Who needs another keyboard? I know I don’t… and yet, I want one. I always do. Especially when that keyboard has a freaking screen. Weird? Sure is. Cool? Pretty.
Does anyone really need a screen embedded in the keyboard? Not really, but the keyboard definitely does. And before you start asking yourself if that even makes sense, let me explain: there are hundreds, if not thousands of new mechanical keyboards on the market, and most of them are all pretty decent. The market has been reaching the point of oversaturation for a while, and as a result, the companies that make them started looking for more ways to differentiate themselves. New crazy color combinations, screens, touch panels — we’ve seen it all. And while these features don’t make the keyboards better for typing, they are fun. So, let’s look at the Epomaker MS68.
Design and software
Before you notice the screen, the Epomaker MS68 looks like just about any 65% mechanical keyboard. It’s compact but weighty thanks to its aluminum case. Everything here screams “premium,” which is impressive, considering the price.
The back of the keyboard is equipped with a USB-C port for wired connectivity, a toggle switch in the middle for switching between Windows and Mac modes, and another switch for selecting between Bluetooth, wired, and 2.4GHz modes. These toggles are not labeled and that confused me at first.
The underside features four rubber feet for stability and five screws. The hot-swappable PCB allows for easy switch replacement, letting you personalize the sound and feel to your preference. The package includes a combination keycap and switch puller, as well as three extra switches.
The Epomaker MS68 comes in four colors and three switch options. It costs about $130.
All in all, it’s a good-looking keyboard, but you probably want to hear more about the 0.85-inch screen in the right upper corner. The tiny thing can display a lot of things, including your custom images, but there’s one big issue — the Epomaker’s “Image Custom Tool” app seems to only be available for Windows. Maybe I am wrong, but no matter how hard I tried, I could not find the link on the official website.
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And yes, I tried the other Epomaker app I had installed for another review. Despite it having a section for keyboard displays, it could not detect this model. And the only software that does work with it — VIA — does not have any settings for a screen. I appreciate more and more companies going with the open-source (and multi-platform!) software, but I find VIA to be very capricious. This time it worked, but some of my keyboards have never worked with it.
By pressing Fn + X, you can turn the display on or off, while Fn + Shift allows you to switch between different screen options. These options include a screen showing the date, time, and battery level and two customizable screens where you can upload images or GIFs. The date and time screen also displays the keyboard’s battery status. Additionally, this screen shows the current connectivity mode (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, or wired), the operating system mode (Windows or Mac), and icons for Caps Lock and Win Lock.
So, in the end, I could not test the screen all too well. It’s surprising: previously, I never had any compatibility issues with Epomaker keyboards, and this one does have a toggle for macOS, and yet… not having an app and selling the keyboard without making that clear does not seem nice. This needs to be fixed.
EDIT: I was contacted by Epomaker, and it seems that the macOS app is on the way. Good news.
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Typing
The keyboard is designed with a gasket mount and incorporates five layers of sound-dampening materials: Poron foam, an IXPE switch pad, PET film, PCB back foam, and Poron case foam. This thoughtful construction enhances the overall typing feel, resulting in a smooth, cushioned experience. And it is truly silent, especially when used with the Sea Salt Silent Switch. It’s by far the quietest keyboard I have, which is perfect for when I don’t want to disturb anyone with my typing. But, as we all know, silent means that specific feeling that some don’t like — it’s just not as satisfying. But that is why you have the choice — you choose the switch that you want.
Epomaker offers three different linear switch options, each with varying actuation forces and travel distances.
While these keys might not appeal to those who prefer louder feedback, I appreciate how they allow for quick and effortless typing.
Verdict
The Epomaker MS68 looks and feels like a premium keyboard. It’s comfortable to use and its screen is a feature I would like to have on more keyboards in the future. But the compatibility issues sour the impression somewhat.