Epomaker TH80 Pro Keyboard » Amazon
The Epomaker TH80 Pro emerges as a mechanical keyboard that marries aesthetics with functionality extremely well. Offering a blend of features that appeal to both casual gamers and typing enthusiasts, the TH80 Pro is begging for a place in your gaming setup. With its compact design, tri-mode connectivity, and a choice of aesthetic themes, it’s a keyboard that aims to cater to a diverse audience.
But does this lack of specialist focus cause problems for gaming?
Let’s find out! 👇
Epomaker TH80 Pro Keyboard Review:
Just like any professional gaming keyboard that we review at GamePro, the TH80 Pro comes with its own set of pros and cons that potential buyers should consider. So, to help you make that decision, we tested the Epomaker TH80 Pro for a period of 2 weeks in both a gaming setting and a workplace setting to give you the low down on just how good this keyboard can be.
Epomaker TH80 Pro Keyboard Review Contents:
Epomaker TH80 Pro Design
At first glance, the minimalist design of the Epomaker TH80 Pro is rather striking. When you consider that most gaming keyboards come with an abundance of buttons to play with and a blinding amount of RGB lighting, the TH80 Pro is classy and understated. A design that is well suited to both contemporary and retro setups.
The Monet MDA V2 version is a good choice for gamers who prefer minimalism over pizzazz with its cream-green-purple gradient keycaps a sight for sore eyes. If you did want to up the ante a little, there are also over 16.8 million colours to choose from with a built-in RGB backlight system. However, while I was enchanted by the visual spectacle, I did notice that the colour mixers were not as refined as I have seen in other Epomaker keyboards. They’re vibrant but could be a lot smoother.
For build quality, the Epomaker TH80 Pro is made entirely from ABS plastic but exudes a premium feel that is surprisingly durable. It weighs a full 1.39kg which is 400g heavier than Razer’s Blackwidow V4. We know all too well how Razer keyboards are built with strength so it’s safe to say that the TH80 Pro can take a bit of a beating.
In addition, the PBT keycaps are of high quality, minimizing wobble and ensuring stability during intense typing sessions. You will find a little wobble when pressing down heavily, but it’s nothing out of the ordinary for a keyboard in this price range.
There are no gimmicks here, it’s just sleek, elegant and strong.
Keyboard Features
For features, the Epomaker TH80 Pro is a 75% layout (80 keys) keyboard which offers plenty of customisation to warrant the price tag. There’s RGB backlighting, tri-mode connectivity, hot-swappable keyboard switches (3-pin and 5-pin) and a programmable knob in the top right-hand corner. The knob itself, while natively used for volume controls, can be programmed to perform other tasks depending on what you need when gaming.
Further to this, the entirety of the TH80 Pro keyboard is also customisable with the availability to reassign keys, create macros, swap out your keycaps and modify RGB lighting. This level of customization is a boon for enhanced in-game efficiency and performance; despite the companion software being a little finicky to work with.
Beyond the ability to customise the TH80 Pro, one of the stand-out features is actually the Gateron Pro mechanical switches. Straight form the factory, these are pre-lubricated switches which ensure a smooth travel distance straight out of the box. Each switch features a POM stem and polycarbonate case for consistency and you can upgrade these to either Epomaker’s Flamingo (Linear) or Budgerigar (Tactile) switches.
Personally, I would opt for the tactile switches for gaming.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Epomaker |
| Model | TH80 Pro |
| Keyboard Layout | 75% (80 Keys) |
| Hot Swappable Switches | Yes (3 & 5 Pin) |
| Keycap Material | PBT Keycaps |
| Keycap Profile | MDA Profile |
| Case Material | ABS Plastic |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0 & 2.4GHz Wireless |
| Battery Capacity | 4,000 mAh |
| Programmable | Yes |
| Software OS | Windows & Mac |
Performance
Engaging with the Epomaker TH80 Pro, the distinct ‘thwocky’ resonance of the keys is unmistakable. It bears the hallmark sounds of a mechanical keyboard, yet there’s an underlying hollowness that might resonate differently with individual users. In my experience, this acoustic characteristic didn’t detract from the overall user experience.
The TH80 Pro delivers an admirable performance in both work and play scenarios. Each keypress is met with a satisfying springiness, a testament to the quality of Epomaker’s custom switches that have garnered accolades from reviewers.
However, the keyboard reveals its limitations in the competitive gaming arena. My foray into the high-stakes world of ranking up in Apex Legends brought the TH80 Pro’s latency into sharp focus. While it capably handles casual gaming, the keyboard falls short of the instantaneous response times demanded in professional gaming circuits, where peripherals are expected to deliver with millisecond precision.
The TH80 Pro carves its niche among casual gamers, offering a blend of features and performance that aligns with less intensive gaming experiences. However, the quest to cater to a broad audience has its trade-offs. The specialized nuances, those refined touches that elevate a gaming keyboard from a tool to an extension of the gamer, are somewhat muted in the TH80 Pro.
The TH80 Pro is a commendable contender for casual gaming and general use, yet for the competitive gamer, the search for a keyboard with precision, response time, and specialized features tailored for professional play will likely still continue.
