{"id":873513,"date":"2026-08-27T16:26:24","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T16:26:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/873513\/"},"modified":"2026-08-27T16:26:24","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T16:26:24","slug":"mchose-k99-v2-review-a-joy-to-type-on-but-not-faultless","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/873513\/","title":{"rendered":"MCHOSE K99 V2 review: A joy to type on but not faultless"},"content":{"rendered":"

The best mechanical keyboards<\/a> can make typing all day long feel like a walk in the park, and that\u2019s exactly what the MCHOSE K99 V2 does. Fitted with responsive linear switches, the K99 V2 is a delight to type on \u2014 and its creamy-thocky sound profile is a joy to listen to. The keyboard sports a colorful design, and its proprietary software makes customization a walk in the park. Oh, and it\u2019s got 1,000Hz polling for casual gaming.<\/p>\n

But the K99 V2 isn\u2019t perfect, and I really wish it was. There\u2019s some flex in its body, and there isn\u2019t much variety when it comes to stock switches. My biggest issue, though, is its web-based software which simply refuses to work on macOS.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Should you still buy this keyboard? Read my full MCHOSE K99 V2 review to find out.<\/p>\n

Latest Videos FromTom’s Guide<\/p>\n

MCHOSE K99 V2 review: Specs<\/p>\n

Swipe to scroll horizontally<\/p>\n

Price<\/p>\n

$99<\/a> \/ \u00a378<\/a><\/p>\n

Switches<\/p>\n

Hyacinth or Icy Creamsicle (linear) mechanical<\/p>\n

Keycaps<\/p>\n

Double-shot PBT<\/p>\n

Construction<\/p>\n

ABS plastic<\/p>\n

Mount<\/p>\n

Gasket<\/p>\n

Layout<\/p>\n

98%, 99 keys<\/p>\n

Operating system<\/p>\n

macOS, Windows<\/p>\n

Backlighting<\/p>\n

Per-key RGB<\/p>\n

Polling rate<\/p>\n

1,000Hz<\/p>\n

Paired devices max<\/p>\n

3<\/p>\n

Connectivity<\/p>\n

Bluetooth, 2.4GHz dongle, wired<\/p>\n

Battery<\/p>\n

6,000mAh<\/p>\n

Measurements<\/p>\n

15.71 x 5.91 x 1.85 inches<\/p>\n

Weight<\/p>\n

3.73lbs<\/p>\n

Colors<\/p>\n

Navy Blue, Emerald Green, Glacier Gradient, Sky Blue, Horizon Orange, Mountains Gradient<\/p>\n

MCHOSE K99 V2 review: Cheat sheetWhat is it? A near-full-size mechanical keyboard with linear switchesWho is it for? Hardcore typists and casual gamersHow much does it cost? The MCHOSE K99 V2 is available for $99<\/a> \/ \u00a378<\/a>What do we like? The colorful design, excellent typing experience and sound, 1KHz polling for gaming, and user-friendly companion softwareWhat don\u2019t we like? The limited stock switch choice, flexible body, and finicky web-based softwareMCHOSE K99 V2 review: The ups<\/p>\n

The MCHOSE K99 V2 sports a lovely, colorful design, and it\u2019s a joy to type on. Its proprietary software is extremely user-friendly, too.<\/p>\n

Lovely design<\/p>\n

\n

\"A\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

MCHOSE knows how to make a good-looking keyboard, like the X75 V2<\/a> ($89), but it\u2019s also no stranger to making boring ones \u2014 case in point, the GX87<\/a> ($109). Thankfully, the K99 V2 falls into the former category, as it\u2019s a lovely deck. It\u2019s available in a bunch of colors, such as Navy Blue, Emerald Green, Glacier Gradient, etc. The model I tested features a combination of blue, orange, white and steel keycaps, and I think it looks gorgeous.<\/p>\n

Adding to the K99 V2\u2019s charm is its per-key RGB lighting which is customizable via either web-based or downloadable software (more on that shortly). There\u2019s also an anodized mirror plate on the keyboard\u2019s underside with RGB lighting running around it, which, according to MCHOSE, makes the K99 V2 look stylish. The keyboard\u2019s design is practical too, with a slot located along the top to store the 2.4GHz dongle.<\/p>\n

\n

\"A\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

Similar to the GX87, the K99 V2\u2019s box has the words \u201cYOUNG\u2019S CHOICE\u201d (yes, in all caps) inscribed on it. Reading that left me stumped but thankfully, Pete, our senior reviews editor, had already asked MCHOSE what this means, to which the brand clarified: \u2018youthful design.\u2019 And I suppose the K99 V2\u2019s design looks like it would appeal to\u2026 Gen Z, perhaps? It\u2019s more colorful than the GX87, at least.<\/p>\n

Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.<\/p>\n

Beautiful for typing<\/p>\n

\n

\"A\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve tested my fair share of keyboards \u2014 somewhere around the 100 mark, at the time of writing \u2014 so I can confidently say that the MCHOSE K99 V2 offers a seriously beautiful typing experience. The K99 V2 comes fitted with pre-lubed Icy Creamsicle switches which I\u2019ve tested before with the X75 V2.<\/p>\n

