Epomaker EK68 Keyboard (Hardware)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
- Official Store: https://epomaker.com/products/epomaker-ek68
Epomaker seems determined to conquer the world of 65% keyboards, because the last three we've looked at, including today's keyboard, have all featured this layout style; the TH66 had a bit of an awkward layout, and the MC66 didn't have much going on beyond its bright RGBs. Luckily, Epomaker has always been great about listening to fan feedback, and after fixing the previous missteps in other boards, it looks like the EK68 might be their best yet.
The perfect balance
We're back to a gasket mount style with the EK68, giving the keyboard just the right amount of flex to keep things feeling satisfying and cushioned, while keeping everything stable. It's not a "bouncy" typing experience like some of their previous hybrid style keyboards or sandwich mounts, but I've always found the gasket mount keyboards to offer the highest quality typing experience. This also gives the EK68 room for a lot of dampening foam, giving the keyboard a deep "thocc" noise rather than a high-pitched "clack" that you might equate with cheaper mechanical keyboards.
The keyswitches come in three variants; tactile Epomaker Budgerigar, linear Epomaker Flamingo, or a more traditional linear switch in the form of Gateron Pro 2.0 Yellow. In this case, I'm using the Budgerigar, and I couldn't be more impressed. A nicely lubed tactile switch plays into the lovely feeling of typing on a gasket mount keyboard, without feeling too stiff--there's just enough movement to feel satisfying, and the tactile bump actuates at the top of the press with a solid deep sound. They're a little heavy, so you need a decent bit of force to get going, but I find that to be the best part, that elegant dance of moving from key to key while trying not to bottom out.
As expected with Epomaker boards, you've got the option to hotswap in any switch you want, should you find yourself wanting to play around with the internals. The EK68 also rocks PBT doubleshot caps, going with an ice-gray, yellow, and gunmetal style. PBT is almost always the way to go with nice keyboards, and these caps have just the slightest of texture, with sharp edges, vibrant colors and lettering that won't peel away. The case is plastic, though it's been painted to look shiny and metallic. Initially, I thought a metal case would have been ideal, but with the keyboard already being fairly hefty, and the fact that it likely wouldn't have changed much, I'm glad Epomaker went with a metallic-looking plastic.
Up in the corner is a volume knob, and while it's a little squished between the Backspace and Del keys, it rotates smoothly, and can be clicked in to instantly mute your volume. Notched into the top of the keyboard is a little slot for a 2.4GHz wireless adapter, though you can connect the keyboard via USB or Bluetooth as well. RGBs are here as well, though they can be a bit of an afterthought with PBT keycaps that don't allow for much shine-through.
Custom keyboard quality on a budget
Epomaker hit all the targets with the EK68, nailing build quality, typing feel, sound. lubed switches--everything you'd expect from a high-end custom keyboard can be found here. This kind of enthusiast keyboard, with all the effort of lubing the stabs and switches, the application of dampening foam, nice keycaps, all in a highly popular form factor, would usually set you back pretty hard in terms of price. However, the EK68 is a sub $90 keyboard, currently retailing on Amazon for $83.00. For all the features you get, this is a fantastic value.
Verdict
- Dampening foam application is A+
- Great price for what you get
- Perfectly lubed switches and stabilizers
- Only comes in one size/color
- Awkward volume knob placement
