Keyboard Builders’ Digest / Evaluate
Epomaker RT82 evaluation
Shows on keyboards? Meh. The retro-looking Epomaker RT82 is elevating the stakes with a removable TV.
KBD.information
Revealed January 6, 2026
Let’s proceed this unintentional 75% keyboard collection with one more board on this type issue: the Epomaker RT82. The plastic RT82 is an inexpensive design with basic retro 9009 colours and the hallmark mini TV display, removable by way of pogo connector.
TL;DR: The tri-mode wi-fi Epomaker RT82 is a completely constructed keyboard coming in a plastic housing. One other very inexpensive mechanical keyboard ($80 with the KBDNEWS coupon code) with some good options: gasket mounting, VIA help, hotswap switches, per-key RGB. The hotswap PCB, MX-compatible switches, and VIA-support make this board extremely customizable. The magnetically removable pogo mini TV makes the design fairly distinctive. All in all, the RT82 is a pleasant providing.
Ought to I purchase the Epomaker RT82 – chances are you’ll ask. Effectively, I’ll cram into this evaluation as many info as doable – so you’ll be able to work out if this keyboard is best for you. As you may see, I’ve eviscerated the RT82 to it’s extremely core, as traditional. Earlier than putting an order, it all the time helps to know precisely what you need. Be sure you’re conscious of your preferences and the options you want, and take a look at the complete evaluation under for all the main points and photographs – plus the complete photodump on imgur for an excellent nearer look.
Disclaimer
Epomaker was variety sufficient to ship me this evaluation unit without cost, which can introduce all types of biases – each unfavourable and optimistic in my expertise. Take every thing I write with a grain of salt.
Variants
The Epomaker RT82 is available in a single colorway, however with two swap choices: Sea Salt Silent and Creamy Jade. Each of those have actuations round 45gF, however their stem and supplies are totally different.
As all the time, it was a bit exhausting for me to pick a single config, particularly with out attempting each swap sorts, however finally I went with the Creamy Jades – that is the variant you may see within the photographs under.
Unboxing & Contents
The cardboard field of the RT82 could be very informative, however not too fancy – which is all good. I might reside with the only humble recycled cardboard really feel and shade, however this one is way nicer, truly.
Contents:
- The RT82, pre-built with switches and keycaps mounted.
- indifferent mini TV
- quick-start information plus card with QR codes to extra assets
- 2.4GHz receiver (compartment within the case)
- braided USB cable
- fundamental mixed device to take away keycaps and switches
- 3x additional keycaps (Mac)
- 2x spare switches
First impressions, design language
The RT82 comes on this stylish classic 9009-ish colorway: two-tone beige caps with the basic 9009 accents, bar Enter (darkish inexperienced/gray for some purpose, a bit out of character). I like this design lots, as you’ll be able to guess based mostly on my Reuters assortment and different related Cherry G80-9009 derivatives.
Luminkey80 vs Epomaker RT82 colours
Epomaker calls the case shade “retro white”. The deskmat above is white, so I might want retro beige for this, even when, as you’ll be able to see, it is certainly lighter than the Luminkey80 or all of the classic instances within the photograph under.
Another boards on this colorway
The mini TV is the obvious design ingredient, it occupies the area for 2 keys, or an encoder – each preparations supported by the PCB however not by the case.
There is no seen branding apart from the dongle if it is in its compartment, and a sticker on the underside.
It is exhausting to make an influence in such a crowded market just like the 75% section, and the RT82 apparently tries to attain this by way of the distinctive display. I’ve to say that this works fairly properly in my view, making these boards distinctive and simple to acknowledge from miles away at a keyboard meetup.
Specs
- Structure: 75% ANSI, 80 keys
- Keycaps: dye-sub PBT Cherry profile
- Switches: Epomaker Creamy Jade or Sea Salt (silent) linears
- Case: ABS plastic, retro beige
- Typing angle: 5 levels (plus 7.5 and 11 by way of two-stage toes)
- Construction: gasket mounting
- Stabilizers: plate mount (screw-in stab help, type of)
- Plate: frosted PC, no flex cuts
- PCB: hotswap, south-facing per-key RGB, no flex cuts
- Display screen: 1.14″ LCD
- Connectivity: wired, 2.4G wi-fi, Bluetooth
- Software program: VIA help
- Battery: 4000mAh
- Dimensions: 326x143x40mm (40mm is the official peak, it is concerning the dish of the F-row. The entrance peak is 22 mm, the house row is about 3.5 cm, and the max peak together with the display housing is 6 cm.)
- Weight: about 1kg
Structure
The 75% structure is comparatively normal and prevalent. This specific keyboard is ANSI, and would not provide a stepped CapsLock choice or cut up spacebars. That stated, the PCB has the footprint for 2 extra keys, one mixed with an encoder footprint beneath the display – these preparations will not be supported by the case, although.
In any other case, as chances are you’ll know, the 75% structure means no numpad and no basic navigation cluster both. Nevertheless, you’ve arrows, perform keys, full quantity row, and a lot of the basic navigation keys.
