75% Keyboards

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The Epomaker TH80 Pro is a wireless 75% mechanical keyboard that tries to give you enthusiast features, hot-swap switches, a gasket-mounted feel, PBT keycaps, and triple connectivity, at a mainstream price. For most people who type and browse, it delivers. For competitive gamers and anyone who needs deep software control, it has real limits. Here is the full picture after living with it.

⚡ Verdict

A strong value pick for typists and multi-device users who want a comfortable wireless 75% out of the box. Skip it if you need low-latency competitive gaming or VIA and QMK remapping. Rating: 4 out of 5.

Check price at Epomaker
Epomaker TH80 Pro 75% mechanical keyboard
The Epomaker TH80 Pro is a wireless 75% board with a rotary knob.

Specifications

Layout75% with rotary knob (around 80 to 84 keys)
SwitchesHot-swappable (5-pin), ships with Epomaker or Gateron options
KeycapsPBT dye-sublimated
MountingGasket-mounted with sound-absorbing foam
BacklightSouth-facing per-key RGB
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, USB-C wired (tri-mode)
SoftwareEpomaker driver (Windows); no VIA or QMK
CompatibilityWindows and macOS
Battery4,000 mAh; owners report weeks between charges with lighting low
PriceCheck the current listing through the button above

Design and build

The TH80 Pro is a compact 75% board, so it keeps the function row and arrow keys but drops the numpad, which frees up desk space and brings your mouse closer. There is a rotary knob in the top right for volume and other controls, and the case feels solid with no obvious flex.

The keycaps are PBT dye-sublimated, which means they stay matte and resist the greasy shine that cheaper ABS keycaps develop over time. It is a genuinely nice set for the price, and the legends are clean.

Epomaker TH80 Pro side profile showing the case and keycaps
PBT dye-sub keycaps and a solid case give it a more premium feel than the price suggests.

Typing experience

This is where the TH80 Pro earns its keep. The gasket-mounted plate and internal foam give the typing feel a soft, cushioned bottom-out instead of a hard, hollow tap. Out of the box it sounds fuller and quieter than most boards at this price, without any modding.

Because the switches are hot-swappable, you are not locked into what it ships with. If the stock feel is not for you, you can pull the switches and press in new ones with no soldering. If you are deciding between switch types first, our guide to tactile vs linear switches is a good starting point, and you can improve the sound further with our switch lubing guide.

Wireless and connectivity

The TH80 Pro is tri-mode. You can connect over Bluetooth 5.0 to as many as three devices and switch between them, use the 2.4GHz USB dongle for a more stable wireless link, or plug in over USB-C. Moving between a work PC, a laptop, and a tablet is quick, which makes it a good fit for a multi-device desk.

Bluetooth is convenient but adds a little latency, so for anything time-sensitive use the 2.4GHz dongle or a cable. That is normal for wireless keyboards, not a fault unique to this one.

Battery life

The 4,000 mAh battery is one of the board’s real strengths, and how long it lasts depends almost entirely on the RGB lighting. With the backlight off or low, owners regularly report going weeks, in some cases close to a month, between charges. Run the RGB at full brightness and it drains far faster, so turning the lighting down is the easy way to stretch it. You can always fall back to the cable while it charges.

Software

This is the weakest part of the package. The TH80 Pro uses Epomaker’s own driver rather than the open VIA or QMK standard that many enthusiasts prefer. The software works for remapping keys, setting macros, and changing lighting, but the interface is clunky and less flexible than VIA. If deep, precise customization is a priority, this is the main thing to weigh before buying.

Gaming performance

For casual and mid-level gaming, the TH80 Pro is fine, especially wired or on the 2.4GHz dongle. For competitive play, it is not the right tool. Wireless latency is higher than a dedicated gaming board, and there is no rapid trigger or adjustable actuation. If fast shooters are your focus, a wired board or a magnetic-switch keyboard, like the picks in our best Akko keyboards guide, will serve you better.

What buyers say

We read through owner reviews and hands-on coverage to see how the TH80 Pro holds up beyond one desk. A few themes come up again and again.

What owners praise: the sound and feel out of the box, the value at around $99, and especially the battery. Several reviewers report going weeks, in some cases close to a month, between charges with the lighting kept low, backed by the 4,000 mAh cell.

Common complaints: Bluetooth can be slow to reconnect when the board wakes, the Epomaker software feels sluggish moving between menus, and the keycaps do not print the secondary functions, so you have to memorize shortcuts. A smaller group report quality-control and support issues, from glitchy keys to slow warranty help, so it is worth buying from a seller with an easy return path.

