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Tech Reviews

Epomaker X Aula F108 Review: Affordable Mechanical Keyboard

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Disclaimer

Mechlands sent me the EPOMAKER X AULA F108 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 also check out my latest reviews for the Blade 101 and M75 keyboards.

What’s in the box?

  • F108 Mechanical Keyboard
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • 4 Replacement Switches
  • 1 USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • 1 2.4 G Dongle

Features

The Epomaker x Aula F108 is a light weight stylish full-sized mechanical keyboard who wants a bit of style, a lot of performance, but doesn’t want to break the bank. The keyboard comes in three colors: White/Blue, Side Printed Gray, and White/Blue. I got mine in the Side-Printed Grey, but all options are extremely viable.

Black/Blue
Side-Printed Grey
White/Blue

This full sized keyboard features 108 anti-ghosting keys that delivery the accuracy you need it. The typing angle promotes comfort in your workflow while the promised low latency connections provide the performance. With an impressive 1000hz polling rate, the F108 promises to keep pace at the competative level. The 4000 mAH battery boasts up 200 hours of uninterrupted gaming, making it perfect for the folks who need to minimize that wire clutter. The Epomaker F108 is a beautiful keyboard with the performance to back it.

Sound Test

Review

The keyboard feels cheap out of the box. It is a very light weight keyboard with a worrying amount of flex. Visually however, the keyboard has enough elegance to make up for the feel. I love the gradient scheme, but the keys are swapable when needed. I like how soft the RGB looks and love how the text is on the front of the key rather than the usual top. It gives the keyboard a very unique modern aesthetic.

I was very impressed with how comfortable the typing experience is on the F108. The flex isn’t notable while typing, and the keys seems to have just enough weight to them to provide satisfying tactile feedback without any of the fatigue. Both the typing angle and the size of the keyboard were perfect for my frame. The F108 never triggered my repetitive stress injury which makes this keyboard an instant buy for me. To sweeten the deal, the F108 has such a satisfying typing sound, but it is a little loud if that matters.

Most importantly, the F108 has the performance I need for my workflow. There was no noticeable latency, and I was able to switch between devices quickly. I think I only charged the keyboard once during my keyboard and I was using it on average about 10 hours strait a day with the backlight on. Your millage will vary depending on your backlight setting, but I am impressed non-the less.

My only complaint is the amount of flex this keyboard has. I would not travel with the F108 because it will probably snap in half. I was scared to bend it too much with my testing because it felt like it was going to break. If you need a full sized keyboard and don’t need to take it out of the house, this is a solid budget option that loops cool and has the performance to take on most work flows.

You can pick up the the Epomaker x Aula F108 on the official Mechlands site.

Tech Reviews

Epomaker Tide Alice Review: Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard

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Disclaimer

Epomaker sent me the Tide Alice 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 also check out my latest reviews for the Luma 84 and the Tide 49.

What’s in the Box?

  • Tide Alice
  • USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • Mini Screw Driver
  • Allen Wrench
  • 2 Extra Key Switches
  • Plastic Dust Cover
  • User Manual

Features

Epomaker brings the Alice layout to a sleek, well manufactured, aluminum body. This 65% keyboard sports 66 hotswappable keys and a convenient knob for volume and media controls. The Tide Alice is VIA compatible, maximizing the keyboards utility. The 4000mAh battery boasts up to 14 hours of battery life with the backlight on (150 with the backlight off) for a good amount of uninterrupted use through its supported 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connections. The 2ms latency wired connection is read to pick up the slack when the battery does eventually die. Most importantly, the Alice layout and the keyboards gasket design ensures a comfortable typing experience with a very satisfying sound.

Sound Test

Review

The Epomaker Tide Alice is an impressive keyboard with a sleek design and well constructed frame. I love how elegant the keyboard looks. The Tide Alice is an instant visual upgrade for any setup. The unique Alice layout definitely leaves an impression at a glance, but using it can be life changing. If you are looking for an ergonomic keyboard that isn’t breaking the bank, you definitely need to consider the Tide Alice. I have a repetitive stress injury that requires very specific ergonomics, and the Tide Alice is good enough. I didn’t need to take as many breaks, and I honestly forgot about my injury.

