Epomaker TH80 V2 Review: Quiet Yet Imperfect Mechanical Keyboard

For people interested in mechanical keyboards, the Epomaker TH80 V2 offers a practical entry point. This device attempts to balance the category’s defining trait, noise, with a compact 75% layout that costs less than $70. It arrives with tri-mode wireless connectivity and a gasket-mounted design, allowing users to configure the board to keep a room quiet. The device comes in black or white, with the black version featuring grey keys.

Build and Typing Experience

The case is plastic, but it does not look or feel cheap. The board has noticeable weight and shows no creaking during normal use. The styling leans toward a retro workstation rather than a gamer, featuring a metallic rotary knob in the top-right corner. This knob handles volume and pressing it mutes the audio, a small feature that proved useful during daily use.

Two switch options are available: Creamy Jade and Sea Salt Silent V2. The review unit used the Creamy Jade switches, which produce the deep clacking sound enthusiasts often seek. This sound is enjoyable at home but may not suit a shared workspace. The spacing between keys surprised reviewers; on most mechanical keyboards, rapid typing often causes accidental key presses. On this model, such errors were rare.

Connectivity and Software

Users can choose between Bluetooth, wired USB-C, and a 2.4 GHz dongle. The dongle offers the most reliable connection, though it occupies space on the device. MacBook users will need to use a hub to connect it. Bluetooth supports pairing with up to three devices, a useful feature for those who switch between laptops. A physical switch on the top changes the connection mode, located beside a Windows/macOS toggle.

The Epomaker software allows users to adjust RGB lighting settings. Without customization, the battery life drops to approximately two days. A small flashing red LED under the Ctrl key indicates low power, but this warning is easy to miss. The most noticeable issue occurs when the battery is fully drained. It will not begin charging when connected to a laptop overnight, requiring the use of a phone charger to restart the process.

Value and Verdict

The Epomaker TH80 V2 provides more build quality, typing comfort, and flexibility than its price suggests. Buyers who dislike complex battery management or require a metal body for durability should consider other options. However, for those seeking a feature-rich board at an affordable price, this model delivers a solid experience. The faults in the supporting experience, such as the weak battery alerts, are minor compared to the typing performance, which remains the primary reason to purchase the device.