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 to 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 provided the Split65 for evaluation, 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 sort on, and I like utilizing it.
Sadly, because the title most likely gave away, there’s an issue. And for me, that downside comes after I use the Split65’s important 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 adjustments every little thing for me.
Epomaker Split65 keyboard evaluation: What’s within the field
The Split65, because the title suggests, is a 65% keyboard, and I obtained the ANSI structure model for evaluation. It could possibly 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 evaluation: You possibly can shut the keyboard for those who favor, fortunately.
Alongside the keyboard, patrons will even get the dongle, a USB-C to A cable, and a person handbook. You may additionally get a keycap puller so you may swap out the caps for those who 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 evaluation: Design and specs
With its 65% structure, the keyboard is not a big one, nevertheless it does have every little thing most individuals want. In the event you’ve used every other 65% keyboard, this one can 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 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 provide.
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 helpful quantity knob is a superb 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 pressure at 3.8mm journey.
Across the again of the keyboard, you may 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 you must use with the supplied cable — in any other case, one half will not work.
After all, the primary characteristic right here is that cut 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 nice information for a few of us. Pushing the 2 halves collectively is satisfying due to built-in magnets that hold every little thing locked collectively.
Try this, and also you primarily have a standard 65% keyboard with a knob, and that is no dangerous factor in any respect.
Epomaker Split65 keyboard evaluation: Customization
Most fanatic keyboards lately will be personalized, and the Split65 is not any completely 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 modify the keyboard’s lighting all from an online interface — it is extremely straightforward to make use of.
This being a hot-swappable keyboard, you may in fact select so as to add your personal switches and keycaps, too.
Epomaker Split65 keyboard evaluation: In use
I have been utilizing the Epomaker Split65 with my MacBook Professional in clamshell mode, predominantly related through a cable. My testing discovered that Bluetooth and a pair of.4GHz connectivity labored simply wonderful, although.
I’ve additionally predominantly used the Split65 in its closed configuration, which admittedly, defeats the purpose considerably. I did attempt utilizing it within the cut up setup, however I discovered that I merely could not get on with it.
That is my subject, not the keyboard’s. The flexibleness provided by the cable between the 2 halves means yow will discover 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 arms count on it to be in a sure place. The keys are all the time, usually, in the identical location.
Epomaker Split65 evaluation: 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.
Nonetheless, for those who’re a fan of ergo keyboards, you may get on simply wonderful. And I would wager you may benefit from the typing expertise.
I discovered the keys felt stable and thunky — a technical time period — in use, if somewhat 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 help.
On a adverse word, the keyboard comes with Mac and PC help, however no Mac keycaps. Meaning you may have to 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 value that a lot to throw within the field, can they?
Epomaker Split65 keyboard evaluation: An ergo keyboard that is higher when it is not
As I discussed, I take advantage of quite a lot 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 awesome possibility, with loads of options.
These options make the Split65 a keyboard I will usually proceed to make use of after penning this evaluation. I would even attempt utilizing it in that cut up configuration once more, too.
From the media knob to the simple customization, I feel the Split65 has lots to supply. It helps that it is a looker, too, in an understated type of means.
At $120, it is not the costliest keyboard I’ve ever examined. And it could possibly be a discount if it helps cease your wrists from hurting, too.
Epomaker Split65 keyboard: Execs
- A versatile ergonomic design
- Loads of customization choices
- A helpful media management knob
- Loads of connectivity choices
Epomaker Split65 keyboard: Cons
- Probably too clacky for some
- No Mac-specific keycaps
- Some would possibly favor extra keys
Epomaker Split65 keyboard: Ranking 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 value — albeit usually discounted to round $108.