As far as performance goes, the Tide Alice does the job. I just about got the 14 hours of battery in a single charge, and the connection was fine. I didn’t experience any ghosting, or any noticeable latency. They layout didn’t take much time to get used to, but I don’t like the lack of Windows key. I can reprogram the keyboard through VIA, but there is a nice empty space that would be perfect for a windows key. That being said, the Tide Alice is a fantastic keyboard that I recommend to everyone.

You can pick up the Epomaker Tide Alice on the official store fro $129.99.

Tech Reviews

Is the Ajazz Alux 68 Worth It for Gamers?

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Disclaimer

Mechlands sent me the Ajazz Alux 68 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 also check out my latest review for the Mechlands M75.

What’s in the box?

  • Ajazz Alux 68 Magnetic Keyboard
  • USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • Shortcut Key
  • Plastic Dust Cover
  • User Manual

Features

The Ajazz Alux 68 is a wired 60% keyboard with a sleek design packed with features. This budget keyboard comes with 68 easily hotswapable switches. The switches promise up to 0.01mm accuracy and an up to 100 million keystroke lifespan, making the Alux 68 ready for the most competitive PVP setting. This is a wired keyboard, but you kind of need a cable for a low latency, high performing machine. With its subtle RGB to give it a little added flare, The Ajax Alux 68 is looking like the perfect upgrade for any gaming setup.

Sound Test

Review

I absolutely love the Ajaxx Alux 68. I am a little bummed that it is a wire keyboard. The cable made my desk feel more cluttered. I get that at this price point, I am sacrificing a few features for performance and stile, but a wireless version of this would look so much better without a wire interrupting the flow. That said, it isn’t really a big deal with I factor in how comfortable this keyboard was to use. I never got hit with any amount of fatigue, even during my longer sessions of use. It isn’t explicitly ergonomic, but it never triggered my repetitive stress injury, and that is good enough for me.

The Ajax Alux 68 gives a fantastic typing experience. It has that soft creamy sound that is so addicting. The switches feel great to the touch, and perform very well. I noticed no ghosting, and it was able to handle Guild Wars 2.

If you don’t mind having a wired keyboard, you should be using a wired keyboard if you’re doing anything competitive, and like the aesthetic, this is a fantastic budget option. The performance is great, they keyboard is comfortable, and it looks really cool.

You can pick up the Alux 68 on the official Mechlabs site, or on Amazon using my affiliate link.

Tech Reviews

Cybrix 16 Keypad: Features, Setup & Honest Review

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Disclaimer

KiiBoom sent me the Cybrix16 Keypad for free 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 also check out my reviews for the KiiBoom Phantom98, the Moonshadow V2, and the Breeze 75 if you’re looking for a full-sized keyboard.

What’s in the Box?

  • Cybrix16
  • USB-C to USB-A Braided Cable
  • Key/Switch Puller Tool
  • Instruction Manual

Features

The Cybrix 16 is versatile keypad ready to upgrade your productivity. The keypad comes with 16 fully programmable keys and 3 rotary knobs ready to take on any workflow. The keypad is QMK/VIA compatible, and users can save up to 5 profiles to maximize the versatility. The keypad supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches for some added customization.

The Cybrix keypad has a clean and elegant design and comes in three colors: Silver, Pink, and Black.

I chose the silver, but all colors are great. The blank gradient keys give it its futuristic minimalist aesthetic. The keypad is wired only, but it more than makes up for it with its highspeed performance. It also features a soft and subtle RGB effect for a bit of added flare.

Sound Test

Review

Out of the box, the keypad has an undeniable elegance that will go unmatched by anything on the market. The build and construction is clean, and I am a huge fan of the minimilistic aesthetic. It did take some time to remember what each key did, but it is not a huge deal. The customization is nice, when I finally got it to work and I wasn’t able to repeat the process. It isn’t very user friendly, and that is going to be a problem for the folks who aren’t enthusiast or a tech savvy.

That said, it is a solid keypad. The volume and media controls are always appreciated, and access to a keypad always upgrades my workflow. I wish it were wireless because my desk gets cluttered quickly, but it is nice to not have to worry about losing charge during an important project.

If you’re looking for a keypad that will upgrade your aesthetic, and you don’t mind a bit of tinkering to take full advantage of its features, the Cybrix 16 is a fantastic addition to your setup. It is not impossible, but it definitely not plug and play. If you’re only getting this to use it as a Numpad, you’re paying for the aesthetic and a few features you’ll eventually get to. The Cybrix16 is a solid peripheral, if you’re getting the most out of it.

