Jani Dushman
Meeth the Epomaker DynaTab 75X, a sleek and feature-loaded hot-swappable mechanical keyboard designed to captivate both enthusiasts and professionals alike. Boasting a modern aesthetic combined with a retro-inspired 75% compact layout, the DynaTab 75X stands out as a creative addition to any desk setup. At its core lies a captivating RGB “Dot-Matrix” LED screen, elevating functionality beyond mere keystrokes. From displaying the time and PC status to showcasing pixel art or snippets of text, this keyboard offers a personalized touch that transforms any workspace into a unique expression of style.
Beyond its eye-catching design, the DynaTab 75X impresses with a robust set of features and customization options tailored to meet the diverse needs of users. Originally introduced through a successful Kickstarter campaign, this mechanical marvel promises a seamless blend of productivity and playfulness. Whether you’re diving into intensive work sessions or engaging in intense gaming sessions, the DynaTab 75X delivers reliability and performance in equal measure. With its hot-swappable switches and extensive RGB lighting controls, it adapts effortlessly to suit individual preferences, inviting users to tailor their typing experience to perfection.
As we delve deeper into the Epomaker DynaTab 75X, we’ll explore how it seamlessly intertwines nostalgia with modern functionality, promising an immersive keyboard experience that transcends the ordinary. Join us as we uncover how this innovative keyboard not only pays homage to its heritage but also paves the way for the future of mechanical keyboards, one keystroke at a time.
Unboxing
The Epomaker DynaTab 75X keyboard is packaged in a sturdy blue cardboard box. The front of the box showcases a sketch of the keyboard along with the brand name and model, maintaining a clean and simple design aesthetic. The back of the box provides a list of features and brief characteristics of the keyboard.
When you open the box, you can see that in addition to the keyboard, there are also a bunch of practical accessories, including a 2.4G wireless receiver, USB-C cable, steel wire key puller & shaft puller, and manual.
The keyboard comes with a robust, gray USB-C cable measuring approximately 1,880mm in length. This cable features elegant aluminum connectors and includes a stylish yellow PU leather cable tie, enhancing the overall premium aesthetic of the keyboard. The generous length of the cable ensures that you can comfortably use the keyboard in a wired setup, even if your cable management system is intricate and extensive.
The EpoMaker DynaTab 75X, in its 75% format, features 84 keys with hot-swap capability, allowing users to customize it with one of several switch types: Wisteria (Linear), Wisteria (Tactile), Flamingo, or Sea Salt Silent. It comes in either ANSI or ISO-UK layouts and is available for pre-purchase in two color schemes: Black Gray and Purple White.
Before diving into this review, it’s important to note that the keyboard we received is a prototype version, and therefore does not represent the final product. Our unit is the full-black version with side-printed keycaps and Wisteria Tactile switches.
Design
The layout of the EpoMaker DynaTab 75X keyboard closely resembles that of any standard 75% keyboard but tends to lean more towards a tenkeyless (TKL) design. Weighing in at 1,054 grams, the 75X is average in weight for mechanical keyboards in its category. Aside from that, the DynaTab appears quite ordinary. The build quality is solid, with no creaks or groans when I applied slight pressure to the keyboard. Even as a prototype, the keyboard feels well-made and highly polished, with no noticeable glitches or quirks in its operation.
The dimensions are 145 x 181 x 42 mm, with a typical width but an increased depth of approximately 45 mm due to the display. The keyboard has a height of 42 mm with the feet retracted, which can be adjusted to 50 mm or 57 mm using its two-position feet.
The back of the keyboard is quite plain, with the exception of the indents located at the bottom. It features five rubber feet that ensure the keyboard stays securely in place on the desk. Additionally, it includes two dual-stage kickstands that allow for easy height adjustment.
The top right part of the keyboard features several options, including a tri-mode connectivity switch that allows users to alternate between USB-C wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth modes. Additionally, there’s a ‘bulb’ switch for cycling through stored LED custom animations. A standout feature of the EPOMAKER DynaTab 75X is its exceptional connectivity versatility.
It supports Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB-C, making it effortless to connect to various devices. Whether you’re switching from typing on a tablet to working on a desktop PC or setting up for a quick gaming session, the DynaTab 75X performs smoothly without frustrating lags or disconnections. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for users who need to seamlessly transition between multiple devices for work or play.
Keycaps
The keycaps are a standard gradient gray-black OEM profile set with side-printed words. They feel of decent quality, boasting a good thickness that produces a deep sound profile when paired with the right switches. These PBT laser-engraved keycaps feature a gradient-style layout, with the keys getting lighter from bottom to top.
