Let’s take a break from our smartphones and usual devices to explore the tools some of us use in our daily lives.
That is why in this article, we will be reviewing the EPOMAKER TH87, a tenkeyless keyboard that, according to the brand, combines professional performance with minimalist aesthetics. But is that really true?
We have been using it as our primary keyboard for quite some time now, and if you’re curious about its performance, this review may be what you’re looking for.
First, let’s talk about its appearance. The first thing that we noticed is that the EPOMAKER TH87 comes with RGB backlighting. It has five RGB backlight effects and eight solid colors, including a rainbow mode. It can also adjust both brightness and lighting speed.
As mentioned earlier, the EPOMAKER TH87 is a tenkeyless keyboard.
Some of you might be wondering, what is tenkeyless? Well, compared to a 100% full-size keyboard, tenkeyless keyboards like this one have the same layout but without the numpad.
As for its design, the keycaps comes in four colors, gray, white, green, and light pink, which, in my opinion, are very pleasing to the eyes.
In our experience, it gave me more space on my desk. I can push it aside a bit and have more room if I need to write something in my notebook, or if I want a quick snack without the keyboard right in front of me. I also get more space for my mouse when editing.
As for the keycaps, they are made of PBT material, which is generally more durable and higher quality than ABS plastic, since ABS tends to develop a shiny, worn-out look over time with extended use.
It also uses a Cherry profile, which means it has a low-to-medium height, with each row having a slightly different angle. Just like a staircase.
With that being said, the EPOMAKER TH87 has a total of 87 keys and measures 14.43 × 5.59 × 1.63 inches.
It is quite heavy at 1 kg, so keep in mind that even if it has a somehow compact size, bringing it outside can be a bit tiring, especially if you’re also carrying a laptop or a tablet.
Despite the keycaps being made of PBT, the keyboard still uses an ABS plastic case, which I didn’t really mind. Of course, it won’t feel as premium as aluminum keyboards, and the color may change over time. However, it is lighter and has a smooth finish. Just like any other keyboard, proper care is a must.
Also, the unit we have is the EPOMAKER Sea Salt Silent V2 switch variant, which is designed to be quieter.
In our experience, it produces a mellow sound when typing, making it more usable even at night when I need to work late. It doesn’t disturb other people compared to the high-pitched keyboards I previously used. It also feels soft and cushiony when typing.
It is also hot-swappable, which means you can easily remove and replace the switches. The unit also comes with a keycap puller and two switches in the box. We also tried removing the keycaps myself, and it was very easy to take them off and replace them.
One of the things we like about this keyboard is its battery. It has a 10,000mAh capacity. With this, the keyboard can last around 1–2 weeks when using medium RGB brightness.
Of course, it still depends on usage. If you turn the lights off or keep them at a low level, it can easily last several weeks on a single charge.
To check its battery level, just press the Fn + Enter keys.
It also offers three types of connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired. Personally, I mainly used the wired connection because I don’t want to worry about running out of battery, especially since it might affect my performance at work.
When plugging the keyboard in via USB-C, it takes less than 5 seconds to become usable. So, the wait time is barely noticeable.
The same applies when using the included USB dongle, and it feels faster and more stable compared to Bluetooth connectivity.
The EPOMAKER TH87 is also user-friendly. There are sliding switches at the top of the keyboard that let you easily switch between the three connection modes. It doesn’t take much time to switch from wired to wireless or Bluetooth.
There is also a switch for changing between Windows and Mac modes. However, in my experience, I was only able to use it on my Windows PC.
In terms of performance, the keyboard supports a 1000Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4GHz modes, which is very fast and ideal for gaming. In Bluetooth mode, it runs at 125Hz, which is slower but still fine for typing and casual use.
For reference, based on my experience, the wired mode felt the fastest with almost instant response, while the 2.4GHz wireless mode was very responsive but users might appreciate it more for gaming. Bluetooth, on the other hand, was fine for typing and everyday tasks, but not ideal for more competitive or fast-paced use.
The EPOMAKER TH87 has a few drawbacks worth noting. As mentioned, its ABS plastic case may show wear over time. It’s also relatively heavy at 1 kg, which makes it less ideal for portability.
Overall, the EPOMAKER TH87 is a good choice for anyone looking for a tenkeyless keyboard. It offers good performance, comfort, and style. It may not be the most premium keyboard on the market, but for its features, it’s a very capable TKL board that works well for both productivity and casual gaming.
Also, the 10,000mAh battery and tri-mode connectivity add flexibility.
That’s our review of the EPOMAKER TH87 Tenkeyless Keyboard. What do you think of this one?
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