In a world of many “samey” Mac mechanical keyboards, the Epomaker Split65 stands out. It includes a cut up design that is supposedly extra ergonomic, however not everybody will truly have the ability 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 totally different.
Certain, 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 massively helpful knob for quantity management. It is good to sort on, and I like utilizing it.
Sadly, because the title in all probability gave away, there’s an issue. And for me, that drawback comes after I use the Split65’s principal characteristic.
Fortunately, it is 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 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 acquired 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 when you choose, fortunately.
Alongside the keyboard, consumers may even get the dongle, a USB-C to A cable, and a consumer guide. You will additionally get a keycap puller so you possibly can swap out the caps when 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 evaluation: Design and specs
With its 65% structure, the keyboard is not a big one, however it does have every little thing most individuals want. When you’ve used every other 65% keyboard, this one shall 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 functions.
The mannequin that I acquired got here with double-shot PBT keycaps with the Cherry profile. There’s backlighting as you’d anticipate, with south-facing RGB per-key lighting on supply.
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 acquired the latter, which sports activities a 60g bottom-out pressure at 3.8mm journey.
Across the again of the keyboard, you may discover a swap 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 it’s essential to use with the supplied cable — in any other case, one half will not work.
After all, the principle characteristic right here is that cut 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 every little thing locked collectively.
Do this, and also you basically have a standard 65% keyboard with a knob, and that is no unhealthy factor in any respect.
Epomaker Split65 keyboard evaluation: Customization
Most fanatic keyboards lately 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, 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 in fact select so as to add your individual 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 couple of.4GHz connectivity labored simply nice, 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 problem, not the keyboard’s. The pliability provided by the cable between the 2 halves means you could find the best placement in 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 anticipate it to be in a sure place. The keys are at all times, 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 question have educated it if I had given it lengthy sufficient. Sadly, as somebody who varieties for a dwelling, I could not afford that luxurious.
Nonetheless, when you’re a fan of ergo keyboards, you may get on simply nice. 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 just a little 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 assist.
On a adverse observe, the keyboard comes with Mac and PC assist, however no Mac keycaps. Which means you may 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 assist ought to have keycaps for each. They can not 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 a variety of keyboards. However the Epomaker Split65 is the one one which includes a cut up design. And that was in all probability the issue throughout my testing.
I strongly anticipate that individuals who use a hard and fast ergonomic keyboard will very a lot benefit from the split65. The pliability it gives makes it an ideal possibility, with loads of options.
These options make the Split65 a keyboard I am going to usually proceed to make use of after scripting 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 form 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 useful media management knob
- Loads of connectivity choices
Epomaker Split65 keyboard: Cons
- Probably too clacky for some
- No Mac-specific keycaps
- Some may choose 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.