That includes 80 keys, the RT82 is optimizing area whereas guaranteeing that each one important capabilities are simply accessible for brand new customers transitioning from e.g. a fullsize keyboard.
The arrow cluster is just not offset, nevertheless it’s nonetheless simple to find when contact typing: there’s the little hole on the left – you will not get misplaced when altering between the house row and arrows.
The additional column on the proper consists of 4 keys.
Keycaps
The keyboard comes with a dye-sublimated Cherry profile PBT keycap set. The colorway is that this calm retro-beige (formally referred to as retro white) factor with the same old muted crimson and inexperienced, attribute for classic keyboards just like the Cherry G60-9009 and its derivatives, together with many Reuters buying and selling keyboards. Basic.
For some purpose, the Enter is a a lot darker inexperienced than traditional with this colorway. Then again, whereas all of the keys are dye-sublimated with beige or white (Esc and Enter) base colours, the spacebar is made from inexperienced materials.
(The bundle contains additional modifiers for Mac.)
Legend consistency is okayish however not excellent. However hey, the entire keyboard is cheaper than a single GMK keycap set. Talking of legends, the alphas are tiny. Like half of the legend measurement I might name regular.
With reference to keycap compatibility, the 75% structure ought to be extensively supported should you go for one thing totally different.
Switches
The switches are good too, Epomaker-branded linears.
Specs of the Epomaker Creamy Jade coming with the keyboard within the photographs:
- Actuation pressure: 45gf
- Backside-out: 50gf
- Pre-travel: 2.0mm
- Whole journey: 3.6mm
- Materials: unknown
- Manufacturing unit lubing: sure
- Led diffuser: no
The opposite choice, the silent Epomaker Sea Salt, comes with dust-proof stem, and has a bit shorter journey.
That stated, the PCB options hotswap sockets anyway, so you are not restricted to the manufacturing facility setup. Try the present best-selling switches, or be happy to make use of your private favorites laying round.
Construct high quality, construction, case
The construct high quality is respectable. Effectively, it is a prebuilt keyboard, Epomaker would not count on you to disassemble it I suppose, nevertheless it’s nonetheless simple to take it aside if you must for some purpose.
The board nonetheless feels comparatively heavy (about 1kg) regardless of the case being plastic (ABS). After all it is lighter than the same old CNC aluminum 75% boards, a few of them weighing 2 kg. Nonetheless, the RT82 will not transfer round when gaming, not even mentioning much less demanding jobs.
Typing angle: 5/7.5/11 levels – by way of the same old foldable legs utilized by Epomaker and lots of different manufacturers.
Disassembly? I have been actually spoiled by all of the easy-to-open ball-catch keyboards reviewed earlier, however managed to disassemble this Epomaker anyway. It is not a hidden-screw design, fortunately, so I haven’t got to supply a cheat sheet for you about what keycaps to take away. Merely 8 screws uncovered on the underside.
If you would like to dig deeper, the plate/foam/PCB sandwich is screwed collectively by one other 6 screws.
Construction & Mounting
The RT82 options gasket mounting. The large silicone gaskets are hooked up to protruding components of the plate, and sit straight on the perimeter of the plastic backside case. I can see the pliability, however most of it is because of solded folded cables beneath the PCB (daughterboard, display, battery) performing as lap springs I suppose.
Plate
The plate is PC, translucent frosted, and it would not function flex cuts.
Plate-mount stabilizers, however the PCB appears to help PCB-mount stabs as properly.
PCB
The good matte black PCB is a part of the thick plate/foam/PCB sandwich – it appears shiny as a result of the clear foil caught to it. It comes with hotswap sockets, south-facing per-key LEDs, and no flex cuts.
The default stabilizers, as already talked about, are plate mounted, however the PCB does have the holes for screw-in stabs. Most foam layers have the holes as properly, besides the PET acoustic pad pictured above, however with out attempting to mount them I might nonetheless say which you can simply exchange the inventory stabs if wanted.
The PCB appears to be a repurposed one from different fashions: it options two additional switches beneath the show, in addition to a mixed encoder footprint.
Pogo mini TV
Essentially the most distinctive design ingredient of the RT82 is the mini TV display, magnetically removable by way of pogo connectors.
I can consider two situations when eradicating the display is sensible, as a safety of the protruding half: journey, and whereas taking aside the board (the board the other way up).
By the way in which, the show signifies the date and time, the Caps Lock/Win Lock and connection standing, and it has two different capabilities [FN+Enter]:
- typewriter mode: displaying the final pressed key (with a humorous font).
- displaying an animated gif (three cat-themed animations by default, in countless loops) [FN+Shift_R]
The animations will be personalized and managed by way of a devoted on-line device.
Backside weight
No fancy ornament weight with intricate carving, the RT82‘s backside is a fundamental plastic factor with a sticker.
Sound dampening & Really feel
Thick plate foam, IXPE swap pad, PET acoustic pad (no holes for screw-in stabs), and two extra layers within the backside case: the thick foam with the cutouts for hotswap sockets, and a case silicone layer. Along with the gaskets, the RT82 ought to present a delicate typing really feel, nevertheless it’s nonetheless comparatively direct for my style.
