DON'T. GIVE. UP...

[@HipyoTech]

At a glance it seems Epomaker is claiming they are the main producer of this board, its pretty clear that they are just a re-seller and that anyone else reselling is probably on equal grounds. The only caveat being the VIA enabled pcbs. I would take anything they say about it with a healthy grain of salt or two.

[@xxsonicleexx]

a

[@DudeMcGuybro]

So, this happens in guitar production as well. Look up World Music in Korea, they make like.. 80-90ish% of the guitars that come out of South Korea, but like 10 brands use this one factory from PRS, to Schecter, to Agile. You'll see a lot of name brand guitars from PRS and Schecter get cloned almost part for part and resold under the Agile name, using similar parts, production methods, etc. The only real difference is in the expertise of the builders, the budget they're given, and the name on the headstock. That's literally it. For the consumer this is a great thing, it means I can get a much nicer guitar at a lower price. You are taking a risk on certain things like quality control, but if you're heavily experienced with guitars, it's worth it. The guitars can be a little bit more hit and miss on quality from the lower tier brands, but for the price you pay for them sometimes it's worth the risk. Sorry for the novel, I just see a lot of parallels between the two industries regarding "clones" and "copies". If the only Les Paul I could play was an authentic Gibson, I'd absolutely hate the guitar market because Gibson sucks now a days. I'd much rather play a Les Paul clone myself, but other people swear by Gibson. They're both about preference is what I'm trying to say.

[@zekeking]

I would doubly emphasize the grains of salt and expect a bit of extra trouble shooting compared to other keyboards; I had issues getting VIA to work on some of the keyboards initially. The quality control of the Mini Cat 69 also seems to be an issue, which caused me issues getting the switches in for certain keys such as "3" -- and even after successfully getting the switches in, I can now visibly see those are shifted higher up on the line than the others. It seems like so far I only see these issues resolved in the Mini Cat 65, but that version does not have the numpad (mentioning for relevance to posting on this video).

[@Lozzatron100]

I sadly bought a keyboard base from EPOMAKER and turns out that it had malware on it... I love love love the keyboard but the fact it has malware on it means im going to send it back as I'm not savvy enough to figure out how to flash a keyboard, would you consider doing a video about keyboards that are similar to EPOMAKER? would love to see some other brands that don't have Trojans on their boards

[@ProtosR]

can you elaborate on what malware you got or what the malware did? @@Lozzatron100

[@TooTaxable]

Exclusion of ten keys/numpads is what initially deterred me away from the mechanical keyboard hobby. I'm glad to see more manufacturers/producers are starting to sell more 1800/96% and full size keyboards as well as quality separate number pads such as the Keychron Q0.

[@derekp6636]

same, i use it all the time for work and just have been accustomed to it over the few decades of use....kiddo has a 65%? and it drives me nuts when I try to type on it.

[@the__man]

for at least 3 years now youve been able to get nice quality numpads even just off drop.. lol

[@TheChimples]

lol those small keyboards are for people who don't use keyboards. It's all for looks but they probably spend most of their time on a laptop or phone

[@shaggiel3099]

@@TheChimples i use it bc i get more mouse space for gaming - i prefer 60% for gaming, and full size for work.

[@katie98711]

@@TheChimples I use small keyboard lol I use it for work and normally to game and use my pc, I just dont need to input such amounts of numbers that Id feel uncomfortable without keypad

[@jb8544]

The accountant in me is happy to see a numpad. Just bought the q5, loaded it with black ink v2 and switched out the stabs with durock v2. Would love to see your thoughts on that board.

[@seoulglo1999]

I just got a Q5 with NK Silk switches and Drop MT3 caps. This has to be the next board on the review cycle.

[@jb8544]

@@NigelMontezuma Yeah. It's been a bit of an adjustment but I remapped a couple keys in via after a day of use and it's helped considerably.

