Best 96% Keyboard?! Epomaker GK96S Review
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- Опубликовано: 29 июл 2024
- Launch page: www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
Website review: switchandclick.com/2020/10/16...
The Epomaker GK96 is a hot-swappable, Bluetooth mechanical keyboard with PBT keycaps or ABS shine-through keycaps. It has a southpaw option available. This board is launching on Kickstarter soon, so check out the link above. Epomaker fixed all of the complaints about their previous boards, listened to the community, and is launching this exciting 96% board.
0:00 Intro
0:40 Quick overview
1:20 What's in the box?
3:04 Layout, build quality and design OMG KICK-UP FEET
4:11 Case color option
4:21 What is 96%? And special layout changes you should look out for
5:04 Southpaw option
5:30 Keycaps, GK1 profile, sub legends, keycap options
7:25 Mac and Windows compatible
7:46 Bluetooth and how to turn on board
8:26 RGB lighting - PBT keycaps don't shine too well
8:47 Pg up is out of place
9:13 Switches and HOTSWAP (other options are available, look at description)
10:20 Stabilizers are actually good
11:13 Sorta loud spacebar though
12:20 Just random features re: Bluetooth
12:37 A look at the options - open up the launch page to follow along
13:14 Sound demo with Gateron Red switches
14:33 Should you buy the GK96?
SWITCH OPTIONS (WHOAH)
Mechanical: Gateron Blue, Gateron Red, Gateron Brown, Gateron Black, Gateron Yellow, Gateron Silver, Gateron Green, Gateron White, Epomaker Green, Epomaker Purple
Optical: Gateron Blue, Gateron Red, Gateron Brown, Gateron Yellow, Gateron Silver, Gateron Pink
AFFILIATES & REFERRALS
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►Drop: drop.com/?referer=NX5HHX
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►Glorious PC Gaming Race: shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=108486...
►KeBo Store for lube and accessories: kebo.store/?ref=switchandclick
►Kono Store for desk mats, keycaps, switches, and more: kono.store/?rfsn=4555561.d983c2
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Jake and Betty, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and the Creator Program for Mechanicalkeyboards.com, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and mechanicalkeyboards.com. As an Amazon Associate and a MechanicalKeyboards Creator, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases. All prices and star-ratings mentioned during the videos are at the time of purchase and what it was when we bought it, they may not be representative of the current data involving the products specified.
The world needs more 96% 1800 compact layouts, and it would be best if they had hotswappable, RGB and wireless options
i mean its literally a 60% but better
fr tho 96% is so underrated
I don't get why 96% isn't more popular. Tons and tons of jobs use the num pad all day, but could potentially benefit from a more compact layout.
@@whenhen probably because jobs don't invest in keyboards, 10-20 keyboards do the job
Check out the Input Club Kira! Amazing board
Great review! After I reviewed the GK96 it's actually taken up a temporary spot on my desk, it's bluetooth features are just too handy 🦛
Glad to hear that! I don't ever use numbers, so not my thing
is the gk96 the same as the rk100?
@@jaegerists2172 they both have a similar layout
Definitely a tempting buy for those wanting to dip their feet into the mech world - I know a lot of friends have full size keyboards and don’t want a reduction in functionality, so this is a great option overall!
I just pledged for one on Kickstarter, it's exactly what I wanted. Thanks Switch and Click for all your advice, I enjoyed this and the written review as well.
Awesome, thank you!
did you ever get the board?
Actually bought one because of this review. It's going to be my first enthusiast mechanical keyboard. I ordered it with gateron clears but replacing the special keys with 78g Zealios. Thanks for the in depth review!
that GK1-OEM comparison shot was excellent, exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for your high-quality reviews!
Thanks for the support!
Thanks for covering this! I’ve been looking for an affordable entry point into hotswap boards and have been looking for one with compact design but still has a numpad.
You're welcome!
I got mine today! It's fantastic with Gateron greens. There certainly is a learning curve to this 6+ software though. I haven't tried the bluetooth yet but looking forward to trying with my phone. They made some subtle changes, such as grey rubber pads on the fold-out feet, and they included blue arrows esc and del, and spare green switches instead of a variety of switches.
I’ve seen about 4reviews from you already. Love your vids. KEEP EM COMING🍻
Production quality is amazing!! Massive step up from previous videos! Looks great.
Thanks so much!
Thanks for the early review! Seems like a much better version of the K4. Will be keeping an eye on this board. Very nice!
