# EPOMAKER TH85 QMK Review: 75% Gasket Hot-Swap Board, VIA Setup and Who Should Skip It Tags: keyboard, epomaker, th85, qmk-via, hot-swappable, 75-percent, wireless, gasket-mount Source: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0DSL28HM2 Article page: https://web-autoai.com/articles/epomaker-th85-qmk?lang=en Prices and ratings change over time — check the article page for the current values. --- This article covers the EPOMAKER TH85 QMK in detail. People who need a numpad, or who care about the physical layout (US vs. JIS), should check a few things before buying. ## Overview It supports tri-mode connectivity: USB-C wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth 5.0, and can switch between up to three devices. Hot-swappable switch sockets let you change switches without soldering, and QMK/VIA firmware support lets you remap keys to your liking. The gasket mount construction with five layers of damping material is tuned toward a soft, creamy typing sound. The stock switches are 'Creamy Jade' linears, and the keycaps are PBT double-shot. It sits in the entry-to-mid-range custom keyboard market. Its main selling point is that it bundles gasket mounting, hot-swap sockets, QMK/VIA and tri-mode wireless, features that a few years ago mostly belonged to more expensive boards. ## Reading the Key Specs | Item | Value | What it means | |---|---|---| | Connectivity | USB-C / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth 5.0 | Wired, low-latency wireless and multi-device in one board | | Switch | Creamy Jade (linear) | Smooth keystroke with no tactile bump or click | | Hot-swap | Yes | Switches can be pulled and replaced with a tool | | QMK/VIA | Yes | Keys and layers can be remapped | | Mount | Gasket mount | Slight flex that softens bottoming out | | Keycaps | PBT double-shot | Legends resist wear and shine | | Dimensions | 350 x 140 x 42 mm | Narrower than TKL, but fairly tall | The 42 mm height is easy to overlook. It is generally the measurement at the tallest point, but it is clearly taller than a low-profile keyboard. For long typing sessions, a wrist rest will usually make your wrists more comfortable. ## Compatibility Guide The TH85 offers three connection methods: USB-C wired, 2.4GHz wireless (with a receiver stored in a slot under the keyboard to avoid losing it), and Bluetooth 5.0. A physical switch on the top edge toggles between modes. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS and Android, covering PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones. On macOS, the Command and Option keys may not sit where you expect with a Windows-style layout, so check the quick start guide for a mode switch. Because it supports QMK/VIA, you can also simply remap the keys. For game consoles, wired or 2.4GHz connections are said to work in some cases, while Bluetooth may be unstable. Whether a console game accepts keyboard input depends on the title, so 'it connects' and 'it works in that game' are two different things. ### Common Compatibility Pitfalls - **Swapping switches**: The board is hot-swappable, but check the product page for supported pin count (3-pin or 5-pin). Standard MX-compatible switches are generally the expectation, but a mismatched pin count will not fit the PCB. - **Configuring with VIA**: Remapping with VIA is generally done over a wired connection. Trying to configure it wirelessly and failing to get it detected is a common stumbling block. ## Product Info The EPOMAKER TH85 is a relatively new model that appeared in late 2024. co. jp. Prices change with sales and stock, so check the product page for the current price. On Amazon. co. The manufacturer offers a one-year warranty, though the actual support channel may depend on where you buy. Included accessories: USB-C cable, keycap and switch puller, 2.4GHz receiver and quick start guide. With the puller in the box, you can try swapping switches and keycaps on day one. ## How It Compares The EPOMAKER TH85 QMK instead focuses on delivering gasket feel and QMK/VIA flexibility at a reasonable price, rather than extra gadgets. Keychron's Max series is another QMK/VIA wireless option, with more layout choices including full size. If you want a numpad, look there; if you want the most desk space, the TH85 makes sense. ## Best Use Cases * Custom keyboard beginners: Hot-swappable switches make first-time switch swapping easy, and QMK/VIA remapping is more flexible than typical vendor software once you get used to it. * Multi-device users: Pair up to three devices over Bluetooth and switch between them, ideal if you move between PC, tablet and smartphone. * Users who want a softer sound: The gasket mount and damping layers keep the typing sound soft, and linear switches produce no click. However, users who need a full numpad or many dedicated macro keys may find the layout limiting. For competitive gaming, wired or 2.4GHz mode is recommended over Bluetooth due to slightly higher latency. ## Before You Buy **Check the layout (US vs. JIS). If you are used to a Japanese layout, symbol key positions and the half-width/full-width key will take some adjustment. Check the Enter key shape and legends in the product photos. **'Quiet' does not mean silent. ** The gasket and damping take the edge off the sound, but as a mechanical keyboard it is still louder than membrane or scissor-switch keyboards. Keep expectations realistic if you plan to use it in quiet meeting rooms or late at night around others. **Mind the height. ** The listed height is 42 mm, and people used to laptop keyboards may find the wrist angle uncomfortable. Plan on a wrist rest to avoid regret. **Check the seller. ** At the time of data collection in September 2026, the Amazon. co. jp listing was sold and shipped by a third-party shop (☆ショップANNIE☆). When the seller is not the manufacturer, returns and warranty claims may go through the shop. Check the seller's return policy before buying. Also, one price entry was labeled 'Amazon US' while pointing to Amazon Japan, so this article does not cover overseas pricing. **QMK/VIA is something you have to use. ** Support is a real advantage, but if you never remap anything, it behaves like any other keyboard. If concepts like layers and key assignments do not appeal to you, the feature may go unused. ## FAQ **Q. Does the EPOMAKER TH85 QMK work with a Mac? ** A. Yes, it supports macOS. If the Command/Option positions bother you, check the included guide for a switch, or remap them in VIA. **Q. Can I configure it with VIA wirelessly? ** A. VIA configuration is generally done over a wired connection. Plug in the USB-C cable while configuring to be safe. **Q. Can I swap in any switches I like? ** A. It is hot-swappable, so no soldering is needed. Check the product page for 3-pin or 5-pin support. **Q. Is latency a problem for gaming? ** A. Wired or 2.4GHz is generally fine for typical gaming. Bluetooth is slightly less responsive, so avoid it for competitive games. **Q. Does it work with consoles like the PS5? ** A. Wired or 2.4GHz is said to work in some cases, but keyboard support varies by game, so check the title you want to play. ### Product Disclosure (Amazon) - Manufacturer: EPOMAKER - Seller: ☆ショップANNIE☆ - Fulfilled by: ☆ショップANNIE☆ - ASIN: B0DSL28HM2 - Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.