You can pick up the Cybrix 16 on the official KiiBoom 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, Uncategorized

Aventus Gaming Headset: Comfort and Quality in One

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Disclaimer

Kiwi Ears sent me a free pair of the Aventus bluetooth gaming headphones to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, this will be my honest review.

What’s in the box?

  • Aventus Bluetooth Wireless Headphones
  • Carrying Case
  • USB-C to USB-A charging Cable
  • USB-C to Coax Cable
  • Coax to 3.5mm
  • User Manual

Features

The Aventus Gaming headset promises the ideal budget solution for most audio needs. This sleek black headset offers a well constructed ergonomic design. The high quality padding and adjustable positions promises user comfort for the entirety of its 82 hour battery life. The 40mm Dynamic drivers promise a wide and clear sound stage, and it is tuned to satisfy most gaming and music needs. While users can enjoy the fantastic sound through a wireless connection, the Aventus includes Coaxial drivers for users to take advantage of the included high quality cables. For those looking for a bit of peace and quite, the Aventus features a hybrid ANC designed to reduce outside noise by up to 35dB. That means you aren’t hearing anyone unless you really want to.

Now it wouldn’t be a gaming headset without RGB. The Aventus features optional preprogrammed RGB profiles for a bit of added flare.

Review

Kiwi Ears’ Avantus is a fantastic pair of budget headphones. Out of the box, I was blown away by the quality of not just the heaphones, but the accessories that come with it. The presentation of the packaging gives the Avantus its premium feel. I particularly like the included carying case. It feels high quality, it has a clip for my bag, and it has compartments for the included cables. The included cables are a very nice feature. While I planned to use the headset wireless, it is nice to have the cables to switch between devices without having to repair each time. I wish it would allow me to pair to multiple devices, but it isn’t a deal breaker.

The Headphone itself is very well constructed. The vegan leather and design make it look like a more expensive set of headphones. It has a good amount of flex and it doesn’t feel like it will be breaking anytime soon. The design is also incredibly comfortable. The padding feels incredible, and while my ears do get hot, it never gets uncomfortable. This is definitely my most comfortable pair of headphones. They do feel a little loose on my head. I worked out with them and they didn’t fall off for walks or weightlifting, but I wouldn’t run with them.

The Aventus has a solid soundstage. A lot of gaming headsets overcompensate with the bass, I think the Avantus is properly tuned for most casual use. I don’t know how well they work for DJing, but they are solid gaming and music headphones.

What I was most impressed by was the headphones battery life and noise cancellation. The KiwiEars boasts 82 hours of battery life without noise cancellation or RGB. I got about that out of the box which is an impressive feat. The battery life lasts so long, even with noise cancellation and RBG that I didn’t really get to test the battery life with everything on. I also didn’t feel the need to turn anything on. The RBG profiles are nice, but I don’t see it so there is no point. The headphones also block out a good amount of noise without having to turn on the ANC. The ANC is incredible. I don’t hear anything. I don’t live in a very noisy area, but putting them on left me deaf to the world.

If you are looking for a good, high quality pair of headphones that won’t break the bank, go check out the Kiwi Ears Aventus Headset. These things are a fantastic deal for $89.99. You can pick up your pair of Aventus from the official website.

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.

Tech Reviews

Epomaker HE65 Mag Review: A Compact Gaming Keyboard

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Disclaimer

Epomaker sent me the TH65 Mag 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 TH85 and HE68.

What’s in the box?

  • HE65 Magnetic Keyboard
  • 2.4 GHz Wireless Dongle
  • USB-C to USB-A Braided Cable
  • 2 Extra Switches
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • Plastic Dust Cover
  • User Manual

Features

The Epomaker HE65 Mag is the companies compact 65% hall effect gaming keyboard. It only comes in black, with a splash of blue and grey keys to help it stand out. It wouldn’t be a gaming keyboard without RBG, and the keyboard comes with a few preset profiles to make the HE65 shine against any aesthetic. Personally, I appreciate the dongle cubby in the back an the volume control on the side. What makes the HE65 unique is the onboard screen that displays the date, time, and battery life.

