Tag Archives: watch

Board Games and TCGs

Pathfinder: The Broken Palace – A Vampiric Adventure Review

Leave a comment

Disclaimer

Paizo sent me a free copy of the Shades of Blood: The Broken Palace adventure book 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. You can pick up The Broken Palace directly from Paizo, or you can use my Amazon affiliate link if you want to help me out.

What is The Broken Palace?

The Broken Palace is book two of the Shades of Path adventure designed to take players from level 4 to 6.

The players venture deeper into the broken palace on their search for Lady Nalushae, but find themselves trapped in an ancient cellblock. Now, they must venture into its dark, dank, vampire infested prison for a way out. With their supplies dwindling and threats around every corner, players must learn to be resourceful. Can they make their supplies last long enough to save the world? Can they navigate the complex tensions between the three vampire factions that rule the Underheaven? What secrets will they uncover? What treasures will they find?

Impressions

The cover art is an immediately draws the eyes. I love the use of red. I love Naulusha’s design and how her pose strikes commands attention. I love the image of what I can assume are player characters struggling against a vampire. This series is supposed to be a darker, more horror oriented type of adventure, and the cover does a good job at setting the appropriate mood. The art throughout the book is equal as striking, and I enjoy flipping through it, just to look at the art. If you like vampires, undead, and horror, the book has some very good looking flavor and some fantastic flavor to go with it.

Now the overarching meta story is solid. I enjoyed reading the different bits of lore, and the warring factions are interesting. Most importantly, the book gives players many ways to solve the story. It doesn’t have to all be fighting, but it can be if that’s the kind of table you have. The dungeon design is fine. It has some neat encounters I will definitely borrow, and it builds a good amount of tension and urgency.

One thing to note about this adventure is that there is a survival mechanic that you will need to manage. Players will need to keep track of their food and water supplies to survive. The game does streamline the mechanic so it doesn’t feel like work without taking away any of the tension, but GMs are free to get as hardcore with their mechanics as they want. You can play without this mechanic, but I felt like it took away a lot of the urgency and tension. I like how there is this pressure to save the world from eternal darkness, the desire to explore this tomb of an advanced civilization, and the ever present threat of dying from starvation along with all the other threats that lurk in the shadows.

Overall, the adventure is fine. I enjoyed the flavor and lore, and there are some very cool encounters and monsters to play with. It was a fun path to explore, but I think my table is a bit too casual to take advantage of the survival mechanics. The survival mechanics are easy to manage, but we would often forget to keep track and that definitely took away from the tension. We still had fun, which I’d argue makes the adventure worth trying, but there are definitely some decisions my players wouldn’t have made if we were keeping better track. There is also the danger of being too hardcore about the survival mechanics. If the survival mechanics is that if it takes away from the story or fun, you’re doing too much.

Honestly, if you like vampires and don’t mind the survival mechanics, this is a solid horror campaign. It has a cool creepy setting filled with neat monsters and encounters and I am very interested to see what comes next.

I do want to take the moment to commend Paizo for the quality of their books. Everything I’ve gotten so far has been printed to a very high standard. Everything is clear, vibrant, and the books feel durable. I spilled all of my coffee on this book, and while I don’t recommend anyone try it themselves, I was surprised by how good it cleaned up. There is some warping and some staining, but the book looks good, and is still very usable.

If you want to pick up your own copy of The Broken Palace, check out the official Paizo website, or you can pick it up on Amazon through my affiliate link.

video game reviews

Exploring Sintopia: Sinful Strategy in Game Management

Leave a comment

Disclaimer

I was sent the Sintopia demo to review for my blog. I understand the game isn’t finished yet, so I will be a bit more lenient with my review. That said, I these will my honest impressions.

Shameless Self-Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag, Cypher81 or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out.

What is Sintopia?

Sintopia is management god game planned for Early Access on September 4 2025.