Notably, the keycaps lack labels on the top surface; instead, the see-through labels are positioned on the front surface. This design choice is polarizing, as it will likely be either well-liked or disliked by users.
Gasket Mounted
The DynaTab 75X’s gasket mount design stands out as a testament to thoughtful engineering, providing a remarkably stable and consistent typing experience. Unlike some other popular mechanical keyboard brands like Keychron, which often feature heavier cases, the DynaTab 75X boasts a lighter build. However, this reduction in weight does not compromise the keyboard’s performance.
The gasket mount system effectively absorbs keystroke impacts, minimizing vibrations and creating a firm yet cushioned response. This meticulous construction ensures that each keypress is precise and satisfying, enhancing both typing and gaming experiences. The stability offered by the gasket mount translates to improved accuracy and comfort, making the DynaTab 75X a strong contender in the competitive landscape of mechanical keyboards.
Features
Dot-Matrix LED Screen
At the heart of the DynaTab 75X lies its mesmerizing Dot-Matrix display. This display is composed of numerous small, bright LEDs, each contributing to a stunning array of patterns and animations. Straight out of the box, the DynaTab 75X is preloaded with a variety of basic animations and images. These can be easily navigated by pressing a dedicated physical button located to the right of the display.
The visual spectacle doesn’t stop there. The keyboard allows users to design, draw, and upload custom animations directly onto the screen. Whether it’s intricate patterns or playful GIF animations, the possibilities are endless. This feature makes every keystroke not just a mechanical action, but a burst of creativity and personal expression.
The DynaTab 75X’s display isn’t limited to animations. It also offers several functional modes that enhance the typing experience. One mode shows real-time typing feedback, transforming each keystroke into an immediate visual response. Other modes include displays for the date and time and CPU usage statistics. For the latter functionalities, using the accompanying EPOMAKER software is necessary, and the CPU statistics mode requires the application to be run with administrator permissions.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the DynaTab 75X provides practical utilities that make it a versatile tool for daily use. The screen can display the remaining battery life, which is particularly useful when using the keyboard wirelessly. It also provides access to various settings adjustments, such as key brightness and connection modes.
The EPOMAKER Driver software opens up a world of customization for the DynaTab 75X. With a highly intuitive built-in editor, users can create and display their own images and animations. While requiring a bit of patience and creativity, it allows for almost limitless possibilities in terms of what can be shown on the display. Users can also upload existing images and GIFs, although finding visuals that perfectly fit the unique display size can be challenging.
Switch
The DynaTab 75X features hot-swappable switch sockets, allowing users to change mechanical switches without purchasing an entirely new keyboard. This innovative design lets you simply plug in your preferred switch, providing the exact typing feel and sound desired without any soldering. This flexibility is ideal for enthusiasts who enjoy customizing their typing experience or those who want to experiment with different switch types without the commitment of a new keyboard.
Equipped with Wisteria tactile switches, the Epomaker DynaTab 75X delivers a typing experience that perfectly aligns with my needs. The firmer actuation force of 60g suits my larger hands and heavy typing style, offering a satisfying tactile response that enhances typing accuracy. This helps prevent accidental key presses, a common issue with lighter switches. The switch’s feedback is both firm and precise, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more robust typing feel.
The sound produced by the DynaTab 75X is somewhat clacky but not distractingly so, thanks to effective acoustic dampening. This dampening reduces excessive noise while still providing pleasing auditory feedback during typing. The balance between tactile feel and sound makes for an enjoyable typing experience, as the keyboard manages to be both responsive and quiet enough for various environments. Overall, the combination of tactile feedback and controlled acoustics makes the DynaTab 75X a joy to type on.
Connectivity
Equipped with an advanced Bluetooth chip and a 2.4 GHz wireless receiver, the DynaTab 75X offers a seamless transition between Bluetooth, wired, and 2.4 GHz modes to cater to your varying needs. This versatile connectivity allows you to connect with up to three devices simultaneously, facilitating effortless multitasking across your smartphone, laptop, and iPad. Whether you’re hopping between different operating systems or juggling multiple devices, the DynaTab 75X ensures a smooth and responsive experience, making it a perfect companion for today’s dynamic tech environment.
