Did Epomaker Invent a new MOUNTING STYLE? Epomaker LITE Gasket

#Keybored Did Epomaker Invent a new MOUNTING STYLE? Epomaker LITE Gasket
So... Epomaker has made a bold claim that they have a BRAND NEW and PATENTED mounting style called the Shallow Gasket Mount. They are running a Kickstarter to fund this new keyboard, and I will be taking a look to see what it's all about! Is it going to change the game?
Epomaker LITE 60% Kickstarter - Ships 4/2022 ($109 FULL ALU KEYBOARD)
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[@neogem200]

I was not expecting anything major in terms of innovation, but like that the fact that epomaker is actually looking at mods the community is using and trying to learn from them. Also at 109 dollars for a metal case, PBT keycaps, and Bluetooth this board is a good deal.

[@Keybored]

Its essentially a pre modded gk61xs aluminum at a fraction of the price haha

[@NetherSparkle]

Its an insane deal, i bought the GK96S with the aluminum case a few months ago for about 200 dollars (shipping included). But my case is cnc tho not cast, but i dont really think it makes much of a difference.

[@lasagneman5586]

@@NetherSparkle Yeah I'd love to get it but I need arrow keys lol

[@captainkaiii]

They're actually super legit - I randomly bought an aluminum gk68xs on a whim and it's actually one of my favorite boards. Wifi, split spacebar, decent feel, and has a good heft to it.

[@NetherSparkle]

@@lasagneman5586 GK96S has all keys its a 96% which is just a 100% thats been made compact. it has numpad and arrow keys.

[@NIDEKOkb]

I saw Romsicle do vid on this a while back, but he wrote it off because of the initial stock config. It's really cool that you saw all their features and tweaked it to actually be the board they advertise!

[@Keybored]

Yeah it's a bit odd stock... But once you realize what they tried to do, you see it's a built in o ring mount lol

[@matasa7463]

@@Keybored Isn't this a modified burger mount? I heard those are pretty nice.

[@chrisdotdash5154]

It is really awesome seeing companies innovate like this.

[@Keybored]

Hope it inspires more designers to do more!

[@thechemtrailkid]

It's cool that they're trying new stuff but I wish we would see more innovation in switch design

[@Sebatech]

Wow this is pretty cool! It's great to be in an era where keyboard companies are actually making mods like PE foam and others standard, as opposed to requiring the time and money spent on the modding materials separately for the end user. Of course, tinkering is one of the most fun parts of this hobby (IMO), but making things like o-ring mod for tray mount boards standard raises the bar and will hopefully lead to new innovation from both the community itself and other companies. Having a great (or even *good*) sounding board is now possible for less than ever, and that's a great thing!

[@Keybored]

Yup! Not everyone wants to mod so something like this is perfect for that crowd! Like you, I like to tinker so I'll always find sow thing more to do haha

[@OllieBeanz]

This board, at least in this video, sounds nothing like the typical sound you get from PE foam. It's missing that pop.

[@Keybored]

@@OllieBeanz it's more of that silicone clack

[@dixinmayas938]

Wow that's impressive seeing a company do this sort of stuff, the only mounts we've seen companies do are tray and gasket mounts. Such a shame that they "invented" they're own mounting style but kept using plate stabs...

[@Keybored]

Lol I think they based it on the gk series overall, and did it to keep costs low

[@dixinmayas938]

@@Keybored I think at 109$, anyone would be happy paying more for better stabs, they’re nightmarish x)

[@offbrandbiscuit]

@@dixinmayas938 Plate stabs can be pretty good, they're just a bit more finicky than PCB-mount stabs. I'd suggest heatshrink/plumber's tape mod for the wires on plate stabs. Putting a thin band-aid on the PCB also helps, and I'd definitely recommend dielectric grease for the wire inserts and the wires themselves. 205g0 or 206g0 on the housings are still the best options (thinner coat is better if you're using 206 rather than 205, where spreading it nice and evenly can get you by) Did my brother's Keychron K2v2 with clipped Cherry plate-mounts lubed with 205g0 and dielectric grease with band-aids on the PCB and they turned out pretty great.