But the HE65 is more than just its looks. The keyboard boasts low latency on its wired and wireless connections, making it the ideal choice for the competitive gamer who needs a smaller keyboard. The keys utilize its soft magnetic switches, which can be programed for the perfect gaming experience through the official app. Most importantly, this keyboard boasts up to 600 hours of use (without the RBG or screen) so you never have to reach for a cable unless you really want to.

Sound Test

Review

If you are looking for a keyboard this size, the Epomaker HE65 Mag works well enough. The keys feel good under my fingers, and the sound isn’t loud but satisfying all the same. The volume dial on the side looks a little weird at first, but I ended up loving it the more I used it. Aesthetically, the color scheme is fine, but you might want to buy a different set of keys if you want it to match your setup. The screen is an interesting gimmick, but I hardly used it. Its fine, but it sort of messes up the aesthetic.

As far as performance goes, its a solid keyboard for the most part. The keyboard was a little too small for my hands, and that is a personal issue. If you have big hands, you need a bigger keyboard. My thumbs were always rubbing up against each other, and it made typing uncomfortable. It worked well enough for my day to day, but I will be switching to something bigger to ease up on some of the strain.

One thing to note is that the keyboard was that the wireless connection was a little bugged. The bluetooth randomly stopped working, and I couldn’t reconnect, even with the dongle. Hard resetting seemed to solve the issue, but it is a little concerning. I don’t think this has the potential to be a lifelong keyboard, but it might be a good budget option for now.

Aside from that, the keyboard was fine. It was responsive, and it had a long battery life. Epomaker boasts a 30 hour battery life with all the lights on, and I got just about that. If you like the aesthetic and are looking for a hall effect keyboard, check out the Epomaker HE65.

You can pick up the HE 65 Mag on the official website for $89.99.

Tech Reviews, Uncategorized

Unboxing the KM300: A Hands-On Karaoke Experience

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Disclaimer

Sudotack sent me the KM300 Karaoke machine and the KM03 wired microphone 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. I’ll be leaving my Amazon Affiliate links where possible. It really helps me out if you use them.

KM300 Unboxing

  • KM300
  • USB-C to USB-A cable
  • User Manual
  • Strap

KM03 Unboxing

Features

The KM300 is a wireless PA speaker system for those who want the Karaoke experience on the go. It features a stylish durable design and comes in three colors: white, black, pink. I got it in white, but all three colors look great.

But it doesn’t just look good. Its 30W subwoofer, 15W tweeters, and 45W speakers promises a loud, clear sound that will fill any room. The two included wireless mics are always at the ready in their built in holders. The speaker has a variety of features to adjust the sound like pitch and reverb control, so you are always sounding your best. Best of all, the KM300 supports a number of different connections to make a versatile media machine.

All of the features on the KM 300 can be enjoyed wirelessly, but users can attached two additional wired mics for those quartets. Media can be played through its easy to link Bluetooth connection, but the KM300 supports HDMI and coax connections. You can also store your music on a USB drive or SD card. Whatever you end up using, media and volume controls are easily accessible on the device for so you aren’t spending the whole party, looking at your phone.

Now it wouldn’t be a proper party without flashing lights. The KM300 has nine preset lighting profiles with adjustable brightness. You can turn this off to extend battery life, but its so pretty, you aren’t going to want to. It’s got a decent enough battery where it shouldn’t matter anyways.

Review

The KM300 is a solid budget speaker. The sound is good enough for most music, especially if you’re outdoors. You aren’t getting deep rich concert sound, but its loud enough for what you need. Trust me, you can do a lot worse at this price range.

The sleek design is clean and well manufactured, and it is light enough for travel with is a huge plus. The strap it comes with feels a little flimsy. While it will do the job, I would swap it out for something sturdier if you’re going to use it a lot. The RBG is a nice touch. The preprogramed profiles are fun, but I like that it can be turned off when needed.

My unit arrived completely dead. This isn’t a deal breaker, but users should note that the device may require an initial charge. One issue that came up is that the device wouldn’t charge no matter what I used. The KM300 does not like fast charging, so make sure you are using chargers that give 9V = 2A / 5V = 2A. Its a bit of a bummer that a charger isn’t included with the device, but its not a deal breaker either. As for the battery life, I was able to get about 6 hours on a single charge, and I didn’t charge it to full. Charging it from completely empty to about 80/90% took about 2 hours though, but you can use the speaker plugged in.

