Anyone who has ever assembled a PC, modded, or simply carefully configured a setup knows that every detail counts. A keyboard is not a neutral object; it is not interchangeable. It is an interface with our digital world, and it is all the more powerful the more it can adapt to our habits. In recent months, our goal was clear: to find a compact, functional, wireless, aesthetically solid keyboard to integrate into a minimal but powerful gaming setup, also ideal for smart working without sacrificing anything. In this search, we came across the Epomaker Tide49, and after several weeks of use, between streaming, modding, writing, and nights spent on gaming, we can say that this keyboard has changed our approach to desk setups.
Epomaker sent me the Tide49 form factor keyboard to review for my blog. While I am very grateful for the opportunity, I won’t let it sway my opinions. This will be my honest review. Make sure to check out my latest reviews for the Epomaker HE68, TH85, and HE68 if you’re looking for a new keyboard.
Inside the Box
- Epomaker Tide49
- 2 Extra Switches
- Key/Switch Puller Tool
- USB-C to USB-A Cable
- Plastic Dust Cover
- User Manual.
Design
It’s compact, so you can use it comfortably on the go. It’s also suitable for mobile work and working in cafes. However, be careful of the weight.
With its sturdy case and sleek appearance, it will add a stylish touch to your desk setup. The keycap design is also excellent, with the stylish case and cute keycaps harmonizing perfectly together.
The compact case and cute keycap printing make this a design that will make you want to just type. The mirror-finished metal plate on the back of the device gives it a luxurious look, but fingerprints are very visible. 
Photo of the back side of the Epomaker Tide49 body. Enlarged view of the power switch. The power switch and USB connector are located on the left rear side of the main unit.
There is a recess for storing the USB receiver on the back right side of the main unit. Also, since it has a built-in magnet, the receiver fits in nicely.
It has a five-layer sandwich structure that absorbs unpleasant metallic sounds and produces a good typing sound.
40% layout
I knew this before I started using it, but it’s unique. I’ve been using 60% keyboards for many years, but it takes some time to optimize the keymap and get used to it.
The basic keymap setting is to place the layer switching keys in the center, or to the left or right of the split spacebar.
We recommend placing the number keys and function keys in the top row (QWERTY row) of each layer.
This change will allow you to do most tasks without any problems, but we honestly don’t recommend it for gaming purposes.
For games, I make full use of the left-hand home keys, WASD for movement, SHIFT for dashing, CTRL for crouching, SPACE for jumping, TAB for menus, ESC for closing the screen, and numbers for shortcuts, but a 40% keyboard is not enough.
I make up for the missing parts with combination keys for switching layers, but it’s complicated, and I run out of fingers to press them all at the same time.
Another thing I noticed is that the top row (QWERTY row) is offset to the left compared to the normal layout.
This is due to the size of the special keys.
This did not cause any problems when typing. The keystroke sound confirmation video introduced earlier was taken immediately after opening the box, and I was able to type without any discomfort.
Verdict
There is no denying that the Epomaker Tide49 is a very cool-looking form factor solution for those who need it. I am a huge fan of the design and aesthetic, but it feels a bit too niche for my taste. First off, the keyboard is too small for my frame. It never got uncomfortable, but the lack of a number row became an issue. There are preprogrammed shortcuts that work well enough as a solution, but trying to do an exclamation point or a question mark is a needless hassle. This isn’t a good typing laptop, at least not for my workflow. That said, the tide49 does have its use.
The keyboard seems to be meant as a MacPad. The Tide49 is KIA compatible, and there are clear, easy-to-follow instructions in the user manual. All 49 keys can be remapped or programmed with macros for a good amount of utility. I don’t have that many macros, but I can see it being handy if I ever get serious about video or photo editing.
Despite my issues with the size, the Tide49 offers a satisfying typing sound and some solid comfort. That said, my wireless dongle did not work, and only being able to rely on a single Bluetooth connection and wired connection wasn’t ideal for my workflow. I am constantly switching between devices throughout the day and ideally need a keyboard that can connect wirelessly with at least three of my devices.
Honestly, you are buying the Epomaker Tide49 for its aesthetic and clean design, and a bit of its comfort. The keyboard is a nice size and easy to program, but you can buy a cheaper VIA-compatible keyboard with more keys and gain more utility. If you’re a writer, the size may take a bit to get used to, depending on your hand size, but I never felt like it became unusable, nor did it trigger a bad episode of my repetitive stress injury. You can get away without the use of the numbers, but the extra work it takes to use some of the punctuation makes this keyboard bad for writing. This keyboard is useless for gaming. It’s a cool-looking keyboard, but not good for my workflow.
Read Also: Epomaker Carbon60 Review: A Carbon Fiber Keyboard, But Not Perfect