In a world of many “samey” Mac mechanical keyboards, the Epomaker Split65 stands out. It incorporates a break up design that is supposedly extra ergonomic, however not everybody will truly be capable to kind with it.
I am a sucker for a keyboard and I’ve greater than sufficient of them mendacity round my workplace — maybe too many. However when Epomaker provided the Split65 for overview, I could not say no, if solely as a result of it is so completely different.
Positive, it is a mechanical keyboard like the remainder, however one have a look at it tells the story. This can be a keyboard that splits within the center for added, customizable ergonomics.
However there’s extra right here than that, together with a vastly helpful knob for quantity management. It is good to kind on, and I like utilizing it.
Sadly, because the title most likely gave away, there’s an issue. And for me, that drawback comes after I use the Split65’s major characteristic.
Fortunately, this can be a keyboard that I take pleasure in utilizing, due to its customizability. Sure, this keyboard splits, nevertheless it additionally goes again collectively — and that modifications the whole lot for me.
Epomaker Split65 keyboard overview: What’s within the field
The Split65, because the title suggests, is a 65% keyboard, and I obtained the ANSI structure model for overview. It will probably connect with a Mac or PC through Bluetooth, a 2.4GHz dongle, or a USB-C wired connection — I used the latter.
Epomaker Split65 overview: You possibly can shut the keyboard if you happen to desire, fortunately.
Alongside the keyboard, patrons will even get the dongle, a USB-C to A cable, and a consumer handbook. You may additionally get a keycap puller so you possibly can swap out the caps if you happen to select to later.
Epomaker additionally consists of some spare switches in case you break any when swapping your keycaps. Lastly, there is a cable for connecting the 2 halves of the keyboard collectively.
Epomaker Split65 keyboard overview: Design and specs
With its 65% structure, the keyboard is not a big one, nevertheless it does have the whole lot most individuals want. In case you’ve used some other 65% keyboard, this one will probably be acquainted.
On the top-right of the Split65, there’s a media knob that controls the amount, permitting for fast changes. It’s comparatively clean to make use of and well-suited for media purposes.
The mannequin that I obtained got here with double-shot PBT keycaps with the Cherry profile. There’s backlighting as you’d count on, with south-facing RGB per-key lighting on provide.
Different notable options embody 3/5 pin mechanical switches, plastic plate development, and an ABS prime case and iron backside case. N-key rollover assist is current to assist keep away from ghosting when typing.
Epomaker Split65 keyboard: The useful quantity knob is a good characteristic.
The switches are Epomaker’s in-house providing, with Wisteria Linear and Flamingo switches provided. I obtained the latter, which sports activities a 60g bottom-out drive at 3.8mm journey.
Across the again of the keyboard, you will discover a swap for energy and connectivity mode in addition to a USB-C port. You may additionally discover an extra USB-C port on every half of the keyboard, which you have to use with the supplied cable — in any other case, one half will not work.
In fact, the primary characteristic right here is that break up design. It is considerably down the center of the keyboard, and you’ll place the 2 halves nonetheless you want.
You do not have to separate the keyboard, although, which is nice information for a few of us. Pushing the 2 halves collectively is satisfying due to built-in magnets that preserve the whole lot locked collectively.
Try this, and also you primarily have a standard 65% keyboard with a knob, and that is no unhealthy factor in any respect.
Epomaker Split65 keyboard overview: Customization
Most fanatic keyboards lately will be custom-made, and the Split65 isn’t any completely different. It helps QMK/VIA for programming and customization, providing loads of choices.
The keyboard will be custom-made by programming and mapping keys, organising macros, and extra. You possibly can simply regulate the keyboard’s lighting all from an internet interface — it is extremely simple to make use of.
This being a hot-swappable keyboard, you possibly can after all select so as to add your individual switches and keycaps, too.
Epomaker Split65 keyboard overview: In use
I have been utilizing the Epomaker Split65 with my MacBook Professional in clamshell mode, predominantly linked through a cable. My testing discovered that Bluetooth and a couple of.4GHz connectivity labored simply fantastic, although.
I’ve additionally predominantly used the Split65 in its closed configuration, which admittedly, defeats the purpose considerably. I did strive utilizing it within the break up setup, however I discovered that I merely could not get on with it.
That is my concern, not the keyboard’s. The pliability provided by the cable between the 2 halves means you could find the correct placement to your wrists. Besides you are me.
I feel the issue is that I’ve spent a long time typing on a keyboard, and my arms count on it to be in a sure place. The keys are at all times, typically, in the identical location.
Epomaker Split65 overview: Not many keyboards have a number of USB-C ports.
Altering that breaks my mind, however I might little question have skilled it if I had given it lengthy sufficient. Sadly, as somebody who sorts for a dwelling, I could not afford that luxurious.
Nonetheless, if you happen to’re a fan of ergo keyboards, you will get on simply fantastic. And I might wager you will benefit from the typing expertise.
I discovered the keys felt strong and thunky — a technical time period — in use, if a bit loud, and the suggestions was enough. Contact typing wasn’t a problem (when closed) for me, and I do not really feel that I typed any extra slowly or misplaced any accuracy.
For my testing, the amount knob was the star of the present. A lot in order that I now miss it when utilizing different keyboards. I additionally appreciated the benefit of customization due to the QMK/VIA assist.
On a unfavourable notice, the keyboard comes with Mac and PC assist, however no Mac keycaps. Meaning you will must know which keys do what with out them.
It is a comparatively minor factor, however I feel any keyboard with twin assist ought to have keycaps for each. They cannot presumably price that a lot to throw within the field, can they?
Epomaker Split65 keyboard overview: An ergo keyboard that is higher when it is not
As I discussed, I take advantage of a whole lot of keyboards. However the Epomaker Split65 is the one one which incorporates a break up design. And that was most likely the issue throughout my testing.
I strongly count on that individuals who use a set ergonomic keyboard will very a lot benefit from the split65. The pliability it presents makes it an excellent choice, with loads of options.
These options make the Split65 a keyboard I am going to usually proceed to make use of after penning this overview. I’d even strive utilizing it in that break up configuration once more, too.
From the media knob to the simple customization, I feel the Split65 has loads to supply. It helps that it is a looker, too, in an understated type of means.
At $120, it is not the most costly keyboard I’ve ever examined. And it may very well be a cut price if it helps cease your wrists from hurting, too.
Epomaker Split65 keyboard: Professionals
A versatile ergonomic design
Loads of customization choices
A useful media management knob
Loads of connectivity choices
Epomaker Split65 keyboard: Cons
Probably too clacky for some
No Mac-specific keycaps
Some may desire extra keys
Epomaker Split65 keyboard: Score 4 out of 5
The place to purchase the Epomaker Split65 keyboard
You should purchase the Epomaker Split65 keyboard for $119.99 instantly from Epomaker’s web site. Alternatively, you should purchase it from Amazon for a similar $119.99 value — albeit usually discounted to round $108.