You are in the business of sin, and sinners are your most valuable resource. Structure your bureaucratic hellscape to tourcher repenting souls you’ve led astray while keeping your employees happy. Use your powers to grow, guide, and kill off Humus to keep a healthy supply of sin flowing. Can you run your world efficiently enough to gain recognition from the big guy himself?

Gameplay

The demo is the game’s tutorial. Players learn important fundamental mechanics and enjoy a bit of flavor and lore. Sintopia is a management game, with a few different parts: overworld, underworld and employee management.

In the over world, players influence how a society grows and expands. Players can kill kings they don’t like, they can influence people to sin, and kill them to feed their souls to hell. The humus, for the most part, will grow and expand their civilization on their own and react to a players actions.

Once souls go into hell, players can farm them their sin through different buildings and structures. Players are essentially creating and managing a maze. Players will need to hire imps, give them a wage, and keep them happy. Players must also create a maze that can effectively harvest sin from lost souls, while also managing the living. All this is done to earn the currency needed to upgrade the buildings that will make hell more efficient.

The imps that run the various points of a player’s hell also have needs. On top of managing and maintaining a civilization of Hummus and their souls, players need to worry about their imployees. Imps have needs, require breaks, and expect a certain wage. They also have their quirks that can affect productivity. Finding the perfect staff of imps that doesn’t bankrupt you at an early stage of the game is important. Juggling this with the other two tasks is what is going to make or break this game.

Impressions

Sintopia is a very interesting entry to the genre. The game has a cool artstyle, a fun tone, and terrific flavor. There is clearly a lot of effort being put into making this game silly and lighthearted, but also offer an engaging and meaningful experience.

The demo does provide a good sense of what to expect, but the tutorial is slow. I like to jump into these games and figure things out on my end, then look up tutorials for any mechanics I might have missed. This isn’t the right way to do things, but it is how I have fun. I’ll need a full version before I can make my decision.

Sintopia has some interesting mechanics that are worth looking into. If you like management games, this is a promising title, for those who enjoy a busier game. There is a lot going on in this game. It is manageable, but it can feel like work if you aren’t approaching it with an appropriate strategy. The tutorial does a good job of giving the players the tools they need with a fun voice acted story, but it is so slow. I just want to sit back and build stuff. I also wasn’t a fan of the overworld tasks. Killing Humus feels tedious sometimes, keeping track of what they do feels like work, and I never really knew when to kill their king. There seems to be too much going on, if you’re looking for a casual management game. If you are looking for a hardcore management game with fun flavor, this one looks very promising. While I am not just yet convinced if I like this game, you should definitely check out the demo if you like managing resources, building efficient infrastructure, and aren’t afraid of a little sin.

You can check out the Demo now on Steam.

video game reviews

Exploring Moonlighter 2: Gameplay Impressions

Leave a comment

Disclaimer

I was sent the Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault demo to review for my blog. I understand the game isn’t out yet and will be a bit more lenient with my review. That said, these will still be my honest first impressions.

Shameless Self-Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag, Cypher81 or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out.

What is Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault?

Moonlighter 2 is a shop simulator with a dungeon crawler built into it.

Dive into the strange and fantastic world of the endless vault as you hunt for treasures to sell at your shop. When you are done adventuring, you will run the most profitable shop in all the land. Bring in customers, keep your shop clean and stocked, and make sure you get a healthy markup on everything that flows through your shelves. Can you make your shop the best in the land? Will you ever make enough to make it home and take it back?

Gameplay

Moonlighter 2 has two gamplay loops: dungeon crawling and shop keeping.

The dungeon crawl is easy. Players dive into strange levels of the endless vault in search of treasures where they fight off monsters and try to stay alive. While combat does require some strategy, it is simple. Players get a ranged attack, strong and normal attack, and the use of some items. It makes for a cute relaxing loop without distracting from what I believe is the main focus of the game.

