EPOMAKER TH65 Review

The EPOMAKER TH65 is a compact 65% mechanical keyboard designed for users who want a customizable typing experience without moving into the price range of premium custom keyboards. At $65.99, it combines a gasket-mounted structure, hot-swappable switches, tri-mode connectivity, RGB lighting, a rotary control knob, and an 8000mAh battery. We used the TH65 for everyday typing, work, and gaming to see how well its combination of features translates into real-world use.

Design and Layout

The TH65 uses a 65% layout with 66 keys and a rotary knob. It removes the dedicated function row and number pad while retaining the arrow keys and several navigation keys that are commonly omitted on smaller 60% keyboards. This makes the TH65 noticeably more compact than a TKL or full-size keyboard without sacrificing too much everyday functionality. For gaming, the smaller footprint also leaves more room for mouse movement.

The transition to a 65% layout does require some adjustment if you are coming from a full-size or TKL keyboard. Function-row commands and some navigation functions require secondary key combinations. After several days of use, however, we found the layout relatively easy to adapt to.

The rotary knob sits in the upper-right corner and provides convenient volume control. Pressing it can also be used for muting. It is a simple addition, but one that becomes useful during everyday use. EPOMAKER offers the TH65 in black, white, and pink. Our black version has a distinctive keycap design that gives the keyboard a slightly unconventional appearance. The orange accent keys also provide some contrast without making the design unnecessarily busy.

Build Quality

The TH65 uses an ABS plastic case rather than metal. This is understandable considering its price, although the plastic construction means it does not have the same premium feel as more expensive aluminum keyboards. That said, the chassis is reasonably rigid. We noticed very little flex during normal typing and gaming, and the case did not produce distracting creaks or movement when handled.

At approximately 0.82kg, the TH65 also feels sufficiently planted on a desk. It is light enough to move between setups but has enough weight to remain stable during regular use. The underside includes two-stage adjustable feet. Depending on the configuration, you can use typing angles of approximately 6°, 8°, or 10.5°. Having multiple positions is useful because typing angle is largely a matter of personal preference.

EPOMAKER has also provided dedicated storage for the 2.4GHz wireless receiver underneath the keyboard, which is a sensible solution and reduces the chance of losing the small dongle when travelling.

Keycaps and RGB Lighting

The TH65 uses Cherry-profile PC keycaps with a textured surface. The texture provides some additional grip and feels comfortable during extended typing sessions. The exact keycap configuration varies depending on the color version, so buyers should check the specific configuration before purchasing. Our review unit’s keycaps provided a distinctive appearance while maintaining clear legends.

RGB lighting is provided through south-facing, per-key LEDs. The lighting is reasonably even and becomes more noticeable in darker environments. Rather than relying on traditional shine-through legends, the lighting is visible around and underneath the keycaps. This means the legends themselves are not illuminated in the same way as a conventional gaming keyboard. Users who prioritize brightly illuminated legends may prefer a different keycap design, but the overall RGB presentation works well with the TH65’s styling.

Creamy Jade Switches and Typing Experience

Our review unit came with EPOMAKER Creamy Jade switches. These are pre-lubed, five-pin linear switches with an actuation force of approximately 45±5gf and a bottom-out force of 50±5gf. The switches have approximately 2.0±0.4mm of pre-travel and 3.6±0.4mm of total travel. In practice, they feel smooth and consistent throughout the keypress.

There is no tactile bump, so the keypress remains linear from actuation to bottom-out. The switches also provide a relatively substantial feel without becoming excessively heavy during longer typing sessions. The overall sound is one of the more enjoyable characteristics of the TH65. The gasket-mounted structure and internal damping materials help produce a deeper sound profile compared with many basic budget mechanical keyboards.

EPOMAKER uses a five-layer internal sound-dampening arrangement that includes PRO Sandwich Foam, an IXPE switch pad, a sound-optimizing pad, an EPDM switch socket pad, and bottom silicone. These layers help control unwanted vibration and reduce some of the hollow sound that can be associated with plastic keyboard cases.

The PC plate and flex cuts also contribute to the overall feel. There is some controlled movement under pressure, although the keyboard still feels firm enough for fast typing and gaming. The larger keys, including the Spacebar, Enter, Backspace, and Shift keys, performed consistently during our testing. The plate-mounted stabilizers are not quite in the same category as enthusiast-level custom stabilizers, but they are perfectly serviceable at this price.

