Big thank you to April at Epomaker for sending the TH80 to review!
Full disclosure: This is a paid review but I made it clear to them that I do not guarantee positive reviews or recommendations – I make in-depth, honest evaluations based on my impressions and the ultimate value that the product may or may not provide.
Greetings mate and Welcome aboard!
Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions, so…
Epomaker TH80 Pro
Price: Check Amazon! | Check Epomaker!
In The Box
TH80 Keyboard
USB-C To USB-A Cable
Keycap Puller
Replacement Keycaps
User Manual
Specifications
- Model: Epomaker TH80 Pro
- Keys Amount: 81 Keys
- Structure: Gasket-like mount
- Stabilizer Type: Plate-mounted
- PCB Type: 3/5-pin Hotswap PCB
- Battery Capacity: 4000mAh
- Connectivity: Type-C Wired, 2.4 & Bluetooth Wireless
- Anti-Ghost Key: NKRO in all modes
- Polling Rate: 1000hz in Type-C Wired & 2.4G Modes
- Compatibility: Windows/MAC
- Dimensions: 325 x 135 x 30mm
- Weight: Around 0.9kg
Introduction
Well, what is there to say about this one?
It’s… utilitarian. It’s… serviceable. It’s very ho-hum about its job.
And, I guess that’s okay. It just feels like something you’d find in your elementary school computer lab from like, 1993 – and not quite in a good way.
I mean, it’s still just a keyboard after all, but after demoing the RT100 and almost peeing myself with delight, the TH80 feels.. underwhelming to put it mildly.
The RT100 had style. It had personality, pizazz, flair…
And I’m not talkin’ about Ric but I’m not going to meme it again lol. Check the Shadow-X if you want some Woo in your life.
No, the TH80 just sort of… is. It exists in the same way that my plain white apartment walls exist.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with that, but there’s also nothing about it that really stands out.
It’s built well, feels moderately satisfying to type on, and comes loaded with most of the features the other 2 have.
It’s just… boring.
One thing I’m not particularly enamored by is the font. Yeah, we’re getting really glasses-on nerdy right now, but I’m a “graphic designer” (whatever that means).
It feels like a font it shouldn’t be, and you’ll know what I mean if you’re a… “graphic designer.”
I don’t know why I keep using air quotes but just roll with it.
And, it feels good to type on, but the “clack” the keys make comes across as hollow and artificial, whereas with the RT100, the clack genuinely felt like a homage to a time long gone.
In fact, I’m trying like mad to get these 2 remaining reviews done so I can plug my baby in (RT100) and resume the over-the-top love affair.
Yes, it’s gotten completely out of control. I’m obsessed with it.
The TH80, like the RT100, has a multi-function button/dial, but now it’s just a black globe ball thing that looks like a camera spying on you.
Alright, awesome – said no one, ever.
Haha, just press it once to Play/Pause your precious Spotify, and turn it back and forth to adjust the volume.
It feels nice enough to the touch, so I’m not complaining too much. But I like the RT100’s better.
In any event, the back panel contains your USB-C slot for charging and using wired mode, and on the underbelly of the unit, you’ll find the wired/wireless switch.
To the right is wired, and to the left is wireless.
I suppose now would be a good time to get into some of its functions and features.
Functions & Features
Windows Shortcuts
- FN + F1 = Screen Brightness (-)
- FN + F2 = Screen Brightness (+)
- FN + F3 = Task
- FN + F4 = Explorer
- FN + F5 = Mail
- FN + F6 = My Computer
- FN + F7 = Previous Track
- FN + F8 = Play/Pause
- FN + F9 = Next Track
- FN + F10 = Mute
- FN + F11 = Volume (-)
- FN + F12 = Volume (+)
- FN + J = Insert
- FN + K = Home
- FN + L = End
- FN + U = PrtSc
- FN + I = Scroll Lock
- FN + O = Pause
- FN + WIN = Lock/Unlock Win Key
MacOS Shortcuts
- FN + F1 = Screen Brightness (-)
- FN + F2 = Screen Brightness (+)
- FN + F3 = Task
- FN + F4 = Search
- FN + F5 = Mic
- FN + F6 = Sleep
- FN + F8 = Play/Pause
- FN + F9 = Next Track
- FN + F10 = Mute
- FN + F11 = Volume (-)
- FN + F12 = Volume (+)
- FN + J = Insert
- FN + K = Home
- FN + L = End
Light Effects
- FN + Backspace = Turn On/Off Backlights
- FN + \| = Toggle RGB Effects
- FN + P = Toggle RGB Colors
- FN + Down Arrow = Backlights Brightness (-)
- FN + Up Arrow = Backlights Brightness (+)
- FN + Left Arrow = Backlights Speed (-)
- FN + Right Arrow = Backlights Speed (+)
Function Key Combinations
- FN + ESC (Hold 3s) = Reset the Keyboard
- FN + 1 = Short Press to Switch to BT1; Long Press to Pair Devices
- FN + 2 = Short Press to Switch to BT2; Long Press to Pair Devices
- FN + 3 = Short Press to Switch to BT3; Long Press to Pair Devices
- FN + 4 = Short Press to Switch to 2.4G Mode; Long Press to Pair Devices
- FN + 5 = Wired Mode
- FN + B = Battery Check
- FN + Z/X/C = Switch among Layers 1/2/3
- FN + Spacebar (hold) = Check Layer & Mode
Again, one of the best features of all Epomaker keyboards, including the TH80, is what I dubbed “The Light Show.” I know, so original.
