Epomaker TH85

The Epomaker TH85 is a mechanical keyboard that promises to combine the best of professional functionality with enthusiast aesthetics. It is a trimodal solution with support for wired connection, 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth 5.0, equipped with hot-swappable switches, a 75% compact layout and VIA/QMK support. Intended for those looking for customization, build quality and performance in a small space, the TH85 is proposed as one of the most complete proposals in its price range. But will it really live up to the expectations? Let's find out together.

Materials and Design

The design of the TH85 is essential but refined, with clean lines and a solid and compact aesthetic. The case is made of thick ABS plastic, rigid enough to guarantee good stability on the desk. Despite the use of ABS, the perceived quality is above average, and the weight of about 1kg helps to make it feel robust.

The 75% layout (84 keys) is one of the most balanced choices in the current panorama: it keeps all the function keys, the arrows and the cluster of keys above the arrows, but saves space compared to a TKL. The gasket-mounted assembly with polycarbonate plate offers a cushioned and soft typing, with a more “elastic” feedback compared to traditional tray or top-mount assembly. Another distinctive element is the presence of fully programmable south-facing RGB LEDs, distributed on each key, with dozens of integrated dynamic effects and the possibility of adjusting the speed, brightness and saturation directly from the keyboard.

Hardware and Performance

Under the body there is a hot-swappable PCB compatible with 3 and 5 pin mechanical switches, which allows the user to easily change the switches without soldering. The models sold by Epomaker come with pre-lubricated switches (for example the Gateron Pro Yellow or similar), and plate-mounted stabilizers, also lubricated by factory, which guarantee a solid feeling in the longer keys.

The three connection modes are managed by a physical switch on the back:

.USB-C wired: 1000Hz polling rate
.Wireless 2.4GHz with USB dongle: 1000Hz polling rate, minimum latency
.Bluetooth 5.0: compatible with three devices, 125Hz polling rate

The 4000mAh battery guarantees excellent battery life: in Bluetooth mode, with reduced backlighting, you can easily exceed 30 days of moderate use. The firmware is compatible with VIA and QMK, so it is completely customizable: you can remap each key, create layers, macros and control the RGB. For the most demanding, the VIA firmware can be loaded with the appropriate JSON file available on the official website, and is compatible with both Windows and macOS. Also worth mentioning is the possibility of checking the battery level by pressing FN+Enter, with progressive illumination of the numeric keys.

Everyday Use

In everyday use, the TH85 proves to be a reliable and silent companion. The sound of the keys is dampened by the presence of multiple layers of sound-absorbing foam: IXPE under the keys, Poron in the plate and between the PCB and the case. This reduces the metallic ping typical of many inexpensive keyboards, resulting in a lower and softer sound profile, very pleasant for those who type for a long time.

Typing is comfortable, in particular thanks to the mounting gasket, which provides a slight flex that is perceptible only with firm pressure. For those who type, the Cherry profile of the double-shot PBT keycaps is a guarantee: the keys are opaque, resistant to gloss and very solid. From a software point of view, the ANSI layout may be a limitation for some Italian users (the direct accents are missing), but it remains easily adaptable. Some FN combinations allow complete control of multimedia, backlighting and even the Windows Key lock.

Conclusions

The Epomaker TH85 confirms itself as an extremely competitive product in the sub-€100 range, with features that make it suitable for a demanding public but also curious to experiment. The QMK/VIA support, the triple connection mode and the gasket-mounted system are rarities in this price range, and contribute to making it a solid choice for both work and gaming. The only real limit, if we want to find one, is the software and the essential paper documentation. Recommended product!

Rating: 9/10

The keyboard is incredibly good, the design is very good, the RGB lighting is also very cool. It's all good as it is.

You can watch a video about it here: https://youtu.be/fMAGlA45NFA

I’ve been using the TH85 for a while and it’s been a really solid board for everyday use. The layout feels natural and I like having the function row without the board taking up too much space. Typing on it has been satisfying especially after swapping in switches I prefer.

The wireless connection has been steady and the battery life has held up better than I expected. I didn’t have to do much out of the box to enjoy it but it’s been fun slowly making it my own. Just a good balance of convenience and customization for what I needed.

Epomaker TH85

Epomaker TH85