Awesome review as always! Keep it up 😁
Thanks ❤️
Can’t watch right now, but I’m so excited to learn about this board!!! Really want that layout. I’ll be watching this full video soon.
Thanks for that!
I've been waiting for a full keyboard hot swap; this is so close to it...I feel like you might as well round up to a full size board. Still cool.
Quite a few cool things going on here. Always happy to see 96% get a little more mainstream love, and always happy to see bigger form-factors with bluetooth. I've also got to give them credit for the new profile - while I don't think I'd like it myself, it does look like it was thoughtfully designed, maybe somewhere between KAT and DSS. At this point, when someone asks me what they should try for a first mech, I usually point them to a GK.
Yeah not my profile. But way better than what was going on before
I stumbled on your vids and this is EXACTLY what I need for work! Awesome vid. I subscribed, thanks!!
Awesome, thank you!
Nice review
I've been looking at getting a 96 board for a while and this one checks all the boxes. I'm thinking all white for max rgb goodness
Good choice!
Great in-depth review! I'm very excited to get mine!
Glad it was helpful!
I was very close to buying the NYM96 when it was just up on Drop a week or two ago, but $100 for a non-hotswap that I would need to buy a separate YMD96 hotswap PCB for in addition to the switches and keycaps was pretty unattractive to my budget. It's built like a tank with that heavy aluminum case, which I would love, but the price makes sense in that way. But don't get me started on the Drop SHIFT... too expensive, and it's low profile/exposed switch design. So, THANK YOU for making this review and showing us that this board exists, is available right now, and appears to be a quality product. I trust it, just as I trust this video! (Fingers crossed it doesn't sell out by the time my money is ready for it)
I was looking at getting the southpaw version but the lack of arrows is a deal breaker for me.
They added arrows on the right bottom corner as a secondary layer function
@@SwitchandClickOfficial After trying different layouts I realise how much I depend on dedicated the arrow and delete keys. So much so that I’ve gone back to tkl. It would be nice to have the numbers on the left. Been using it that way with a separate number pad. A suggestion that I think was from a previous video on your channel.
I would love to see a southpaw design with the arrow keys. I use a NK65 with a numpad on the left, it looks a little crowded, but it has everything I want.
Southpaw, numpad and arrows, please search for Viendi 8L on Geekhack or Reddit
I bought and doesnt work the F1 and F2, but only work F2 if I press and held F1, and viceversa...... How can I set works normally????
Would love to see a direct comparison between this and the Keychron K4! I went with the K4 but not sure I made the right choice now
Cool to see another Skyloong variant! I love their boards!
They do good
Hi Betty,
Great video review!
It is a great shame that the southpaw version wasn't available, but I agree with you in that Epomaker are showing a lot of potential.
I liked the box of various switches supplied with your purchase, so that you can try them out.
I totally agree!
I have a Vortex Tab 90M and I'm totally in love with the 96% layout. Would love it even more to have a hotswappable one so I can try all the switches in the world
I''ve been waiting for a board like this for ages and I'm so glad there's finally an almost full-size keyboard that's hot-swap and USB-c. One thing that sucks is the 1.75u shift but what can you do. Thanks for the video I was considering getting the board before and now I think I'm going to pull the trigger and buy it. Any kind of referral code or something you want us to use to let them know you sent us?
None :P we don't benefit from these purchases but that's no bother to us. Just helping people get informed bout their purchases
Apparently RK doesn't have a page for the RK100 anymore :( This is USB wireless as well as bluetooth isn't it?
This is more like it. thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Have put down my hard earned.
Lets hope they do a full 120 key battle cruiser in the future. Not everyone wants a small keyboard
Chryosan is your man
👏👏👏 Keep going!!! I'm from Brazil 🇧🇷 and I love your videos!!!
Thanks so much!
Thanks for the in depth review!
Glad it was helpful!
Betty, do you know whether we can have the [Insert] key on this keyboard？
I bought it because Epomaker had told me we can. But, nobody has told me how to make that function working on this keyboard. If I really can't do that, I'll have to return it.
Hello, again, Betty! I've received this keyboard today...
Could you tell me what is the PB keycap for?
Also, I haven't figured out how to make-up the [Insert] key, which is missing on this keyboard. I appreciate if you could help me out.
ive been looking for 96 percent keyboards and this is perfect for me! def gonna buy
Looks good! Since a lot of my work is with spreadsheets it is necessary for me to have a keypad. This one sounds very interesting!
Hope you enjoy it!
