This keyboard was provided by Epomaker for the purpose of this article and the embedded video.
This is the second Epomaker keyboard I’ve tested and, again, this one punches above its weight (price). At $69.99, the Hack 59 delivers a quality typing experience in a compact chassis. For my needs, it’s been a perfect companion to my Legion Go handheld. For my primary office use, I need a function row and number pad, which the Hack 59 does not include.
Build Quality
The Hack 59 is comprised of dense plastics with a retro color scheme. It’s now quite the classic Game Boy DMG color scheme, but it’s close enough that I’m reminded of it. The keys are large and aligned in a 60% configuration. You’re provided everything you need for gaming in terms of keys as well as fun lighting options. Typing is crisp and moderately springy. With good noise reduction such that your experience is focused on the actions and sounds from typing and not any unwelcome reverberation.
Using the Keyboard
At no point did I think this was a good fit for office work, so I didn’t try past initial setup. To access the function keys, you will need to hold the function key, but that has been replaced by what I consider to be an action icon, just to the right of the right shift key. Since I use the function row for work, I instead connected the Hack 59 to my Lenovo Legion Go PC handheld via Bluetooth and used it for a number of otherwise challenging tasks: searching for games in Steam, composing or replying to emails, and more. Connecting it was easy. I set the physical switch on the Hack 59 to Bluetooth mode, and then accessed the Bluetooth menu from my Legion Go and selected “Hack 59-1”.
While the Hack 59 is a small keyboard, it’s not foldable, thin or light. It’s not meant to be a heavy travel keyboard, in my opinion. My usage did not include travel whatsoever. I kept it on my desk, just below my Legion Go, and used it as noted above.
Technical Specifications
- Layout: 60% ANSI US Layout
- Number of Keys: 59 keys
- Battery: 3000mAh
- ConnectivityCable Wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0
- CompatibilityMac/WIN/Android
- Keyboard Dimensions: 349x349x341MM
- Keyboard Weight: 0.63kg
- Front Height: 28.2MM
- Back Height3: 9.4MM
- Typing Angle: About 6 degrees
- Case Material: ABS Plastic
- Plate Material: PC Plastic
- Flex-Cut: No
- Stabilizers: Plate-Mount Stabilizer. (Not compatible with Screw-in Stabilizer)
- Mounting Structure: Gasket-Mount
- PCB Thickness: 1.6mm
- 5 layers Sound Dampening: Poron Sandwich Foam, IXPE Switch Pad, Sound Enhancement Pad, Poron Switch Socket Pad, Bottom Silicone Pad
- Keycaps Profile: Cherry Profile
- Keycaps Material: PBT Plastic
- Keycaps Manufacturing technique: Dye-sublimation
- Hot swappable: Yes, 3/5-pin mechanical switchesRGB
- South-facing, per-key RGB
- Polling Rate: 1000Hz (USB, 2.4Ghz), 125Hz (Bluetooth 5.0)
- Latency: 3ms (USB), 5ms (2.4Ghz wireless), 15ms (Bluetooth 5.0)
Switch Specifications (source: Epomaker.com)
Who is this for?
While I used it for a gaming handheld, the Hack 59 is great for other uses as well. Such as for travel and a pure gaming PC build. The price tag of $69.99 is a good value too.