This article contains reference to products provided by Epomaker for review. The links are not monetized and we do not earn any commission or fees.
For years now, keyboard brands have been popping up to compete with the big brands and they are doing a lot of things differently. From using heavy duty aluminum to creating a new market around mechanical switches. I’ve had the privilege to review dozens of keyboards from these brands, and if not for physical discomfort with using non-ergonomic layouts, I would probably be a keyboard junky. For what I am able to do, such as appreciate a quality build and typing experience, below you’ll find several videos where I showcase five keyboards from Epomaker. In each case, they are built with premium materials such as aluminum or carbon, yet priced roughly in the middle of the market.
The most notable competitors to Epomaker in the premium, mechanical keyboard market, are Keychron, Razer, and Akko. Razer, being the most expensive of the bunch. And instead of using open-source VIA/QMK for customizing the keys and onboard controls, Razer uses their own proprietary software, called Synapse. While Synapse is now pretty good, it went through years of challenges with performance and stability. Also, Razer’s prices are tremendously higher. Recently, I reviewed the Blackwiddow 75 V4 Pro, which is awesome, and it retails for $299.99.
Having used each of the following keyboards for the past few months, I can stand behind their quality, durability, and value, during this time. Below, you will find an overview of the keyboards I’ve tested, and a video of each one.
Epomaker TH85
The Epomaker TH85 is a versatile 75% mechanical keyboard that strikes a balance between compactness and functionality, making it ideal for both gaming and productivity. It features an 84-key layout, retaining essential keys like the function row and arrow keys while saving desk space. The keyboard is equipped with pre-lubed Creamy Jade linear switches, offering a smooth typing experience with a 45g actuation force and a 50g bottom-out force. Its gasket-mounted design, combined with five layers of sound-dampening materials—including Poron foam and silicone pads—ensures a quiet and comfortable typing experience. The double-shot PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile add to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Connectivity is a strong suit for the TH85, offering tri-mode options: USB-C wired, Bluetooth 5.0, and 2.4GHz wireless, with a built-in storage slot for the wireless dongle. The keyboard boasts a 4,000mAh battery, providing extended usage, and supports QMK/VIA firmware for extensive customization, including key remapping and macro programming. Its south-facing per-key RGB lighting, along with a dynamic RGB light strip outlining the top frame, enhances its visual appeal. It’s available for just $79.99.
Epomaker carbon60
The Epomaker Carbon60 is a compact 60% mechanical keyboard that combines premium materials with versatile features, making it suitable for both gaming and productivity. Its also travel friendly, weighing only 500g and measuring 197mm x 102.3mm x 26.7mm.
The Carbon60 is available with two types of Gateron Low-Profile 2.0 switches:
- Gateron Red (Linear):
- Operating Force: 50±15gf
- Bottom-Out Force: 60±5gf
- Pre-Travel: 1.7±0.4mm
- Total Travel: 3.2±0.2mm
- Characteristics: Smooth keystrokes without tactile feedback, suitable for fast typing and gaming.
- Gateron Brown (Tactile):
- Operating Force: 55±15gf
- Bottom-Out Force: 60±5gf
- Pre-Travel: 1.7±0.4mm
- Total Travel: 3.2±0.2mm
- Characteristics: Provides a tactile bump without an audible click, offering feedback for typists who prefer a more responsive feel.
The Carbon60 is available for $129.99.
Additional Features
- Connectivity: Supports tri-mode connectivity—USB Type-C wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth 5.0—allowing seamless switching between devices.
- Battery: Equipped with a 3,000mAh battery, offering up to 23.6 hours of use with backlighting on and up to 176.4 hours with backlighting off.
- Customization: Fully compatible with QMK/VIA software, enabling users to remap keys, program macros, and customize RGB lighting to their preferences.
- RGB Lighting: Features south-facing per-key RGB lighting, enhancing the keyboard’s visual appeal without interfering with keycap profiles.
Epomaker TH99
The TH99 features a 96% layout with a full number pad and arrow keys, as well as a dedicated function row. The keycaps are durable and made of double-shot PBT. The switches are pre-lubed creamy jade linear switches, by Epomaker, with the same 45±5gf as the TH85. The case is made of a durable ABS plastic and uses a gasket-mounted design with the same 5 layers of sound-dampening as the TH85.
The TH99 is available for $82.99.
Additional Features
- RGB Lighting: Features south-facing, per-key RGB lighting with customizable effects.
- Polling Rate & Latency:
- USB & 2.4GHz: 1000Hz polling rate with 2ms latency.
- Bluetooth: 125Hz polling rate with 11ms latency.
- Hot-Swappable: Compatible with 3/5-pin mechanical switches, allowing for easy customization.
- Compatibility: Works with Mac, Windows, and Android systems.
Epomaker Hack 59
The Hack 59 is a compact 60% mechanical keyboard tailored for enthusiasts seeking a minimalist yet highly customizable typing experience. Featuring a 59-key layout inspired by the HHKB (Happy Hacking Keyboard) design, it omits the function row and dedicated arrow keys, relying on programmable layers for full functionality. This layout is particularly favored by programmers and users who prefer a streamlined setup.
Constructed with a durable ABS plastic case and a PC plastic plate, the Hack 59 employs a gasket-mounted structure complemented by five layers of sound-dampening materials, including Poron foam and silicone pads. This design minimizes typing noise and vibrations, delivering a comfortable and quiet typing experience. The keyboard supports full-key hot-swappability with compatibility for 3/5-pin mechanical switches, allowing users to easily customize their switch preferences. It comes equipped with Epomaker’s Wisteria V1 linear switches, featuring a 45±3gf actuation force and a 62±5gf bottom-out force.
For connectivity, the Hack 59 offers tri-mode options: USB-C wired, Bluetooth 5.0, and 2.4GHz wireless, facilitating seamless switching between devices. Its 3000mAh battery ensures extended usage, with performance varying based on backlight settings. The keyboard features south-facing per-key RGB lighting, customizable via onboard controls or QMK/VIA software, which also allows for extensive key remapping and macro programming. Measuring 302.7 x 118.5 x 40 mm and weighing approximately 0.63 kg, the Hack 59 is both portable and sturdy.
The Hack59 is available for $69.99.