[@dixinmayas938]

@@offbrandbiscuit Oh wow, thanks for the plentiful tips! Deffinitly will give em a try ;)

[@k_to_the_b]

Thank you for explaining the shallow gasket mount, I almost buy one but didn't because I didn't understand what they trying to explain on the website. I thought it would be a new innovative mounting design but it's basically modded Aluminum case GK61 lol.

[@coluzea]

so many companies being intentionally misleading about their mounting lately aaaaaaaaa though, my issues with gk pcbs aside, of which there are many, it's nice to see alu cases becoming so cheap.

[@Keybored]

Yeah, "the next big thing" right?

[@DarkoPetreski]

What issues do you have with gk pcb's?

[@coluzea]

@@DarkoPetreski it's mostly personal stuff. i don't like north facing sockets, gk software, and i do prefer pcb mount stabilizers over plate mounts. if you're shopping for this board don't let me stop you though

[@ddraganov]

I really like the engineering thought put here. I also like this direction for Epomaker. Way better than ripping off keycap designs.

[@matasa7463]

For a 109 dollar stock board, this is pretty good. You just need a bit of lube, PE foam, and maybe new switches to make it great.

[@Keybored]

Yup! It didn't take much!

[@dojomojomofo]

So many 10 minute keyboard videos rattle on without telling you anything... This was right to the point and covered all the most useful information. You're also my most trusted source for anything auditory on a kb, so thanks for this review! I don't want to make this my main kb, but the wooden one could be a perfect project board for a couch computer, with probably just a little foam and standoff mod! Thanks!

[@yomurita]

Amazing review, and good innovation from epomaker. Taking feedback from the community is always good. BTW, could you review the Akko ACR kits? (Like the ACR67 or the other layouts). Thanks.

[@BastiaanvandeWerk]

I got the ACR59 - and I must say it is one of the best out of the box experiences ever.

[@Keybored]

Yup! I have one and will have a themed build video coming out within thr next few weeks!

[@yomurita]

@@Keybored Thanks you! My kit is arriving soon, but I haven't seen many reviews in KZbin around myself. Asked in mech communities to get a better gauge, but a (more) mainstream youtube channel covering it is always nice :)

[@jairlopez2209]

@@yomurita did you like it I am debating on getting the acr67 black

[@yomurita]

@@jairlopez2209 Pink. It's pretty good.

[@HybRidChrome]

Very clever, really digging how these budget boards are getting more creative for the price :)

[@Keybored]

I know right? It's nothing new, but how they implemented it is clever for sure!

[@mikeoleksa]

Thank you for this video! I think I'm going to get the GK84 Lite after watching this. I found Yunzii's version that comes with either a FR4 or PC plate on their site, but there aren't a lot of reviews for the GK84 Lite specifically, in any 3rd party branding, so I've been looking at GK68 Lite and GK61 Lite reviews. I just want a compact 75%, 84 key, fully aluminum keyboard, that isn't exploded like the Keychron Q1 or Akko MOD 007. Everything in one tight package with one minimal bezel around the outside. It was between the GK84 Lite and the RK84 Pro. I like the Royal Kludge because the bezel is even thinner.

[@imeanyeah1652]

I really like the production quality of this vid.

[@Keybored]

Thank you so much! :)

[@Oscar-rl4wm]

The bend pin on 1:29 really grinds my gears

[@FranktheTank319]

They can make all the cool advancements in the world, but why did they decide to go with North facing switches? Their keycaps aren't even shine through. Also, all of their cheaper options use optical switches, not mechanical.

