The Mechanical Keyboard has garnered a huge fan following due to its offering of tactile feedback, customization, and durability. I appreciate mechanical keyboards for their typing sound and precision. Recently, I had the opportunity to try and test a new mechanical keyboard, and it impressed me with its mechanical switches, excellent typing experience, multiple connectivity modes, and VIA programmability. It’s the Epomaker TH80 V2 Pro VIA keyboard. At $100, is it a good choice for people seeking a mechanical keyboard for gaming and typing?
Let’s find out. I have used the Epomaker TH80 Pro V2 VIA for a month alongside the EK21-X VIA Numpad keyboard. I primarily used this keyboard for coding and gaming, as well as for writing a few blog posts.
Design
The Epomaker TH80 Pro V2 VIA keyboard offers two color options: Black and White. I have the Black variant, which exudes a modern feel. The White variant, in contrast, evokes a retro aesthetic.
This keyboard features a compact 75% layout with 79 essential keys, making it ideal for gamers and those needing more desk space for mouse movements. Its robust build includes an aluminum top plate for elegance and durability, with a slightly rounded case edge for comfort. Despite its weight, the keyboard remains stable on the table.
The TH80 Pro V2 utilizes a gasket-mounted design for a cushioned typing experience, aided by pre-lubed stabilizers that enhance keystroke smoothness and reduce rattle. The PBT plastic keycaps ensure durability and resist shine, with a pleasant textured feel that enhances prolonged typing and gaming sessions. Rubber strips on the bottom keep the keyboard stable, complemented by adjustable plastic feet for customizable incline settings.
South-facing RGB LEDs provide aesthetic appeal, with customizable backlighting options including brightness, speed, saturation, and hue adjustments via keyboard shortcuts and VIA software.
The Epomaker TH80 Pro V2 VIA is available with various switch options. My unit is equipped with Epomaker Mulan tactile switches, offering a distinct bump for improved typing accuracy. These pre-lubed switches operate smoothly and quietly, with 1.2mm pre-travel and a 4mm total travel distance, requiring a 60g actuation force.
One standout feature of the TH80 Pro V2 VIA is its hot-swappability, allowing easy switch replacement to tailor the typing experience to individual preferences. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for users seeking to experiment and find their preferred switch type.
Display
The keyboard’s 1.14-inch customizable built-in display stands out as one of its most notable features. This display shows information, animations, or even custom artwork. Initially, it displays the time and date, along with icons for Win Lock, Caps Lock, and connection mode. However, you can use the software to customize it and add a photo or animation.
Battery
The TH80 V2 Pro VIA offers good battery life. With RGB lighting on, the keyboard lasts around 30 hours on a single charge. You can switch off the RGB lighting for a longer battery life, extending it to a few days. I use the keyboard in wired mode, so having the RGB lighting on all the time is not an issue for me.
Connectivity
The TH80 Pro V2 offers triple connectivity: USB-C wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth 5.0. I can quickly switch between my PC, laptop, and phone, which greatly benefits my multi-device workflow. The included 2.4GHz dongle ensures lag-free performance for competitive gaming. However, I did experience a few connection drops with Bluetooth.
Switches
The keyboard features linear switches with a smooth and consistent feel, thanks to the POM+PTFE stem, PC top housing, and PA66 bottom housing. With an actuation force of 45GF, the keys respond quickly and effortlessly. The pre-travel distance of 2.2mm and total travel distance of 3.6mm ensures precise and comfortable typing. Overall, the Epomaker TH80 Pro delivers an excellent performance for both casual and professional use.
VIA Programmability
The keyboard supports VIA programmability, an open-source programming tool for mechanical keyboards that offers extensive customization options. With VIA, you can remap keys, assign macros and shortcuts, and create multiple layers of keymaps for different games, applications, and functions. The keyboard’s firmware saves everything. Creating macros for repetitive tasks and configuring different keymaps for various uses are the two most notable features of VIA software. This enhances productivity, allowing you to use the keyboard to boost your efficiency and enjoyment while gaming and working.
Gaming Performance
In gaming scenarios, the keyboard excels. Responsive keystrokes and reliable connectivity ensure my inputs register without delay. I primarily use it as a wired keyboard during games but notice little difference when using it wirelessly. The compact layout keeps all essential keys within easy reach, and the ergonomic design reduces strain during extended gaming sessions. With a polling rate of 500 Hz, it’s not for competitive gamers, but it’s great for playing casual games.
Verdict
The Epomaker TH80 Pro V2 offers a well-rounded keyboard suitable for both work and gaming. Its 75% layout sets it apart in the crowded mid-range mechanical keyboard market by confidently avoiding typical gaming keyboard designs. This keyboard’s versatility makes it a great companion for various games, except those requiring ultra-low latency.
The TH80 Pro V2 stands out as a visual masterpiece, with functional attributes like hot-swappable switches and tri-mode connectivity enhancing its appeal. It resonates with a diverse gamer demographic by blending style and utility. However, it does make some balanced compromises. The sound profile and latency reveal the keyboard’s limitations, which discerning gamers and audiophiles will consider carefully.
In our assessment, we give the Epomaker TH80 Pro V2 a commendable 87%. This score reflects the keyboard’s balanced offering, where each strength is slightly tempered by considerations intrinsic to its design and performance.
For individuals who appreciate a blend of aesthetic elegance, a responsive typing experience, and versatile functionality, the TH80 Pro V2 stands as a compelling option. It goes beyond being a mere typing device, serving as a partner for creative expression, a catalyst for productivity, and a bridge to immersive gaming experiences, albeit with a nuanced approach to sound and gaming performance.
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