What would you recommend for a 60/65%, slim/low profile mechanical keyboard? I was going to buy the Keychron K6 but it's very thick. Thanks!
Got mine from the Kickstarter launch. It was really good until it broke down, the 1st row (ESC to F10) stopped working (normal use, no abuse or neglect, just got unlucky probably) It has warranty but the thing is, sending it back to China for replacement is more expensive than the actual keyboard. It would have been great if they could cover the return shipping since they ask you for a video showing what's wrong with the keyboard and they know that it's broken. I just hope that this is an isolated case though. I guess keyboards with local warranty is an option you should consider when getting a new keyboard.
Love the review tho 😊👍
That's my main concern getting a Chinese keyboard. Really unsure about the options rn 🤔
I really wish they would have a barebones kit.
according to their discord channel if I understood their answers, the numbers on the left side also do have the arrow function just like a normal keyboard with right side numpad, and some other additional options on the keyboard for arrows, details in the EPO discord chat channel for this model keyboard.
@@nidusa1 What does that have to do with the barebones kit?
Nice review. Nice keyboard. I might want to check out the southpaw version, but I like arrow keys a lot, so I'm not sure about that. 👍
Fair enough!
Love this video! keep it up.
Thank you! Will do!
Thank for this keyboard format video
You're welcome
Why does your GK96 look so light? I just received mine and it weighs a ton! Maybe additional dampening inside since the production run? I highly doubt it's just the battery
Quick question! Could I custom this keyboard with the durock silent dolphin linear switches along with the octopus keycaps? I wanted to build a keyboard for work so I was looking for something kinda cute but also quiet. Pls help!! Much appreciated!
What mods would you recommend to do on this board? Im getting this in the southpaw config soon with gateron black switches. I'm definitely going to lube the switches as well as the stabs, bandaid mods as well. My goal is to make it thockier.
This board is dope 👌. Been in the market for a small form factor mech with num pad for a bit now but have yet to find something I can say "TAKE MY MONEY" lol. I've seen another mech called the vibe by Vortex. Went through you whole catalog to see if you have done a review for this one didn't see one. Not blowing smoke you have the best board reviews I've seen on youtube this far and would love to see one on the Vortex VIBe. Love the form factor and key layout but am super hesitant on purchasing because I haven't found any reliable reviews. PLEASE HELP A HOMIE OUT!!! Review the Vortex VIBe!!!!
Great review, helped me make my decision.
Thanks! Did you decide to go with it or nah
@@SwitchandClickOfficial passing because I already have the K4. Otherwise, the hot swap feature would have won me over.
1:34 how rare is a keyboard with the numpad on the left side?? for me it would be great since i only use the numpad to buy weapon in csgo. For me it would be great to have one
Very rare in mass purchase, more common in expensive group buys and long wait times. Geek hack may have some interest checks going on
nice and professional review :)
Thank you!
Hi, Switch and Click:
Would you have this with cable? And...can we find it on Amazon?
hi switch and click, what about royal kludge rk100? is good as rk84? it is better then this one?
does this kkb have wwireless like 2.4ghz or something or just only bluetooth, asking caz i just checked rk100 and that have the wireless option.
I bought it from the Epomaker, through Amazon website, and received it last week-end. The shipping is not made by the Amazon...it's from the seller, and I got disappointed since the beginning, looking at the packaging condition.
Their packaging is terrible: the cardboard case came quite damaged, with corners torn out...
And the bubble wrap was quite damaged, almost no air in the bubbles...very terrible looking.
The backlight is weak.
I chose the brown switch, and the whole typing doesn't feel or sound good. Not sure if that's keycaps problem or the Brown switch.
I'm returning it, and I've bought the Royal Kludge RK100, 96%, and thanks God, it's shipped by Amazon, which ships in a much better condition.
And this time, I chose the red switch, and classic color keycaps(Grey/White and a few red).
i have this keyboard. I have a windows pc. The brightness+dim buttons does not work. Basically all the FN+F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6......any help - i do appreciate....if i can't figure this out, i might return this because it's a pretty expensive....Also the app is super difficult to use and there's no tutorial...i feel stupid using this keyboard cuz it's kinda hard to use....
Numpad but no Home or End buttons? I was gonna almost buy this one but they are very important
Oh nice, a southpaw version! As a left handed I might buy this keyboard...
...someday.
Someday
Congratulations on the video
Friend, I found it interesting to use both machines at the same time. From work and personal machine, switching over bluetooth.
