Epomaker Split65 keyboard evaluate: Value, specs, and extra

In a world of many “samey” Mac mechanical keyboards, the Epomaker Split65 stands out. It contains a break up design that is supposedly extra ergonomic, however not everybody will really be capable of sort with it.

I am a sucker for a keyboard and I’ve greater than sufficient of them mendacity round my workplace — maybe too many. However when Epomaker supplied the Split65 for evaluate, I could not say no, if solely as a result of it is so completely different.

Positive, it is a mechanical keyboard like the remainder, however one take a look at it tells the story. It is a keyboard that splits within the center for added, customizable ergonomics.

However there’s extra right here than that, together with a massively helpful knob for quantity management. It is good to sort on, and I like utilizing it.

Sadly, because the title most likely gave away, there’s an issue. And for me, that drawback comes after I use the Split65’s predominant function.

Fortunately, this can be a keyboard that I take pleasure in utilizing, due to its customizability. Sure, this keyboard splits, but it surely additionally goes again collectively — and that modifications every little thing for me.

Epomaker Split65 keyboard evaluate: What’s within the field

The Split65, because the identify suggests, is a 65% keyboard, and I acquired the ANSI format model for evaluate. It may well hook up with a Mac or PC by way of Bluetooth, a 2.4GHz dongle, or a USB-C wired connection — I used the latter.

Epomaker Split65 evaluate: You’ll be able to shut the keyboard if you happen to desire, fortunately.

Alongside the keyboard, consumers may also get the dongle, a USB-C to A cable, and a person handbook. You may additionally get a keycap puller so you may swap out the caps if you happen to select to later.

Epomaker additionally contains some spare switches in case you break any when swapping your keycaps. Lastly, there is a cable for connecting the 2 halves of the keyboard collectively.

Epomaker Split65 keyboard evaluate: Design and specs

With its 65% format, the keyboard is not a big one, but it surely does have every little thing most individuals want. In the event you’ve used every other 65% keyboard, this one might be acquainted.

On the top-right of the Split65, there’s a media knob that controls the amount, permitting for fast changes. It’s comparatively easy to make use of and well-suited for media purposes.

The mannequin that I acquired got here with double-shot PBT keycaps with the Cherry profile. There’s backlighting as you’d count on, with south-facing RGB per-key lighting on provide.

Different notable options embody 3/5 pin mechanical switches, plastic plate building, and an ABS prime case and iron backside case. N-key rollover assist is current to assist keep away from ghosting when typing.

Epomaker Split65 keyboard: The helpful quantity knob is a superb function.

The switches are Epomaker’s in-house providing, with Wisteria Linear and Flamingo switches supplied. I acquired the latter, which sports activities a 60g bottom-out drive at 3.8mm journey.

Across the again of the keyboard, you will discover a swap for energy and connectivity mode in addition to a USB-C port. You may additionally discover an extra USB-C port on every half of the keyboard, which that you must use with the offered cable — in any other case, one half will not work.

In fact, the principle function right here is that break up design. It is considerably down the center of the keyboard, and you may place the 2 halves nonetheless you want.

You do not have to separate the keyboard, although, which is sweet information for a few of us. Pushing the 2 halves collectively is satisfying due to built-in magnets that hold every little thing locked collectively.

Try this, and also you primarily have a standard 65% keyboard with a knob, and that is no dangerous factor in any respect.

Epomaker Split65 keyboard evaluate: Customization

Most fanatic keyboards as of late will be personalized, and the Split65 is not any completely different. It helps QMK/VIA for programming and customization, providing loads of choices.

The keyboard will be personalized by programming and mapping keys, organising macros, and extra. You’ll be able to simply modify the keyboard’s lighting all from an online interface — it is extremely simple to make use of.

This being a hot-swappable keyboard, you may after all select so as to add your individual switches and keycaps, too.

Epomaker Split65 keyboard evaluate: In use

I have been utilizing the Epomaker Split65 with my MacBook Professional in clamshell mode, predominantly linked by way of a cable. My testing discovered that Bluetooth and a couple of.4GHz connectivity labored simply fantastic, although.

I’ve additionally predominantly used the Split65 in its closed configuration, which admittedly, defeats the purpose considerably. I did strive utilizing it within the break up setup, however I discovered that I merely could not get on with it.

That is my concern, not the keyboard’s. The flexibleness supplied by the cable between the 2 halves means you will discover the precise placement in your wrists. Besides you are me.

I believe the issue is that I’ve spent many years typing on a keyboard, and my palms count on it to be in a sure place. The keys are at all times, typically, in the identical location.

Epomaker Split65 evaluate: Not many keyboards have a number of USB-C ports.

Altering that breaks my mind, however I may little doubt have educated it if I had given it lengthy sufficient. Sadly, as somebody who varieties for a dwelling, I could not afford that luxurious.

Nonetheless, if you happen to’re a fan of ergo keyboards, you will get on simply fantastic. And I might wager you will benefit from the typing expertise.

I discovered the keys felt stable and thunky — a technical time period — in use, if a bit loud, and the suggestions was ample. Contact typing wasn’t a difficulty (when closed) for me, and I do not really feel that I typed any extra slowly or misplaced any accuracy.

For my testing, the amount knob was the star of the present. A lot in order that I now miss it when utilizing different keyboards. I additionally appreciated the convenience of customization due to the QMK/VIA assist.

On a destructive word, the keyboard comes with Mac and PC assist, however no Mac keycaps. Meaning you will must know which keys do what with out taking a look at them.

It is a comparatively minor factor, however I believe any keyboard with twin assist ought to have keycaps for each. They cannot presumably price that a lot to throw within the field, can they?

Epomaker Split65 keyboard evaluate: An ergo keyboard that is higher when it is not

As I discussed, I exploit loads of keyboards. However the Epomaker Split65 is the one one which contains a break up design. And that was most likely the issue throughout my testing.

I strongly count on that individuals who use a hard and fast ergonomic keyboard will very a lot benefit from the split65. The flexibleness it affords makes it an excellent choice, with loads of options.

These options make the Split65 a keyboard I am going to usually proceed to make use of after scripting this evaluate. I’d even strive utilizing it in that break up configuration once more, too.

From the media knob to the straightforward customization, I believe the Split65 has lots to supply. It helps that it is a looker, too, in an understated sort of manner.

At $120, it is not the costliest keyboard I’ve ever examined. And it may very well be a discount if it helps cease your wrists from hurting, too.

Epomaker Split65 keyboard: Professionals

• A versatile ergonomic design
• Loads of customization choices
• A helpful media management knob
• Loads of connectivity choices

Epomaker Split65 keyboard: Cons

• Presumably too clacky for some
• No Mac-specific keycaps
• Some may desire extra keys

Epomaker Split65 keyboard: Ranking 4 out of 5

The place to purchase the Epomaker Split65 keyboard

You should purchase the Epomaker Split65 keyboard for $119.99 straight from Epomaker’s web site. Alternatively, you should buy it from Amazon for a similar $119.99 worth — albeit usually discounted to round $108.