Hot-Swappable PCB

One of the TH65’s biggest advantages is its hot-swappable PCB. The keyboard supports both three-pin and five-pin mechanical switches, allowing users to replace the supplied switches without soldering. This makes the TH65 particularly suitable for someone buying their first customizable mechanical keyboard.

If you eventually prefer a lighter linear switch, a tactile switch, or a quieter option, the PCB gives you the flexibility to experiment without replacing the entire keyboard. The included switch and keycap puller also makes basic customization straightforward.

Connectivity and Performance

The TH65 supports three connection methods: USB-C wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth. For gaming, the 2.4GHz connection and wired mode support a 1000Hz polling rate. Bluetooth operates at 125Hz and is better suited to productivity, travel, and connecting to devices where low latency is less important.

We tested the keyboard across its different connection modes and found the wireless connection reliable during normal use. In games such as Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, and DOTA 2, inputs registered consistently without noticeable interruptions or delays.

The TH65 is not designed to compete with specialized magnetic keyboards offering features such as adjustable actuation and Rapid Trigger. However, for a conventional mechanical keyboard at this price, its gaming performance is more than adequate. The keyboard also supports Windows and macOS, with a physical switch making it easy to change between the two operating systems.

Battery Life

The 8000mAh battery is unusually large for a keyboard of this size. EPOMAKER achieves this using two 4000mAh cells. Actual battery life will vary considerably depending on RGB brightness, connection mode, and usage. With RGB enabled, the battery will drain faster, while switching the lighting off can extend runtime considerably.

During our testing, battery life was not something we needed to worry about frequently. The large capacity is particularly useful for users who prefer 2.4GHz wireless or Bluetooth and want to keep the keyboard away from a charging cable.

Software

The TH65 uses EPOMAKER’s web-based software for customization. The software provides access to key remapping, layers, RGB settings, macros, advanced key functions, and firmware updates. It also includes options such as Mod-Tap, Dual Effect Click, and SOCD functionality.

The feature set is useful, particularly for users who want to make the most of the compact layout. However, accessing the software is less straightforward than it should be. The process involves navigating EPOMAKER’s website and driver pages before reaching the browser-based configuration interface. We also encountered situations where the keyboard was not immediately detected when returning to the software.

Once connected, the interface provides a reasonable level of customization, but the setup process could be simplified. A dedicated desktop application covering all EPOMAKER devices would provide a more consistent experience.

Gaming Performance

The TH65 performed reliably in our gaming sessions. The 1000Hz polling rate through wired and 2.4GHz connections provides responsive input, while the Creamy Jade switches offer a smooth linear action that works well for rapid key presses.

In competitive shooters, movement and repeated inputs felt consistent. We also used the keyboard for games with more frequent ability and command inputs, and the TH65 handled those tasks without issues.

It is important to put this performance into perspective. The TH65 is a conventional mechanical keyboard rather than a Hall-effect or magnetic gaming keyboard. It does not offer adjustable actuation or Rapid Trigger, but those features are not necessarily expected at this price. For casual and mainstream gaming, the TH65 delivers the responsiveness we would expect from a 1000Hz mechanical keyboard.

Value

At $64.99, the EPOMAKER TH65 offers a strong combination of features. The gasket mount, hot-swappable PCB, 8000mAh battery, tri-mode connectivity, RGB lighting, rotary knob, and layered sound dampening would normally be spread across more expensive keyboards. Here, they are combined into a relatively affordable package.

The ABS case and software experience are the areas where the keyboard reminds us of its budget positioning. Neither is a deal-breaker, but users looking for an aluminum chassis or a polished desktop application will need to spend more.

Verdict

The EPOMAKER TH65 is a well-balanced budget mechanical keyboard that gets the fundamentals right. Its 65% layout saves considerable desk space while retaining dedicated arrow keys, and the Creamy Jade switches provide a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. The gasket-mounted construction and five-layer internal dampening further improve the overall feel and sound.

The 8000mAh battery is another major advantage, particularly for users who rely on wireless connectivity. Add 2.4GHz and Bluetooth support, a hot-swappable PCB, RGB lighting, a rotary knob, and useful customization options, and the TH65 becomes a surprisingly complete package for its price. The ABS case and somewhat cumbersome software setup prevent it from feeling like a truly premium keyboard, while the 65% layout will not suit everyone. Nevertheless, these are reasonable compromises at this price point.

For users looking for an affordable entry into customizable mechanical keyboards, the EPOMAKER TH65 is an easy keyboard to recommend. It delivers a strong typing experience, reliable gaming performance, flexible connectivity, and plenty of room for customization without requiring a large investment.

Also Read: EPOMAKER GX1 Review