[@Keybored]

I think it's because they essentially based this off a gk61

[@metrogrinch9316]

Cool keyboard, probably best for gamers who want an upgrade

[@Keybored]

Would be a great gaming board for sure

[@ziblackingbestww444]

nah bluetooth is trash and so are the stock switches

[@ziblackingbestww444]

@@BFF.Studios not really. ur average keyboard can sound pretty good after a small amount of modding

[@shaunconklin5694]

@@ziblackingbestww444 you need to consider a lot of gamers have a stock razer keyboards and they also have no interest in modding a keyboard.

[@justanotherpxrson]

so they took a few popular keyboard mods, tried to combine them into one in a prebuilt board, and did a mediocre job at it... dang. your mods were awesome as always though!

[@andrewraoux1003]

IKR, literally a Gummy O-Ring mod - and I believe the case is a top shell alu and bottom shell plastic

[@Keybored]

:) Thank you! It was good effort

[@aleclim7676]

Saw something similar with the silicone layer from the GOPOLAR GG86. Awesome video!

[@Umbruh_Prime]

Keybored: this isnt a kit it's a fully built keyboard Keyboard enthusiasts: every keyboard is a kit

[@Keybored]

:)

[@jtech011ify]

This sounds way better than a drop alt that cost twice as much. Even before the mods.

[@thrax6765]

Link to that zip and fit liner? That stuff looks really convenient.

[@syntax2679]

you are by far the most handsome keyboard youtuber

[@theacb5453]

What is the name of the material you use to replace the foam when modding the keeb?

[@jm77_josemanuel]

Excuse me, what is that you use instead of foam? Thanks!

[@Keybored]

It's zip n fit liner!

[@jm77_josemanuel]

@@Keybored thank you! :)

[@vmiget01]

How and where did u get blue nk creams?!! Didnt kno those existed

[@therick8417]

holy shit the before and after sound :chefskiss:

[@umpus]

"Low and behold" Wow, that might be the only time I've heard anyone say that apart from my dad.

[@LegacyAirTech]

Those "custom orings on the screws" are not o-rings, they are conical washers that are pretty common in mechanical assemblies. Their main purpose is to make flat head screws compatible with thin plates or sheetmetal since there is not enough room in the thin material to include a countersink for the flathead screw. Usually the conical washers are harder plastic, but they can be made out of a soft rubber material as well. It's cool that, as you said, epomaker probably intended their use to act like an o-ring on a traditional cap head screw. I wonder why they did it this way since, performance wise, the two configurations should be identical.

[@Keybored]

Hmm that is very interesting! I didn't know that! Perhaps epomaker used these to make it fit more discreetly

[@LegacyAirTech]

@@Keybored perhaps! I'm sure they had a reason, just not sure what it is myself. Loved the video!

[@elijahbyoun7719]

Honestly it looks it just looks like tray mount with more steps, doesn’t the tray mount component cancel out any effects felt by the gasket component?

[@Keybored]

Its essentially a o ring modded tray mount. It feels very similar to a o ring mounted tofu or Gk61... Benefit is that it's already done for you

[@elijahbyoun7719]

@@Keybored gotcha thanks for the reply

[@kalle3940]

What I immediately thought of was that a way to make it even more flexy would be if they mounted the stand offs in the case like how kbd fans do in their blade case.

[@emer_ld6525]

It’s funny how epomaker is listening to everything except for south facing leds

[@viddythehat]

I received it just today, I'm trying to find out if I can use it on bluetooth

[@LeeYangDraw]

I ordered one but with a wood case! I’m excited to test it out!

[@kiriedawa]

could you give a link to the zip and fit liner?

[@MelloMattTech]

What did you replace the case foam with?

[@kariyui]

I just thought of a,new mounting idea, so like spring mount on a gasket style board.

[@Keybored]

Haha, that would be cool to see! There are some similar concepts with leaf or even my coil spring for tray mounts :)

[@dnbmania]

When he says 'the beat mod you can do to a tray mount keyboard' does he mean the o rings? Or the foam under the switches

[@Keybored]

O-Rings!