[@alixhan223]

@@NigelMontezumaloo

[@ireadysucks3026]

wait what were already at the q5? dang me not being into keyboards for a year really had me missing out on stuff like was the q1 not released like 5 months ago

[@jb8544]

@@ireadysucks3026 they're actually on q6 now. Not sure if it's already out or about to release but yeah they're really filling the line out with one of everything

[@gill5643]

If your wondering about the similar/same designs being manufactured in the same factory, this is something that isn't that uncommon in China. Often, products manufactured in the same plant will be sold under different names/brands but overall have the same/extremely similar model. For example, I have a pair of IEMs called KZ, but a similar brand that's almost the same is sold under the name Kbear. There is also a similar story (kind of) of when one of my relatives went to China and ordered a custom dining chair for their dining room and about a month after getting the chairs, almost the same exact model was found in their sister's apartment, who also had no idea at the time.

[@HattoSora]

My dude really changes the name of his videos a lot

[@givemesubspls6407]

true

[@HipyoTech]

Wanna see me do it again..?

[@givemesubspls6407]

@@HipyoTech sure

[@givemesubspls6407]

@@HipyoTech you actually did it

[@ploshie6667]

@@HipyoTech only three times 🙄

[@yeauhhuhyup9679]

im really looking forward to seeing more large boards being released, i feel like theres a lack of exceedingly large boards right now

[@Jackofafewtrades]

I'll just sit here and wait for custom battleships to release.

[@zeflammenwerfer1772]

@@Jackofafewtrades waiting for the day we get to see the greatness of a 500% Keyboard with a 4 inch OLED display and two and a half knobs

[@Jackofafewtrades]

@@zeflammenwerfer1772 heck yeah! Not sure what half a knob is but I'm here for it.

[@Jackofafewtrades]

@@zeflammenwerfer1772 if you need to connect your keyboard to a computer at all, is it even a keyboard?

[@hoang9802]

shouldve gotten the Base Kit

[@neochen7235]

happy you pointed it out. the Epomaker has been doing this for a while now. their previous GB of Epomaker 680 gasket design is exactly the same as fk680 gasket.

[@AlexCrisp12]

I bought the Epomaker TH98 a few weeks ago and love it, no knob but the board sounds amazing stock and having a numpad is a must with my work. It looks like this keyboards slightly older brother

[@CarlaPavon]

I am on my search for my first mechanical keyboard and this TH96 is calling my attention, as a spanish speaking person, it gives a point to the TH96 it has the option for ISO layout, not just ANSI (Yeah, a friend would slap me if I ask again for my ñ key) and the numeric pad is a must need for me. My MX keyboard works well but I think it's time to move for the Mech world. I didn't know about the EPOMAKER brand, I was heading for Ducky but maybe ... just maybe the TH96 would be my beginners one. Thanks for your review, I found it really helpful.

[@th3doorMatt]

I'll be honest. This keyboard got me into this space. I didn't know any better (still don't) but I am really happy with it. Even if it's not the super supremo keyboard to end all keyboards, I've really enjoyed the experience with it. I know there are better out there, but for my first entry, I feel like I could have done worse. ..And I love the Flamingos. I don't know if there are better switches that are comparable, but coming from Cherry MX Reds historically, they're an absolute dream to type on.

[@latetotheparty7551]

Just got mine a few days ago and I'm pleasantly surprised by the stock keycap and switch combination. Makes me wanna try more tactile switches.

[@zephyr-n9k]

I like how it doesn’t come with the cherry switches and instead has some better custom switches

[@Shakou0130]

This is especially common in keyboards, mildly substandard but still functional kits getting sold under different brand names, happens all the time to basically everyone

[@TRAMP-oline]

I play roguelikes (traditional) so I need my numpad for basic gameplay. I will never buy a keyboard without a full numpad, and I know I'm a rather small part of an already small market.

[@RenatoT-si7vv]

I have a few Epomaker keyboards (GK96s, a TKL and a numpad). Their stabs always need some love, but the rest of the parts are nice. I think their customer service is awesome, they are located in China, and whenever I had a question or comment, they always replied very fast. For budget products, they are my top choice.

[@pepega1245]

to be honest, id recommend getting the TH80, seems like a better version of this board for anyone looking for a pretty decent stock thock.

[@MsToshi1990]

The TH80 is awesome! I love mine.

[@boomstick7870]

@@MsToshi1990 same it has a great feel for the price

[@thomasdeguzman1149]

I recently got the TH80 for personal use and I was going to get the TH96 for work. Do they not sound the same?