The main draw to the game will be the shop simulator the story is built around. After picking up treasures from the vault, players will sell it to NPCs. The goal of the game is to earn money for upgrades and eventually, for useful items that will help them with the campaign. Players can use powers to upsell to their customers, and can complete certain challenges for added rewards. The player is also responcible for keeping the shop clean, clients happy, and the shelves stocked. Do you have what it takes to keep this double life?

Impressions

I was very excited to try Moonlighter 2 because I’ve heard good things bout the original Moonlighter. The game has a very cool artstyle, the concept seems interesting, and the gameplay looks relaxing. The demo is a bit unstable unfortunately, and it makes it hard to form a proper opinion. I was warned about a lot of the issues that came with this demo, but not being able to play the intended experience does hurt my impressions of it.

When the game did work, it was fine, but nothing too exciting. The combat is simple, but can be punishing if you aren’t paying attention. Unfortunately, I kept dying because of the performance issues, and I was unable to explore the full depth of the system. Shop keeping is also simple, which is fine if you just want a cozy game to relax too, but bad if you want to play a shop simulator. There are a few shop sim games I rather be playing instead.

Overall, I need to see a more polished version before I can recommend it. Some players might be patient enough to thug through the games quirks and give the game its proper chance, but most won’t. This is a huge demo that is too unstable to be worth the trouble. I would try it if you have nothing else to try, otherwise, I would wait for a better version.

You can check out the Moonlighter 2 demo on Steam. Don’t forget to wishlist!

Tech Reviews

Epomaker Split 65 Review: A Budget Ergonomic Keyboard

1 Comment

Disclaimer

Epomaker sent the Split 65 mechanical keyboard for free to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinion. This will be my honest review of the keyboard. Make sure you also check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker Tide Alice and Aula F108. I will also leave my Amazon Affiliate link where I can because it really helps me out.

What’s in the box?

  • Split 65 Mechanical Keyboard
  • 3 Extra Switches
  • Wireless Dongle
  • USB-C to USB-A Cable
  • USB-C to USB-C Cable
  • Key/Switch Puller
  • User Manual

Features

If you are looking for a budget friendly ergonomic keyboard, then the Split 65 might be for you. This beautifully designed 65% keyboard 68 keys and a knob for volume controls. Each key and switch can be easily swapped with the included tool, and each has a soft south facing RGB for a little added flare. The split design and height make it easy to for users to find the most comfortable typing angle. There is also a magnet to keep the two halves together for a cleaner layout when you’re done.

As for performance, the anti ghosting N-Key rollover makes every keystroke count. The QMK/VIA support gives this keyboard tremendous utility. Its 3000 mAh battery gives it a respectable lifespan through its high speed wireless and Bluetooth connections. The even faster wired connection is ready to pick up the slack when it needs to.

Most importantly, the gasket mounted design and the four layers of dampening material gives the keyboard its satisfying typing sound without it becoming obnoxious.

The Sound Test

Review

I was a little disappointed by the Split 65’s design of because the keyboard looked a little too simple. I love the color scheme and appreciate the simple clean design, but it didn’t impress me like other Epomaker keyboards have. With time, the opinion did change, especially when I got to enjoy the benefits of a split keyboard.

I have a repetitive stress injury in both hands that require specific ergonomics. The wrong keyboard will cause so much pain that I can’t use my hands. Split keyboards have the solution to my problem, and Epomaker really nails it with the Split 65. My injury never triggered once, and I use my keyboard for an unhealthy amount of time. The amount of slack the connecting wire was more than enough to fit my frame, and the keys are soft to the touch. Most importantly, the keyboard has such a soothing typing sound that it is going to be difficult to go back to a normal keyboard.

As far as performance goes, I didn’t notice any latency or ghosting throughout my workflow or gaming. I do think the battery is a little small, but I guess it has to. I was getting about 6 hours per charge which is more than enough, but I was getting used to one less wire on my desk. The battery would last a lot longer if I turned off the RGB, but it looks so pretty, I didn’t have it in me.

Overall, if you are looking to upgrade your set up or looking for something ergonomic to relieve some of that hand strain, do yourself a favor and get a Split 65. It is a fantastic option for the price, and you can always change the key caps to fit your style.