[@kcxy1996]

King of mod with another banger of a video

[@wiktorz8524]

for 109 bucks it's really good

[@Keybored]

The abs one is actually even cheaper!

[@usopp666666able]

looks like a mass production version of o-ring mount

[@rickymartin181]

Very nice execution and the quality of video is 🤩. Along with those Spectacular spectacles! Can I get a reference please☺️

[@Keybored]

Haha, thank you! hope you enjoyed my spectacles lol

[@jbobko9291]

This is actually crazy for the value

[@karnudom]

Definitely much more interesting than the Ducky One 3 mini. Thank you for bringing up this board!

[@VeachOnTheBeach]

Will they make this in a 75 or 80% layout? If so i will buy immediately

[@wardaddy944]

yea they will

[@maxmouse3]

Sounds and looks pretty good :) And standard 60%, really cool:D

[@SerGvsTuRnIk]

Nice mod, you really know what you're doing.

[@panka1595]

So it's a tray mount w/orings. Very innovative.

[@Keybored]

The concept itself is nothing new. I think the cool thing is that they took it and built it in so you don't have to... And for a good price

[@lauhernsean6179]

I've seen this keyboard on taobao and actually doubt that it will flex with that weird design.

[@Gunbardo]

Wish they would make one for 75% board….

[@Keybored]

Perhaps in the future!

[@prathamsarkar1586]

can you do a mod of the redragon k552 (best selling keyboard on amazon)

[@lw8882]

The PCB sits on the aluminium around the base of the tray standoffs. That's why there's no flex at all. Their redesign is the exact same mounting method, they just put silicone between the plate and PCB because lmao jelly epoch silicone sound good silicone sell boards. That's not innovative or interesting, that's lying.

[@lw8882]

Also can't help but feel like being so hyped and non-critical about it with a massively clickbait title is just disingenuous marketing for epomaker.

[@dominicgoff84]

Where did you get that keyboard cord from?

[@Keybored]

I am using the custom cords from Cablemod! I will be working with them in the future!

[@AspexFPS]

I really shouldn't be watching this when my next class starts in 3 minutes but keyboard videos are amazing so I'm watching

[@Keybored]

Thank you for the support! Good luck in class!

[@haz2022]

How were those novel keys creams blue?

[@Keybored]

They feel similar to the stock creams, but I heard the mold is tighter, which I wasn't sure I really felt?

[@haz2022]

@@Keybored that’s pretty cool! I wonder why I’ve never seen them even though I’m deep into the rabbit hole and haven’t creams got tight tolerances as novelkeys says there is no need for switch films?

[@GershonBenYitzhak]

Can someone explain to me why gasket mount is a good thing? Why would you want your keyboard to flex? Doesn't make sense to me.

[@Keybored]

More so than the flex, it's the give that gaskets provide, so when you type it's more comfortable and less jarring

[@OllieBeanz]

Gasket mounts help to isolate the hard parts of the keyboard from making contact with each other. This makes for a much softer typing experience because the force of you typing is cushioned. Gasket mounts lately tend not to actually add too much flex. Flex really will come from plate and PCB material, thickness and flex cuts.

[@mntish]

Maybe your videos inspired the o-ring mount of this keyboard. You should be proud.

[@Keybored]

:) thanks for that. It makes me proud

[@TheCh0wderp]

@@Keybored your video inspired the blade60 from kbdfans! It has removable standoffs that come with foam o rings for them and the screws.

[@halfpennyc]

It sounded a lot like my tofu 60 in the end!

