% and 75% versions closer in size to a TKL keyboard. Even so, Pro versions still offer generous desk space for a mouse.
Battery
As for the battery, all models feature a 4000 mAh capacity, except for the Magi65 (both Pro and Non-Pro), which has a 3000 mAh battery.
Weight
Magi65 – 900g
Magi65 Pro – 1030g
Magi75 – 947g
Magi75 Pro – 1110g
Magi96 – 1144g
Magi96 Pro – 1296g
MQ80 – 1180g
As you can see, the MQ80 is 233 grams heavier than the non-Pro Magi75. And it’s still heavier than the Pro version. When I pick up both boards, this difference is very noticeable. So if you enjoy the solid weight of aluminum on your desk and that premium feel it brings, you will definitely like the MQ80. If you prefer something lighter, the Magi75 is your choice.
Prices
Magi65 – $120
Magi65 Pro – $140
Magi75 – $140
Magi75 Pro – $160
Magi96 – $160
Magi96 Pro – $180
MQ80 – $160
The non-Pro Magi75 costs $20 less than the MQ80. And at the same price as the MQ80, you can actually get the Magi75 Pro with an additional multimedia module.
If you’re considering a 75% layout keyboard and you don’t really need the multimedia module, you might be asking yourself whether it’s worth paying an extra $20 for the MQ80. From my experience, they offer very similar build quality and roughly the same typing experience. Yes, there are some differences in the accessory set, but those are more a matter of personal preference, I think.
The two main and most noticeable differences, in my opinion, are weight and design details. The MQ80 definitely feels heavier. If you associate weight with premium feel, you’ll probably enjoy the MQ80 more. It also has a removable accent piece and an LED indicator, which makes its overall look feel a bit more “premium”.
On the other hand, the Magi75 also has its own strengths. The metal keycaps included in the package are genuinely great, and if you prefer a more minimalistic look, you might actually prefer the Magi75 over the MQ80.
So you really can’t go wrong with any of these keyboards, but the final choice ultimately comes down to personal preference.
MQ80 vs Magi75 Rundown
Layouts: Magi75 is available in ANSI, ISO-UK, and ISO-DE layouts, while MQ80 comes only in ANSI layout. Additionally, the Magi75 is available in both Pro and non-Pro versions.
Accessories: Both keyboards come with a braided cable, but Magi75 includes a coiled one, while MQ80 comes with a straight cable. Magi75 also ships with three extra novelty keycaps and two additional metal keycaps, whereas MQ80 includes a dust cover and a cleaning brush.
Typing sound: Both keyboards have a generally “creamy” sound signature. However, the Magi75 leans toward a more muted tone, while the MQ80 sounds more pronounced.
Available colors: Both keyboards are available in black. Magi75 also comes in a cream white option (case and keycaps in cream white), while MQ80 is available in Moonlight Silver (silver case, paper-white keycaps).
Keycap style: Magi75 features copperish accents done in an industrial style, while MQ80 uses gray and red accents with a futuristic sci-fi aesthetic.
Bottom design: Both keyboards feature different decorative patterns on the bottom.
Plate position: On the Magi75, the plate sits slightly below the case level, while MQ80 has the plate sitting flush with the case.
Height: Both keyboards share the same case height and profile. However, the MQ80 overall is about 2 mm higher than the Magi75 due to the different plate positioning.
Width: The MQ80 is overall about 5 mm wider. The extra width is used for broader side bezels, which house an LED indicator and a removable accent piece.
Weight: Magi75 weighs 947g (1110g for the Pro version), while MQ80 weighs 1180g.
Price: Magi75 is $140 ($160 for the Pro version), while MQ80 is $160.
Recommendations
I tried to give you as much information as possible about the differences between the models so you can make your own choice based on it. But I’ll also leave a few more recommendations to make things a bit easier.
- If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, the Magi65 non-Pro is the obvious pick. It gives you an affordable entry point into the lineup without compromising on typing experience.
- If you want a universal “daily driver”, the Magi75 or MQ80 are probably the best all-arounders in the line-up, thanks to the 75% form factor.
- And if you’re after a more unique, eye-catching design that immediately stands out on the desk, the Pro versions of the Magi series are the ones that lean most into that visual impact.
- If portability and compactness matter most, especially if you often take your keyboard with you or work from different places, the Magi65 or Magi75 non-Pro models make more sense. They stay relatively lightweight and easy to carry, while still feeling good to type on.
- If you enjoy that dense, premium aluminum feel, the MQ80 and the Pro versions of the Magi series are where things start to feel more substantial and “serious” on the desk.
- If your desk space is limited, the Magi65 or Magi75 non-Pro versions are the most practical choice, keeping things compact without losing usability.
- If you have an all-white setup, the MQ80 in white was basically made for you.
- If you specifically need ISO-UK or ISO-DE layouts, the Magi75 and Magi96 are the right choices. They cover those regional layouts properly within the lineup.
- If you’re someone who relies on a numpad for work or just prefer a full layout, the Magi96 is clearly built with you in mind.
Controller and mechanical keyboard enthusiast. Tech reviewer, regularly sharing thoughts about gadgets and computer peripherals.
