Epomaker Magcore 65 Lite: High performance in a compact body
Epomaker Magcore 65 Lite detailed review: 65% mechanical keyboard with unique touch switches, three-mode connectivity, and 8,000Hz polling rate for both work and gaming.
The Epomaker Magcore 65 Lite is a notable choice in the compact mechanical keyboard market, combining advanced touch switch technology, a convenient 65% design, and a wide range of connectivity. It is aimed at users who need a high-performance, deeply customizable device for both work and play, but still maintain a competitive price.
Optimized design for space and ergonomics
The Magcore 65 Lite features a 65% layout with 66 keys and a multi-function rotary knob, housed in a matte black ABS plastic case. This design retains important navigation keys while saving desk space. The front edge of the keyboard is beveled at a 45-degree angle, helping to reduce pressure on the wrists during long periods of use.
The underside is equipped with large rubber feet and a two-step kickstand, ensuring stability and allowing for tilt adjustment to suit the user's sitting position. The matte purple keycaps create a subtle highlight on the main black background.
Internal structure and finish quality
Despite its plastic body, the Magcore 65 Lite feels solid thanks to its Gasket-mounted construction. This design uses soft pads to suspend the PCB and plate assembly, reducing vibrations and creating a more consistent typing experience. Inside, Epomaker has included four layers of sound-deadening material, effectively eliminating unwanted hollow sounds.
The PCB supports hot-swap, allowing users to replace switches easily. However, it should be noted that this feature is only compatible with Epomaker's touch switches, not traditional 3/5-pin mechanical switches or magnetic switches.
The power of Epomaker Core touch switch
The highlight of the Magcore 65 Lite is the Epomaker Core touch switch technology. This system works similarly to Hall effect switches but uses metal sensors instead of magnets, providing high precision and superior customization. Users can adjust the key's actuation point from 0.1mm to 3.4mm with an accuracy of 0.01mm.
This technology opens up many features aimed at professional gamers:
- Dynamic Keystroke (DKS):Allows assigning multiple commands to a single keystroke at different depths.
- Multi-trigger customization:Support for setting up complex macros.
- Response speed:In wired mode, the keyboard achieves an 8,000Hz polling rate and a latency of just 0.125ms, ensuring near-instant response. In 2.4GHz wireless mode, this rate is 1,000Hz.
Typing experience and sound
Typing on the Magcore 65 Lite is smooth and consistent. The sound is clean and crisp, typical of a touch keyboard, often described as “clacky” rather than the deep “thock” of some mechanical switches. The stabilizers are pre-lubricated from the factory, which works well to eliminate rattle and ensure consistent key travel on long keys.
Versatile connectivity and battery life
The Magcore 65 Lite offers three connection modes: USB-C wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth. Users can easily switch between modes via a toggle switch on the back. A convenient design detail is the built-in slot for storing the USB dongle, reducing the risk of loss.
The keyboard is equipped with a dual battery system with a total capacity of 4000mAh (2 x 2000mAh), an impressive number for a 65% device. This provides long battery life in both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes.
PBT keycaps and multi-function knobs
The product comes with a set of double-shot PBT keycaps with a classic Cherry profile, providing high durability and a premium typing feel. The characters on the keycaps are sharp and easy to read, but they are not LED-backlit. The metal knob provides smooth tactile feedback, used to quickly adjust the volume or screen brightness.
Customize via web-based software
Epomaker offers a web-based driver that allows users to customize the keyboard without installing software. Through the browser, users can adjust the actuation point, create macros, set up RGB lighting effects, and reassign functions to individual keys. While convenient, some users may wish for an offline application for configuration.
Overview
The Epomaker Magcore 65 Lite is a successful product that integrates advanced touch switch technology, three-mode connectivity, and solid construction into a compact design at a reasonable price. With precise performance and flexible customization, it is an attractive option for both gamers and professionals looking for a modern and responsive 65% keyboard.
