In a world of many “samey” Mac mechanical keyboards, the Epomaker Split65 stands out. It contains a cut up design that is supposedly extra ergonomic, however not everybody will really be capable of sort 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 supplied the Split65 for assessment, I could not say no, if solely as a result of it is so totally different.
Positive, it is a mechanical keyboard like the remaining, however one take 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 sort 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 fundamental function.
Fortunately, this can be a keyboard that I get pleasure from utilizing, due to its customizability. Sure, this keyboard splits, however it additionally goes again collectively — and that modifications every part for me.
Epomaker Split65 keyboard assessment: What’s within the field
The Split65, because the identify suggests, is a 65% keyboard, and I obtained the ANSI structure model for assessment. It may hook up with a Mac or PC through Bluetooth, a 2.4GHz dongle, or a USB-C wired connection — I used the latter.
Epomaker Split65 assessment: You possibly can shut the keyboard in the event you favor, fortunately.
Alongside the keyboard, patrons will even get the dongle, a USB-C to A cable, and a consumer handbook. You will additionally get a keycap puller so you’ll be able to swap out the caps in the event you select to later.
Epomaker additionally contains 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 assessment: Design and specs
With its 65% structure, the keyboard is not a big one, however it does have every part most individuals want. Should you’ve used another 65% keyboard, this one shall be acquainted.
On the top-right of the Split65, there’s a media knob that controls the quantity, permitting for fast changes. It’s comparatively clean to make use of and well-suited for media functions.
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 supply.
Different notable options embrace 3/5 pin mechanical switches, plastic plate building, and an ABS high case and iron backside case. N-key rollover help is current to assist keep away from ghosting when typing.
Epomaker Split65 keyboard: The useful quantity knob is a good function.
The switches are Epomaker’s in-house providing, with Wisteria Linear and Flamingo switches supplied. I obtained the latter, which sports activities a 60g bottom-out pressure at 3.8mm journey.
Across the again of the keyboard, you will discover a change for energy and connectivity mode in addition to a USB-C port. You will additionally discover an extra USB-C port on every half of the keyboard, which you must use with the offered cable — in any other case, one half will not work.
After all, the principle function right here is that cut up design. It is considerably down the center of the keyboard, and you’ll place the 2 halves nevertheless 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 maintain every part locked collectively.
Do this, and also you basically have a standard 65% keyboard with a knob, and that is no dangerous factor in any respect.
Epomaker Split65 keyboard assessment: Customization
Most fanatic keyboards nowadays will be personalized, and the Split65 isn’t any totally different. It helps QMK/VIA for programming and customization, providing loads of choices.
The keyboard will be personalized by programming and mapping keys, establishing macros, and extra. You possibly can simply regulate the keyboard’s lighting all from an online interface — it is extremely straightforward to make use of.
This being a hot-swappable keyboard, you’ll be able to after all select so as to add your personal switches and keycaps, too.
Epomaker Split65 keyboard assessment: 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 advantageous, 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 cut up setup, however I discovered that I merely could not get on with it.
That is my situation, not the keyboard’s. The flexibleness supplied by the cable between the 2 halves means you’ll find the precise placement on your wrists. Besides you are me.
I feel the issue is that I’ve spent many years typing on a keyboard, and my fingers count on it to be in a sure place. The keys are all the time, usually, in the identical location.
Epomaker Split65 assessment: Not many keyboards have a number of USB-C ports.
Altering that breaks my mind, however I may 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.
Nevertheless, in the event you’re a fan of ergo keyboards, you will get on simply advantageous. And I would wager you will benefit from the typing expertise.
I discovered the keys felt stable and thunky — a technical time period — in use, if slightly loud, and the suggestions was ample. Contact typing wasn’t a difficulty (when closed) for me, and I do not really feel that I typed any extra slowly or misplaced any accuracy.
For my testing, the quantity 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 help.
On a detrimental observe, the keyboard comes with Mac and PC help, however no Mac keycaps. Meaning you will must know which keys do what with out taking a look at them.
It is a comparatively minor factor, however I feel any keyboard with twin help ought to have keycaps for each. They can not probably value that a lot to throw within the field, can they?
Epomaker Split65 keyboard assessment: An ergo keyboard that is higher when it is not
As I discussed, I take advantage of a variety of keyboards. However the Epomaker Split65 is the one one which contains a cut 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 flexibleness it provides makes it an incredible choice, with loads of options.
These options make the Split65 a keyboard I am going to typically proceed to make use of after scripting this assessment. I would even strive utilizing it in that cut 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 approach.
At $120, it is not the most costly keyboard I’ve ever examined. And it may very well be a discount 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
- Presumably too clacky for some
- No Mac-specific keycaps
- Some would possibly favor extra keys
Epomaker Split65 keyboard: Score 4 out of 5
The place to purchase the Epomaker Split65 keyboard
You should buy 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 worth — albeit typically discounted to round $108.