[@boomstick7870]

@@thomasdeguzman1149 really would depend on the switch

[@boomstick7870]

@@thomasdeguzman1149 mine has gateron pro blacks and it’s pretty thocky

[@gail_blue]

All I want is a full-sized keyboard that's hot swap, has a knob, rgb, and (if possible) a usb pass-through. It does not exist, but this is the closest yet.

[@mattbrown4833]

This is about as close as I think I'm going to get to having all the features that I'm after for a general purpose keyboard. It's really hard to find all the features I'm after in a board that comes in an ISO layout. ISO layout is a must for me as my work machine is locked to UK layout and it's super annoying to have to mentally switch between layouts on the fly, so that's the main reason for getting this rather than any of the other brands rebadged version. I'm not a big keyboard guy but my current setup of a TKL in blues & numpad has been getting on my nerves for a while and it's loud as anything in late night gaming sessions. My gf has a board with lavender linears which are far less obnoxious. I'm probably going to get this and swap the switches for durock dolphins. Probably in black and just switch in my DSA dolch keycap set.

[@lukesalvidge118]

I mean I'm in the UK and use the US international layout, so all I need to do is rALT + LShift+ 4 and I get my £. I just learned the new layout cuz I don't mind the US layout

[@mattbrown4833]

@@lukesalvidge118 If my work machine weren’t locked to the UK layout I might consider buying non-ISO keyboards, but it’s just too janky switching layouts for me. Sure, I could switch the key caps on an ANSI kb to make it work for both layouts but it’s more of a comfort thing just to keep with the physical layout and key correspondences I’m used to.

[@nadtz]

I've noticed this with epomaker stuff, not that I have a problem with it. Like you said it's not uncommon at all to see the same item under different brandings. Now that I've gone 87% I've gotten used to living without a numpad but it's nice to see one with.

[@lukesalvidge118]

How does 87% differ from 80%/TKL?

[@bennyj9403]

I got the Epomaker TH80 off of amazon for under $100, best stock keyboard ever.

[@user-bn6cr9hn5v]

I never use a numpad, but a massive keyboard on your desk just looks cooler. Worth

[@TheKiribansan]

As someone who used to use their num pad while gaming for miscellaneous things in MMOS that I used to play that were hella hot barscapes, full keyboards are my bread and butter and I was wanting to get into the the customizing market for at least one board and I am am happy to see there are somethings out there. I also use my num pad while typing numbers into my Photoshop and Clip Studio for my editing of my art work.

[@SamBoga]

Dukharo is basically OEM for many brands. Dukharo boards are being sold as Lychee, Epomaker Etc. This is the first time Epomaker did a rebrand of other boards. EP84: Keycool KC84 TH66: Dukharo VN66 which is also being sold as eclipse EC66 Epomaker 680: FK680 Pro. And gasket mounts on these boards are mostly for the sound isolation rather than softeness or flex I believe.

[@alistairstoran3608]

It's so interesting to see hipyo using all the new KZbin features

[@BlackTearsYT]

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure this kind of product overlap across brands is common with Chinese products. The two brands may even have the same parent company, which just makes slight variations of the same product for different markets under separate brands. This is essentially what BBK does with a couple of its phone brands (Oppo and OnePlus) and of course Xiaomi with its numerous sub-brands. I assume this scenario with the keyboards is very similar. Plus IP laws are much more relaxed in China, which can create very similar products, but also allows different brands to build on established designs quicker without the additional cost and legal hairiness that they'd have to deal with in a country like the US.

[@oatmilk9918]

it's not the first time either. the GK61 chassis was used by many brands, and i think most of chinese brands still use oed/odm case such as RK, Gamakay, Geek etc

[@Kogami]

I first learned this from chinese graphic tablets. Like the Huion 1060 plus, 10Moons 1060 and Bosto1060 or the Ugee 1910B and Alfawise 1910B

[@BlackTearsYT]

@@oatmilk9918 Yeah I've used a few RK boards and they definitely use a a common chassis.

[@BlackTearsYT]

@@Kogami Yeah. Usually the difference in products is more about software implementations or slight feature differences here and there.

[@cyphre]

Loving this Q5, myself. THe world needs more 96% or 1800 layout boards. None of this dumb 60% variant garbage! I need more keys, not less!!

