Epomaker RT82 Review: A Quiet Retro Mechanical Keyboard
▼ Summary
– The Epomaker RT82 is a 75% wireless mechanical keyboard with a retro design, featuring a magnetically detachable mini LCD screen in the top-right corner.
– It is designed for quiet typing, utilizing hot-swappable switches, low-profile PBT keycaps, and five layers of internal sound-dampening material.
– For gaming, it provides necessary features like N-key rollover and a 1000Hz polling rate, but lacks dedicated media keys or advanced gaming software.
– The keyboard is customizable via the VIA software for key remapping and via a separate web app for uploading custom images to its LCD screen.
– It retails for $85.99 but is often on sale, placing it in the budget category, and offers three connectivity modes: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and wired USB-C.
The Epomaker RT82 offers a compelling blend of quiet performance and retro charm for under $90, making it a strong contender in the budget mechanical keyboard market. While its miniature LCD screen leans toward novelty, the core experience is defined by a remarkably silent typing feel, versatile connectivity, and a hot-swappable design that welcomes customization.
This 75-percent layout board features a plastic chassis in an off-white finish, complemented by light gray accent keys for a distinct retro aesthetic. Its most eye-catching element is a small, magnetically attached color screen in the top-right corner, designed to resemble an old computer monitor. This screen can display the time, custom images, or even real-time keypresses. For those who find it superfluous, it can be easily removed, revealing a clean keyboard profile. The board measures 12.86 by 5.64 inches and weighs just under two pounds, offering a compact footprint with adjustable feet for three typing angles.
Typing on the RT82 is a subdued experience. Our review unit featured Epomaker Sea Salt Silent switches, which are pre-lubed linear switches with a 45g actuation force. Paired with low-profile dye-sublimated PBT keycaps and a gasket-mounted design incorporating five layers of sound-dampening material, the result is one of the quietest mechanical keyboards available. The keystrokes are soft and cushioned without feeling mushy, though some may prefer a lighter actuation. For gaming, the board provides solid fundamentals with N-key rollover and a 1,000 Hz polling rate across both wired and wireless connections, alongside per-key RGB backlighting. It handles games competently but lacks dedicated media keys or gaming-centric software.
Customization is handled through the open-source VIA software, which allows for key remapping, macro recording, and lighting control after loading a specific configuration file. The detachable LCD screen is customized through a separate web app, where users can upload and edit up to three personal images or GIFs. The RT82 supports tri-mode connectivity via 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, or a wired USB-C connection. Its 4,000 mAh battery delivers up to 14 hours with both the screen and RGB active, extending to approximately 115 hours with both features disabled.
Ultimately, the Epomaker RT82 succeeds as a budget-friendly hot-swappable keyboard that prioritizes a quiet, pleasant typing feel. Its retro design and unique screen will attract specific users, but the core value lies in its capable performance for both work and casual gaming. The screen remains a fun gimmick, but its magnetic detachment offers flexibility for a cleaner look, hinting at potential for future accessory swaps even though none are currently available.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware UK)