As far as I know Switch optico uses more battery, how long does the battery last?
And is it possible to use the Keyboard connected to the cable on a PC and enable bluetooth to use on the other PC?
How long does the battery last with the LED on and off?
Would you recommend an optician over a mechanic?
Thank you for your awesome videos.
Thinking about building my first keyboard. Thinking on a 65% or TKL. Any ideas of a cheap "good" build?
NK65
I tried the compact 65% and I think I wont be able to really utilize the size coz I think that I cannot completely let go of the numpad
How do you feel this compares to the keychron k4 in terms of quality?
About the same, but a bit more hollow in the case. Software is nice to have with multiple layers of customization
I joined the kickstarter of this. 4 months ago! it was supposed to shipped at december. I am still waiting, so even it is a good keyboard, the company and kickstarter project failed badly.
Hello, Betty! My new Epomaker GK 96 was a brown switch, and I don´t like it. Does the red switch keyboard has a better typing feeling compared to the brown ones?
Gateron red switches are linear which means no bump when you press down which means they are smoother and if you lube them that takes the scratchiness from the springs
Hello, Betty! Thank you for your video.
Could you tell me whether we could configurate our PC, and type in Japanese, using this Keyboard?
I´m very interested on this keyboard, but if it´s not possible to type in Japanese, it won´t be interesting for me.
you absolutely can rearrange the layout of the key inputs to be able to seamlessly type in dif languages! it might take a day of sitting down and hashing it out but if thats your only holdup id say its a good option for you
Very good channel and video, helped me with the decision to purchase the GK96S! I was wondering if the PCB itself was compatible with ISO in case I wanted to change the keycaps later on the line as I am based in Europe (not sure if any hot-swappable can be both ANSI/ISO actually). Cheers in advance if you can answer.
I would ask the Epomaker discord server
Dose it work through just the cable if that's what you prefer?
Hi, which one would you choose, Keychron K4 or Epomaker GK96s?
Great review! Can i ask if you can make a tutorial how to switch outemu switches in redragon mb specifically kala k577? Im afraid to change and damage my switches bcs this is my first mechanical keyboard and i want to change it in to red or brown switches. If you have already can link me down. Thanks!
How to replace hot swappable switches video
Which one would you recomend? Royal Kludge RK100 ir Epomaker GK96s. Thank yo you I got into mechanical keyboards. Great vids, awsome chanel. Greatings fron México.
Es greetings. Cómo le haces para la ñ y acento?
Any chance you can do a teardown/disassembly and see if it might be compatible with other 96 cases? I was saving for a Melody 96 before I found this and jumped ship immediately.
I don't care for the bluetooth but I really would like to stuff the GK96S aluminum case if possible.
I'm also interested in this....alongside a recommendation for a wood case
Hi Betty, do you leave the cable plugged in while switching to bluetooth mode or do you have to unplug it? How many keys do you need to press to do the sawp? I would need to swap between wired mode and bluetooth frequently, so it would be important for me to swap between them without messing with the cable.
I think you have to unplug, but I haven't tried it. Honestly didn't even know it was BT till I read the manual since to turn on is on a key combo. To swap, there's a turn off BT mode combination
Can you please give it a try? It really makes a big deal to me. And what is the key combination to turn on/off BT? Thanks alot in advance!
Thanks for the great video. What would be the closest to this but TKL? I guess it's the Keychron K8 but I hear that that keyboard can be uncomfortably high for many folks?
Epomaker does sell some TKL boards too.
Could you compare this with nuphy halo96 and keychron k4 pro ?
What are some sites I can go to to find key caps for this
Finally moved and have stable net, time to catch up your videos and finally tidy up those nasty cables I had hanging, but first I need some keyboard amsr c:
Welcome back! Hope the move wasn't too hard
Betty, this may be an idea for a video. So I have been unable to find a definitive video really outlining the relative advantage of custom made/off brand keyboards to "off-the-shelf" standard keyboards from the big companies such as Corsair, Logitech, Razer. I get that the keys may be smoother etc., but big-box keyboards are improving all the time and are considered expensive at $200 and above while many custom keyboards are $400 on the low end, so does that mean that the custom is twice or more as smooth and what are the criteria that are used to determine better? Aesthetics, typing speed, finger fatigue, ease of gaming etc. I've even seen the custom keyboard god Taeha make a $3500 custom keyboard for some RUclipsr Tfue. What does a keyboard has to offer at that price point?...Talk about pimp my keyboard. This issue really reminds me of my search for understanding custom water-cooling vs aio water cooling vs air cooling in PC building. Inevitably, while custom water-cooling did offer some cooling advantage and major aesthetics uplift, the price to performance ratio is ridiculous and depending on the CPU/GPU combination and the computers application air cooling may even be more advantageous while water cooling is really overkill. Thank you for reading my comment.
