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, ricksreviews.org 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. Soundphilereview.com's Riccardo Robecchi also experienced this wake-up delay, describing it as 'a bit to reconnect after the keyboard sleeps' and noting that it's 'not as convenient as it could be.' 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: ricksreviews.org tested the Sea Salt Silent v2 switches, sypnotix.com the Epomaker Budgerigar, and Soundphilereview.com a sample fitted with Epomaker Flamingos. 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. Soundphilereview.com's Riccardo Robecchi reviewed a sample fitted with Epomaker Flamingo switches and found them 'very smooth' despite not being factory lubricated, though he judged them 'incredibly light' with an activation point that is 'quite shallow,' making them 'probably better suitable for gaming than for typing.' The Epomaker Budgerigar switches, tested by sypnotix.com 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. However, the spacebar was noted as being 'a little rattly' by perrivanaudio.com reviewer, which is typical for budget keyboards at this price point.
Battery life and power management
One of the standout features of the Epomaker TH80 Pro is its impressive battery life, which ricksreviews.org 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. Soundphilereview.com's Riccardo Robecchi also highlighted the 'superb battery life' of the device, noting that it's 'on the lighter side for a product of this size and type' but still manages to provide extended usage time. The keyboard's power management system is designed to automatically enter sleep mode after 25 minutes of inactivity, which is configurable. The reviewer noted that while the sleep timer is aggressive, it's a necessary feature for battery conservation. The keyboard also features a power button located on the bottom of the unit, which perrivanaudio.com reviewer found to be 'awkwardly placed,' as it's not in the most convenient location for frequent power toggling. 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.com 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. Soundphilereview.com's Riccardo Robecchi mentioned that the display was 'a true highlight for gadget lovers' and that it 'looks cool,' though he noted that the keyboard's time and date were initially incorrect and required syncing with the Mac through the app. The screen also supports GIFs, which can be easily added through the app, though the reviewer noted that the keyboard's default time and date settings were not immediately accurate. 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. ricksreviews.org 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. Soundphilereview.com's Riccardo Robecchi praised the 'great build quality' and described the keyboard as 'one of the few Epomaker keyboards to come with both ANSI and ISO layouts.' The keyboard weighs 1,017 grams, which perrivanaudio.com reviewer noted makes it 'pretty hefty despite having a mostly plastic construction,' contributing to its stability on desks. The reviewer also appreciated the 'thoughtful inclusion' of three variable heights for the feet, which allow for comfortable typing angles. However, sypnotix.com 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.com reviewer as 'super clean' and 'only one hole on the entire frame,' though the reviewer noted that the placement of the vol
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 and perrivanaudio.com. 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. Soundphilereview.com's Riccardo Robecchi found the keycaps to be 'very comfortable to type on' and noted that the SA-like profile provided a 'stark contrast' over OEM or Cherry profile keycaps. 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.com 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. The keycaps are also described as having a 'tall profile with slightly concave surfaces' that provide a comfortable positive contact space, though perrivanaudio.com reviewer noted that the SA-like profile was 'not my favourite' and took some getting used to. The RGB lighting shines through the keys from the bottom, which perrivanaudio.com reviewer noted as 'South-facing' and 'powerful light,' though they felt it was 'less p
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. ricksreviews.org reviewer confirmed that the keyboard works well with both Windows and Mac operating systems, as well as Linux, which was verified by soundphilereview.com's Riccardo Robecchi. 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 2.4 GHz connection requires a free USB-A port, which perrivanaudio.com reviewer found to be 'awkwardly placed' on the bottom of the keyboard, though the connection itself was reliable. The keyboard also features a built-in USB receiver slot that can be hidden beneath the adjustable feet, which sypnotix.com 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
- +Double-shot PBT keycaps with matte texture that resist fingerprints and are easy to clean
- +Incorporated 10,000 mAh battery providing up to 200 hours of wireless use with bright RGB lighting
- +Color LCD screen displaying battery, time, connection status, and custom GIFs via web app
- +Gasket mount construction with five layers of sound dampening for reduced noise
Watch-outs
- −Orange keycap lettering is hard to see in low light conditions
- −RGB lighting control only available through Chrome browser-based Epomaker app
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
Our 4.0 score is the average of the 4 scored reviews above; 5 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. More about methodology.
