I’ve written many a time about my love of mechanical keyboards, but there’s often a sizeable drawback – their weight. While the likes of Keychron use sturdy, aluminum base chassis, these just aren’t easy to take on the go.
- The Escapist recaps
- Lite and breezy
- Size matters
- Ask The Escapist
- References
Thankfully, EPOMAKER has solved the issue. The company’s new EPOMAKER Magcore65 Lite allows for mechanical tactility with a svelte form factor that I’ve been carrying between machines for the last week or so – and even on the go.
The Escapist recaps
- There are other sleek mechanical keyboards, but the EPOMAKER Magcore65 Lite doesn’t compromise.
- It’s an $80 keyboard with 66 keys and a volume knob, although I wish the latter had a little more feedback.
- It connects via a 2.4Ghz dongle, USB-C, or Bluetooth connection. I tested all three while using it for work, as well as some PC gaming across genres.
Lite and breezy
As far as portable keyboards go, this one feels like it’s a prime candidate for a small carrying case because of its size. There’s nothing like that in the box, sadly, but you do get plenty for your $80.
The keyboard, swappable keys, and a key removal tool are all inside, as well as a USB-C cable. If you were expecting it to feel cheap, considering it weighs 750g, I’m pleased to say that you’d be wrong.
The keys feel nice and solid, with just the right amount of spring, and the chassis feels solid despite being made of plastic. It’s the kind of first impression you want when opening your first mechanical keyboard – style, substance, and the feeling that this thing can take something of a beating from long days spent typing.
If I had one complaint, it’s that the volume knob has subtle notches that offer feedback when turned, but I’d like those to be less subtle. Keychron pulls ahead in that regard, with a more pronounced feeling as you turn the knob on its keyboards.
Size matters
I’ve usually opted for TKL keyboards, and have found myself using smaller, esports-focused offerings sparingly. That’s partially because I use my gaming rigs for work and those boards tend to do away with anything that could be considered additive to the gaming experience, but also because I have pretty sizeable hands.
That means reaching across keyboards isn’t an issue, but it can cause frustrations if keys are too clustered together. Why am I telling you about my hand size in a keyboard review? Because I can honestly say that this 65% board is the most comfortable I’ve used at this scale.
I’ve been using it for writing (like this very review), playing Diablo 4, and Overwatch 2, and it’s kept up with no issues.
Latency is low enough for gaming, with 0.125ms when connected with a cable. Your mileage may vary using the included dongle, though, and the Bluetooth option. These can be switched between with a handy switch on the back.
USB users also get 8K polling, with 1K on the 2.4Ghz wireless option, and the EPOMAKER driver software is all web-based, so you can make changes with ease without even plugging it in.
Customizing the backlighting color and patterns takes literal seconds, with no software to install.
In summary, the EPOMAKER Magcore65 Lite may have just become my go-to keyboard for when my laptop’s built-in option just won’t cut it and I don’t want to lug a more sizeable board on my travels.
The fact that it offers the stripped-down size of a dedicated gaming keyboard without compromising on being more useful in a professional environment has me very excited to see what EPOMAKER makes next.
Ask The Escapist
The keyboard is currently available for $79.99 in a black colorway.
Beyond swappable keys, customizable lighting and bespoke EPOMAKER switches, the keyboard is remarkably comfortable for long periods.
If you like a clackety keyboard, you’re in for a treat – there’s a little more snap to it than you’d expect, but I found it easy to orient myself while typing thanks to the sound.
References
- EPOMAKER Magcore65 Lite (Epomaker)
Last Updated On: Feb 3, 2026 6:23 pm CET