[@marcocarag103]

Very interesting keyboard.The innovation here definitely isn't in radically new ideas, but rather refinement of existing ideas to the point that they can be mass manufactured at $109. More really probably an evolution than a revolution; however, the cost makes it a pretty damn strong evolution. I'm just remembering how my first board, an old Anne Pro (v1) sounds compared to this. Also, I have to say -- I think the case, with its round sort of vase-like shape, is pretty damn unique and compelling. Plus thick PBT caps with sharp legending? After already having 3 much more expensive boards, and another 3 on the way from GBs... I'M TEMPTED AGAIN. Perhaps for a friend...

[@marcocarag103]

Also, this image on their page would suggest they're working on a 65% version, which would be even more compelling (and make sense given the popularity): cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0280/3931/5529/files/feature-4-min.jpg?v=1636764733

[@Keybored]

Oooh that would be a more compelling layout for most! But you make great points! It's good to see larger manufacturers taking cues from the community and creating better boards for the masses. It'll def be a good board for a friend haha

[@leeshenn8075]

great job, keep the content coming :)

[@jokroast6912]

That's a great simplification for manufacturing!

[@ryan2415]

Idk, I really dislike epomaker. My gk64xs is practically worthless because the software fucks up every couple days and I need to power cycle it. The plate and PCB is somehow fused to the tray, meaning I cant really mod it. I would much rather buy any other keyboard and mod it myself, than get one from Epomaker, and deal with all the problems it could potentially have.

[@nikopic]

They're not glued in but are fit in really tight. Remove all the screws securing the PCB to the case, and use a screwhole as a pivot to rip out the PCB assembly out of the case (I used a small screwdriver for this. This will take some force and you will hear some gnarly scraping, but I managed.

[@zivens.2407]

That actually sounds pretty good stock!

[@Keybored]

It sounds very interesting stock and gets even better with mods! The benefit of the o ring mounting!

[@jtech011ify]

How are the switches $15?

[@AnggaTirtaFL]

One hell of production process, interesting nonetheless.

[@Keybored]

Thank you!

[@sweezor525]

whats a good 75% gasket mount keyboard for around 200$, im willing to go to around 250, and not something that has a squished layout (so something like the keychron q1 but i cant get that cuz they dont ship to my country) thanks!

[@kaeroseon]

Akko mod007, idobao crystal series, cannonkeys brutalist series (forgot specific names of idobao and cannonkeys) or gmmk pro.

[@sweezor525]

@@kaeroseon awesome thanks

[@kaeroseon]

@@sweezor525 note about the brutalist series from cannonkeys, they’re not gasket mounts from what I remember, they’re top mount with o rings I think

[@kaeroseon]

@@sweezor525 hope this helps tho

[@sweezor525]

@@kaeroseon oh ye 100% I think I might look into the akko mod007 a little more

[@skyward5748]

Dude nice stabs ;)

[@Tarodenaro]

It was interesting at first but then I've realized that they're basically just mounting rubber silicon membrane on top of the PCB :|

[@Keybored]

Yeah, nothing monumental... Just took what's available and built it all in

[@darkdealproductions]

Scott you were this pretty the whole time and you didn't TELL US???

[@Keybored]

Haha, trying to stay out of the lime light!

[@fish_h]

ooh, I like those keycaps 👀

[@Keybored]

It was a pretty thick PBT cherry keycap!

[@cobaltknightofficial]

with this board you cant hear much rattle with the stock stabs

[@Keybored]

The stock stabs were actually pretty decent!

[@paulmorris1834]

Would you get this over a kbd tofu?

[@Keybored]

If you're going to use it out of the box, for sure. If you want to mod it, then the TOFU is a great platform for modding. It also has a special place in my heart haha

[@paulmorris1834]

@@Keybored I am really considering it. thank you for making a video for the T1 sunflowers, that pushed me to buy them. My next build will probably involve the box ink blacks. I really appreciate the videos.

[@involuntarysoul3867]

why did they made the case edge so low, looks gross

[@lazyreuvin]

What PCB does this use? does anyone know if it will fit in a Tofu 60?

