Keyboard maker McHose has launched its first full CNC aluminum, custom mechanical keyboard. The GX87 was launched on Indiegogo back in August with a starting price of just $89.
The GX87 is being touted as the world’s first mass-produced and full aluminum keyboard with quick disassembly and TKL layout. McHose thinks the GX87 is poised to drive a revolutionary shift in the pricing of the high-end mechanical keyboard market and I am inclined to agree.
The McHose GX87 certainly feels like a hefty piece of kit and weighs in at 2.8kg. Considering the competitive introductory pricing, the GX87 looks set to establish a new quality benchmark for custom mechanical keyboards when compared with competitive brands.
The GX87 has been designed following extensive feedback from McHose customers. One of the keyboard’s standout features is its quick-release top frame that unclips in seconds and enables the user to customize the look of the GX87 using different frames.
Unlike similar keyboards with removable top frames, the GX87 is constructed from aluminum and feels incredibly solid displaying zero flexing. There is plenty of Poron sound-absorbing and IXPE foam that makes the sound of the GX87 so satisfying.
The body of the keyboard is made from full CNC aluminum and finished with 150 and 180 mesh surfacing. The GX87 has hot-swappable switches and offers full support for QMK/VIA firmware that enables the keys to be individually remapped and macros applied to keys, making it an ideal keyboard for tech enthusiasts.
McHose sells three versions of the GX87—the Lite, Max and Ultra. Each model caters for a range of needs. The differences between the three versions mainly come down to the choice of switches, internal structures and the surface treatment. The price of each varies on the choices made, but there is no doubt that this sturdy keyboard starts at such a competitive price point, that it enables users to configure an ideal keyboard for a truly bespoke result that aligns best with their preferences.
For the money, the GX87 is packed with features. As well as being superbly made, the keyboard offers the choice of wired, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity. The quality of the construction reminds me of the Sonnet keyboard made by Mode Designs, which is probably one of the most solid keyboards I’ve ever used. However, the Sonnet doesn’t come cheap and the GX87 marks an amazing price breakthrough for a similar quality keyboard.
The TKL layout of the GX87 is ideal if you don’t want to take up too much desk space. You still have a full row of Fn and Media keys and the only thing missing is a numpad, which is fine for most people. When it comes to key action and lack of flex, the GX87 is one of the most solid and satisfying keyboards I’ve ever used.
The GX87’s keycaps are double-shot PBT with a classic Cherry profile and feel ultra high-quality. However, there are no macOS modifier keycaps provided but you can fit your own if you want to change the keycaps. The keyboard can be easily switched between Windows and macOS modes by pressing the Fn + A or S keys.
The built-in battery of the GX87 has a rating of 8000mAh which is probably the largest capacity battery I think I’ve seen in a mechanical keyboard so far. The amount of time a single charge provides will depend on the backlighting used and mode of connection but the duration is excellent.
Along with the hot-swappable switches, each of the GX87’s keys has an RGB backlight which can be adjusted for effects, colors, speeds and brightness. There is so much value in this keyboard considering the price.
Verdict: When McHose said the GX87 is poised to drive a revolutionary shift in the pricing of the high-end mechanical keyboard market, they weren’t kidding. For the money, this is an amazingly well-built keyboard that is incredibly solid and has superb typing action with excellent insulation and just about everything you could want from a mechanical keyboard. If you want to own a custom-built keyboard with an off-the-shelf price, then the McHose GX87 offers unbeatable value for money. Highly Recommended.
Price & Availability: The McHose GX87 is available from the McHose Store in Lite, Mac and Ultra specifications with prices starting at $89.
Tech Specs:
- Layout: 80% TKL.
- Number of keys: 88.
- Keyboard shell: 6063 Full CNC aluminum body.
- Surfacing: GX87 Lite: 150 Mesh / GX87 Max: 150 Mesh / GX87 Ultra: 180 Mesh.
- Switches: GX87 Lite/Max: HUANO Matcha Latte V2 Switch / GX87 Ultra: KTT Vintage White switch.
- Bottom nameplate: GX87 Lite: PVD Mirror Finishes / GX87 Max/Ultra: Stainless Steel Ice Crystal.
- Connectivity: Tri-mode (USB Type-C cable / 2.4GHz wireless / Bluetooth)
- Internal foam: Poron sound-absorbing foam + IXPE foam + PET film and Poron foam with anti-static PET.
- Plate: PC Flex-Cut.
- PCB: 1.2mm per-key flex-cut.
- RGB backlights: South facing.
- Battery capacity: 8000mAh.
- Weight: 2.8kg.
- Keycap profile: Cherry.
- Keycaps: PBT double-shot.
- Compatibility: Windows / macOS / Linux.
- Firmware: QMK/VIA.
- N-key rollover: Yes.
- Accessories: GX87 keyboard, user manual, USB Type-C cable, keycap/switch puller, 2 x spare switches, dust cover, 10 x silicone leaf springs (Ultra version only).