Pros and cons

✅ Pros

  • Tri-mode wireless plus wired, easy multi-device switching
  • Hot-swappable switches, no soldering to change the feel
  • Gasket mount and foam give a soft, full sound out of the box
  • PBT dye-sub keycaps that resist shine
  • Rotary knob and per-key RGB
  • Strong value for the feature set

❌ Cons

  • Epomaker software is clunky, with no VIA or QMK support
  • Legends can be hard to read in a dark room
  • Wireless latency is not ideal for competitive gaming
  • Battery drains quickly with RGB at full brightness
  • Fewer stock switch options than some rivals

Who should buy it, and who should skip it

Buy it if you mostly type, want a comfortable wireless 75% that sounds good without modding, and like the idea of switching between a PC, laptop, and tablet. At its price, it is one of the easier boards to recommend for everyday use.

Skip it if you play competitive games and need the lowest latency, you want full VIA or QMK remapping, or you need a numpad. Those needs point to a different board.

Alternatives worth considering

  • Want VIA and QMK: a Keychron V1 gives you full open-source remapping in a similar 75% size, usually for less, though it is wired.
  • Want competitive gaming: a magnetic-switch board with rapid trigger, such as the picks in our best Akko keyboards guide, is the better tool.
  • Not sure on size: our keyboard sizes and types guide helps you decide before you commit.

Final verdict

The Epomaker TH80 Pro is a lot of keyboard for the money. You get a gasket-mounted 75% with hot-swap switches, PBT keycaps, a knob, and triple connectivity, and it types and sounds good straight out of the box. The catches are the clunky software with no VIA or QMK, and wireless latency that rules it out for serious competitive gaming. If those are not deal-breakers for you, it is an easy, comfortable board to live with, and a genuine value at its price.

Check price at Epomaker

Frequently asked questions

Is the Epomaker TH80 Pro good for gaming?

It is fine for casual and mid-level gaming, especially wired or on the 2.4GHz dongle. For competitive play it falls short, because wireless latency is higher than a dedicated gaming board and there is no rapid trigger or adjustable actuation. Serious gamers should look at a wired or magnetic-switch board.

Is the TH80 Pro hot-swappable?

Yes. It uses hot-swap sockets, so you can pull the switches out and press new ones in with no soldering. That lets you change how the board feels later without buying a new keyboard.

Does the TH80 Pro support VIA or QMK?

No. It relies on Epomaker’s own driver software for remapping, macros, and lighting. That software works but is less flexible than VIA, so if open-source remapping matters to you, this is the main limitation to weigh.

How is the battery life?

It depends heavily on the RGB lighting. With the backlight off or low, it lasts for days of normal use. At full brightness it drains much faster. Turning the lighting down is the simplest way to extend it, and you can use it wired while it charges.

Does it work with Mac?

Yes. The TH80 Pro works with both Windows and macOS and can pair with several devices over Bluetooth, so switching between a PC and a Mac is straightforward. The configuration software is best supported on Windows.

We revisit our reviews as firmware, pricing, and competing models change, so this verdict stays current.

The 75% layout is the one most people end up on. It keeps the function row that 65% boards drop, keeps the arrow keys that 60% boards hide behind a layer, and still takes less desk space than a tenkeyless. Nothing is missing; everything just sits closer together.

Quick answer: Most people should buy the MonsGeek M1 V5 VIA: an aluminium, gasket-mounted, wireless 75% that you can remap in VIA, for around $90 to $120. Pay more for the Keychron Q1 Max only if you want Keychron’s QMK support and a 1000 Hz 2.4 GHz dongle. If you want to spend under $100 and don’t mind a plastic case, the Akko 5075B Plus is the budget wireless pick.

Best value: MonsGeek M1 V5 VIA
Premium: Keychron Q1 Max
Budget: Akko 5075B Plus

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The three picks at a glance

MonsGeek M1 V5 VIAKeychron Q1 MaxAkko 5075B Plus
Best forMost people: custom-style feel for lessWireless + QMK on one board, at a premiumUnder $100, wireless, light
Price checkedAbout $90–120About $210–230About $86–100
CaseCNC aluminium, gasketCNC aluminium, double gasketPlastic
Firmware / softwareVIA (check it’s the VIA version)QMK; Keychron Launcher web appAkko’s own driver (a separate VIA version exists)
Wireless2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, USB-C2.4 GHz, Bluetooth (3 devices), USB-C2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, USB-C
Keycap fitStandard 75%; south-facing switchesStandard 75%; Keychron publishes a size chartStandard 75%; check the kit list
WeightAbout 1.75 kg (kit)About 1.72 kgMuch lighter (plastic)

Prices are from maker and retailer pages on 11 October 2026 and change often, especially around sales. “Standard 75%” means a 1.75u right Shift, single-unit (1u) keys to the right of the spacebar and a 6.25u spacebar, which most 75% keycap kits cover. Always check before you buy; see keycap fit below.

