In a world of many “samey” Mac mechanical keyboards, the Epomaker Split65 stands out. It encompasses 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.
Certain, it is a mechanical keyboard like the remaining, however one take a look at it tells the story. It is a keyboard that splits within the center for added, customizable ergonomics.
However there’s extra right here than that, together with a massively 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 predominant characteristic.
Fortunately, it is a keyboard that I take pleasure in utilizing, due to its customizability. Sure, this keyboard splits, nevertheless it additionally goes again collectively — and that adjustments every part for me.
Epomaker Split65 keyboard overview: What’s within the field
The Split65, because the title suggests, is a 65% keyboard, and I acquired the ANSI structure model for overview. It may hook up with a Mac or PC by way of Bluetooth, a 2.4GHz dongle, or a USB-C wired connection — I used the latter.
Epomaker Split65 overview: You possibly can shut the keyboard in the event you desire, fortunately.
Alongside the keyboard, consumers may even get the dongle, a USB-C to A cable, and a consumer guide. You may additionally get a keycap puller so you possibly can swap out the caps in the event you 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 every part most individuals want. For those who’ve used every 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 easy to make use of and well-suited for media purposes.
The mannequin that I acquired 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 embody 3/5 pin mechanical switches, plastic plate building, and an ABS prime 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 characteristic.
The switches are Epomaker’s in-house providing, with Wisteria Linear and Flamingo switches provided. I acquired the latter, which sports activities a 60g bottom-out drive 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 may additionally discover a further USB-C port on every half of the keyboard, which that you must use with the supplied cable — in any other case, one half will not work.
After all, the principle characteristic right here is that break up design. It is considerably down the center of the keyboard, and you may place the 2 halves nonetheless you want.
You do not have to separate the keyboard, although, which is sweet information for a few of us. Pushing the 2 halves collectively is satisfying due to built-in magnets that hold every part locked collectively.
Do this, and also you basically have a traditional 65% keyboard with a knob, and that is no dangerous factor in any respect.
Epomaker Split65 keyboard overview: Customization
Most fanatic keyboards lately could 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 could be custom-made by programming and mapping keys, organising 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 possibly can after all select so as to add your personal 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 by way of a cable. My testing discovered that Bluetooth and a pair of.4GHz connectivity labored simply positive, 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 appropriate 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, usually, in the identical location.
Epomaker Split65 overview: Not many keyboards have a number of USB-C ports.
Altering that breaks my mind, however I may little doubt have skilled it if I had given it lengthy sufficient. Sadly, as somebody who sorts for a residing, I could not afford that luxurious.
Nevertheless, in the event you’re a fan of ergo keyboards, you will get on simply positive. And I might wager you will benefit from the typing expertise.
I discovered the keys felt stable and thunky — a technical time period — in use, if a bit loud, and the suggestions was enough. 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 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 convenience of customization due to the QMK/VIA help.
On a unfavourable word, the keyboard comes with Mac and PC help, however no Mac keycaps. Which means 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 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 plenty of keyboards. However the Epomaker Split65 is the one one which encompasses a break up design. And that was most likely the issue throughout my testing.
I strongly count on that individuals who use a hard and fast ergonomic keyboard will very a lot benefit from the split65. The pliability it provides makes it an incredible choice, with loads of options.
These options make the Split65 a keyboard I will 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 a lot to supply. It helps that it is a looker, too, in an understated sort of manner.
At $120, it is not the most costly keyboard I’ve ever examined. And it might 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 would possibly desire 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 immediately from Epomaker’s web site. Alternatively, you should purchase it from Amazon for a similar $119.99 worth — albeit usually discounted to round $108.
