REVIEW – Where my budget keyboard peeps at? Do you like linear switches with a little more resistance than those god-awful reds? Are you wanting to build a keyboard without having to spend a ton on switches? I may have found just what the doctor ordered for you. Epomaker sent me their Zebra set to review and you might just like them
What is it?
The Epomaker Zebra keyboard switch is a linear switch that won’t break the bank.
What’s included?
- 100 x Zebra switches
Tech specs
Click to expand
PC upper case
Nylon lower case
POM stem
21mm spring
1.8+/-.3mm pre-travel
3.8mm total travel
40+/-5gf actuation force
45+/-5gf bottom-out force
Design and features
The first thing I noticed about the Epomaker Zebra switch is that it’s a Cherry-compatible box-style switch. So not only will it work with about 99% of available keycap sets out there, but the box style will keep the caps more stable. This means the chance of rattling is reduced. Yay to no rattle!
Next, there are the materials used. Epomaker chose to use POM plastic for the stem. POM is short for polyoxyethylene and makes for a smoother, scratch-free keystroke. Then they used polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom. Combining these materials this way is supposed to minimize rebound noise. Epomaker also chose to use a 21mm long spring and lightly lubed everything to ensure a consistent, smooth action throughout each keystroke.
The Zebra switches are also 5-pin compatible, so here’s another way to stabilize your build to lessen rattle. Don’t have a 5-pin PCB in your build? That’s fine. You can always clip those pesky extra plastic posts off.
And for all the bigger nerds than me, I’ve included a picture of the switch stats from the side of the box.
What I like about Epomaker Zebra linear switches
- Materials
- Pre-lubed
- Price
What needs to be improved?
- Nothing
Final thoughts
I want to come clean with you. I’m not a big linear switch fan. I prefer tactile switches. I’m not going to tell you these switches won me over, but I do kind of like them. They are very close to some Gateron browns I have. Obviously, they don’t have the tactile bump, but then again the browns don’t have a pronounced bump either. As far as travel and actuation are concerned, they felt very similar. The Zebras felt very smooth, almost creamy, and consistently so. They did have a slightly higher-pitched sound to them so I can’t say they thocked in my Keychron Q1, but then neither did the browns. That’s not to say they sounded bad. They sounded fine, just not as deep as I’d like, but then again they aren’t $.60 a piece or more either. I think these are great for a budget build or something to start with if you’re unsure of what exactly it is you like and need to try things out. Who knows? They might just be exactly what you want in your end-all build. The price is great for what you get. If you don’t believe me, just start looking at prices for switches and see for yourself. Give the Zebras a shot. You may just find you like them.
Price: $19.99
Where to buy: Epomaker and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by Epomaker. Epomaker did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
