Thursday, June 16th 2022

Introducing Epomaker TH96 - A QMK/VIA Gasket Mount Hotswappable Mechanical Keyboard

Epomaker announces the TH96 keyboard, which brings top configurations and an extensive range of features at an affordable price. Thanks to the special structural design, the TH96 delivers a completely solid feel due to the stainless steel plate which adds weight and strength to the keyboard. It is innovatively designed featuring the silicone gasket mount structure, added sound-absorbing foam, Poron foam utilization, and a thick silicone damping bottom pad which all provide a responsive and satisfying typing sound.

On top of the solid design, the TH96 is versatile to boost working productivity by featuring a scroll knob on the top right corner. From changing the volume to scrolling through panels, this CNC-machined metal knob can be used to enhance your creative workflow depending on the program being used. Offering Bluetooth 5.0 and/or 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity on top of wired connectivities, the TH96 Tri-Connectivities version allows users to connect up to 3 simultaneous devices and seamlessly switch between, say, a laptop, smartphone, or tablet. It's also compatible with both Windows and macOS layouts. To better feed different preferences, the Tri-Connectivities version can be remapped using the provided proprietary software to change the key layout depending on user needs. While every mechanical keyboard delivers different sounds and typing feel due to the various different fixed switches, the TH96 features hot swappable and south-facing LEDs, thus allowing users to easily change the switches and keycaps without worrying about any interference from keycaps hitting the switches either.
Program with QMK/VIA
A long requested feature from Epomaker's community members is realized today! The TH96 also offers a QMK/VIA wired version to keyboard professionals who are fond of customizing their keyboards. QMK/VIA are open source resources published on GitHub which allow users to program individual layers, create macros, and remap each key on the keyboard with ease. Equipped with this popular feature, the Epomaker TH96 delivers endless possibilities for layouts, shortcuts, backlight effects, and much more.

Epomaker Customized Switches
The latest Epomaker customized switches- Flamingo Linear switch and Budgerigar Tactile switch- are also the team's proud announcement along with the TH96 today. With a total travel distance of 38 mm, the Flamingo features dual extended springs which exhibit an impressive rebound force for faster typing. True to its name, every Flamingo switch comes with pink and purple housing, and has an initial force of 45 grams so each key press recalls the smooth feeling of gliding under the wind. On the other hand, the Budgerigar delivers the next iteration of tactile typing, optimized for an authentic feel with unrivaled consistency. Rated for 100 million presses and an initial force of 47 grams, it provides a welcome tactile threshold without any wobbling.

Pricing and Availability
Epomaker TH96 is released at 11:00 AM on 16th June (ET) on Kickstarter. The super early bird price starts at $119 on a first-come-first-serve service. The TH96 is available in different versions and color schemes. All the versions can be used for macOS and Windows. For more details, please visit the Epomaker TH96 Kickstarter Campaign.
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13 Comments on Introducing Epomaker TH96 - A QMK/VIA Gasket Mount Hotswappable Mechanical Keyboard

#1
Chaitanya
What form factor is the battery and is it user replaceable?
Posted on Reply
#2
VSG
Editor, Reviews & News
ChaitanyaWhat form factor is the battery and is it user replaceable?
I have one coming next month for review, but I imagine it will be no different from the usual such as seen here: www.techpowerup.com/review/epomaker-lite/4.html
Posted on Reply
#3
ZetZet
Does anyone have Epomaker keyboard and use it plugged in? I wonder how the battery management works. I don't see the appeal of wireless keyboards, but I do love the look and layout of this one, I do not love the possibility of having a lithium bomb on my desk though.
Posted on Reply
#4
erocker
*
I can't stand it when an established business goes through Kickstarter.
Posted on Reply
#5
ne6togadno
ZetZetDoes anyone have Epomaker keyboard and use it plugged in? I wonder how the battery management works. I don't see the appeal of wireless keyboards, but I do love the look and layout of this one, I do not love the possibility of having a lithium bomb on my desk though.
$159/$169 pledges are wired only
Posted on Reply
#6
VSG
Editor, Reviews & News
ne6togadno$159/$169 pledges are wired only
Not only that, the wired ones have a different microcontroller that supports QMK and VIA if you want to use those over the default GK6XPlus software that's not great.
Posted on Reply
#7
LocutusH
I actually backed this as early bird. I like the looks and features of it. Wireless is also nice, and i dont really care about software, my backlighting will be just set to a fixed color anyways.

I just hope i can specify layout, keycaps and switches once it reaches the date, because there was no option for this in the backing process now? (am new to kickstarter)
Posted on Reply
#8
VSG
Editor, Reviews & News
LocutusHI actually backed this as early bird. I like the looks and features of it. Wireless is also nice, and i dont really care about software, my backlighting will be just set to a fixed color anyways.

I just hope i can specify layout, keycaps and switches once it reaches the date, because there was no option for this in the backing process now? (am new to kickstarter)
Yeah they will send out a survey form after the campaign ends where you fill out the specifics you want.
Posted on Reply
#9
r9
Don't get the point of the gasket mount. Building expensive mechanical keyboard so it can feel more like rubber dome ?!
Posted on Reply
#10
ne6togadno
switches are still mechanical.
gasket is between switches and mounting plate for the switches.
in theory it should dampen noise and vibrations from pressing switches so that they are not transferred to mounting plate.
this way plate wont act as noise amplifier in the hollow space of kb casing.
we will see how it works in practice.
Posted on Reply
#11
Hxx
what's the point of south facing LEDs? No shine through keycap will look right on it , just a wasted feature. I wish they had a variant with north facing for those who don't have issues with key cap compatibility and then one without any leds.
Keyboard looks good but at such a low price for the feature set i'm hoping they didnt have to cut too many corners.
Posted on Reply
#12
LocutusH
Instead of august with all the delays november, but finally i got mine :)
And it is awesome!

Posted on Reply
#13
VSG
Editor, Reviews & News
LocutusHInstead of august with all the delays november, but finally i got mine :)
And it is awesome!

Nice, mine is on the way too!
Posted on Reply
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