Epomaker Mechanical Keyboard Round-up

65% Hot-swappable Wireless Mechanical Keyboard with Detachable Mini Display

Our first keyboard is also the smallest in our roundup; the Epomaker RT 65. As you might have guessed the “65” refers to the 65% size of the keyboard. Traditionally a 65% TKL keyboard will only have the arrow keys and an extra row of keys along the right-hand side of the board and remove the remaining ten-key related keys to save space.

Our RT65 is in a beautiful pink and white color scheme that draws plenty of attention here in the labs!  If something more subtle is desired, you can also opt for a grey and white model. The sizing is a pretty traditional 332.8 x 130.5 x 38.3mm (~13.1 x 5.13 x 1.5 inches) and weighs a trim 0.67kg. That’s pretty light for a wireless model with a 3000mAh Battery!

The RT65 features south facing dynamic RGB with 16 default lighting patterns and endless customization options available through the EPOMAKER driver. The black strip across the top contains 9 RGB lights to accent the key color scheme.

Let’s take a closer look at the specs!

• Model: RT65
• Number of Keys: 67
• Layout: 65%
• Connection:Wired Type-C / Bluetooth / 4G Wireless
• Backlit: RGB (South-facing)
• Case Material: ABS Plastic
• Structure: Gasket Mount
• Position Plate: PC
• Hot-Swappable: Yes
• Keycap Profile: Cherry
• Battery Capacity: 3000mAh
• Anti-Ghosting: NKRO
• Dimension: 332.8*130.5*38.3mm
• Weight: 0.67kg

The Epomaker RT65 isn’t just a pretty face, it is a full featured Mechanical keyboard with a gasket mount structure.

From Epomaker: The RT65 incorporates five layers of sound and feel-enhancing materials, including Poron sandwich foam, IXPE switch pads, socket foam, PET film, and case foam. Combined with the gasket mount, these layers dampen vibrations, soften keystrokes, and minimize noise, creating a deeply satisfying and smooth typing experience. Finely tuned plate-mounted stabilizers further reduce unwanted rattling, ensuring every key press is consistent and enjoyable.

At a glance, the RT60 may look like a traditional 65% design but there are some details that make this keyboard stand out.  On the top left you will find a removable cover that hides the 2.4 GHz USB receiver for safe keeping when not in use.  This is also where the USB C accessory port is located. More on that in a moment!

The right side contains the compressed keyset that makes for the TKL layout.  Up higher you will find an off/on toggle for the wireless functionality and a clever little joystick that can be used as a mouse our as a multimedia control.  The mouse function can be pretty handy when using as a wireless keyboard when a mouse surface may not be readily available.

Perhaps the most interesting feature of the RT65 is the Mini Display accessory. Shown here in the default state (with its protective film) this screen can be customized to display the date, time, battery status and even your favorite anime GIFs directly through the software suite.

Included with the RT60 are a color matched USB cable and a simple key removal tool. The USB C cable deserves a special callout for the metal ends with a built-in power LED indicator and the faux leather cable tie. This level of over engineering is not something I expect at this price point!

One excellent reason to acquire the RT65 is for the Hot swapable PCB. The keyboard can be ordered with your choice of the EPMO Flamingo Switch or EPMO Wisteria Switch (Linear).  Compatibility with all 3/5 pin mechanical switches makes the RT65 a compelling base for upgrading to a custom PCB set down the road. The keycaps are ergonomic Cherry profile making them easy to update/customize as well.

Our RT65 also came equipped with the EPMO Wisteria Switch (Linear).  Those choosing the EPMO Wisteria Switch (Linear) will get a pastel purple and green ultra-smooth, scratch-less keystroke experience with no additional lube applied. Extra switches and keycaps are included.

Both the RT65 and the RT80 use the same software suite. We installed Driver Version: V.2.1.79 for this review.

I won’t go into a lot of detail for this roundup but the above screenshots should give you a good idea of what to expect. Configuration is quite mature and split across eight primary screens: main, FnSetting, Macro, Screen, Light, Share, My Account and About.

The second screen shows the Screen tab exclusive to these keyboards.  This is where you can customize the Mini Display!  Importing an image is pretty simple and results are accurate to the small screen as a preview.

The Epomaker RT65 represents a fantastic value for a tri-mode TKL keyboard. You can’t go wrong choosing the RT65 as a gaming keyboard, multimedia keyboard or simply as a base for your own TKL customization project.

Choosing a small form factor keyboard often requires you to accept some compromises to get to a smaller size. The RT65 is no exception. You will need to get used to some shortcuts and toggles to get to things like your function keys but the smaller footprint might win you over!

The amount of keyboard you can get at this price from Epomaker is truly astonishing. The switches feel pretty fantastic right out of the box and the gasket structure feels and sounds great with none of that loud clacking most associate with traditional mechanical keyboards!

Regular price: $69.99

RT65: https://epomaker.com/products/epomaker-rt65
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3B80pw1