Review: Epomaker RT100 Pro Delivers Retro Style and Premium Typing Experience

The Epomaker RT100 Pro was reviewed after traveling from Shenzhen, China, to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, via eMile Express shipping. While the cardboard packaging showed minor dents and cracks, the contents, including the Epomaker RT100 Pro and several other Epomaker products, were in excellent condition. The RT100 Pro packaging displayed minor bend marks, which were likely attributed to collisions with other products within the shipping package.

As a full-sized gaming keyboard, the RT100 Pro features a comprehensive set of specifications. It contains 103 keys plus four additional keys, or alternatively, a screen and a knob. Key technical details include a 5000mAh battery, compatibility with Mac, Windows, and Android, and connectivity options via 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, or USB wired. The keyboard’s design is noted by a front height of 2cm and a back height of 3.2cm, with a fixed typing angle of 5.8 degrees. Materials used include ABS plastic for the case and a PC plate. Structurally, it utilizes a gasket-mounted mounting system and features plate-mounted stabilizers, with no flex-cut. The sound dampening system is elaborate, comprising a 5-Layer Sound Optimizing System, including PORON Noise-Cancelling Foam, Switch Socket Pad, Sound Enhancement PET, Switch Socket Pad, and Bottom Silicone.

For the tactile experience, the keyboard features Cherry Profile PBT keycaps, which are manufactured using the dye-sublimation technique. It operates with factory lubed mechanical switches. The RT100 Pro is hot-swappable and supports dynamic RGB backlighting with per-key adjustable south-facing LEDs. Performance metrics include a 1000hz polling rate (wired/2.4GHz) or 125hz (Bluetooth), with latencies of 4ms (wired), 8ms (2.4GHz), and 16ms (Bluetooth). Dimensions measure 43.3cm x 14.2cm x 4.5cm, weighing approximately 1.3Kg.

The specific switches utilized are the EPOMAKER Sea Salt Silent V2 Switches. These are 5-pin mechanical, silent, linear, pre-lubed switches. They feature a trigger force of 45±5gf, a bottom-out force of 51±5gf, and a total travel of 3.5±0.4mm. The keyboard is recognized for integrating several unique features. The design successfully achieves a retro theme while maintaining a neutral appearance. The switch stems and stabilizers are factory lubricated to ensure smooth operation and prevent rattling. The PBT keycaps offer durability. Combining the Sea Salt Silent Switch V2 switches and the sound-dampening materials results in a pleasant, creamy, thocky, and muted sound.

The integrated screen allows users to personalize the keyboard with images or short animations. Users have the option to remove this screen to accommodate missing keys for a full-sized layout. Additional features include three media keys, a volume knob, 5-pin hot-swappable switches, and full N-key rollover support. Regarding performance, the battery life is cited as great.

Financially, the keyboard can be purchased from the Epomaker website for $120 at the time of writing. Overall, the Epomaker RT100 Pro is described as a pleasant-sounding, retro-style wireless mechanical keyboard featuring a programmable screen and providing unique sound quality.

Source: APH Networks