The Epomaker TH80 Pro is a budget-friendly 75% mechanical keyboard that delivers solid build quality and unique features for its price point. Reviewers praised its compact design, double-shot PBT keycaps, and integrated 10,000 mAh battery offering up to 200 hours of wireless use. The inclusion of a color LCD screen displaying battery, time, and connection status, along with customizable RGB lighting, sets it apart from typical sub-$100 keyboards. However, some reviewers noted the orange lettering on keycaps is difficult to see in low light, and the RGB controls are limited to a Chrome-based web app. This keyboard is ideal for users seeking a portable, feature-rich mechanical keyboard without breaking the bank, though those wanting more advanced lighting control or better visibility in dim settings might look elsewhere.
Full review
Wireless connectivity reliability
The Epomaker TH80 Pro offers multiple wireless connection options including Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz USB dongle, and USB-C cable. However, Ricks Reviews reviewer noted that the keyboard requires a few seconds to reconnect after entering sleep mode, with the device needing a key press to wake up and then wait for the green LED under the 4 key to signal reconnection. This delay, which the reviewer estimated at about five seconds, is a notable inconvenience for users who frequently switch between active and inactive states. The keyboard's sleep timer is set to 25 minutes of inactivity before entering sleep mode, though this is configurable. The issue is particularly pronounced when using the 2.4 GHz connection, where the keyboard's reconnection process is less seamless compared to USB-C or Bluetooth connections. This limitation makes the TH80 Pro less ideal for users who require immediate responsiveness from their keyboard during gaming or fast-paced typing sessions, though the delay is manageable for casual users who don't mind the brief pause.
Switch performance and typing feel
The TH80 Pro ships with either Creamy Jade or Sea Salt Silent v2 switches as standard options, though individual reviews covered other options: Ricks Reviews tested the Sea Salt Silent v2 switches and sypnotix.com the Epomaker Budgerigar. The Sea Salt Silent v2 switches, which were tested by ricksreviews.org, offer a smooth and refined travel with dampened bottoming out and a soft thud, making them suitable for office environments where noise is a concern. These switches have a total travel of 3.5mm with 1.8mm pre-travel, which is considered quite deep for modern keyboards. The Epomaker Budgerigar switches, tested by Sypnotix reviewer, were described as providing a quiet typing experience with a 'clean' feel. The keyboard supports hot-swappable switches, allowing users to easily replace switches without soldering, which is a significant advantage for customization. The switches are compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin configurations, offering flexibility for users who want to experiment with different switch types.
Long battery life and a configurable sleep timer
One of the standout features of the Epomaker TH80 Pro is its impressive battery life, which Ricks Reviews reviewer confirmed to be up to 200 hours of usage. This long battery life is attributed to the integrated 10,000 mAh battery capacity, which allows the keyboard to maintain high-end RGB lighting while remaining wireless. The keyboard's power management system is designed to automatically enter sleep mode after 25 minutes of inactivity, which is configurable. Despite this, the battery performance remains a strong point for users who prioritize wireless convenience and extended usage without frequent recharging.
Display functionality and customization
The Epomaker TH80 Pro features a 1.17-inch color LCD screen that displays time, date, connection status, and battery information. This screen can also display custom static images or GIF animations, which Sypnotix reviewer found to be 'a nice touch' for personalization. The display is controlled through the Epomaker web-based application, which only works via Chrome browser, as noted by ricksreviews.org. The screen is capable of showing multiple types of information, including time/date, battery status, and connection mode, with the ability to switch between these views using the FN key and volume control knob. The screen also supports GIFs, which can be easily added through the app. The display's functionality is enhanced by the ability to customize the backlighting effects, which can be adjusted per key or through preprogrammed functions, providing a high level of personalization for users who enjoy visual customization.
