Mechanical Keyboard has a huge fan following because it offers tactile feedback, customization, and durability. I also like mechanical keyboards for their typing sound and precision. Recently, I got a chance to try and test a new mechanical keyboard and it impressed me with its mechanical switches, good typing experience, multiple connectivity modes, and VIA programmability. It is the Epomaker TH80 V2 Pro VIA keyboard. At $100, is it a good choice for people looking for a mechanical keyboard for gaming and typing? Let’s find out. I have been using the Epomaker TH80 Pro V2 VIA for a month along with the EK21-X VIA Numpad keyboard. I mainly used this keyboard while writing codes and playing games. I also used it for writing a few blog posts.
Buy Here: Epomaker Website
Epomaker TH80 Pro V2 VIA Review
Epomaker TH80 Pro V2 VIA keyboard comes in two different color options Black and White. I have the Black color variant that feels modern. If you look at the white color variant, it offers a retro feeling.
Epomaker TH80 Pro V2 VIA comes with a compact 75% layout. It features 79 essential keys. This compact design is ideal for gamers and people who need more desk space for mouse movements. The build quality is robust. The keyboard has an aluminum top plate that adds a touch of elegance and durability. The case has a slightly rounded edge that makes it comfortable to handle. The keyboard also feels a bit heavy, but that also makes it stable on the table.
The TH80 Pro V2 has a gasket-mounted design that results in a cushioned typing experience. The pre-lubed stabilizers also contribute to a smoother keystroke and minimize rattle. The keycaps are made of PBT plastic for durability and resistance to shine. The stock keycaps have a slightly textured feel, which I found pleasant during prolonged typing and gaming sessions. Four rubber strips are on the bottom of the keyboard to keep it stable. It also has two plastic feet that flip out for two different incline settings to suit your preferences. It is worth noting that the keyboard has a fairly high profile and reaching all keys can be a problem for people with small palms. It doesn’t come with a wrist rest, but I recommend getting one for a more comfortable experience.
The keyboard also has south-facing RGB LEDs that look good. You can toggle RGB backlighting, its brightness, speed, saturation, and Hue using keyboard shortcuts. You also get several effects and customization options available through VIA software.
The Epomaker TH80 Pro V2 VIA is offered with different switch options. Sound signature and typing feel will vary depending on the switches and keycaps you select while buying the keyboard. My Keyboard unit is equipped with Epomaker Mulan switches. These are tactile switches. So you will feel a distinct bump when pressing down on a key. This provides satisfying feedback that can improve typing accuracy, especially for those who have switched from membrane keyboards. The Mulan switches are also pre-lubed. So these switches offer a smooth and quiet operation compared to some unlubed tactile switches Mulan switches have 1.2mm pre-travel and 4mm travel distance. It has a 60g actuation force that’s good.
The beauty of the TH80 Pro V2 VIA is that it is hot-swappable. So, you can easily swap keyboard switches out for a different switch type if you want. This is a great option for those who want to experiment and find their ideal typing experience.
In gaming scenarios, the keyboard performed really well. The responsive keystrokes and reliable connectivity ensured that my inputs were registered without delay. I mostly used it as a wired keyboard during games, but didn’t notice much difference when using it wirelessly. The compact layout keeps all essential keys within easy reach. The ergonomic design also helps reduce strain during extended gaming sessions. The keyboard has a pooling rate of 500 Hz. So, it is not for competitive gamers, but you can use it to play casual games.
The TH80 Pro V2 offers the triple connectivity: USB-C wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth 5.0. Switching between my PC, laptop, and even my phone is quick. It is a big advantage for my multi-device workflow. The included 2.4GHz dongle ensures lag-free performance for competitive gaming. However, I did experience a few instances of connection drops with Bluetooth.
One of the most notable features of the keyboard is its 1.14-inch customizable built-in display. The display can show information, animations, or even custom artwork. Out of the box, it displays the time and date along with Win Lock, Caps Lock, and connection mode icons. But you can customize using the software and add a photo or animation if you want.
The keyboard supports VIA programmability. VIA is an open-source programming tool for mechanical keyboards that provides a ton of customization options. You can remap keys, assign macros and shortcuts, and create multiple layers of keymaps for different games, applications, and functions. Everything is saved to the keyboard’s firmware. Creating macros for repetitive tasks and creating different keymap configurations for different uses are the two most notable things one could do with VIA software. It helps in improved productivity. So, you get the power to use the keyboard to improve your efficiency and enjoyment while gaming and working.
The battery life of the TH80 V2 Pro VIA is good. With RGB lighting turned on, the keyboard lasts around 30 hours on a single charge. You can switch off RGB lighting if you need a longer battery life. It will help you get a battery life of a few days. I use the keyboard in wired mode, so RGB lighting on all the time is not an issue for me.
EK21-X VIA
Here’s another product EK21-X VIA that I have been using along with TH80 Pro V2 VIA. TH80 Pro V2 VIA is a 75% keyboard that lacks numeric keys, so EK21-X VIA is a perfect pair for it. It comes with a detachable USB-C cable, a keycap puller, and a user manual. The keypad feels solid and matches the aesthetic of the TH80 Pro V2 VIA. It is compact and sturdy, with a matching aluminum top plate. The keypad’s build quality ensures it can withstand extensive use.
This is the best-sounding numpad I have ever used. Interestingly, the EK21-X VIA features Wisteria switches, which are linear. These offer a smooth keystroke with no tactile bump. Wisteria switches offer smooth keystrokes and are ideal for rapid data entry. Due to pre-lubing and material choices, it is also good for noise-sensitive environments. It has around 45g actuation force which makes it good for long-term usage. It enhances productivity, especially for tasks that require frequent numeric input. The EK21-X VIA numeric keypad also features RGB lighting, which can be customized to match the main keyboard. EK21-X VIA also features VIA compatibility. So you can program additional macros or customize their functionality.
The EK21-X VIA is a great option for those who crave a full-sized experience or need a dedicated numpad for data entry tasks. EK21-X VIA numeric keypad also boasts impressive battery life. It lasts for approximately 25-30 hours with RGB lighting.
Wrap Up
The Epomaker TH80 Pro V2 VIA is a feature-packed keyboard that offers a compact and beautiful design, nice features, and a comfortable typing experience. The customizable display, VIA compatibility, and tri-mode connectivity make it a good option for gamers and other users. Overall, the TH80 Pro V2 VIA is a nice keyboard and is definitely worth considering for your next mechanical keyboard upgrade. EK21-X VIA numeric keypad also compliments it well and is perfect for those who need an efficient numeric keypad.
Buy: TH80 Pro V2 VIA | EK21-X VIA
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