EPOMAKER MS68 Mechanical Keyboard Review

The mechanical keyboard market is increasingly dominated by high-priced, high-end models, leaving many users searching for affordable yet reliable options. Amidst this trend, Epomaker has managed to carve out a niche by offering products that combine cost-effectiveness with technological innovation. Known for its commitment to quality craftsmanship, Epomaker has earned the trust of many users with its affordable, well-crafted mechanical keyboards that don’t compromise on performance.

The latest addition to their lineup, the EPOMAKER MS68, continues this tradition with its 65% layout and premium aluminum chassis, featuring a gasket mount design. This model stands out with its versatile three-way connectivity, customizable RGB lighting, and a small 0.85″ TFT display. Additionally, the hot-swappable PCB, PBT Dye-Sub keycaps, and VIA software compatibility make it a highly customizable option. With such an array of features, the EPOMAKER MS68 promises to deliver a compelling experience for both enthusiasts and everyday users alike.

Unboxing

The EPOMAKER MS68 comes securely packaged in a thick and sturdy cardboard box, which arrived in excellent condition. The front of the box showcases the keyboard itself, while the back provides an overview of the main technical specifications. Additionally, the top side edge of the package highlights the key features of the EPOMAKER MS68, ensuring all essential details are easily accessible right from the unboxing.

Opening the package, lifting the top cover reveals the contents neatly arranged inside. The keyboard is securely wrapped in a semi-transparent plastic bag, cushioned by a molded rubber insert. Alongside the keyboard, two small cardboard boxes contain the included accessories. Removing everything from the package, you’ll find the keyboard itself, a USB-C to USB-A cable, three extra EPOMAKER Wisteria switches, a 2.4 GHz wireless USB receiver, a keycap and switch puller, a hexagonal wrench, and an instruction manual.

Design

The EPOMAKER MS68 is a 65% US layout keyboard that stands out with its 0.85-inch TFT screen and robust aluminum case. This model, finished in a sleek black with matching white and black keycaps, exudes a refreshing yet calm aesthetic. The keyboard is built with gasket mounts and five layers of sound-absorbing foam, ensuring a satisfying typing experience. The version under review is equipped with the Epomaker Wisteria linear switches, adding a smooth and consistent feel to each keystroke. Available in four striking colors—Black, Yellow, Green, and Blue—the MS68 offers a distinct visual appeal with contrasting PBT keycaps featuring legends printed using the Dye-Sublimation technique.

The EPOMAKER MS68 impresses right out of the box, with its robust design and premium materials. The keyboard’s case is crafted from CNC-machined aluminum, with an anodized finish that enhances corrosion and wear resistance, ensuring long-lasting durability and a consistently sleek appearance. Weighing in at 1.45 kg, the substantial heft of the MS68 is a direct result of its all-aluminum chassis and meticulous internal assembly. EPOMAKER’s choice to implement a Gasket Mount design, paired with five layers of insulating and sound-absorbing material, elevates the typing experience, delivering exceptional quality and comfort.

The keyboard’s design exudes simplicity, with a clean aluminum chassis that keeps things minimalistic. Notably, there’s no branding on the bottom, allowing the elegant construction to take center stage. Gold-colored hexagonal bolts provide a subtle yet striking accent, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall aesthetic. The inclusion of a hex wrench makes disassembly effortless, reflecting a thoughtful design approach. Additionally, anti-slip rubber pads are strategically placed on all four corners, ensuring the keyboard stays securely in place during use.

The keyboard is ergonomically designed with a slight 6-degree tilt, ensuring a comfortable and natural typing angle. Located on the back, you’ll find a USB Type-C connection port, making it easy to plug in and charge or connect. The central area houses a convenient switch that allows you to toggle between Windows and Mac modes, along with an additional switch for selecting your preferred connection method.

The keycaps are made from sublimation-printed PBT, featuring a Cherry profile. The centered printing, combined with the bold and rounded font, delivers a striking visual appeal. This clear, highly visible font ensures ease of use for users, even those who are not proficient in touch typing. Additionally, the keyboard is equipped with a south-facing RGB backlight. Although the keycaps are non-transparent, they produce a refined glow, casting a subtle and sophisticated light.

Our review unit features Epomaker Wisteria switches, known for their smooth, linear action and superior noise reduction. These switches are designed to minimize the bottom-out sound, resulting in a significantly quieter typing experience. The muted keystroke sound ensures that your typing remains discreet, making the keyboard ideal for both quiet office environments and late-night sessions.

The EPOMAKER MS68 keyboard features a 0.85-inch TFT screen positioned in the upper right corner, providing a range of practical and customizable information. This compact display offers real-time updates on battery status, date, time, and connection details. Additionally, users can personalize their workspace by showcasing GIF images of their choice on the screen, infusing a touch of individuality into their desk setup.

Via Software

EPOMAKER’s approach to customization with the MS68 diverges from its traditional EPOMAKER Driver, shifting to the open-source VIA software. VIA offers a comprehensive tool for reprogramming every key and function, providing an extensive level of control over the keyboard’s configuration. However, VIA’s complexity means users accustomed to simpler management software might find themselves needing some time to acclimate to its capabilities.

After downloading and installing VIA, users will encounter a screen that scans for compatible devices with VIA firmware. For the EPOMAKER MS68, additional steps are necessary to access the customization options. Navigating to the “show design tab” in the software’s menu will reveal a brush icon, which leads to the customization interface. From here, users should deselect the “Use V2 definitions (deprecated)” option, load the appropriate .JSON profile for either USB or Wireless use, and then proceed to customize the keyboard’s functions, including reprogramming keys, managing macros, and adjusting RGB lighting. The changes are applied in real-time, allowing for immediate feedback on customizations.

USE Experience

To be honest, I was a little worried that the 65% layout would be difficult to use because it has fewer keys. However, after a few days of use, I found that the layout quickly became intuitive, and I now recommend it to anyone open to trying a more compact configuration. The MS68 stands out for its robust build quality, featuring an all-aluminum chassis and precise assembly that delivers a solid typing experience.

The 65% form factor of the MS68 might not cater to everyone’s preferences or needs, but it’s worth experimenting with, both for gaming and office tasks. The PBT Dye-Sub keycaps with a CHERRY profile contribute to a traditional typing feel while ensuring durability and quality. With a bit of adjustment, the compact design could prove advantageous for users who are open to exploring new keyboard layouts.

In gaming scenarios, the EPOMAKER MS68 excels as one of the most sturdy mechanical keyboards available. It offers a commendable typing experience, thanks to the EPOMAKER Wisteria switches—45gf linear mechanical switches that are factory lubricated for swift, precise keystrokes with minimal noise. The light keystroke pressure reduces fatigue, while the gasket mount and five layers of sound-absorbing foam further enhance typing comfort and reduce reverberation.

Battery

The EPOMAKER MS68, consistent with the brand’s tradition, is equipped with a reliable 3,000 mAh internal battery. This battery capacity offers performance in line with previous EPOMAKER models. In 2.4 GHz Wireless mode, users can expect approximately a week of use with moderate activity and standard RGB lighting.

Conclusion