Build quality and design elements
The Epomaker TH80 Pro features a white plastic chassis with a gasket mount construction that provides a solid build quality and minimal noise during typing. Ricks Reviews reviewer noted that the keyboard feels robust and durable, with no creaking or signs of poor construction. The design includes a pronounced wedge shape with double feet that allow for adjustable inclination, with the reviewer preferring the flat setting but noting that the high feet can be used for more inclination. However, Sypnotix reviewer criticized the 'awkward looking volume knob' which they described as a 'shiny dark orb that looks out of place,' suggesting that the design choice was inconsistent with the overall aesthetic. The keyboard's minimalist approach is evident in its clean frame with only one USB-C port at the top left, with all other components hidden underneath, including the USB receiver slot between the adjustable feet. This design choice was praised by Sypnotix reviewer as 'super clean' and 'only one hole on the entire frame.'
Keycap profile and visual aesthetics
The TH80 Pro comes with double-shot PBT keycaps in various color schemes, including SA-like profile keycaps that were tested by ricksreviews.org. The keycaps feature an ice/carbon fiber look with orange legends that match the orange Enter and Esc key, as noted by ricksreviews.org. However, the orange legends are described as difficult to see in low light conditions, even with the key-backlights on. The keycaps are made from PBT plastic and marked with dye-sublimated legends, which provide durability but may not appeal to all users. The color scheme varies depending on the variant, with Sypnotix reviewer noting a 'pastel color spectrum' with four different shades, including lighter blue and green tones that slant unevenly across the keyboard. The Monet-themed variant was described as having an 'oddly out of place multifunction knob' that looked like a 'shiny dark orb,' which the reviewer found to be inconsistent with the overall aesthetic.
Connectivity and compatibility
The Epomaker TH80 Pro supports three connection methods: USB-C cable, 2.4 GHz USB dongle, and Bluetooth 5.0, which allows users to connect to various devices including smartphones and tablets. Ricks Reviews reviewer confirmed that the keyboard works well with both Windows and Mac operating systems. The keyboard's Bluetooth 5.0 standard ensures compatibility with modern devices, and the reviewer noted that it 'is instantly recognized on my devices without issue.' The keyboard also features a built-in USB receiver slot that can be hidden beneath the adjustable feet, which Sypnotix reviewer described as a 'clean' design choice. The reviewer noted that the keyboard's connectivity is 'reliable on this board as it's instantly recognized on my devices without issue,' though they did mention that the keyboard's sleep timer and wake-up delay can be inconvenient for users who frequently switch between active and inactive states. The keyboard also supports switching between Windows and Mac layouts, which adjusts the function of some keys, as noted by thepooorpenman.com reviewer. The reviewer also highlighted that the keyboard's 'multiple modes of connectivity' make it suitable for users who need flexibility in their setup, whether they're using a desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile device.
Strengths
- +Compact 75% ANSI layout with no dedicated number pad and integrated arrow keys
- +Incorporated 10,000 mAh battery providing up to 200 hours of wireless use with bright RGB lighting, according to Ricks Reviews
- +Color LCD screen displaying battery, time, connection status, and custom GIFs via web app, as The Poor Penman describes
Watch-outs
- −Orange keycap lettering is hard to see in low light conditions, per Ricks Reviews
- −RGB lighting control only available through Chrome browser-based Epomaker app, as Ricks Reviews notes
How it compares
The Epomaker TH80 Pro's standout feature is its integrated 10,000 mAh battery and color LCD screen, which no other keyboard in this list matches. While the Ajazz AK820 offers hot-swappable switches, the TH80 Pro provides more advanced customization with its web-based RGB app and unique display capabilities, unlike the Redragon K552 Kumara's basic lighting.
Rating sources
Counts as 4.08/5 in our score — this publisher's 87 scores on the site average 3.98, so its scores are adjusted up to compare fairly with other publishers.
Our 4.1 score is the average of the 1 scored review above, each adjusted for how strictly its publisher scores; 7 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. More about methodology.