Connectivity
Upon unboxing the Epomaker TH80 Pro, my attention was immediately captured by the promise of tri-mode connectivity, prominently highlighted on the packaging. The amalgamation of USB-C, 2.4Ghz wireless, and Bluetooth 5.0 isn’t just a feature but an embodiment of adaptability and convenience. The ease with which I could transition between my gaming rig and other devices underscores a level of flexibility that resonates with the dynamic needs of contemporary gamers.
Yet, every rose has its thorn. The latency, particularly in wireless mode, doesn’t quite measure up to the lightning-fast response times boasted by keyboards engineered with the professional gamer in mind. It’s a nuance, a subtle dance between the TH80 Pro’s versatile connectivity options and the split-second precision demanded in the competitive gaming arenas.
It’s essential to temper expectations with the understanding that the TH80 Pro, while accommodating to gamers, isn’t exclusively crafted for this audience. It straddles the line between the gaming world and broader usability, offering a compromise that, while not without its limitations, still presents a compelling option for those seeking a balance between connectivity, flexibility, and performance.
Battery Life
For the nomadic gamer, the Epomaker TH80 Pro is equipped with a 4,000mAh battery, a modest enhancement from the 3,800mAh battery housed in the standard model. While Epomaker hasn’t provided official figures on the battery’s lifespan, anecdotal evidence from the gaming community suggests an endurance of approximately seven days, though this is specifically under Bluetooth connectivity.
When utilizing the USB-C wireless receiver, the battery’s stamina is somewhat curtailed, clocking in at around five days of usage. This isn’t a significant concern for many, as power sources are typically within arm’s reach during gaming sessions.
However, in the realm of gaming keyboards, where every feature is scrutinized, a more generous battery capacity could have elevated the TH80 Pro’s standing, offering gamers not just longevity but the added assurance of uninterrupted gameplay, especially during those marathon sessions.
Price & Availability
The Epomaker TH80 Pro, retailing at $149AUD, is accessible in Australia through Amazon and the official Epomaker website. Positioned at the more affordable spectrum of mid-range keyboards, its pricing strategy is both competitive and justified.
The keyboard’s value proposition is underscored by a rich suite of features. The allure of customizability, accentuated by hot-swappable switches, is complemented by a distinct design aesthetic that sets the TH80 Pro apart. It’s an investment that promises not just functionality but a unique user experience.
While the TH80 Pro isn’t engineered to redefine gaming performance – its latency issues are a testament to this – it holds its ground commendably. In a market where keyboards with lesser offerings are priced higher, the TH80 Pro emerges as a balanced amalgamation of price, features, and performance.
Why Buy?
Considering that the Epomaker TH80 Pro is not your typical gaming keyboard, you may be wondering whether it’s suitable for your gameplay style and needs. So, to help you make the right choice, here are some key reasons why you should and shouldn’t purchase the Epomaker TH80 Pro.
You should buy the Epomaker TH80 Pro keyboard if:
- You want a keyboard for both working and gaming.
- You want a keyboard that is not stereotypically designed.
- You love swapping out keycaps to try new experiences.
- You don’t require super low latency for gaming.
- You typically play RPG, MMO or casual games.
- You are looking for tri-mode connectivity.
- You are happy to turn the RGB lighting off to save battery.
- You are happy to spend $149.99 on a gaming keyboard.
You shouldn’t buy the Epomaker TH80 Pro keyboard if:
- You play FPS games and require low latency.
- You won’t get the value from the hot-swappable switches.
- You don’t plan to customise the keyboard.
- You are side-grading from a household brand.
- You spend a lot of time travelling and gaming.
Epomaker TH80 Pro Review Verdict
Overall, the Epomaker TH80 Pro is a well-rounded keyboard that is suitable for both working and gaming. With its 75% layout, the TH80 Pro distinguishes itself in the crowded mid-range mechanical keyboard market by unashamedly avoiding typical gaming keyboard archetypes. It’s crafted for versatility, making it a suitable companion for a variety of games, barring those that demand ultra-low latency.
Aesthetically, the TH80 Pro is a visual masterpiece, and its functional attributes, including hot-swappable switches and tri-mode connectivity, broaden its appeal. It resonates with a diverse gamer demographic, offering a blend of style and utility. Yet, it’s a product of balanced compromises. The sound profile and latency are areas where the keyboard reveals its limitations, factors that the discerning gamer and audiophile will weigh heavily.
In our assessment, the Epomaker TH80 Pro earns a commendable 87%. It’s a reflection of the keyboard’s balanced offering, where each strength is slightly tempered by considerations that are intrinsic to its design and performance attributes.
For individuals drawn to a blend of aesthetic elegance, a responsive typing experience, and versatile functionality, the TH80 Pro stands as a compelling option. It’s more than a typing apparatus—it’s a partner for creative expression, a catalyst for productivity, and a bridge to immersive gaming experiences, albeit with a nuanced approach to sound and gaming performance.
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Content Disclaimer: This Epomaker TH80 Pro review is independently written using a test model of the Epomaker TH80 Pro keyboard. GamePro has not been commissioned by Epomaker nor have we received financial payment or free advertising credits to publish this article.
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