Epomaker Magcore 87 Review

This is the first keyboard with inductive switches that I’ve ever tested. It’s Epomaker Magcore 87 with Kailh Box Inductive switches that costs around $159, so it’s not a budget keyboard, but the new tech is quite interesting. The switches are also surprisingly stable and extremely smooth (!) and the software is decent, but unfortunately Windows-only.

Starting with the switches, the Magcore 87 uses Kailh Box Inductive technology, which relies on eddy current sensing instead of physical electrical contact. This allows for extremely high precision and durability, with rated lifespans exceeding 100 million keystrokes. The travel distance is 3.5 mm with a clearly defined yet soft actuation point. Typing feels super smooth and responsive, with a lightly weighted linear feel and minimal wobble compared to traditional Hall effect or TMR switches. The switches support adjustable actuation, letting you fine-tune activation anywhere from 0.1 mm to the full 3.5 mm, which is especially useful for gaming or analog-style input. For gamers, the keyboard also offers a Fast Trigger Mode to reduce input latency to a minimum.

I’m really a fan of the smoothness of these switches, they felt even better than regular magnetic switches like Gateron Jade Pro or Lekker TIkken from Wooting. And they sound really good too. Here’s a sound test below.

The Magcore 87 is ofcourse hot-swappable, but only with compatible inductive switches. This limits customization compared to standard mechanical keyboards, as Hall effect (like Gateron magnetic or Outemu magnetic) or traditional switches cannot be used. On the other hand, the housing and stabilizers are exceptionally solid. The keyboard has a machined aluminum top plate, FR4 plate with foam, and weighs over 1.7 kg, giving it quite premium feel and excellent desk stability.

Keycaps include standard black PBT doubleshots with four translucent keys (Escape, Enter, Backspace, Space) for better RGB diffusion. The printing is mostly consistent. Backlighting is bright and clear with both conservative and flashy looks available depending on your keycap choice. The TKL layout saves desk space while retaining all essential keys, and the minimalist design combined with its weight makes it visually impressive and professional. And it’s nice it’s not another 75% keyboard.

Software support is pretty decent for the Magcore 87. The dedicated Epomaker app is intuitive, lightweight and in English – a step above the usual Chinese-centric apps seen in many magnetic switch boards. It allows full RGB control, macro creation, key rebinding, and actuation depth adjustment. The keyboard is Windows-only for the official software, but VIA provides a cross-platform alternative for real-time customization, supporting up to four layers with customizable functions and effects.

There’s all the regular gaming features that you can find in Hall effect keyboards such as:

• DKS – Single button for 4 functions. Bind 1 to 4 functions according to 4 different pressing levels.
• MPT – A single button can trigger 3 different keys at 3 different depths.
• MT – Pressing and holding plus clicking on the button performs different functions.
• TGL – Clicking the button turns on continuous triggering. Holding down the button is normal.
• END – A single key can send another key on release.
• SOCD – Bind 2 keys. The later pressed key will force the release of the previous key.

Performance-wise, inductive switches offer theoretical advantages over Hall effect switches, such as higher resolution sensing (0.01 mm per step) and better environmental resistance. In practice, though, the difference is subtle. The Magcore 87 is extremely stable and smooth, comparable to high-end Wooting or Hall effect boards, but whether it represents a significant gaming performance leap is debatable – I think it might be just a tiny bit better.

The main drawbacks are the high price and limited switch compatibility. The keyboard is excellent in build quality, software (for Windows!), and switch technology, but it comes at a premium and requires buying the correct switch type if replacements are ever needed.

Overall, the Epomaker Magcore 87 is a solid, innovative TKL keyboard that demonstrates the potential of inductive switches. It’s particularly appealing for enthusiasts looking for extreme stability, adjustable analog actuation and buttery smooth switches with better sound profile than regular HE keyboards.