These linear switches require a moderate 42g of force to activate, and they have a pre-travel distance of 1.3mm (3.5mm total). This means that you don\u2019t need to press them all the way down to register a command, resulting in fast type speeds. The Icy Creamsicles are ever-so-slightly heavier than the 38g Wisterias in my trusty Epomaker Glyph<\/a> ($139) but the difference is hardly noticeable in real-world use.<\/p>\n

\n

\"A\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

The K99 V2 features a gasket-mount design which ensures structural integrity while reducing vibrations and unwanted metallic pings. It also makes typing feel super comfortable \u2014 and even after a full day\u2019s worth of typing on the K99 V2, my fingers didn\u2019t feel tired at all. Combined with six layers of sound-dampening foam and the switches, the K99 V2 makes a lovely, creamy-thocky sound.<\/p>\n

Lastly, the K99 V2 is fitted with double-shot PBT keycaps which are more durable and resistant to wear-and-tear than their ABS counterparts. One thing worth noting, though, is that the keycap profile differs depending on the keyboard color you get. The Navy Blue, Sky Blue and Horizon Orange models have MDA-profile keycaps, while the Mountains Gradient has Cherry-profile ones. MDA keycaps feature a taller, semi-sculpted rake (generally more comfortable) while Cherry ones are more low-profile (usually better for touch-typing). A lot of this comes down to preference, though \u2014 you can always swap out keycaps later on.<\/p>\n

Swipe to scroll horizontally<\/p>\n

I put the K99 V2 through its paces by taking a typing test at 10fastfingers.com<\/a> as soon as I unboxed the keyboard. Right off the bat, I achieved a speed of 98 words per minute with 91% accuracy. I\u2019m happy any time I get over 90WPM, so I\u2019m very pleased with the K99 V2\u2019s performance. This is a fantastic keyboard for hardcore typists.<\/p>\n

1,000Hz polling for gaming, too<\/p>\n

\n

\"A\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

Though it isn\u2019t mentioned on the MCHOSE K99 V2\u2019s product page or box, it actually has a 1,000Hz polling rate (according to its companion software) which is more than sufficient for casual gamers. MCHOSE has since come out with the K99 V3 ($109) <\/a>which features 8,000Hz polling over wired and 2.4GHz wireless connections. But like I\u2019ve said in prior reviews, 8KHz polling is overkill for 99% of gamers, and it\u2019s a drain on system resources. The K99 V2\u2019s 1KHz polling should be just fine for you.<\/p>\n

\n

\"A\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

When I played Cyberpunk 2077<\/a> and Forza Horizon 5<\/a>, I didn\u2019t notice any input lag or latency issues. I found the switches extremely responsive, and I appreciated the short pre-travel distance as it meant I could simply tap a key to execute an action. The K99 V2 also features N-key rollover which ensures that each keypress is scanned and correctly detected by the keyboard\u2019s hardware, so you can hold down several keys and rest assured that your inputs will be registered. For instance, in Forza Horizon 5, I held down W to maintain full throttle and A to steer hard into a corner, and I was able to tap the spacebar for the emergency brake too.<\/p>\n

Of course, if you still want a mechanical keyboard with 8KHz polling, you can\u2019t go wrong with the Keychron V1 Ultra 8K<\/a> ($114). And if you\u2019re a serious or competitive gamer, it\u2019s worth checking out Hall Effect keyboards like the Epomaker HE75 Mag<\/a> ($99).<\/p>\n

User-friendly companion software<\/p>\n

Image 1 of 4<\/p>\n

\"MCHOSE<\/p>\n

(Image credit: MCHOSE \/ Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

\"MCHOSE<\/p>\n

(Image credit: MCHOSE \/ Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

\"MCHOSE<\/p>\n

(Image credit: MCHOSE \/ Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

\"MCHOSE<\/p>\n

(Image credit: MCHOSE \/ Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

The MCHOSE K99 V2 is accompanied by M HUB Driver<\/a>, a user-friendly app that enables you to customize every aspect of the keyboard. It\u2019s available for free on Windows 10 and above, but annoyingly, it isn\u2019t compatible with macOS (even though the K99 V2 itself is).<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve downloaded and installed M HUB Driver on a Windows machine, all you need to do is plug in the K99 V2 or connect it over 2.4GHz to customize it. The software sports a clean interface and is extremely straightforward to use. There are no annoying, intrusive pop-ups or ads \u2014 like the ones you get on Asus Armoury Crate when customizing the Asus TUF Gaming K3 Gen II <\/a>($99) \u2014 which is great. It enables you to customize the K99 V2\u2019s RGB lighting and effects, remap its keys, record macros, and choose between three polling rates (250, 500 and 1,000Hz).<\/p>\n