[@machine211]

Glad to see enthusiasts here without numpad-phobia

[@MarkoVuckovic32]

96% is basically the smallest keyboard I'd personally buy. It removes some less necessary keys but it keeps both the numpad and arrow keys which I do find important.

[@lanhoang4810]

It's TTC Hotswap. Epomaker TH66 and Dukharo VN66 is the same

[@keiz_]

You can find this exact Keyboard the Epomaker TH96 being sold under other names and companies, being the Lychee G96 Pro, Dukharo VN96, Mathew Tech MK96. The Epomaker is more expensive than all these others. All they are doing is rebranding a keyboard from another manufacturer. If you want it buy it from someone else, and NOT through this kickstarter instead. It'll be cheaper, and you'd get it sooner.

[@HipyoTech]

Watch the video once its live :) Also worth noting that those versions aren't QMK/VIA supporting

[@unkkit151]

Thanks for the info. Looks like none of these are even on Aliexpress for US customers to purchase unfortunately.

[@hungryyelly]

Dukharo is actually pretty underrated. I bought a dukharo vn66 with gateron blacks and the stabs were really great stock. Same stabs as this board.

[@huaweiye4529]

The tactile looks like the NK Cream X Akko Jelly Blue frankenswitch I made. It has the Jelly Bue Stem and Spring with a Cream top and bottom housing. I call it the Shark Switch.

[@adamV1P]

96% boards are the best. I need a numpad for work and the squished length makes it perfect for putting into a laptop bag at the end of the day.

[@mr.guillotine3766]

I'd like to see you compare this to that other board. Pretty sure you can still buy the Duhkaro one for like $100 (with switches a little less without them). *Honestly, I'm curious as to how often this sort of thing happens. I know it's probably pretty common with the more budget oriented brands because I've seen more than a few boards that look exactly like my cheap Tezarre TK61, sometimes the only real difference seems to be where they place the USB-C port, because almost all of them come with Gateron Optical switches and pudding keycaps...seen some very minor differences in the cases from time to time, but it seems like they are mostly made by the same company then others get to make some choices on where the plug goes, maybe some different style on the cases (hi or low profile or slightly rounded/tapered toward the bottom)..and I mean, I'd expect that to be the case because, really, how many different factories can there be making almost identical boards? Just hits different when it's certain companies or when they are using kickstarter to imply some need for fundraising and innovation on their end.

[@888BRAK]

Keyboard with num pad must have all num key caps properly labeled and address this con will stop corners cutting and would make this review perfect. Thank you.

[@Bivs_setup]

Num pads are the way 😆

[@AspexFPS]

Don't worry babe its just a custom keyboard

[@lukerduker]

“DONT. GIVE. UP.” Don’t worry, I’ll never give you up.

[@Treiden21]

And I won't let you down

[@emilelocas5496]

I love how people scuff at me wanting a numpad. When I literally need it to do anything. I dint think theres a way to use most DAWs or Pro Tools in particular without a numpad

[@crypticvisionary]

Did you tape mod this one? I have the little(?) brother of it the TH80 coming, and I am curious if I should tempest it up, or hard pass.

[@TheBaroqueBass]

I simply got the epomaker ek21x to go alongside my 75% I don't use it all the time but I need it for certain apps. It's really nice to be able plop it down whenever the time comes :3

[@SirSethery]

I got the Dukharo version from JD (it was a long and difficult process, using both the app and website), but I’m pretty happy with it. I got their silent switches, and it’s actually tactile which I wasn’t expecting (thought it was linear). Basically no pre-travel before the bump, almost feels like a snappier membrane, which I kinda like.

[@WA2AB1]

Hipyo review some of the new akko boards, most of them have layouts that include a numpad

[@Shaddowxxi]

I like the num pad for entering quantities in one of my games lol. I'd be interested to see you put this board against the keychron q5.

[@jellybrain_1k]

Hell yeah, numpad-keebs! Keebs for people that do actual work! Finally!

[@SpltPersonaltyOF]

I do actual work on my 45% board. I have a numpad layer too. Layer for every key I need. That and my shoulder no longer hurts so yay

[@melmelmel1997]

Yay!!! I neeeeed num pads in my life, I use my set up for personal and working from home, I'm an accountant so I need my num pad for crunching those numbers haha!! Looking forward to seeing more with num pads!!

