The Epomaker QK81 is a 75% compact gasket-mount keyboard that balances affordability with a surprisingly premium typing experience. Available in two colorways—white and pink or black and green—it delivers both functionality and style while keeping its price point competitive.

What’s in the Box

Epomaker includes a solid accessory pack:

Braided USB-C cable
Keycap and switch puller
Extra switches
Wireless dongle (stored in the foot)
User manual

Design & Build Quality

At first glance, the QK81 stands out thanks to its oversized aluminum knob in the top-right corner, which instantly becomes a centerpiece of the design. The case itself is made from sturdy plastic, weighing around 850g, which gives it a reassuring heft compared to other keyboards in its class. The rounded edges and smooth finish make it look more polished than its budget label suggests.

The board comes with double-shot PBT Cherry profile keycaps, which are comfortable for long typing sessions. The legends are larger than average, making them easier to read, though they are not shine-through. Underneath, you’ll find anti-slip pads and dual-angle flip-out feet for added flexibility.

Connectivity & Battery

This is a tri-mode keyboard, supporting wired USB-C, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth connections. You can pair it with up to five devices and easily toggle between them using the side switches. For Mac users, there’s also a dedicated OS switch for quick compatibility.

Inside, a 4,000mAh battery powers the board, offering up to 260 hours of use without RGB or around 12 hours with lighting enabled. The included 2.4GHz dongle is neatly tucked away in the keyboard’s foot for storage when not in use.

Typing Experience

Being gasket-mounted, the QK81 provides a soft, cushioned typing feel with natural shock absorption—noticeably different from tray-mounted keyboards that can feel rigid. Out of the box, it comes with Epomaker’s own Flamingo or Wisteria switches, depending on the variant.

Flamingo switches (47g actuation): Clacky and responsive, making them well-suited for gaming.
Wisteria switches (45g actuation): Smoother and slightly lighter, ideal for everyday typing.

Both switch types arrive pre-lubricated, reducing scratchiness and stem wobble. Since the QK81 is hot-swappable with a south-facing PCB, you can easily replace switches with any 3-pin or 5-pin alternative to suit your preference.

The stabilizers are decently tuned, with minimal rattling. We only found that adding a bit more dielectric grease could make them even smoother.

Performance & Features

With a 1,000Hz polling rate and NKRO (anti-ghosting), the QK81 performs reliably for both productivity and competitive gaming. Wireless performance was solid in our testing—no noticeable delays or interference on 2.4GHz.

The keyboard supports VIA software, meaning you can remap keys, record macros, and customize lighting without installing any proprietary drivers. This flexibility is a big plus for users who like to tweak layouts and effects.

RGB Lighting

RGB is another highlight, with bright south-facing LEDs that shine well even without shine-through caps. You can toggle modes directly on the board (Fn + ), including light bar effects on the side. While we preferred turning RGB off to conserve battery, enthusiasts will find plenty of modes to explore.

Verdict

The Epomaker QK81 offers an impressive mix of premium typing feel, versatile connectivity, and standout aesthetics at a very competitive price. The gasket mount and oversized knob make it unique in its segment, while VIA support and hot-swap ability ensure long-term flexibility. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly 75% keyboard that doesn’t compromise on features, the QK81 is one of the strongest options available.

Also Read: EPOMAKER Galaxy68 Review