Competitively priced<\/p>\n

\n

\"A\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

The MCHOSE K99 V2 offers a beautiful typing experience and boasts decent gaming performance, too, without breaking the bank. In the U.S., you can buy the keyboard directly from MCHOSE for $99<\/a>, and in the U.K., it\u2019s available for \u00a378 at Amazon<\/a>. It\u2019s available at Amazon U.S., yes, but it costs a whopping $199<\/a> \u2014 holy markup, Batman!<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve tested some excellent keyboards in the sub-$100 price range, like the Royal Kludge S98<\/a> ($99), the Epomaker Cypher96<\/a> ($89), and the five-star NuPhy Node75<\/a> ($99). Is the K99 V2 better than all of them? Not necessarily, but if you want a mechanical keyboard for typing on all day long, you can\u2019t go wrong with it.<\/p>\n

MCHOSE K99 V2 review: The downs<\/p>\n

Though the MCHOSE K99 V2 is great, it isn\u2019t without its flaws. There\u2019s some flex in its body, there are no tactile stock switches, and the web-based software is finicky on macOS.<\/p>\n

Some flex in the body<\/p>\n

\n

\"A\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

Now, this is a common issue I\u2019ve encountered when testing budget-friendly, plastic keyboards \u2014 that doesn\u2019t necessarily make it okay, though. The MCHOSE K99 V2 has a fair bit of flex in its body, and it twists when you hold it by its sides. I\u2019ve seen this on the Epomaker Cypher96, the MCHOSE x Unbox Therapy UT98<\/a> ($139) and the Epomaker EK68<\/a> ($89).<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not the end of the world, but if it\u2019s a dealbreaker for you, the Royal Kludge S98 and the Keychron K10 V2<\/a> ($84) are solid alternatives.<\/p>\n

Linear stock switches only<\/p>\n

\n

\"A\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

One of my biggest gripes with the MCHOSE K99 V2 is the limited stock switch choice. At checkout, you can buy either the Hyacinth or the Icy Creamsicle linears. This could be a little disheartening for fans of tactile, clicky or silent switches. The K99 V2 is hot-swappable and compatible with 3- and 5-pin south-facing switches, but you\u2019ll need to buy them separately.<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t want to purchase them separately and want more variety at checkout, I\u2019d recommend the Keychron V1 Ultra 8K, the Royal Kludge S98 or the Royal Kludge L75<\/a> ($79).<\/p>\n

Issues with web-based software on macOS<\/p>\n

\n

\"MCHOSE
\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: MCHOSE \/ Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

As I mentioned earlier, the MCHOSE K99 V2\u2019s proprietary, downloadable software is extremely user-friendly \u2014 but what do you do if you\u2019re a macOS user? You use the M HUB Web <\/a>web-based software, of course\u2026 if it works, that is. Unfortunately, I couldn\u2019t get the website to work.<\/p>\n

For some reason, the website noted that the K99 V2 had been disabled, and regardless of what I tried, it wouldn\u2019t work. I tried launching M HUB Web in Google Chrome and Safari on my MacBook Air M2<\/a>. No luck. I then tried it on my personal MacBook Pro M1<\/a>. Still no luck. I even flashed the K99 V2\u2019s firmware using the proprietary software on the Alienware 16X Aurora<\/a> but no joy.<\/p>\n

\n

\"MCHOSE
\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: MCHOSE \/ Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

However, the website worked just fine on the Alienware 16X Aurora. Personally, I\u2019ve never encountered such an issue before. For instance, Keychron Launcher, VIA, and NuPhy IO seem to work fine across operating systems, so this is quite disappointing.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve reached out to a MCHOSE representative to see if there\u2019s a solution to my problems, and I\u2019ll update the review if\/when I hear back. If this is a persistent issue, it\u2019s problematic for macOS users with no access to a Windows machine, as they won\u2019t be able to fully customize the K99 V2. You can make some changes via key combinations, though, as per the keyboard\u2019s manual<\/a>.<\/p>\n

MCHOSE K99 V2 review: Verdict<\/p>\n

\n

\"A\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)<\/p>\n

If you want a mechanical keyboard for typing all day long, the MCHOSE K99 V2 warrants a recommendation. Its stock linear switches are a joy to type on, and they don\u2019t feel fatiguing either. The keyboard packs a 1,000Hz polling rate for casual gaming, too, and its proprietary software makes customization a breeze.<\/p>\n

On top of that, the K99 V2 sounds beautiful with a creamy-thocky sound profile, and it sports a lovely, colorful design. But it\u2019s far from perfect. There\u2019s some flex in the body and you\u2019re confined to only two stock switch sets \u2014 both of them are linear, sadly. Web-based software sounds good on paper but in practice, I found it to be finicky on macOS.<\/p>\n

If none of those flaws sound like dealbreakers, then the K99 V2 could be yours for just under $100. At the end of the day, if you need a keyboard that\u2019s simply delightful to work on, the K99 V2 is a hoot.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

MCHOSE K99 V2: Price Comparison<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The best mechanical keyboards can make typing all day long feel like a walk in the park, and…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":873514,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[49,48,190,61],"class_list":["post-873513","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-mobile","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-mobile","tag-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/873513","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=873513"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/873513\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/873514"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=873513"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=873513"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=873513"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}