That's a good idea. I'll do a corsair k100 $230 keyboard vs my tofu 65 which costs even more
Is this better than the K4 v2? Some reviews say its not. What do you think?
I don't know wether to get the keychron k4 or this
hey, nice review! Whats the polling rate of this keyboard. I don't see it anywhere (Kickstarter or home site)? Why am I asking this? because usually, the polling rate is quite low on this budget Chinese keyboards. For facts: I can't play fast passing games on my RK61 (even is more gaming-friendly format), and I still return on my Logitech G Pro.
I think you're right, often times its 125hz, but it's like impossible to find the specs. This is a question for their Discord server
Can you use razer keycaps on that,
It perfectly fits or not ?? ,
Is this a one time production (southpaw)? Would this be available after kicker starter finishes?
They usually have it available after
@@SwitchandClickOfficial Amazing! Thank for the review BTW
enjoying this board with the gat yellows. put on some SA keycaps from drop. It is a bit Loud and hollow though. I should get some foam or something.
Any suggestions on how to save websites as shortcut keys?
I don't know if you have had the chance to use the Keychron K4 V2, but if you have, would you choose it over the Epomaker 96?
Not yet
Just found your channel today, very good videos and quite informative. Do you have any takes on full size mechanical keyboards?
I don't like them
I backed the PBT version, then watched the video and realized only the ABS keycaps had shine-through. Guess that should’ve been common sense! I figure if that’s a really big deal I’ll probably get better keycaps like puddings, anyway.
Happy to see the board appears to live up to the hype! You mentioned clear switches. Are those the same as the Gateron whites?
Not sure. The Clears are linear, super lightweight
@@SwitchandClickOfficial It’s possible. The chart shows the whites have the lowest actuation force (35), and they’re also linear.
Please review diy kit of this keyboard name is epomaker gk96xs and 96x ,
FINALLY a southpaw board!!!
Finally
can i use cherry mx switches on this keyboard?
How good is the sk96s... The gk96s isn't available
wow this def going to be my next board, see you later Keychron. I'll keep you as a backup.
Did I miss it? For the sound test which switch are you using? Btw I’m learning so much from your channel
Black, I think
I'm looking at RK98 and RK100 because I want to keep the numpad, since I work with numbers.
Why they don't make the caps shine through, it's so frustrating.
Ah no! I just put money in savings, do we have to ? Lol This looks and sounds really nice.. ooer shiny! I have had many of the same thoughts on improvements to this makers KB brand, I hope they continue to listen to the community.
Nah, money in savings is the best
How is the height profile of the front compared to the Keychron K4? Many people said the K4 was too high and uncomfortable to type on. Does this one have that same issue or is it lower and easier on the wrists?
There's a new K4, so that should be fixed
@@SwitchandClickOfficial oh shoot really? Maybe all of the posts I see are about the older ones. Do you know when the new update came out? I need to go check reviews of that update specially then!
Hi All, I own 1 of the GK96s, Could any of you clarify for me what is Fn + 4$ (the one with the battery icon) for? I can't see the combo does any particular function
Thanks all
battery life
I bought and doesnt work the F1 and F2, but only work F2 if I press and held F1, and viceversa...... How can I set works normally????
I dont want you like, I want an answer
HOLY COW YOU ACTUALLY GOT ONE! Epomaker committed a serious crime with the price they put on this board...even with the Gateron Yellows. Do a mod vid please!
Serious crime, like too expensive?
@@SwitchandClickOfficial No like ridiculously low loooool
Haha
What material is the cas emade out of? it sounded quite thocky, for this prove it might be some kind of plastic.
Plastic
Was interested in purchasing a Keychron K4V2. I can't seem to find any stocks, but I found GK96S and bought it.
Nice :)
Can we use keychron k4 keys into this keyboard
Why would they remove the arrow keys on the southpaw?!? I was about to get the southpaw with gateron yellows but that's really such a bummer...
Also the rgb on the pbt version... That's soooooo scuffed
I hear that they will return the arrows.
Arrows are bottom right in the secondary layer, saw an email about it a few days ago
Hi is it updated? is this better than RK 100 RGB?