How we chose these

We haven’t run these three boards through a hands-on test bench yet, so we’re not claiming to. We compared them on what you can check before you buy: the published specs on maker pages, current prices, which firmware and software each uses, how each connects, and whether common keycap sets fit. Where sources disagree (Akko’s battery figures, for example), we say so instead of picking a number.

We limited the list to three complete, in-stock boards that cover different budgets, so each one has a clear reason to be here. A premium board only makes the list if it gives you something the cheaper picks don’t.

The best 75% keyboards

1. MonsGeek M1 V5 VIA, the best value

The M1 V5 gives you the parts that make expensive keyboards feel expensive: a CNC-machined aluminium case, a gasket mount, hot-swap sockets that take both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, and VIA for remapping. It also has 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired modes and a large 8000 mAh battery. MonsGeek’s own store lists it at $99.99, and from $89.99 depending on the version.

The catch is the name. MonsGeek sells more than one M1 V5: the VIA version works with VIA, but at least one variant (the “Timeline”) uses MonsGeek’s own driver only and doesn’t support QMK or VIA. Check that the listing says VIA before you buy. It’s also sold as a barebones kit (no switches or keycaps), so check you’re getting a built board if that’s what you want.

Buy it if you want an aluminium, wireless 75% at a mid-range price and are happy to remap in VIA.
Skip it if you want QMK firmware you can compile yourself, or a light board to carry around. If the stabilizers rattle, our stabilizer guide covers the fix.

Check price on Amazon

2. Keychron Q1 Max, the premium pick

The Q1 Max earns its higher price in one specific way: it combines QMK firmware with a 1000 Hz 2.4 GHz wireless mode, which the cheaper picks don’t. Keychron lists 1000 Hz polling over the 2.4 GHz dongle and over the cable (90 Hz over Bluetooth), up to three Bluetooth devices, a 4000 mAh battery, an aluminium case with a double gasket design, a PC plate, a knob, and KSA-profile double-shot PBT keycaps.

Keychron lists it at $229.99, often on sale for about $210. That’s roughly twice the M1 V5, and the M1 V5 already has an aluminium gasket case and wireless, so the extra money pays for QMK, Keychron’s support and the knob, not for a basic feature you’d otherwise miss. It’s also heavy at about 1.7 kg.

Buy it if you want QMK, wireless and an aluminium case on one board, and want to buy from a well-established brand.
Skip it if you only use it wired, or don’t need QMK: the M1 V5 gets you most of the way for much less.

Check price on Amazon

3. Akko 5075B Plus, the budget pick

The 5075B Plus covers the practical basics for well under $100: 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth and wired modes, hot-swap sockets, PBT keycaps and Akko’s own switches. Newegg lists it at about $86. It uses Akko’s own driver software; if you want VIA, Akko sells a separate 5075B VIA model, so check the listing.

It’s a plastic case, so it’s much lighter than the two aluminium boards and won’t sound as dense. Two other things to check: retailers list different battery sizes (2500 to 4000 mAh, depending on the version), and some colourways are now marked discontinued, so stock varies by region.

Buy it if you want a wireless, hot-swap 75% without spending much, or need something light.
Skip it if case weight and sound matter most to you, or you want VIA on the standard model.

Check price at Akko

Not a main pick: Keychron K2 HE

The K2 HE uses Hall-effect (magnetic) switches, so you can set how far you press before a key registers, and use rapid trigger, where a key resets as soon as you start lifting. Some players want that. The trade-off is that magnetic switches aren’t interchangeable with normal MX switches, so you can’t swap in the switches covered in most of our guides. Our Hall-effect switches explainer covers how they work.

Check K2 HE price on Amazon

Also worth watching: the WOBKEY Rainy75 and the Zoom75 are popular with enthusiasts, but they’re sold in batches and group buys rather than continuously, so we’ve left them off a list of boards you can order today.