[@ukoo]

I am a little late but i would just like to say that earlier i spilt soda on my keyboard. RIP keyboard. You will always be remembered.

[@ChubiPanda]

All for the big boi boards. I've been watching the Keychron Q5 for a while now

[@Simply_Emu]

Hipyo saying knob is massive. Not me with a knob so big it is its own aluminum case, and USB cable separate from the keyboard

[@prestonvarner611]

I will never understand why some enthusiast care if the keycaps are clones or boards are copied or whatever. Does not matter at all. I promise to artist is not hurting or companies are hurting.

[@keemorg3997]

Hipyo if you're gonna do it in all keyboards, they will not make any bombastic claims anymore.

[@awwastor]

maybe something people will hate me for, but I’d really like a keyboard that has the F keys half sized, kinda like Apple’s keyboards and with no gap, so that they’re small and compact while being fully featured *because I do use the F keys, a lot, mostly for macros*

[@LouBoTV]

Would really like to see more reviews on large keyboards, cause i want one but i don't know which brand and other stuff. Cant wait for more :)

[@josephp2083]

96% keyboards are fire ngl

[@EricHexaFury]

I rock a strix flare 2 animate it's really nice

[@wha-TN-ot]

Howdy hey, Hipyo! Great video, as usual! Speaking of Epomaker boards, if possible, can you make a review and/or take a look at the Epomaker th80. I’ve seen this board and looked into it a bit, however, I just wanna see your own opinions on this keyboard. I think it has quite some value to it for its price.

[@wha-TN-ot]

…also, it has a KNOB 🤭

[@huntzzio]

yea! he really should! it’s cheap, and i’ve heard it’s good for the price… 🤔

[@Lopressor_]

I got the barebones kit about a month ago, slapped some akko cs silvers and some epomaker matcha keycaps. I really didn’t like the color of the golden knob so I painted it white and now it’s kinda pretty. However the 2.4 ghz dongle done broke and so did the rgb backlights (randomly started working again this week idk). Otherwise sick board for the price, got it for like 65 bucks. Sound profile is creamy, I dig it.

[@slantsnaper]

That knob blurring killed me 😂

[@MrDerpizoid]

That budgie switch looks fire

[@Frotz]

Checkout the Keychron Q6

[@Imterruble]

Keychron Q5 test PLEASEEEEEE

[@VerySus]

6:33 Yo, that's a bird! It's also called a Budgie or a Parakeet.

[@knightmarex13]

Full size ftw

[@unick599]

Got meine today! Switched from my old Logitech G15 first edition and I thougt I got a good Keyboard. What a difference! Thats just because I found your channel random on my start site. I had never heard of custom Keyboards befor... Thanks you! I love the style of your videos!

[@dappercatfish2503]

my heart dropped when i saw a different model of the keyboard i have on my desk combined with the title

[@privatebenfallsprivat8428]

I just bought mine off Amazon just because of the same reason of having the numpad and I`m AMAZED. Just duno how to use the macros and connect it via bluetooth but okay :D

[@MrSoulnether]

without the silicon sound so much better.

[@lkoijkun]

okay, this kb is not a clone or something. Its the same deal as with the LK67 and TM680 (it has even more names from different companies) they are basically same keyboards but seller includes different stuff in the box, stabilizers are very bad on TM680 but decent on LK67. Also software is different

[@MikaMathurin]

Would love to see a review of full size boards w knobs

[@The20ali20]

Hipyo I need help. Been looking for a keeb that has 2.4ghz and numpad and knob and this seems like the perfect candidate but there is also Ajazz AK966 as well. What do you think of that one and are there any other keeb that has 2.4ghz, numpad and knob (ofcourse mechanical and hotswap)

[@ReDotka99]

Привет, в озоне есть epomaker th96 pro, (epomaker budgerigar (tactile)) с русской раскладкой. Как думаешь, стоит ли покупать, там 0 отзывов...

[@jakefarmer]

You should make another under 100 budget build. Or maybe make the cheapest keyboard you can.

[@inst1ncx883]

Hipyo Tech be rock climbing only to support his keyboard building hobby.

[@huntzzio]

could you please review some cheap barebones keyboards? like under 100 or better yet under 75?

