REVIEW – I’ve not used a mechanical keyboard earlier than, however I’ve seen it talked about endlessly in boards and threads on-line. When the chance got here to strive the EPOMAKER x LEOBOG K81 mechanical keyboard despatched by Mechlands, I made a decision to take the settle for the problem!
What’s it?
The EPOMAKER x LEOBOG K81 mechanical keyboard with a transparent acrylic case and three completely different connection capabilities: Bluetooth, corded (USB-C), and a couple of.4Ghz USB-A dongle. It has over ten completely different RGB mild modes you can configure to your choice.
What’s within the field?
- EPOMAKER x LEOBOG K81 mechanical keyboard
- USB-C cable
- Spare switches
- Key puller
- Silicon ft
- Directions (in very, very tiny print)
Product specs
Shade: Mint Sea Salt
Dimensions: 335mm x 141mm x 45mm
Weight: ~1kg (keyboard alone)
Capability: 3000mAH rechargeable lithium battery
Charging voltage/present: DC 5V – 600mA, empty to full in about 7.5 hrs
Battery Life: ~ 18.5 hrs with mild results on, ~200 hrs with mild results off
Supported OS: Home windows / Apple / Android
Connection Mode: Bluetooth, USB-C, USB-A dongle
Design and options
The general design of the EPOMAKER x LEOBOG K81 mechanical keyboard is responsive and well-built. It’s stable and surprisingly heavy, however that’s most likely as a result of rechargeable battery. The clear acrylic could be very clear and appears nice with the mint inexperienced lettering and highlights on the keycaps. Along with the common keys, a reasonably full set of further instructions is on the market, together with a dial for quantity and different music controls. The directions point out macro assist, however I couldn’t work out learn how to set that up from the directions. I don’t use these usually, in order that’s not an enormous deal to me.
The keyboard comes with spare switches and gear to interchange keys in case you so need, however as I’m nonetheless getting began with mechanical keyboards, I haven’t executed a lot with that apart from determining to do it. For this design, I believe changing keys could be a detriment to the sunshine results.
Setup
A few the options have been tough to determine till I learn by the tiny print within the product options. The Fn secret’s used to modify between completely different modes. To modify to a Home windows format, it’s a must to choose FN+W.
There are a bunch of various RGB mild modes you possibly can choose from, and a few of them could be very distracting to make use of whereas working, however they’re enjoyable to play with. I settled on a contact responsive mild mode the place the person keys mild up with completely different colours at you kind.
Bluetooth: The Bluetooth connection was very simple. Choose the BT choice with the swap on the rear of the keyboard after which discover it in your Bluetooth menu in your pc.
2.4Ghz Dongle: Plug the USB-A dongle saved on the again of the keyboard into your pc and it ought to instantly acknowledge and will let you proceed. Ensure that the two.4 Ghz choice is chosen on the swap on the rear of the keyboard, and also you’re good to go.
USB-C Cable: Choose the USB-C cable with the swap on the keyboard and plug the USB cable into the keyboard and your pc. You’re good to go. Additionally, you will have to cost your keyboard this fashion. The directions don’t suggest plugging into different energy sources to cost your keyboard, so use warning so that you don’t unintentionally fry it.
Efficiency
Typing is enjoyable with the EPOMAKER x LEOBOG K81 mechanical keyboard. Key presses have a satisfying click on to them with out being obnoxious. For these round you which can be delicate to ambient noises like that it could be annoying on a day-to-day foundation, although.
I examined the efficiency of the keyboard with every of the three connection varieties. The USB-C cable and a couple of.4Ghz dongle connections have been nice. No lag in typing. After I got here again to the keyboard after a pause, it instantly picked issues up. In utilizing the Bluetooth connection, I observed that after a couple of minutes pause the keyboard would fall asleep and upon returning to typing would often miss the primary letter or two. Not an enormous inconvenience, however a contact annoying.
What I like in regards to the EPOMAKER x LEOBOG K81 mechanical keyboard
- I really like the sunshine scheme. It’s enjoyable to observe and my children have been jealous. They might sneak up whereas I used to be doing different stuff simply to the touch the keys and watch the response.
- Keyboard response whereas cabled and utilizing the two.4Ghz dongle was wonderful. No lag in any respect
- The sunshine click on of the keys was very satisfying. Didn’t hassle me in any respect in a number of days price of labor.
What must be improved?
- Bluetooth response after a pause precipitated some annoyance
- Put larger print on the directions. Font was very tiny and it took me some time and a few eye pressure to determine a few of the completely different options. Some options equivalent to macro assist have been talked about however no particulars on learn how to set or use them.
- Being clear acrylic, mud and crumbs settling by the keyboard may construct up and be unpleasant with time, so I’ll must revisit this sooner or later to see how effectively it ages.
Remaining ideas
General, the EPOMAKER x LEOBOG K81 mechanical keyboard is a enjoyable keyboard with cool mild results and a satisfying click on. The packaging was very effectively executed and of top quality. The appear and feel of the keyboard itself is nice. It’s enjoyable to kind on, and my children maintain sneaking in simply to hit the keys and watch the lights. Tiny print on the directions however, I used to be ready to determine all the pieces pretty simply.
Worth: $107.10
The place to purchase: Mechlands
Supply: The pattern of this product was offered by Mechlands.
