If you’re new to compact keyboards but want a smaller input device that still has the F-keys and your most commonly used keys, you should consider the Epomaker TH80-X. Its $100 price tag makes it beginner-friendly for those who want to try customizing a mechanical keyboard.
Epomaker TH80-X 75% Mechanical Keyboard
The Epomaker TH80-X is a great first keyboard for users new to customizable mechanical keyboards. It offers multiple connection methods and has a large, easy-to-use knob for adjusting sound volume and keyboard settings.
Basic Accessories Included
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When you open its box, you’ll immediately find the TH80-X with a plastic cover inside an anti-static bag. Aside from that, Epomaker also included a white woven USB-C cable, a white keycap and switch puller, and three spare Epomaker Wisteria switches.
While you won’t get much in accessories, it’s expected, given the keyboard’s price point.
A Unique Mechanical Keyboard on Your Desk
Most mechanical keyboards have a regular rectangular shape, but the Epomaker TH80-X’s iconic knob and rounded edge in the upper right corner gives it a unique form. Furthermore, its keycaps use a custom NAE profile, different from the usual MDA profile found on most mechanical keyboards.
Aside from that, the Grey Green theme is perfect whether you have a light-colored table surface or a dark desk mat. It also has bright, south-facing RGB backlights, making it easy to see when typing.
The keyboard itself weighs a solid 1,020 grams or 2.25 lbs, so it won’t slide around when you’re in an intense gaming match. It also has five huge rubber feet to keep it secure, even if you have a glass desk. And, if you like to see its keycaps better, it also has built-in two-level feet for easy incline adjustment.
And because the TH80-X uses a 75%keyboard size, it has a smaller footprint than full-sized, 104-key keyboards. It measures about 33.8 x 13.4 x 4.2 cm or 13.3 x 5.3 x 1.7 inches, so it’ll be easy to slip into your backpack.
Aside from the large control knob, you’ll find the power switch and USB-C port conveniently located right below it. This off-center placement makes it easier to wire or charge the TH80-X. If you use a right-handed mouse with a removable cable, you can use one cable to recharge both peripherals. And if you prefer a wired connection, you can bundle the two wires for a cleaner desk setup.
It also includes a 2.4GHz dongle, conveniently located under the keyboard, just below the left adjustable foot. This helps keep it secure, ensuring you never lose the dongle if you’re not using it.
An 8 Out of 10 Typing Experience
One of the reasons you’d switch from the typical membrane keyboard to a mechanical one is the typing feel and audible response. Many users want a thick, thocky sound profile delivered by premium PBT keycaps, which the TH80-X somewhat provides.
However, although the NAE profile keycaps look good, they’re slightly smaller than MDA profile keycaps, meaning they have a less solid sound than other more affordable keyboards, like theEpomaker Shadow-X.
Furthermore, the TH80-X uses an iron plate to provide stability and strength to the keyboard. While this reduces keyboard flex, it also affects the keyboard’s sound profile. But more importantly, it also affects the typing feel.
The solid iron plate between the PCB and the switch reduces the gasket mount’s dampening effect, making key presses feel stiff, especially if you’re typing forcefully. You probably won’t notice these things if you’re new to mechanical keyboards.
Since I’ve already reviewed several budget and premium mechanical keyboards, I immediately noticed the difference when I first typed on the TH80-X. Still, it offers an acceptable feel at its price point.
Another gripe I have with this keyboard is the missing right Ctrl button. I can forgive the lost Home and End buttons, as the LCD screen takes up the space for them, and you may easily assign the Fn key to add them back.
However, I typically use the right Ctrl button and the arrow keys for quick cursor movement between words using one hand. I remapped the right Alt key to the right Ctrl key to help fix this problem, but the distance between the right Alt key and the arrow keys makes it a bit awkward to use quickly.
Epomaker could’ve used smaller 1u keycaps for the modifier keys to fit in the right Ctrl key. It would’ve allowed TH80-X users to retain it, making the keyboard more efficient in work-related tasks.
Smart Implementation of Connectivity Options and the Control Knob
Another great thing about the TH80-X is its easy connection switching and the versatility of the control knob. Just press Fn+1/2/3/4/5 to switch between connection modes—1 to 3 for Bluetooth pairing, 4 for the 2.4GHz dongle, and 5 for wired connectivity.
Primarily, the control knob controls your computer’s volume. And, when you click it, it mutes your PC, making it easier to turn off your sound if you need to talk to someone in real life. This is different from many other keyboards I’ve tested, which switches the knob to backlight brightness control when you press it.
But there’s more to the knob than just volume control. When you fold the Fn key and press the knob, you enter the screen interaction mode, allowing you to navigate the TH80-X’s on-screen menu. This is pretty useful, as it’s now easier to change keyboard settings without memorizing which Fn key combination changes what.
A Great-Looking and Functional Display
The TH80-X features a 1.25” OLED screen that shows the date, time, and keyboard status. However, you can also customize the screen to show a GIF or photo, and you can switch between two images or animations without loading it through the Epomaker driver app.
After you’ve loaded the files that you want, press Fn+Knob and then turn it to select what you want to see. Just press Fn+Knob again to confirm once you’ve made your selection.
Now, to access the keyboard setting, press Fn+Knob and then press the knob again. When you enter the settings menu, twist the knob to switch and change options: Photo/Gif, Lights, RGB Color, Brightness, Speed, OS Mode, and (Fn) Layer. Press the knob again to enter your chosen option and make changes.
Once you’re done exploring the settings menu, press Fn+Knob again to return to volume control mode—the settings menu will shortly return to your last chosen image or display mode.
Start Your Mechanical Keyboard Collection With the TH80-X
The Epomaker TH80-X is not as thocky as I expected, and it felt harsh to type on, especially when I pressed hard on the keyboard. It’s also missing some keys that might be crucial for productivity tasks, so you have to assign custom Fn layers and maybe even remap some keys.
Its unique keycap profile makes it stand out among mechanical keyboards (although you’ll have to get used to it). Furthermore, it’s compatible with three- and five-pin switches, giving you more options if you want to replace its stock switches.
The TH80-X is not a perfect keyboard; nevertheless, it’s a great first keyboard, especially if you want something nice to start your collection without breaking the bank.
