Epomaker’s RT100 holds a special place in my mechanical keyboard-full heart not just because of how it feels, but also because of its novelty. It has a little television screen that plugs in! Sure, there are keyboards with embedded customizable screens; those are a dime a dozen. There is no other line of keyboard with that little detachable television screen, though. It’s the perfect intersection between cute and techy. Even better, that little TV screen rests above the keyboard and doesn’t infringe upon the keyboard’s usable space.
A short while ago, I reviewed the now-discontinued Epomaker RT80, and I loved it. While it wasn’t the full-sized keyboard I have fallen in love with, it still maintained the retro-tech aesthetic with a detachable TV screen and touch screen. It encapsulated the essence of the RT keyboard experience, but in a smaller form factor.
Now, I sit before you with the RT85, the newest 75% mechanical keyboard addition to Epomaker’s RT product line. It’s an admittedly strange keyboard. It has a small little TFT screen on the right hand side (rather than a detachable TV screen), but it also has a retro joystick knob on the right hand side that acts as a volume controller. Creative? Yes. Retro? Yes. True to the RT line of keyboards with detachable TV screens?…Not really.
I’m willing to forgive Epomaker for reinventing its retro-tech aesthetic with the RT85. It’s a solid keyboard that contains just enough novelty to set itself apart from other keyboards thanks to the joystick and 80s-inspired case. Usually, pre-built mechanical keyboards have a knob or the occasional scroll wheel to control my PC’s volume, so a little joystick is a novel step in a new direction that is not found in other keyboards. It doesn’t feel like a true RT keyboard, though.
Epomaker has positioned the RT85 as a versatile wireless mechanical keyboard featuring a customizable screen, tri-connectivity, and durable keycaps. Its two colorways, forest green and white grey, look just like an old-school computer. I was sent the white grey model, and I love how the keyboard looks like the computers of my childhood.
The plastic casing feels sturdy while avoiding feeling bulky and overly heavy. When holding the keyboard in-hand, I had no concerns of excessive flexibility or flimsiness. When typing, the keyboard naturally absorbs the traditionally heavy forces that comes with typing thanks to the gasket mount within the keyboard. I love gasket-mounted keyboards (over top- or tray-mounted keyboards) because of their natural flexibility when typing.
The joystick (which feels less like a gaming joystick and more like a flat knob) controls my keyboard’s volume when moving it up/down along with the under-key LEDs when moving it left/right. I appreciate the ring-shaped LED around the knob – it’s similar to MONTECH’s unique design language. I wasn’t able to control that joystick’s LEDs, unfortunately; I wish there was a way to align that LED with my keyboard’s chosen color scheme.
The TFT screen was easy to customize and I loved the little splash of uniqueness it granted on the keyboard. While the embedded screen isn’t necessarily unique (it’s a similar screen as you may have seen from other manufacturers), but it’s a nice-to-have feature for those wanting function (in the form of showing the time) or aesthetics (having a little animated gif).
Changing the image on the TFT screen requires a unique driver that’s available on Epomaker’s website. I know that some users prefer to use VIA to customize the keyboard’s macros and such, but it cannot be used here. Luckily the keyboard works just fine out of the box, so you don’t need to install the driver to get the RT85 up and running.
Epomaker has also added in a massive 8000mAh battery to the RT85, ensuring that it can run wirelessly for quite a long time. When all the LEDs were lit and screen on, the keyboard is rated to last ~90 hours; should you turn the lights off, the keyboard should last ~320 hours. In the 2.4GHz mode, you should expect around a day or two (maybe 30 hours) given that it consumes more battery than traditional Bluetooth. I prefer to use my keyboard in wired modes (one less device to charge), but I love that the keyboard should last a week for gamers who prefer the 2.4GHz for the 1000hz polling.
There are two switches available on the RT85 – Epomaker’s Wisteria Linears and their Epomaker Creamy Jade switches. Both of these switches are linear and feel smooth as butter. I have tested both of these switches in my prior reviews of Epomaker’s keyboards and have fallen in love with the Creamy Jades – they are the epitome of thockiness and strike the perfect balance of smoothness, creamy acoustics, and strength. My model came with the Creamy Jades, and it was ever so pleasant to type on.
The main differences between these two switches are their bottom out force (as in, the amount of strength needed to push all the way down) along with the presence of a light diffuser (a windowed slot that allows additional light from the RBGs to shine through the keyboard). The Wisteria Linears have a slightly stronger bottom-out force, but it’s not enough to feel a noticeable difference unless you’re pushing the switches all the way down. The Creamy Jades lack a light diffuser, but it doesn’t impact the visibility of the colored RGBs.
If you’re stuck between these switches, don’t worry too much. Pick whichever one sounds better (go on YouTube and listen to sound tests) and make a decision based on what sounds better. They feel just about the same when in use and have the same capabilities in being fit for gaming. They’re no Hall Effect switches, but you can play most games just fine with them. If you’re the kind of player who is dead set on playing Counter Strike 2 or VALORANT and need customizable actuation points, this keyboard isn’t for you. If you love the keyboard but want another switch of your choice, you can simply pull out the keycaps and switches and customize it to your heart’s desire.
All in all, the RT85 fulfills the retro-tech dream with its little joystick, unique construction, and customizable screen. Sure, it lacks the removable TV of its predecessor, but it’s the perfect intersection of novelty and vibes that it’s worth a consideration as you look for a 75% prebuilt mechanical keyboard.