The thoughtfully placed USB port on the right side adds to the convenience, making connectivity switches straightforward with a simple slide mechanism—up for Bluetooth and down for the 2.4GHz dongle. This intuitive design means that even in wired mode, the keyboard conserves battery life by switching off when not in use. This practical feature not only prolongs the battery life but also enhances the overall user experience by reducing the need for frequent recharges and maintaining a clutter-free workspace.
The EPOMAKER DynaTab 75X showcases unparalleled compatibility across various platforms, enabling seamless navigation from Mac to Windows, and iOS to Android with simple shortcuts. This makes it incredibly versatile for users who operate across multiple systems. During testing, all three connectivity options performed exceptionally well, with the 2.4G wireless mode proving to be particularly responsive, even in high-stakes online gaming scenarios. This level of performance, combined with its adaptability, makes the DynaTab 75X a standout choice for those seeking a reliable and flexible keyboard solution.
Battery
The EPOMAKER DynaTab 75X is a marvel in the realm of portable technology, effortlessly marrying rapid-charge capabilities with outstanding battery endurance. At the heart of its efficiency lies a 2A quick-charge chip, a feature that significantly enhances the convenience and usability of the device. This rapid-charge technology ensures that users spend minimal time tethered to a power outlet, which is a boon for those who rely on uninterrupted device availability throughout their day. Whether for professional tasks, gaming sessions, or multimedia consumption, the 2A quick-charge chip delivers a swift and efficient power boost, making the DynaTab 75X a standout choice in its category.
Complementing this rapid-charge technology is the DynaTab 75X’s formidable 10,000mAh battery. This impressive battery capacity provides substantial reserve power, allowing for prolonged usage without the constant worry of running out of charge. The large battery capacity ensures that even the most demanding applications and extended usage scenarios are well-supported, keeping the device operational for extended periods. This combination of a high-capacity battery and quick-charging capability ensures that the DynaTab 75X is not only a reliable companion for intensive users but also sets a high standard for performance and convenience in the tablet market.
Epomaker Software
The EPOMAKER software offers a comprehensive set of customization features for users, allowing for the reprogramming of keys, backlight effects, and the dot matrix display, as well as the creation of macros. However, it is important to note that the software currently seems to be available only for PC users, with no clear indication of a macOS version. The app itself is user-friendly and quickly recognizes the connected keyboard, streamlining the customization process. I successfully reprogrammed the Print Screen (PS) and Scroll Lock (SL) keys to function as volume controls, highlighting the ease and practicality of the software’s key remapping capabilities.
In terms of screen customization, the software permits the loading of images or GIFs onto the dot matrix display, though the results may vary. For example, when attempting to upload a PNG of the Gadgeteer logo, the image appeared significantly pixelated. Despite this, the software allows for creative experimentation; I managed to draw a basic representation of the XiaomiToday logo and added a second frame in a different color to produce a simple animation. Although the software includes an option to download pre-made animations, there currently appears to be a lack of specific animations available for the DynaTab 75x, limiting immediate out-of-the-box functionality in this regard.
USE Experience
I’ve been spending the last few weeks immersed in gaming, navigating various titles with a mouse and keyboard setup due to the lack of controller support. This shift from my usual preference for controllers has highlighted the inherent discomfort of prolonged keyboard use, a sentiment many gamers can relate to. However, the EpoMaker DynaTab 75X has significantly mitigated this issue. The keyboard’s ergonomic design and responsive keys have made extended gaming sessions more bearable. While no keyboard can completely eliminate the discomfort associated with long hours of use, the DynaTab 75X offers a much-needed reprieve with its thoughtful construction and tactile feedback.
In terms of connectivity and response time, the EpoMaker DynaTab 75X excels despite minor inconsistencies with Bluetooth. Whether connected via USB-C or the wireless adapter, the keyboard maintains a reliable connection with negligible input lag, ensuring a smooth gaming experience. Switching between devices is seamless, facilitated by a simple press of a physical button located at the top of the keyboard. Customizing the screen on the DynaTab 75X is straightforward, akin to other Epomaker keyboards, requiring a direct connection to a PC via cable. Although the keyboard is still in pre-order and the community has yet to generate a wide array of designs, users can create their own or use the screen for practical purposes like monitoring PC status or displaying the time. The inclusion of pixel art further enhances the visual appeal, adding a unique touch to the gaming setup.
Conclusion
I'm Jani, a dedicated Tech Writer and Reviewer at Xiaomitoday. With a passion for exploring and dissecting the latest in technology, my mission is to bring you insightful and comprehensive reviews that empower your decision-making in the fast-evolving world of gadgets and tech.