You can pick up the Split 65 keyboard on the official Epomaker site, or on Amazon through my affiliate link.

video game reviews

Dark Fairy Tale: Dreamland Survivors Demo Impressions

Leave a comment

Disclaimer

I was sent the Dark Fairy Tale: Dreamland Survivors to review for my blog. I understand the game is still a demo and will be a bit more lenient. That said, this will be my honest review.

What is Dark Fairy Tale: Dreamland Survivors?

Dark Fairy Tale is a survivor-like roguelike coming to Steam June 19 2025.

Play as Pinocchio as he attampts to escape his dark and twisted fairy tale. Unlock new powers, fight off monsters and their masters, and try to survive as best you can. Do you have what it takes to fight your way out of this nightmare?

Gameplay

This is a top-down autoshooter roguelike with some very cool art. Unlike other games in the genre, players unlock spells and abilities by increasing certain stats. Players can unlock more power by eating forbiden eggs at level up, or buy buying permanent powerups between runs. There are over 100 available powers to chose from, with 40 permanent buffs to create a good amount of choice for players. Like other games in the genre, the goal is to survive as long as possible, using the build earned along the way.

Impressions

I love this game’s art, but Dark Fairy Tale: Dreamland Survivors game isn’t fun. When it comes to survivor-like games, you simply have better options. My biggest issue with the game is that it feels like nothing is happening. Unlike other games with a similar loop, it just feels like you’re moving around the map collecting exp for a meaningless level-up. Leveling in this game feels meaningless. No matter what I chose, it felt like I wasn’t doing anything. This is a game where there is a grind, and it feels bad. Sure you might get a cool new animation, but watching it do absolutely nothing to overwhelming hordes or enemies is disheartening.

Another major issue I have with the game is how it handles permanent boosts. God forbid you build wrong because you will get stomped at a very early stage. This game feels like it has a solvable solution, and more often than not, the RNG won’t give you the chance to do so. The full game might have a more balance pool of abilities and skills, but I am not holding my breath.

If you’re looking for a new survivor-like, go play brotato. That is the best entry to this genre, and that is a hill I am willing to die one. That said, I am willing to give it a second chance when the full version does, until then, I wouldn’t even bother with the demo.

video game reviews

Review of Dragon is Dead: A Captivating Metroidvania Adventure

Leave a comment

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Dragon is Dead 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.

Shameless Self-Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag, Cypher81 or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset. If you’re buying anything from Amazon, feel free to use my affiliate link. It really helps me out.

What is Dragon is Dead

Dragon is Dead is a dark fantasy 2D Metroidvania out now on Steam.

The black dragon is dead, and now an unholy force spreads across the land. You are his successor, and it is up to you to get rid of it. Using the powers granted by the gods, fight against the Corruption and restore the peace this world once new. Your journey will be one full of death, but luckily, you are able to learn from death and come back stronger. Can you be the successor this world needs?

Gameplay

Dragon is Dead is a 2D action platformer with roguelike tendencies. Players Journey across a linear 2D map, fighting off its monsters and bosses. Unlike most games in the genre, there are no save points. On death, the player resets at in the starting town of Cliffshire, keeping all their loot, gear, and runes accumulated during the run. While the loop can feel repetitive, it does start getting better the more experience a player gains throughout a run. Combat and and platforming is what you’d expect from the genre, with a unique build system. Players have a good amount of choice when building their character through a run. I am sure there is a meta for this game, but I had fun exploring the different builds and finding something that fit my play style. I like that players can reset the build between runs so there is always a bit of variety.

Review

If you don’t have Dragon is Dead in your library, it needs to be. This is definitely the most fun I’ve had with a Metroidvania, and I will recommend it to everyone. I love how diverse the skill tree is, and how each weapon feels different. While I did eventually settle on a group of skills and weapon types, I never felt like I chose the wrong path. There is a grind, and it can feel repetitive, it doesn’t feel too bad. Leveling and gearing feels impactful. It is nice to earn a weapon or level and seeing how much more effective it is against enemies.