All offer a plethora of different modes and colors.
That said, unlike the Shadow-X, the TH80 does not come with an LCD display indicating which mode you’re in.
I really liked that feature and think all Epomaker keyboards should have it.
The RT100 had a detachable display but it didn’t show the color mode.
The TH80 doesn’t have any kind of display and I think that diminishes its value considerably. Some would argue that this fact is reflected in its lower price point, and you’re not wrong. I’d just rather have the screen.
Bluetooth
However, it does still have Bluetooth mode which is great if you’re lazy like me and hate typing messages on your phone’s keypad.
To enter, make sure you’re in Wireless mode first by flicking the switch to the left on the underside of the unit.
Then hit FN + F4 to enter 2.4G Wireless. Make sure the supplied USB-A dongle is plugged in.
From here, hold FN + 1, 2, or 3 for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes fast in blue. Now the keyboard is ready to pair.
Open up your phone’s Bluetooth settings and find TH80 BT5.0 or TH80 BT3.0, then connect.
When the keyboard is connected to the Bluetooth device, the light on the 1/2/3 key stops flashing and the connection is done.
Press FN + 1/2/3 to toggle between paired devices.
Wired Mode
To switch back to wired mode, flick the switch on the underside back to the right, then press FN + 5 until the 5 key lights up in white. Now you’re in wired mode again.
Just make sure the cable is plugged in. xD
Battery Check
Hold FN + B and observe keys 1! to 0) which light up green.
As an example, if the keys from 1! to 6^ light up when holding FN + B, it means the battery life is currently at 60%.
If the keys from 1! to 0) light up, the battery life is 100%, and so forth.
Check Layer and Mode
Hold FN + Spacebar. The indicators of Z/X/C and 1/2/3/4/5 light up to show which layer and mode the keyboard is in.
For instance, if the keys of X and 3 light up when holding FN + Spacebar, it means that the keyboard is in layer 2, in wireless mode, and connected to a Bluetooth 3 Device.
Replacing Keycaps and Switches
The TH80, like the Shadow-X and RT100, employs what are known as hot-swappable keys.
A hot-swappable keyboard is a type of mechanical keyboard that permits the effortless replacement or exchange of individual key switches without the need for soldering or disassembling the keyboard.
Traditional mechanical keyboards necessitate soldering to attach the key switches to the keyboard’s circuit board, making it challenging to swap switches or customize the keyboard’s typing experience.
Hot-swappable keyboards, in contrast, come equipped with sockets or connectors for each key switch, enabling easy switch replacement with minimal effort.
In any event, they include a Key Puller as well as 3 replacement switches. From here you can replace the switches, but I don’t really have a need to do it at this juncture.
Your mileage will vary.
For a full guide on how to replace them, click here.
Before we give a final verdict, let’s recap some things I liked and disliked about the TH80.
What I liked:
- The key functions are pretty intuitive and simple to use.
- RGB color mode is always a favorite.
- The white braided cable it comes with feels super durable and robust.
- It also comes with a velcro strap for easy storage. This is a running theme in Epomaker’s mechanical keyboard series and I really appreciate it here as well – especially given its somewhat meager price tag.
What I disliked:
No LCD display
I suppose I’ve been spoiled by the RT100 and Shadow-X, but I firmly believe all models should have this. I’m quite addicted to the GIF feature!
No Flair
The keyboard itself is super boring in my opinion. Again, it’s just a keyboard, but it lacks personality and style.
The multifunction ball is okay, but like the RT100, it needs a next/previous track button. I also don’t like being spied on. xD
Wired/Wireless switch
This is a minor nitpick, but the fact that you have to turn the unit upside down to get to the switch is kind of a hassle – especially when you consider that the RT100’s switch was in plain sight on the top of the unit and even had an On/Off indicator.
Closing Thoughts
The Epomaker TH80, as a functional keyboard, does have its merits in terms of reliability and performance.
It ticks the boxes for those seeking a straightforward typing experience and is relatively compact.
However, when it comes to pizazz, flair, and personality, it falls noticeably short.
In essence, the TH80 is like a blank canvas waiting for someone to infuse it with character, but it doesn’t bring much of its own to the table.
One of the most conspicuous drawbacks of the TH80 is the absence of a display screen.
In a world where many modern keyboards boast customizable displays that not only add utility but also a touch of uniqueness, the TH80’s plainness stands out.
It lacks that visual oomph that can make a keyboard truly exciting and engaging – at least in my opinion.
If I were in the market for a keyboard, I wouldn’t personally choose the Epomaker TH80 when I could opt for the much more captivating and feature-rich RT100.
The RT100 not only provides a delightful typing experience but also brings a touch of personality to your desk with its customizable RGB lighting, vibrant display screen, and throwback 80s/90s appeal.
It’s a keyboard that’s not just functional but also has that much-needed special sauce. If you’re looking for a keyboard that will truly excite you, the RT100 is the way to go.
Learn More:
Well, that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you enjoyed this Epomaker TH80 Review and came away with some valuable insight.
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please leave a comment below or contact me! I would be happy to help in any way…
Do you believe the RT100 is the best in this lineup? I would love to hear from you. Until next time…
All the best and God bless,
-Stu