Review: Epomaker Split 70
Review sample provided by Epomaker is a 70% split keyboard with 71 keys and 1 knob.
This keyboard is designed for people who prefer to type with their hands further apart, people who have discomfort when typing on normal keyboards with their hands closer together.
Price of this keyboard at the time of review is USD 116 which includes a one-year warranty and free shipping to selected countries.
Specifications
| Number of Keys | 71 Keys and 1 Knob |
|---|---|
| Battery | 3000mAh Rechargeable Battery |
| Battery Life | 11 hours (backlight on), 260 hours (backlight off) |
| Connectivity | 2.4Ghz Wireless, Bluetooth, Cable Wired |
| Compatibility | Mac / WIN / Android |
| Keyboard Dimensions | 18.4 + 18.8 cm (L), 11.8 cm (W), 4 cm (H) |
| Case Material | ABS Plastic |
| Plate Material | PC Plate |
| Flex-Cut | No Flex-Cut |
| Stabilizers | Plate-Mounted Stabilizer |
| Mounting Structure | Gasket-Mount |
| Sound Dampening | 5 layers: Sandwiched Latex, IXPE Switch Pad, PET Sound-Enhancement Pad, Bottom Sponge, Bottom Silicone |
| Keycaps Profile | Cherry Profile |
| Keycaps Material | PBT Keycap |
| Keycaps Manufacturing Technique | Dye Sublimation |
| Hot-swappable | Yes |
| RGB Backlight | Yes, dynamic RGB with south-facing per-key LEDs |
| Polling Rate | 1000hz (Wired / 2.4Ghz), 125hz (Bluetooth) |
| Latency | 3ms (Wired), 5ms (2.4Ghz), 15ms (Bluetooth) |
| Anti-Ghosting | Yes, N-Key Rollover |
| Keyboard Weight | 890g |
| Front Height | 2.1cm |
| Typing Angle | About 7 degrees |
| Kick-Stand | No Kick-Stand |
| Switch Name | Epomaker Wisteria V2 Switch |
|---|---|
| Switch Type | 5-pin Linear, Factory Lubed |
| Spring | 20.5mm |
| Initial Force | 32.8gf ±5gf |
| Operation Force | 38gf ±5gf |
| Bottom Force | 45gf ±5gf |
| Pre Travel | 2.0mm ±0.4mm |
| Total Travel | 3.6mm ±0.4mm |
| Lifespan | 5,000,000 |
| Light Diffuser | Yes, with light diffuser |
Things included
- Keyboard
- Connecting cable
- USB-A to USB-C charging cable
- Switch and keycap puller
- MacOS keycaps
- 3x switches
- USB-A wireless receiver
- User manual (PDF)
Design
This is my first time using a split keyboard and despite using it for a few weeks, I still can't get used to the layout of the keys.
Many of the one-handed keyboard shortcuts are not possible.
This is a split keyboard design where the two parts share data with a short USB-C cable.
This keyboard is available in either black or white. The black model has keys in gradated colours and look beautiful.
The keyboard is made with plastic and overall build quality is good.
The keyboard supports connection for cable, 2.4Ghz and Bluetooth to three devices. Switching between Mac and Windows layout is with keyboard shortcuts.
The two separated parts have magnets that would snap together if you have them close together.
Even with the two parts together, I find it difficult to use certain one-handed keyboard shortcuts that I could on other keyboards. If you're someone who use keyboard shortcuts often, using this keyboard may feel frustrating.
The advantage of the split keyboard design is you can place the two parts further away. This lets you place your arms and hands further apart and is actually quite comfortable for typing.
I don't actually feel discomfort when typing for long hours on normal keyboards so this split design actually doesn't help me in any way.
If you want to, you can place a touchpad or trackball between the keyboard parts.
The keyboard has no fold-out feet. Height of the front keyboard deck is 2.1cm and the back is 3.5cm. The height is quite typical of mechanical keyboards.
RGB lights look beautiful but keys are not see-through so typing in the dark will be difficult.
You can use keyboard shortcuts to control the lights, and there are many other keyboard shortcuts you can learn too from the manual.
Layout of keys
This extension on the left from the Tab, Enter, CapsLock and Shift really throws off my muscle memory. I realised after several weeks of using this keyboard, I have a tendency to move my hands closer to the new edge, and hence would hit shortcuts such as Cmd + Q instead of Cmd + W (Ctrl + Q instead of Ctrl + W), and hit the Escape instead of 1.
The ~ key is moved to the top right instead, and in its place there's the Escape key. I happen to use the ~ key often, and hence would often hit the Escape key unintentionally.
By the way, when you're typing your password and it's always wrong, it would help to look at the keys you type instead of relying on muscle memory.
Because the ~ is located to the top right, by the left of the backspace, all the number keys, + and - have to move to the left. So the numbers above Y is 7 and 8 when it should be 6 and 7. You basically have to retrain your muscle memory for 6, 7, 8, 9, 0. -, + and ~.
R-Shift key is half width and located on the left of the Up-Arrow and above the Right-Arrow. You have to retrain your muscle memory for keys near R-Shift and keyboard shortcuts that require R-Shift.
Delete key is by the right of the Up-Arrow and above the Right-Arrow, and the location is alright I guess.
There's one modifier key on the right and it's the R-Alt. Windows users who need R-Ctrl for keyboard shortcuts are out of luck. You can swap R-Alt with R-Ctrl but you have to retrain your muscle memory because of its location.
Placement of the keys can be improved but I don't think it's a deal breaker since with enough time anyone should be able to get used to any layout. Just be prepared to hit many wrong keys for a long time before you get used to the key layout.
The tactile typing experience is good. The Wisteria V2 linear switches feel good and sound good. The typing sound is considered deep, relatively speaking. I do enjoy typing on this keyboard other than the fact that I hit the wrong keys too often due to the layout.
OS and software
The keyboard is customisable using the VIA website.
Battery life
Battery capacity is just 3000 mAh which is lower compared to many other wireless keyboards I've tested. According to the company, battery life is 11 hours with lights, or 260 days without lights.
So if you type 8 hours a day, that's 1.5 days of battery life with lights, or 30 days without lights. It's best to use the keyboard without lights unless you don't mind charging the keyboard often.
Conclusion
The keyboard is well made and works well except for placement of certain keys.
The physical design of the keyboard and layout of certain keys will require (a long) time to get used to. Many keyboard shortcuts will be affected and difficult to use.
Pros and cons at a glance
+ Well made
+ Split layout for comfortable typing
+ Good tactile typing experience
+ Supports cable, 2.4Ghz and Bluetooth
+ Does not take up much table space since it's a 70% keyboard
- Short battery life with lights on
- Layout of certain keys is unconventional
- Many keyboard shortcuts are difficult to use
- Retraining of muscle memory will take a long time
- Keys are not see-through for RGB typing at night
Availability
The Epomaker Split 70 is available from Epomaker online store and AliExpress.
Or get the Epomaker Split 65 instead from Epomaker store or (AliExpress).