I would argue that Dragon is Dead is a more casual entry to the genre. I like that the game didn’t force me to find my way through a dungeon in search of save points because I have a terrible sense of direction. I also like that I didn’t lose leveling and gearing progress on death because it made having to redo whole sections of the map feel less bad. The bosses are fun, flavorful, and creative, but they aren’t impossible. You can definitely over level and defeat them if all else fails. There is a story, but it does feel like I can pick up this title at any time and not be lost, especially if I just want a quick Metroidvania fix.

My only real complaint is the with the Steam deck experience. The game works great on the Steam deck, and I will only play this game on one, but the words are too small. The game does warn players that the words are too small, and there is a magnifying feature. The magnifying feature on the Steam Deck is too much trouble, I will just ruin my eyesight or invest on a real magnifying glass if it comes to it.

Aside from that small detail, this game is awesome. Dragon is Dead has great art, fantastic flavor, and a fun loop that any player will enjoy. If you are looking for a new game to play, I don’t think it gets much better.

You can pick up Dragon is Dead on Steam.

video game reviews

Exploring Backrooms Level X: A Disappointing Surreal Horror Experience

Leave a comment

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Backrooms Level X 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.

Shameless Self-Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag, Cypher81 or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset.

What is Backrooms Level X?

Backrooms Level X is a survivor horror surreal adventure out now on Steam.

The corporation you work for has tasked you to investigate the strange dimension of Level X for a potential hotel. Unfortunately for you, you find yourself trapped with no easy way out. Make your way though this strange labyrinth as you fight for your sanity. Can you find your way of this ever changing living maze, or will its tricks and creatures be the end of you?

Review

Backrooms Level X is a walking simulator with some weirdness that will test your metal fortitude. The game makes a solid attempt at breaking its reality by creating its strange atmosphere. The problem I have with the game is that it doesn’t go far enough with its surrealism. When compared to other games that go for a similar vibe, you have better options. The first few minutes of this game fail to grab my attention as I am forced to walk through a silent twisting confusing corridor. I understand there is drama in silence and getting lost in a labyrinth can be scary, but it makes the game feel slow and empty.

I can’t recommend Backrooms Level X because there are better options. The whole time I was playing this, I was wishing I could be playing Go Home Annie instead. The game is just unimpressive, and I am definitely going to forget I ever played it.

You can pick up Backrooms Level X Steam, with it planned to release on major consoles soon.

video game reviews

Marble Maid 2 Review: The Good and the Bad

Leave a comment

Disclaimer

I was sent a free copy of Marble Maid 2: The Negative Levels 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. This is also a game meant for adults, discretion is advised.

Shameless Self-Promotion

If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your aesthetic, check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker TH85, Epomaker HE68 Mag, Cypher81 or the KiiBoom Moonshadow V2. Check out my latest review of the Fifine M9 Microphone System and the Kiwi Ears Aventus Wireless Headset.

What is Marble Maid 2: The Negative Levels?

Marble Maid is a marble puzzle game out now on Steam.

Take control of Nega Maid who has been tasked to clean up the mansion. roll across insane levels as you use your powers to get things done. Fight off the many dust bunnies, solve its intricate puzzles, and defeat any boss that gets in your way. Don’t forget to collect all the lewd pictures hidden around the world! Do you have what it takes to clean the mansion, beat its puzzles, and collect all the pictures?

Gameplay

Players control a marble across strange floors, using her arsenal of special abilities to get the job done. Players will have to use marble physics to avoid traps, fight monsters, and move between floors without falling. Occasionally there is a boss fight, and there is even a golf mode for a little extra padding.

Review

This game is only good if you like the art and want to collect everything, otherwise, I wouldn’t touch it. The game works well enough. It never crashed, the controls were responsive, and the movement felt good. My problem with the game is that each level felt like it was made with a randomizer. Each level was crammed with a random collection of traps and tiles, creating busy and chaotic maps with no rhyme or reason. I would have preferred a more thematic looking world, or at least puzzles that made sense.