[@undefineduseronline]

is it possible to change the functions of the keys? so that for example the A-key works as a B-key?

[@keiz_]

Another great video! I'd love to see what you think of some of Akkos newer board like the 3068b, Acr Pro 68, or 3098b. They seem like solid boards for the money.

[@bluntexe5720]

I'd second that, I've literally just got a 3084B. This is my first board and I'm curious to see what can be done with it and how it stacks up for the price :D

[@anasabu-rasheed544]

Me too was wondering. How would this board compare against AKKO 3098b in terms of sound and typing experience

[@fatkidfatfamily3609]

why would they obliterate the number pad? I am working in the accounting field and I cannot..

[@ChuuniKaede]

thank fucking god. i've been wanting to get into custom keyboards and nobody showcases any of the layouts that keep a numpad. "just get a separate numpad" no because 1. separate numpads are dogshit quality most of the time. 2. if they're good they expensive as shit. 3. they take up a separate usb and I'm already at a premium for usb realestate. 4. separate devices create clutter.

[@wizaros]

I found Akko MOD007 V2. is it any good? or there's better keyboard for similiar price?

[@andersonimes1892]

I'm going to need that Q5 review you hinted at.

[@tophat5128]

I bought a razer huntsman mini recently and want to mod it/lube it. Is it easy to mod and lube?

[@alittles1lly]

What do you think of the keychron c2? its a really cheap (50~ dollars) and its hotswap 100%

[@skyliner8888]

thank you for the video. I am looking for wireless 96% keyboard for work. I cant decide between akko 3098b, epomaker th96 and iqunix f97. which one would you recommend?

[@NickMcC]

I'm an audio engineer who often has to use Pro Tools. Pro Tools has certain functions that are ONLY accessible with key commands that require numpads with "=". So I'm looking for something like an 1800 96%. Most have a "clear" key in the top left that I'd love to be able to remap/rekey to "=". Any suggestions from my fellow Hypo subs?

[@HipyoTech]

Most of these fancy custom keyboards use a software called VIA that allow you to remap any key to any key :) So I'd look for that!

[@Ratboycure]

Thinking a Westside numpad might be what I want

[@zeronotemo]

I've been watching this keyboard for soooooo llooooooonnnnnngggg

[@givemesubspls6407]

same

[@poo1ix]

That’s my donation at 3:37 lmao

[@CODEREDDICE]

Have you been able to find a mechanical keyboard w/ a SmartCard feature? Or better yet a keyboard backboard w/ a SmartCard slot feature?

[@MArca-hj3xv]

Which keyboard is the best out of the box? Please help. I'm lost. I'm gonna use it for typing and office but I still want RGB. I love the design of g915 but I hate the typing experience with kaihl brown switches. I'm gonna return that ASAP.

[@whoizthedrizzle]

Bro rocked out on streamed and cut it out…

[@stasiu.666.]

what do you think about my custum keyboard kit- tm680 white stock stabilizaters with holly mod switches is akko jelly black unlubed keycaps is ... i dot really now but it's pbt in grey and white colors. i paid 130dollars is that good choice??

[@JosePto]

No VIA for this wireless variant?

[@thirdpedalnirvana]

"I could be dumb I do that all the time actually" like forgetting that "Silicon" and "Silicone" are two very different things.

[@sentient.ball.of.stardust]

I really wanted to buy this, i like the layout, the keycaps and the flamingo switches! But the amazon (uk) reviews are pretty bad.

[@kpopcreepfnreal]

i am getting a keyboard for chistmas

[@abdelhakimakodadi3073]

Can you do an Epomaker RT100 mod video? I just got one and really wanna see how you would approach that. Thanks

[@hattree]

It's silicone, silicon is a crystalline element.

[@Standoffmuffin]

Yes I need the numpad! So sick of anything less than 96%

[@justadad2304]

Silicon or silicone?

[@victorpilavas8369]

How would you compare it to the GK96S tho ?? (it seemed to me like the most budget friendly 96% out there)

[@koi_3279]

Hey hippyo u was wondering do you have any videos of a really budget keeb but it’s really good or just any tips

[@apfelmistnutte]

Keychron K4 is an amazing keyboard. and not that expensive tbh.