The out-of-the-box typing expertise could possibly be described as common, perhaps a bit over common. With a comparatively loud however very heterogeneous sound throughout the board and rows. Someplace extra thocky, different components nearer to clack. I’m wondering concerning the silent swap choice.
RGB lights
The board comes with per-key RGB, a bunch of built-in lighting results (about 46?!), and full help for real-time customization by way of VIA’s web-based configurator.
From refined ambient glow to vibrant full-spectrum animations, you’ll be able to fine-tune colours, brightness, and modes to match your temper and setup.
That stated, you’ll be able to modify [FN+|] or flip these on/off [FN+Backspace] should you’re not into RGB.
Wi-fi
The Epomaker RT82 is a tri-mode wi-fi keyboard (Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wi-fi, and USB Sort-C wired connections) powered by a single 4000mAh lithium battery.
It is stated to final for 115 hours (display and lights turned off) or 14 hours (display and lights on).
There is no simply accessible bodily on/off swap, however the display signifies the battery degree, and you may detach the battery after disassembling the board, should you use it solely in wired mode.
Common warning: For those who use your wi-fi RT82 keyboard completely related, please learn this text about Constructed-in keyboard batteries and easy methods to keep away from hearth – for particulars, ideas, and horror tales.
Principally, retaining the board plugged in continually might result in accelerated degradation of the lithium battery. You must observe correct battery care practices, so it is best to take away, disconnect or swap off the battery should you do not want wi-fi performance. Verify the battery for swelling frequently, even when disconnected or eliminated.
Why it could possibly be carried out extra simply, the RT82 a minimum of would not make decoupling the battery not possible. 🙂 As already talked about, you may need to take away 8 screws to separate the highest and backside instances, after which you’ll be able to entry the battery and its cable.
Software program
Yay! The RT82 helps VIA for straightforward key remapping, macros, and lighting, straight in your browser, no software program wanted should you’re content material with the options of the web configurator. For deeper customization, Epomaker would not present open-source recordsdata, violating the QMK licence.
If essential, you’ll be able to obtain the JSON file for VIA, pair your machine, and use the JSON on the Design tab. Now you’ll be able to join the board to VIA.
Some letters swapped
Swapping letters or symbols works as traditional. Identical to SpaceFN: This easy-to-access layer is essential for a lot of customers as you’ll be able to put arrows, navigation and numbers underneath your fingertips.
SpaceFN arrange
Along with VIA, you’ll be able to customise the pictures displayed on the display by way of a devoted device. (It is web-based as properly.)
Portability
The RT82 is a superb board for stationary use, but when portability is your essential concern, I’d nonetheless select one thing smaller and lighter. Positive, its wi-fi options make it cellular in concept, being extra compact than a fullsize board and the power to take away the protruding display helps too, nevertheless, perhaps one thing even lighter than 1 kg is healthier fitted to on the go.
Comparability
Not too long ago, boards with very related layouts have piled up in my evaluation schedule, so I can examine them facet by facet now: the Evoworks Evo75, Redragon Eclipse K720 Professional, Womier ERA75, and KiiBOOM Jade have been already lined, and we’ll get to much more within the upcoming weeks.
Most 75% keyboards I’ve examined got here in aluminum housing. The RT82 is among the plastic boards, as already talked about. If you need an identical colorway however perhaps in a hefty alu case and TKL type issue, I’ve a Luminkey80 evaluation.
Then, Epomaker provides a number of in-house alternate options: the TKL Epomaker TH87 with related colours, or the 1800 RT100 that includes a TV-like show as properly, though with USB-C connection.
You’ll be able to’t actually examine the RT82 to the Evo75, GravaStar Mercury K1 Professional/Dry Studio Battleye, and Womier ERA75 – my present etalons within the 75% style close to typing expertise, fanciness of options, and enjoyable issue of the constructing course of, respectively. However these value positively greater than $80, the value tag of the RT82.
Different 75% boards, usually within the $120-130 value vary and under, are quite a few. You’ll be able to take a look at the fashionable NPKC RO75, the foolish (plastic!) KiiBOOM Phantom81 and extra critical Moonshadow V2 – and take a look at to determine what options you discover necessary: CNC alu case, rotary knob, show, offset arrows, wi-fi connection, or just aesthetics.
Conclusion
The 75% wi-fi Epomaker RT82 is one other very affoardable pre-built mechanical keyboard with highlights just like the retro look, mini TV display, per-key RGB. The gaskets and hotswap switches are all the time good, identical to the VIA help. Given the customizability, it is an important provide for a broad viewers. I have never had any issues with it, so can advocate it if its options match your wants and the value your price range.
Execs
- cool retro colorway
- truly, the “TV” angle is sensible if you actually need a show
- extremely customizable (hotswap, MX, VIA)
Cons
- Hm. No actually cons. The worth is per the options and high quality. It is all about if this matches your preferences.
Value & Availability
The Epomaker RT82 is obtainable at epomaker.com. The KBDNEWS coupon code (10% off) is in impact, nevertheless, it behaves like a flat $10 on this case as I can see – so you will get the board for simply $90 $80.
Revealed on Tue sixth Jan 2026. Featured in KBD #204.
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