In the highly competitive world of budget mechanical keyboards, it’s rare to find a model that gets almost everything right. The Epomaker TH85 is one such keyboard. For just $68, it packs features like a gasket-mounted design, hot-swappable switches, and extensive RGB that are typically reserved for more expensive boards. After a week of intensive use for both work and gaming, let’s break down if this is the ultimate budget keyboard.
Specs
- Keyboard: EPOMAKER TH85
- Keys: 84
- Mounting Style: Gasket
- Case Material: ABS Plastic
- PCB: Hot-swappable for 3pin/5pin switches
- Connectivity: Wired/Bluetooth 5.0/ 2.4Ghz
- Battery: 4000mAh
- Compatibility: Windows/Mac
What’s in the Box?
The unboxing experience is solid, with everything you need to get started:
- The Epomaker TH85 Keyboard
- A high-quality braided USB-C to USB-A cable
- A sturdy combination keycap and switch puller
- Two extra mechanical switches
- User Manual
Design and Build Quality
The TH85 uses a 75% (sometimes called a compact 80%) layout. This is a fantastic design for gamers and those with limited desk space. It removes the numpad but keeps the dedicated function row (F1-F12), arrow keys, and essential navigation keys, giving your mouse much more room to move.
The entire chassis is made of ABS plastic. While it doesn’t have the premium weight of an aluminum keyboard, the build is surprisingly sturdy with no noticeable flex or creaking. I have the Black version with white and sky-blue accent keycaps, which creates a clean, modern aesthetic.
The most striking design element is the RGB lighting. A unique, mesh-covered light strip runs along the back and wraps around the sides, complemented by a glowing logo. It creates a fantastic gaming ambiance. On the back, you’ll find two-stage adjustable feet and a clever, hidden compartment for the 2.4GHz dongle—a great touch for keeping it safe.
Switches and Keycaps
This is where the TH85 truly shines and feels like a keyboard that should cost much more. It uses a gasket-mounted structure, a feature beloved by keyboard enthusiasts.
What this means for you: Instead of the keyboard’s internal plate being rigidly screwed to the case, it’s cushioned by soft gaskets. This design, combined with five internal layers of sound-dampening foam, results in:
- A Softer Feel: Each keypress has a slight, satisfying flex that reduces finger fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions.
- A Better Sound: The gaskets absorb vibrations and eliminate any harsh, metallic pinging, producing a deep, quiet, and satisfying sound that is incredibly pleasant.
The keyboard also comes with high-quality Cherry Profile Double-shot PBT keycaps. In simple terms, they are durable, ergonomically shaped, and have legends (the letters) that are molded from a second piece of plastic, meaning they will never fade or wear off. The included switches are smooth, pre-lubed linears that are great out of the box, and the hot-swappable PCB means you can easily change them later without any soldering.
Here how it sounds.
RGB Colors and Profiles
The Epomaker TH85 offers dynamic RGB lighting with customizable color profiles. You can easily adjust the brightness, effects, and strip colors, or even create your own custom profile through the software. The front RGB strip and logo strip add a unique touch, making the keyboard stand out.
You can control the lighting with shortcut keys:
- FN + Home: Toggle backlight on/off
- FN + Backspace: Switch backlight effect
- FN + Up/Down: Increase/decrease brightness
- FN + End: Change logo light effect
- FN + Delete: Change strip effect
The vivid RGB colors and customizable effects provide a visually appealing and immersive experience.
Connectivity and Gaming Performance
The TH85’s tri-mode connectivity is seamless and reliable:
- Wired (USB-C): The fastest, most stable option for competitive gaming.
- 2.4GHz Wireless: The best mode for a lag-free wireless desktop experience.
- Bluetooth: Easily connect and switch between up to three devices.
All three modes worked flawlessly in my testing. The 2.4GHz connection felt just as responsive as wired, making it perfect for fast-paced games.
Battery Life
The TH85 is equipped with a large 4000mAh battery, but its battery life is a tale of two extremes.
- With RGB Off: You can expect weeks of use on a single charge.
- With Full RGB On: The extensive and bright lighting strips are very power-hungry. In my testing, the battery lasted only about 4 hours with all lights at full brightness.
This is a significant trade-off. If you love vibrant RGB, you’ll need to keep the USB-C cable handy. If you prioritize battery life, you’ll have to turn the lighting down or off completely.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Epomaker TH85?
The Epomaker TH85 is an incredible value proposition. It successfully brings an enthusiast-level typing experience and a rich feature set to a price point that is accessible to almost everyone.
You should buy this keyboard if:
- You are on a budget but want premium features like a gasket-mounted design and hot-swappable switches.
- You want a compact keyboard that saves desk space without sacrificing the function row or arrow keys.
- A comfortable and quiet typing experience is a top priority for you.
- You primarily plan to use it in wired mode or don’t mind turning down the RGB to conserve battery.
However, you might want to look elsewhere if:
- Long wireless battery life with full RGB lighting is a must-have for you.
- You prefer the hefty, premium feel of an all-metal keyboard.
For just $68, the Epomaker TH85 gets far more right than it gets wrong. It’s a comfortable, capable, and stylish keyboard that offers one of the best bang-for-your-buck deals on the market today.
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