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Tech Reviews

Why the Epomaker Tide49 Keyboard Could Be Right for You

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Disclaimer

Epomaker sent me the Tide49 form factor keyboard to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure to check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker HE65 Mag, TH85, and HE68 if you’re looking for a new keyboard.

What’s in the box?

  • Epomaker Tide49
  • 2 Extra Switches
  • Key/Switch Puller Tool
  • USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • Plastic Dust Cover
  • User Manual

Features

The Tide49 is a lightweight 40% keyboard for those users who want an elegant form factor solution for their typing needs. If you are looking for a cool looking solution, the Tide49’s clean design and subtle RGB is going to look great on an desk. The Tide49 uses Epomaker Zebra switches for a comfortable satisfying experience, but everything on this keyboard is hot bswapable for the ultimate customizable experience. Users can enjoy a low latency wireless through its included 2.4 Ghz dongle or Bluetooth 5 support. With a 3000 mAh, users can enjoy up to 10 hours of use (110 with the backlight off).

Sound Test

Review

There is no denying that the Tide49 is a very cool looking form factor solution for those who need it. I am a huge fan of the design and aesthetic, but it feels a bit too niche for my taste. First off, the keyboard is too small for my frame. It never got uncomfortable, the lack of a number row became an issue. There are preprogrammed shortcuts that work well enough as a solution, but trying to do an exclimation point or a question mark is a needless hassle. This isn’t a good typing laptop, at least not for my workflow. That said, the tide49 does have its use.

The keyboard seems to be meant as a macropad. The Tide49 is KIA compatible, and there are clear, easy to follow instructions in the user manual. All 49 keys can be remapped or programmed with macros for a good amount of utility. I don’t have that many macros, but I can see it being handy if I every get serious about video or photo editing.

Despite my issues with the size, the Tide49 offers a satisfying typing sound, and some solid comfort. That said, my wireless dongle did not work and only being able to rely on a single Bluetooth connection and wired connection wasn’t ideal for my workflow. I am constantly switching between devices throughout the day and ideally need a keyboard that can connect wirelessly with at least three of my devices.

Honestly, you are buying the Tide49 for its aesthetic and clean design, and a bit of its comfort. The keyboard is a nice size and easy to program, but you can buy a cheaper VIA compatible keyboard with more keys and gain more utility. If you’re a writer, the size may take a bit to get used to depending on your hand size, but I never felt like it became unusable nor did it trigger a bad episode of my repetitive stress injury. You can get away without the use of the numbers, but the extra work it takes to use some of the punctuation make this keyboard bad for writing. This keyboard is useless for gaming. Its a cool looking keyboard, but not good for my workflow.

You can pick up the Epomaker Tide 49 on the official site.

Tech Reviews

Cypher 81 Mechanical Keyboard Review: Comfort and Style

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Disclaimer

Epomaker sent me the Cypher 81 mechanical keyboard to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure you check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker HE65 or TH85.

What’s in the box?

  • Cypher 81 Mechanical Keyboard
  • USB-C to USB-A Charging Cable
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • 3 Extra Switches
  • Plastic Dust Cover
  • User Guide

Features

The Cypher 81 is a 75% keyboard with a fun purple, blue, and white color scheme, and small TFT screen for live updates and customization. The South-facing RGB backlight is optional, but it provides the keyboard its soft elegant flare. There is also also third-party software for added customization.

This cute form factor keyboard promises as quiet high quality typing experience through its wireless and wired connections. The keyboard supports 2.4Ghz wire connections with the included dongle, and Bluetooth 5.0. Its impressive 4000 mAh battery gives users less wires to juggle while they work or play their games.

Most importantly, the Cypher 81 won’t sacrifice comfort for design. With its ideal and adjustable typing angle as well as the key placement, users can enjoy a mechanical keyboard that looks good, performs well, and won’t cause fatigue.

Sound Test

Review

The Cypeher 81 is one of the most comfortable keyboards I’ve tried. The height, after a few adjustments was perfect. I need special ergonomics for my repetitive stress that never triggered it. The color and design is great. I love the color scheme, and the RGB creates enough flare to make the whole thing pop against any setup. The small monitor is fun, but I never really used it. It’s nice to to have for things like battery power, but not the reason to get this keyboard.

The reason to get this keyboard is for fantastic typing experience. The sound was loud enough to create that melody we all crave without being obnoxious, and it performs well for just about any task. I was able to complete my long hours of work with very little pain, if any, and it was good enough for my casual levels of gaming. If you’re looking for new keyboard with a fun and cute aesthetic, the Cypher 81 is what you’re looking for. It is a well constructed machine with a satisfying sound and solid performance at a great price point.

You can pick up the Cypher 81 for $89.99 on the official Epomaker website, or $99.99 on Amazon using my affiliate link.

Tech Reviews

Is the Mechlands M75 the Best Budget Keyboard for Gamers?

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Disclaimer

Mechlands sent me the M75 hall effect magnetic gaming keyboard to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review.

What’s in the box?

  • Mechlands M75
  • USB-C to USB-A Braided Cable
  • 2 Extra Switches
  • Insert Keycap
  • Plastic Dustcover
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • User Manual

Features

The Mechlands M75 is a 75% hall effect magnetic keyboard designed for the gamer who craves high performing peripherals at affordable prices. This stylish keyboard comes in a green/grey scheme reminiscent of classic xbox. The default typing angle guarantees a comfort for most users, but it is adjustable as needed for added comfort. The M75 features the hall effect magnetic cherry profile switches for a fantastic sound and a great feel. Everything on this keyboard can be swapped easy repair and customization.

This keyboard is more than just a pretty piece of hardware. The M75 is a wired keyboard that boasts only 0.128 latency and 8K polling rate. That means it can keep up with the most competitive level of gameplay when needed. The keyboard also has some added advanced features like programable DKS, MT, TGL, and SOCD (note some FPS ban these features).

Sound Test

Review

The M75 is a fantastic wired keyboard, and a strong contender for a best budget gaming keyboard. The keyboard sports a cool design with a fun color scheme. I like the color scheme, but it isn’t going to be for everyone. The extra wire clutter is also going to be an issue for some folks, but the performance it gets more than makes up for it. It may not match my current aesthetic, but I am very pleased with the performance. The switches have a very soothing sound, and they feel great to the touch. The keyboard layout may not be strictly ergonomic, but I had no issues with hand pain. This is one of the most comfortable keyboards I’ve tried, and I struggle heavily with my repetitive stress injury.

I didn’t notice any latency in gaming. I don’t play at a very competitive level, but it was able to handle all the games I threw at it with no issues. It was very good for Guild Wars 2 PVE content at least. I didn’t mess with any of the the advanced features because I don’t want to risk getting banned, but they are available if that is how you have fun. Overall, I am very happy with the Mechlands M75, and it is definitely going to be my main keyboard for a bit. It is comfortable, cool looking, and it does the job.

If you are looking for your own MechLands M75, pick it up on official MechLands website.