[@Keybored]

I think this is using a newer version of the GK61 PCB. I think others have put this into a tofu case before, but it required a bit of modification to keep the pcb stable

[@Natalietrans]

Gonna get the gk96 lite kit

[@nytalix642]

It's alright I guess but I don't like how they have a patent on the mounting system

[@Keybored]

Maybe the silicone layer? Haha not sure

[@nytalix642]

Idk, the idea of a patent on the type of mounting just feels foreign to me. The hobby is already starting to get picked up by mainstream imo

[@laowu830]

how do you access the arrow keys?

[@Keybored]

Using the FN key :)

[@laowu830]

@@Keybored thanks:)

[@fnfxdxxuwuxx5144]

Dear keyboard can you mode gk320

[@harakim4709]

Great vid!

[@Keybored]

Thank you!

[@dico8199]

I bought my gk64x alu for 109€...

[@yiutiybiebuhyj]

clean finished product

[@Keybored]

Overall, the design was pretty nice. I was hoping for some truly new thing, but oh well haha

[@SoSlow252]

It's a nice look keyboard. But too loud... I hope companies will look into quiet mechanical keyboards someday...

[@Keybored]

The beauty of hot swap! Throw some silent on there and good to go! Or something like mint linears or even the gat inks will have a more subdued sound!

[@Lindi-]

such a good video

[@Keybored]

Thank you so much Cloudie! I really appreciate the support!

[@schawink]

I would buy this in a heartbeat if it had arrow keys ;-;

[@Keybored]

Hope they make a 65% in the future!

[@schawink]

@@Keybored i hope so too!

[@josephp2083]

1:12 keybored out of context

[@southernhypecollects3670]

GMMK will somehow find a way to rip it off. lol

[@Keybored]

Haha I wouldn't be too surprised

[@Definitely_Melnyx]

A patent?!? Not cool in my humble opinion, especially if it’s badly done and no one else is able to make a better version of it. Although not like China would care much about patents anyway lol

[@Keybored]

Haha that is true

[@JustJagsOG]

Yo ITS SCOTTT

[@AwsomeAsian21]

can we have an “interesting” counter

[@Keybored]

Lol

[@justgensplit2361]

50k QNA??

[@Keybored]

Haha, if there is an interest!

[@cpeir8460]

oooooooooo thats rly cool! (Just finished video, Lol no xD)

[@Keybored]

It's a new take on an existing which is not a bad thing!

[@marcodebortoli]

If only the didn’t patent it 😢

[@coldsaucetech1393]

love to see inovation

[@WoollyMittens]

This is just a burger tray mount.

[@Keybored]

Yup, right on the money!

[@oopsitsdeleted6996]

apple maker

[@ziblackingbestww444]

the hair bruh

[@Keybored]

Haha thanks

[@Aurowa]

APPLEMAKER!

[@Keybored]

Haha, is that how it's transcribing?

[@gamerking64]

Hello?

[@Keybored]

Hello!

[@christiansmyth1466]

LOL this is not innovation. This is a tray mount board with a somewhat interesting gasket design. You can accomplish this "design" with any tray mount board.

[@Keybored]

Yup its a built in o ring mount!

[@christiansmyth1466]

@@Keybored No it is a tray mount. "Mount" means "how it is mounted in the case". It is mounted with screws that go into the bottom of the case. Hence, tray mount. Words mean things.

[@Keybored]

@@christiansmyth1466 I understand it's a tray mount. It's definitely a tray mount but with a "built in o ring mount mod" rather than someone like myself doing a o ring mount mod to the tray mount board. Hope that makes it more clear!

[@christiansmyth1466]

@@Keybored If clarity is what you are after, IMO you'd be exposing the obvious cash-grab/marketing-speak that this "new mounting style" was born of. Was this a paid review?

[@Keybored]

@@christiansmyth1466 def not a paid one

[@DashzRight]

Ok a lot of features and stuff, but sounds like crap