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I’m a pretty positive reviewer. Consequently, I always try to highlight the good in everything I experience. However, occasionally, I get given something so good, that it leaves me beaming. Epomaker has done just that with its incredible retro gaming keyboard! The RT100 Keyboard is a wonderful combination of dated aesthetics and modern features. Furthermore, it has RGB, tri-mode connectivity, and a customisable screen for data, animation, and still pictures.
Alongside this, Epomaker kindly provided me with the RT100 Screenbot. This funky little accessory immediately caught my eye and was the cherry on top of the cake. This affordable accessory replaces the handy screen whilst adding a sci-fi and futuristic edge. If this wasn’t enough to make me fall in love with this peripheral, it is also easy to use, and I loved the MDA keycap profiles.
This mechanical device delivers that fancy clanky sound that we’ve all come to adore. What’s more, the switches are responsive and they can be swapped without any technical expertise. Consequently, this is the ideal device if you want a hassle-free gaming experience.
What’s in the box of the RT100 Keyboard?
- The packaging captures the old-school aesthetic. It has a nice and mellow colour palette and it is easy to read. Moreover, it is robust and it can be recycled.
- The RT100 Keyboard has a keypad and is a 95% form factor device. As such, it is good if your worktop is small. There is a media knob and easy-to-access switches to change connectivity modes.
- A cream USB-C cable is provided.
- Remove the keycaps with the provided tool.
- Learn the fundamentals with the paperwork.
Technical aspects.
This keyboard is wonderfully responsive. Subsequently, it is ideal if you work from home or you are addicted to gaming. What’s more, it has anti-ghosting for gamers who require multiple keystrokes at once. This advanced feature is essential for gaming devices as mistakes often happen and this helps smooth things out.
Connectivity is key for many people. Though I’m not bothered by a wired-only option, the freedom to select my connection is always welcome. The RT100 Keyboard has a wireless dongle, Bluetooth, or a wired connection. No matter which option I selected, the device suffered no ill effects. There were no latency problems and the inputs were equally responsive. If you plump for a wireless connection, the device has a 5,000 mAh battery to keep you in the game for longer.
I’m exclusively Android and Windows. However, if you are a Mac user, this keyboard is suitable for your needs. With the flick of a switch, the keyboard can be switched from Windows or Mac. Furthermore, there are 2 Bluetooth profiles to make transitioning between devices as trouble-free as possible.
RT100 Screenbot and software.
It is now time to discuss the RT100 Screenbot. This powerful little screen is a great addition to your gaming setup. Not only does it look cool as hell, but the screen highlights your CPU usage and temperature. Moreover, it has the time and date and you can upload a picture or animation to the small screen. This was such a fun addition to the keyboard that it blew me away. I customised it multiple times as I wanted to see what images worked best. In the end, I stuck with a goose dancing as it made me chuckle.
Customising the RT100 Keyboard or Screenbot was a simple task. The free-to-download software is straightforward to use and every element can be customised. Whether you wish to adjust the RGB, macros, or the image on the screen, it can be done with ease. Additionally, you can check for updates and upload other user images and animations if you so wish. Accordingly, this software is a great addition to the device.
Build quality.
Epomaker does not make poor-quality products. No matter if it is an entry-level item or something from their premium range, they do not disappoint. The RT100 Keyboard is robust and has a pleasant weight. Furthermore, the gasket mount delivers a stable and soft typing experience. Though some gamers will be put off by the spongy inputs, I liked the softer and more definitive travel distance. Though they may lack the snap of their linear switched peers, this felt more comfortable for gaming and typing.
The unit has 3 positions for ultimate comfort. I kept the device flat, but the 2-stage feet adjusted the angle to create the perfect typing position. MDA keycaps may not be your cup of tea. However, these can be replaced if you so wish. Alternatively, this pleasant and shallow profile is easy to get used to, so I dug in and rolled with the punches.
Finally, I have to look at the media knob and the south-facing RGB. The media knob is a handy tool if you love to listen to music on your PC. It lights up with the RGB and I found it to be responsive and accurate to use. Though it was essential for me, I can see why people love this additional feature. The RGB was fantastic. Furthermore, it can be adjusted with the free-to-download software. Consequently, you can create a vivid or soft light show that’ll impress your friends, family, and viewers.
Is the RT100 Keyboard worth it?
I have tested some incredible keyboards and the RT100 Keyboard is up there with the best of them. I loved the soft but responsive inputs and the retro aesthetic. Moreover, the software is easy to use and customising the device is a cinch. On top of this, the RT100 Screenbot is the cherry on top of the cake. The colourful screen is great to look at and I love the robotic design. Accordingly, it is phenomenal and I recommend buying it here!
(More information on Epomaker can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review.)