I was not expecting to use much of the Karaoke part, but it is surprisingly a fun little speaker. At least my family enjoyed using it to sing. The sound can be easily adjusted with the on board controls, and the mics have additional features for further customization. It took no tinkering to get a quality sound, and the mics are pretty good. They do feel a little flimsy, but they are light and sound great. They have a good amount of sensitive that can be adjusted. The voice changing is a fun little touch, but we didn’t use that feature much. I also like the built in stand for holding phones or tables. Its subtle and effective.

The wired KM03 microphone is just as good. The cable is a good length, and includes an adapter for versatility. I do prefer the freedom the wireless mics give, but it is nice to have a wired mic if they die or if you have more people who want to sing. You aren’t getting a studio mic at this price, but you are getting a decent and compatible mic for a fun night of karaoke.

If you’re looking for a budget PA Speaker system, this is a solid machine that will get the job done. The KM300 has a clean and simple design, and it gives a descent sound for $50.

You can pick up the KM300 and the KM03 on Amazon using my affiliate link.

Tech Reviews

Epomaker TH85 Review: The Budget Mechanical Keyboard

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Disclaimer

Epomaker sent me the TH85 for free 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 other reviews for the TH68 Mag and the TH99 Mechanical Keyboard if you’re looking to upgrade your setup.

What’s in the box?

  • Epomaker TH85
  • USB-C to USB-A Braided Charging Cable
  • 2 Additional Switches
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • Plastic Dust Shield
  • Instruction Manual

Sound Test

Features

The Epomaker TH85 is a stylish 80% mechanical keyboard. It comes in three variants: Black and White, White, and Black.

I got mine in white, but all schemes look great. The keyboard also features the traditional southfacing RGB that is soft enough to not be distracting, but bright enough to make the keyboard pop. You can always turn off the RGB if you only wish to enjoy the keyboard. What makes the keyboard unique is the RGB strip that wraps around the back of the keyboard. The strip is customizable, and gives the keyboard its futuristic design. As far as comfort goes, the switches are soft, and the typing angle is adjustable.

Most importantly, the TH85 comes with a few features gamers aren’t going to want to overlook. The keyboard boasts low latency on its wired and wireless connections. The keyboard boasts 2ms of latency on a wired connection, 5ms on the 2.4Ghz dongle, and 11ms on Bluetooth.

With its 4000 mAh battery and anti-ghosting technology, you are looking at a very capable budget keyboard.

Review

If you’re looking for a budget mechanical keyboard that doesn’t sacrifice or performance, the TH85 is a solid option. The TH85 was able to handle any task I threw at it at an connection type without any noticeable latency. Gaming and typing work well and the keyboard sounds amazing without being too loud.

The battery life was a little disappointing. I was getting about 6 hours of battery. This is manageable, and more than enough for most cases, but it is lower than other Epomaker keyboards. I suspect the three RGB points (the keys, the back face, and the logo) have something to do with it. I could turned off the RBG to achieve a longer session, but the lighting effects are so pretty. The back face strip feels like overkill. It looks nice, but you aren’t going to see it unless its going on camera. One thing I did note was that the lighting effects were a little bugged at first. A hard reset seemed to fix the issue, but I hit a weird bug where the lights would continuously flash through all the colors until it completely drained the battery. I couldn’t swap through the profiles or turn off the effects until the hard reset.

I was also a little disappointed by the comfort. This isn’t the worst keyboard I’ve tried, but it did trigger a bit of my repetitive stress injury. It wasn’t enough to make the keyboard unusable, but it was enough for me to take notice. If you’re looking for an ergonomic keyboard, this might not be the one for you. Now this could be a personal issue. I require a specific amount of ergonomics because of how much I use the computer, so a more casual use case shouldn’t have this issue. This critique is geared for the other old gamers looking to extend the life of their hands another few years.

Of you are looking for a solid budget gaming keyboard, the TH85 is a fantastic place to start. Looking back at the terrible keyboards that got me through my early years of gaming I can confidently attest that you can do a lot worse. Aside from the odd glitch that went away, the keyboard is responsive, it looks good on my desk, and it has a satisfying typing sound.

You can pick up the TH85 on the official Epomaker site for only $79.99.