Epomaker TH80 Pro Review: Is Minimalism Worth A Purchase?

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.