If you’ve played enough video games, this game can be broken. The abilities are not balanced, and there are ways to cheese some of the levels. This is good if you want to collect everything, bad if you want a challenging and engaging puzzle game.

I got this game because it looked like a fun physics game. It isn’t, and there are better options. Marble Maid 2 has its audience, but I am not part of it. If you like the art and don’t mind doing the work to collect the pieces, go for it. Otherwise, its not worth it.

You can pick up Marble Maid 2: The Negative Levels on Steam for $9.99.


Tech Reviews

Kiwiears Ardor Headphones: Unmatched Noise Cancelling & Comfort

Leave a comment

Disclaimer

Kiwiears sent me the Ardor wireless headphones 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 review for the Aventus headset.

What’s in the box?

  • Ardor Wireless Headphones
  • Carrying Case
  • USB-C to USB-C Charging Cable
  • Aux Chord
  • User Manual

Features

If you’re looking for a high quality wireless headphones with effective noise cancelling and a solid sound stage, then you might be looking for the Kiwiears Ardor wireless headphones. These active noise cancelling headphones are ready to provide up to 72 hours (140 without noise cancelling) of uninterrupted listening. When the battery eventually runs out, users can continue to enjoy the headsets amazing quality though the wired connection and built in DAC/AMP chipset.

As for the sound, the Ardor has been tuned to high quality audiophile standards to provide the most impressive sound stage possible at this price range. With its impressive 5-microphone array to block out about 35dB of ambient noise, you are only hearing what you want to.

Mic Check

https://churapereviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ardorsoundtest.mp3

Review

If you want an impressive opening experience, pick up a pair of Kiwiears. I am always impressed with the presentation and how well everything is packaged. The included case feels very good quality, and I like that there is space for the cables.

As far as quality goes, the the Ardor heaphones feel good. They have a sleek design and are cleanly manufactured. They don’t feel or look cheap, which is always a plus. The leather padding is soft, comfy, and they don’t get hot. They do feel a little loose on my head, but as long as I am not running, they work great. Most importantly, there is an appropriate amount of flex.

The headset does have a built in microphone, but the quality is disappointing. I like that it is discrete, but it does sound far away and there is some echo. It’s usable, but I wouldn’t us it for content creation. I guess its nice to have, but I would have done without it. Regardless of this flaw, the sound quality more than makes up for the mic quality.

The Ardor has two listening experiences: Wireless and Wired. The wireless experience is fine, but I was a little disappointed. The sound stage feels a little flat, and there doesn’t seem to be enough bass. It is serviceable, and you can definitely hit a worse sound at this level. The headsets long battery life (even with noise cancelling on) does make up for it. The noise cancelling on these headphones is amazing. I would argue that these are better at blocking out ambient sound than my airpods. You are not hearing anything around you unless you really want to, and that more than makes up for the mid sound. The headset does have an impressive amount of noise cancelling without having to turn on anything, which means you will probably never need to charge these things. The headset has a passthrough mode for when you need to hear things around you. It works fine, but it did make some of what I was listening echo a bit.

I would argue that the true listening experience starts when you plug in the Ardor through the include wire. I was not ready for how much of a difference the built in DAC and wired connection would make. I won’t be using these wirelessly unless I absolutely have to. The sound through a wired connection feels fuller, and the bass packs the necessary punch. You are getting a very good sound at this price range.

If you are looking for a pair of high quality headphones that look good, give you the sound you want, and won’t break the bank, go pick up a pair of the Ardor. You get a long lasting wireless headset with unrivaled ANC and access to a dynamic sound stage when you need it.

You can pick up a pair of the Ardor headphones from the official website for $99.99.

Tech Reviews

Epomaker X Aula F108 Review: Affordable Mechanical Keyboard

Leave a comment

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.