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.