The Epomaker Cypher 96 is a 96-key mechanical keyboard that, while appearing simple at first glance, offers several unique features. It has a stylish design seamlessly incorporates a numeric keypad and even a built-in calculator. With its versatile three-way connectivity, premium build quality, and competitive price point, it stands out as a noteworthy option in the Epomaker lineup. Epomaker Cypher96

A big thank you to Epomaker for providing us with a review unit and giving us the freedom to share our honest, unbiased thoughts on the product. It’s been a great experience testing it out firsthand. Let’s start the review.

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Inside the Box

The Epomaker Cypher96 arrives in a sleek, securely packaged box containing all the essentials for a seamless unboxing experience. Alongside the keyboard itself, you’ll find a braided USB-C to USB-A cable for reliable wired connectivity, a detailed multilingual user manual to guide setup and customization, and a durable wire keycap puller for effortless switch maintenance. Epomaker also includes three extra Gateron switches (pre-lubed, depending on the variant), allowing users to test or replace switches without compromising the board’s hot-swappable functionality.

Design

The Epomaker Cypher 96 has a sleek white and blue design that immediately catches the eye. Its 96-key layout is a game-changer for me—it includes a full numeric keypad without taking up too much space on my desk. I’ve always found keyboards with numpads to be bulky and intrusive, but the Cypher 96 manages to stay surprisingly compact, which is a huge win for my workspace.

One feature that stands out is the seamless transition between the numeric keypad and calculator mode, activated by pressing the FN and Num Lock keys together. It’s a bit quirky, but I can see why it’s a hit—apparently, the Cypher 21 Numpad had a similar feature that users loved. It’s not something I use every day, but it’s nice to have when I need it.

The south-facing RGB LED backlighting is another highlight. It’s not just for show—the lighting is fully customizable through the Epomaker software. I’ve used this software before, and it’s as intuitive as ever, letting me tweak the colors, effects, and brightness to match my mood or setup. Plus, it supports third-party customizations, which is always a bonus for someone like me who loves personalizing my gear.

Build

I was surprised by how lightweight it felt in my hands, its sleek ABS plastic body, but don’t let the lightness fool you. When I tapped the keys for the first time, there was this satisfying solidity to it, like it was built to last.

I later learned the magic lies in its five-layer gasket design. It’s not just foam and silicone pads hidden inside; it’s like the keyboard has its little shock-absorption system. The vibrations dissolve before they can echo—no more annoying thock-thock during Zoom calls.

Switches

Now, the switches—oh, these Flamingo tactile! There’s a buttery smoothness to every press, and I love that subtle “bump” feedback without feeling like I’m mashing buttons. The keycaps feel like they’ll outlive me—thick PBT material that doesn’t get shiny or slippery, even after my 10th coffee. Honestly, it’s the one of a keyboard I’ve owned that makes typing feel like a ritual, not a chore. That slight heft when I pick it up? It’s not bulky—it just whispers.

Typing Experience

Typing on the Epomaker Cypher 96 feels oddly luxurious for a plastic keyboard. The gasket-mounted design and layers of sound-dampening foam give it a buttery smoothness I’d usually expect from pricier aluminum builds. Even the spacebar and shift keys—normally culprits of that cheap, metallic rattle—feel solid here, delivering crisp feedback whether you’re into tactile bumps or silky linear switches.

Then there’s the buzzer. Yep, a tiny speaker that beeps with every keystroke if you enable it. It’s… quirky. I turned it off after five minutes—why mask that satisfying natural clack of the keycaps? But hey, maybe you’re into retro typewriter vibes? To each their own. For me, the magic is in how this board turns plastic into a premium, one thocky tap at a time.

Compatibility

Compatibility is another strong suit. The Epomaker Cypher 96 works flawlessly with both Windows and Mac, though I did notice it lacks dedicated Mac hotkeys, unlike the Epomaker DynaTab 75X (We did a review of DynaTab 75X). It’s a minor letdown, but not a dealbreaker by any means. Overall, this keyboard strikes a great balance between functionality and style, and it’s been a joy to use in my daily routine.

Connectivity

I’ve been using this product for a while now, and what impressed me is how flexible it is when it comes to staying connected. There are three different ways to pair it with devices, and each has its perks. Bluetooth 5.0 is my go-to for everyday use—it effortlessly links to up to three gadgets at once, like my phone, laptop, and tablet, without dropping a beat.

When I’m gaming or editing videos, I switch to the 2.4GHz wireless mode; it’s lightning-fast and eliminates that annoying lag, making everything feel smooth and instant. And for those times when I need zero distractions—like during important calls or heavy work sessions—the trusty USB-C wired connection never lets me down. It’s like having a backup plan that’s always rock-solid. Honestly, the versatility here just clicks with how I live and work.

Verdict

The Epomaker Cypher 96 feels like a keyboard designed for multitaskers who crave practicality without sacrificing personality. After using it for weeks, I’ve grown to love its clever blend of efficiency and playful charm. What stood out? The built-in numeric keypad and calculator—unexpected gems that made crunching numbers during work feel oddly satisfying. Plus, the gasket-mounted design gives every keystroke a soft, cushioned feel, like typing on a cloud.

Visually, it’s a stunner—slim, modern, and polished enough to blend into my workspace (9/10). The materials aren’t premium premium, but they’re sturdy enough to handle daily wear (7/10). The build quality shines through, though—no creaks or wobbles, just solid reliability (8/10).

Triple-mode connectivity was a lifesaver. Switching between my laptop, tablet, and phone felt seamless, and the wireless range held up even from across the room. The software? Simple and intuitive, though not the most customizable (8/10).

Buy on Official website
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Recent Reviews:

7.1

The Epomaker Cypher 96 isn’t flawless, but it’s a joy to use. It’s practical enough for spreadsheets but playful enough to make typing feel like a mini-adventure. For anyone juggling work and play, the Epomaker Cypher 96 is a quirky little workhorse that won’t let you down.