REVIEW – I have not used a mechanical keyboard before, but I’ve seen it talked about endlessly in forums and threads online. When the opportunity came to try the EPOMAKER x LEOBOG K81 mechanical keyboard sent by Mechlands, I decided to take the accept the challenge!
What is it?
The EPOMAKER x LEOBOG K81 mechanical keyboard with a clear acrylic case and three different connection capabilities: Bluetooth, corded (USB-C), and 2.4Ghz USB-A dongle. It has over ten different RGB light modes that you can configure to your preference.
What’s in the box?
- EPOMAKER x LEOBOG K81 mechanical keyboard
- USB-C cable
- Spare switches
- Key puller
- Silicon feet
- Instructions (in very, very tiny print)
Product specs
Color: Mint Sea Salt
Dimensions: 335mm x 141mm x 45mm
Weight: ~1kg (keyboard alone)
Capacity: 3000mAH rechargeable lithium battery
Charging voltage/current: DC 5V – 600mA, empty to full in about 7.5 hrs
Battery Life: ~ 18.5 hrs with light effects on, ~200 hrs with light effects off
Supported OS: Windows / Apple / Android
Connection Mode: Bluetooth, USB-C, USB-A dongle
Design and features
The overall design of the EPOMAKER x LEOBOG K81 mechanical keyboard is responsive and well-built. It is solid and surprisingly heavy, but that’s probably due to the rechargeable battery. The clear acrylic is very clean and looks great with the mint green lettering and highlights on the keycaps. In addition to the regular keys, a pretty full set of additional commands is available, including a dial for volume and other music controls. The instructions mention macro support, but I couldn’t figure out how to set that up from the instructions. I don’t use those normally, so that’s not a big deal to me.
The keyboard comes with spare switches and tool to replace keys if you so desire, but as I’m still getting started with mechanical keyboards, I haven’t done much with that besides figuring out to do it. For this design, I think replacing keys would be a detriment to the light effects.
Setup
A couple of the features were difficult to figure out until I read through the tiny print in the product features. The Fn key is used to switch between different modes. To switch to a Windows layout, you have to select FN+W.
There are a bunch of different RGB light modes you can select from, and some of them would be very distracting to use while working, but they’re fun to play with. I settled on a touch responsive light mode where the individual keys light up with different colors at you type.
Bluetooth: The Bluetooth connection was very straightforward. Select the BT option with the switch on the rear of the keyboard and then find it in your Bluetooth menu on your computer.
2.4Ghz Dongle: Plug the USB-A dongle stored on the back of the keyboard into your computer and it should immediately recognize and allow you to proceed. Make sure the 2.4 Ghz option is selected on the switch at the rear of the keyboard, and you’re good to go.
USB-C Cable: Select the USB-C cable with the switch on the keyboard and plug the USB cable into the keyboard and your computer. You’re good to go. You will also need to charge your keyboard this way. The instructions do not recommend plugging into other power sources to charge your keyboard, so use caution so you don’t accidentally fry it.
Performance
Typing is fun with the EPOMAKER x LEOBOG K81 mechanical keyboard. Key presses have a satisfying click to them without being obnoxious. For those around you that are sensitive to ambient noises like that it might be annoying on a day-to-day basis, though.
I tested the performance of the keyboard with each of the three connection types. The USB-C cable and 2.4Ghz dongle connections were great. No lag in typing. When I came back to the keyboard after a pause, it immediately picked things up. In using the Bluetooth connection, I noticed that after a few minutes pause the keyboard would go to sleep and upon returning to typing would occasionally miss the first letter or two. Not a huge inconvenience, but a touch annoying.
What I like about the EPOMAKER x LEOBOG K81 mechanical keyboard
- I love the light scheme. It’s fun to watch and my kids were jealous. They would sneak up while I was doing other stuff just to touch the keys and watch the response.
- Keyboard response while cabled and using the 2.4Ghz dongle was excellent. No lag at all
- The light click of the keys was very satisfying. Didn’t bother me at all in several days worth of work.
What needs to be improved?
- Bluetooth response after a pause caused some annoyance
- Put bigger print on the instructions. Font was very tiny and it took me a while and some eye strain to figure out some of the different features. Some features such as macro support were mentioned but no details on how to set or use them.
- Being clear acrylic, dust and crumbs settling through the keyboard might build up and be unsightly with time, so I’ll have to revisit this in the future to see how well it ages.
Final thoughts
Overall, the EPOMAKER x LEOBOG K81 mechanical keyboard is a fun keyboard with cool light effects and a satisfying click. The packaging was very well done and of high quality. The look and feel of the keyboard itself is great. It’s fun to type on, and my kids keep sneaking in just to hit the keys and watch the lights. Tiny print on the instructions notwithstanding, I was able to figure out everything fairly easily.
Price: $107.10
Where to buy: Mechlands
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Mechlands.
