Epomaker Mechanical Keyboard Round-up

75% Gasket Hot-swappable Wireless Mechanical Keyboard with Dual Screen

The Epomaker RT80 is the RT65’s big brother. While many of the features are the same, choosing a 75% TKL design offers more room for more features. As you might have guessed the “80” refers to the size of the keyboard. Given the “80” is not “75”, you can rightly assume this is slightly larger than a traditional 75% design. The RT80 has a much larger 5000mAh Battery and both the Mini Display and Touch Screen for Enhanced Functionality.

Our RT80 is in a more traditional grey and white color scheme that draws immediately reminded us of the color scheme most often associated with Noctua. Epomaker also offers the RT80 in an all-black edition. Sizing is only a little larger at 350 x 140 x 45mm (~13.78 x 5.51 x 1.77 inches) with a weight of 1.567kg. That extra weight allows for a longer lasting 5000mAh Battery

The RT80 features the same 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: RT80
• Number of Keys: 83
• Layout: 75%
• Mount Type: Gasket
• Stabilizer Type: Plate-mounted
• PCB Type: 3/5 Pin Hot swap PCB
• Touch Screen Size: 1.54 Inch
• Screen Resolution: 240*240RGB
• Connection: Wired Type-C, Bluetooth, 2.4G Wireless
• Backlit: RGB
• LED Direction: South-facing
• Case Material: ABS Plastic
• Position Plate” Flex-Cut PC
• Keycap Profile: Cherry
• Battery Capacity: 5000mAh
• Anti-Ghosting: NKRO
• Polling Rate:1000hz under Wired & 2.4G Mode / 25hz under Bluetooth Mode
• Compatibility: Windows/Mac
• Dimension: 332 x 130 x 45mm
• Weight: About 1.5kg

The Epomaker RT80 shares the same full featured Mechanical keyboard advantages and the six layer gasket mount structure as the RT60 to deliver a quieter, more satisfying mechanical typing experience.

The RT60 has a more traditional 75% design but there are some additional 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.

The right side contains the compressed keyset that makes for the 80% TKL layout.  Up higher you will find a toggle for the wireless functionality and below the keys there is a 1.54-inch touch screen offering functions like volume control, print screen, and quick access to Windows settings.  Multimedia controls can be found below the screen with both fully customizable through the software suite.

Here is a closer look at the back side of the RT80 (and the RT60 shares this layout) with two position risers and firm rubber grips.

With the removable USB receiver cover off you can get a closer look at the size of the receiver and the storage bay. The receiver does need to be removed to get access to the Mini Display USB port.

With the keyboard powered up you can get a closer look at the programable touch screen. While it doesn’t photograph well, the touch screen is divided into quadrants that can be programmed as buttons and mapped to key functionality. This feature looks so much better in person!

Like the RT65, we have the detachable Mini Display accessory. For the RT80, I took the image from the software shown previously and applied it to the image area. Our logo looks great! This screen can be customized to display the date, time, battery status and even your favorite anime GIFs directly through the software suite.

One excellent reason to acquire the RT80 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 RT80 came equipped with the EPMO Flamingo Switch a Linear Type with 35gf Initial Force. This switch comes factory lubed with a built in LED slot. It’s easy to see the inspiration for the color scheme shining through the pinks and purples.  Extra switches and keycaps are included.

The Epomaker RT80 represents another fantastic value for a tri-mode TKL keyboard. The RT80 has all of the functionality you need without the extra bulk a tenkey requires. The RT80 excels as a gaming keyboard, multimedia keyboard or simply as a base for your own TKL customization project. I love the additional touch screen functionality allowing for immediate access to custom keys with a visual indicator!

Choosing a small form factor keyboard often requires you to accept some compromises to get to a smaller size. The RT80 is no exception. You may need to get used to some shortcuts and toggles but the larger size provides a true TKL experience without as much need to compromise functionality.

I love the functionality of the two screens, though the Mini Display implementation can be polarizing. 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!

Driver Version: V.2.1.79

Regular Price: 95.99

RT80: https://epomaker.com/products/epomaker-rt80
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VKS5cP