Epomaker Split 70 Keyboard Review
IGN's Bill Loguidice reviews the Epomaker Split70, a compact, split-design mechanical keyboard. While the device offers excellent ergonomic benefits, hot-swappable switches, and pleasing acoustics, its non-standard key layout and compressed right Shift key present a steep learning curve for users transitioning from traditional keyboard layouts.
The Epomaker Split70 is a compact keyboard that physically divides the traditional typing surface into two separate halves. By connecting the left and right sides with an included USB-C cable, users can angle each section to match their natural shoulder width, offering a highly customizable ergonomic setup. This 70% layout eliminates the standard number pad and function row to minimize its desktop footprint, keeping the user's mouse hand closer to their natural typing center.
Available in Black Grey and White Blue colorways with gradient PBT Cherry-profile keycaps, the Split70 features a matte black plastic finish that is prone to light, superficial scratches. The retail package includes both keyboard halves, a USB-A to USB-C cable, a USB-C-to-USB-C link cable, a keycap and switch puller, three alternative Macintosh keycaps, three spare Wisteria Linear Switch V2 switches, and documentation. A programmable volume knob is integrated into the left side, and a storage slot for the 2.4GHz wireless dongle is hidden on the back.
To achieve its compact, split form factor, Epomaker made several unusual layout compromises. The Tilde key is relocated to the far right next to the Backspace key, and duplicate "B" keys are positioned on both halves to accommodate different typing styles. Most notably, the right Shift key has been compressed to a standard 1U size and placed to the left of the Up arrow key. Standard keys like Escape, Function, and Home are either shifted or must be accessed via layered shortcut combinations, such as pressing Fn and H for the Home function.
Despite these layout quirks, the typing experience is highly rated. The keyboard comes with pre-lubricated Epomaker Wisteria Linear V2 switches that require 45g of bottom-out force. For those who prefer different switches, the hot-swappable PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin alternatives without requiring soldering. The keyboard's gasket-mounted structure and five-layer sound-dampening system—which includes latex, a PET sound-enhancement pad, and a silicone base—effectively eliminate hollow rattling to produce a smooth, deep acoustic profile.
The Split70 supports tri-mode connectivity, allowing users to connect via Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, or a wired connection. Power is supplied by a 3,000mAh battery, which delivers over 10 hours of continuous use with the vibrant, south-facing RGB backlighting turned on, and up to several hundred hours with the lights disabled. To preserve power, the keyboard automatically enters a sleep state during periods of inactivity and wakes up quickly when typing resumes.
For gaming, the keyboard offers a responsive 1000Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4GHz wireless modes, resulting in a low latency of 3ms to 5ms. Because all processing components and the battery are housed in the left half, players can unplug and set aside the right half entirely. This transforms the left side into a standalone WASD macro pad, freeing up significant desk space for mouse movements. Users can also remap keys, configure custom macros, and adjust RGB lighting by loading Epomaker's JSON file into the open-source VIA configuration software.
Source: IGN — original reporting
Updated