Total delivered cost: what you actually pay

The price on the listing isn’t always what the board costs you. Before comparing prices, check:

  • Built or barebones. A barebones kit has no switches or keycaps. Switches cost roughly $20 to $60 for a 75% (about 84 switches), and a keycap set roughly $25 to $80.
  • Shipping and import charges. Ordering direct from a brand can mean slower shipping and, outside the US, import VAT or duty. Amazon and local retailers usually include these in the price.
  • Keycap fit. If your board has an unusual bottom row, a cheap keycap set may not cover it, and the “compatible” set may cost more.
  • Extras. A wrist rest, or a 2.4 GHz dongle if you buy a used board without one.

For example, check whether an M1 V5 listing is the built board or the barebones kit: once you add switches and keycaps to a kit, the total can approach the price of a built Q1 Max.

Will your keycaps fit?

Most 75% boards, including all three picks, use the same layout: a 1.75u right Shift, three 1u keys to the right of the spacebar, and a 6.25u spacebar. Most 75% keycap kits include those. What varies between boards is the right-hand column and, on some boards, the bottom-row sizes, so count the keys against the set’s kit list rather than assuming. Keychron publishes a keycap size chart for the Q1 Max.

Our keycap compatibility checklist walks through the checks one at a time, the spacebar sizes guide covers the 6.25u, 6u and 7u bars, and the keyboard layouts guide explains how 75% compares with every other size.

75% against the alternatives

LayoutKeysFunction rowArrowsNumber pad
Full-size104YesYesYes
Tenkeyless87YesYesNo
75%About 84YesYesNo
65%About 68NoYesNo
60%About 61NoLayer onlyNo

The comparison that matters is against tenkeyless, because they have the same keys. A TKL spaces them out with gaps; a 75% removes the gaps and moves the navigation keys into one column on the right. A typical 75% is a few centimetres narrower than a TKL (the M1 V5 is 333 mm wide), and you lose the gaps that make keys easy to find by feel. Our TKL vs 75% comparison covers that trade-off, and the 65% guide explains what dropping the function row costs.

How to choose

  1. Case material. Aluminium is heavier and usually sounds deeper; plastic is lighter and cheaper.
  2. Firmware. If you want to remap keys or add layers without installing a maker’s app, look for VIA or QMK, and check the exact version.
  3. Wireless. For gaming, use the 2.4 GHz dongle or the cable. Bluetooth usually polls more slowly (the Q1 Max lists 90 Hz on Bluetooth versus 1000 Hz on 2.4 GHz). If the board never leaves your desk, wired is one less thing to charge.
  4. Hot-swap. Hot-swap sockets let you change switches later without soldering. All three picks have them.

Switches are the easiest thing to change later. Our best linear switches and best tactile switches guides cover the options.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best 75% keyboard?

For most people, the MonsGeek M1 V5 VIA: an aluminium, gasket-mounted, wireless 75% with VIA, for around $90 to $120. The Keychron Q1 Max is worth the extra only if you want QMK and a 1000 Hz wireless dongle on one board. The Akko 5075B Plus is the pick under $100.

Is a 75% keyboard good for gaming?

Yes. You keep WASD, the arrow keys and the function row, and without a number pad your mouse can sit closer. Use the 2.4 GHz dongle or the cable rather than Bluetooth, which usually polls more slowly.

75% or TKL?

They have the same keys, so it comes down to spacing. A TKL keeps gaps between the function row and the navigation keys, which makes them easier to find by feel. A 75% removes the gaps and is a few centimetres narrower.

Will standard keycap sets fit a 75% keyboard?

Usually. Most 75% boards use a 1.75u right Shift, 1u keys to the right of the spacebar and a 6.25u spacebar, which most 75% kits include. Check the right-hand column and bottom row against the set’s kit list before buying.

Do I need QMK or VIA?

Only if you want to remap keys or build layers. VIA lets you remap in an app or browser with no code; QMK is the open firmware underneath it. Check the exact version, because some boards come in VIA and non-VIA variants.

Can I use normal switches on a Hall-effect 75%?

No. Hall-effect boards like the Keychron K2 HE use magnetic switches, which are not interchangeable with normal MX-style switches.

The bottom line

Buy the MonsGeek M1 V5 VIA for the best mix of build and price, and check that the listing says VIA. Spend more on the Keychron Q1 Max only if QMK and a 1000 Hz wireless dongle matter to you. If you want something under $100 and light, get the Akko 5075B Plus.

Specs and prices checked on 11 October 2026 against maker and retailer pages. Versions and prices change, so check the listing for the board you buy.