Epomaker Skyloong GK87 Kit: Packaging and Closer Look

This may be new to you, but I have seen enough Epomaker/Skyloong keyboards and kits to know what is going on already. That said, this is from an older manufacturing run since the packaging does not have the new logos for both brands. Instead, we see the older glossy Skyloong logo on the otherwise bare gray cardboard box. Only a sticker on the side confirms the GK87 is inside, and in the black color option at that. A double flap in the middle and two side flaps keep the contents in place in transit. Opening the box, we see the keyboard kit inside a plastic wrap. The accessories are found on top, in a separate cardboard compartment for cleaner packaging, which also prevents the kit from accidentally getting scratched.


The included quick-start guide comes in both English and Mandarin and goes over the base layer of the GK87. This is self-explanatory on this TKL form factor kit, although it also informs us about three available layers that are saved onboard for added functionality. There is even software support with the GK6XPlus drivers, and you get an ad with photos of other Epomaker/Skyloong products. There is a second piece of paperwork, this time directly over the keyboard inside the plastic wrap, which is more of a cautionary note talking about how to install the switches properly. The other accessories include a detachable USB Type-A to Type-C cable, plastic ring keycap puller, and metal switch remover tool. The latter two are not my choice for a keyboard kit, and I would rather see the combo metal wire keycap puller/switch remover tool Epomaker has included in other keyboards/kits.


Since the unboxing section was so short, I decided to include some of the closer examination here instead. There is not much to talk about that the photos above already do not convey, however. This is a tenkeyless (TKL) 87-key keyboard kit in the ANSI layout, measuring 326 x 137 mm and available in black or white. I have the black variant, and the color translates to the ABS plastic case, with the white version having a black Skyloong sticker instead. That is incidentally the only visible branding in use and again a clear sign that Skyloong (the factory) is boldly using its own brand rather than relying on Epomaker branding. Either color option uses the same white steel plate, which will help with RGB lighting if that is a consideration for you. The case is a two-piece design, with the top separated into various compartments to split up the different keys.


Flipping the kit around, we see the usual certification sticker on the back and four long rubber pads that add friction against the resting surface. There are two sets of feet at the top, which can be raised for a total of three available elevation steps. These feet have fairly substantial rubber pads as well, which is nice to see. A small hole here reveals what could be a hardware reset button on the PCB, but let's examine that in more detail later. There are also three cable-routing channels, which is a feature I would at the very least like see on all plastic case keyboards moving forward.


Following up on that, we see the actual Type-C port in an inset centrally placed such that some aftermarket cables may struggle to fit in. The stock cable is decent enough, in a black, braided sleeve and terminated in two gold-plated connectors for oxidation resistance. Once inserted, the cable can be routed away from the mouse for both left and right-handed users, as well as the default of straight up and away. A full-size USB Type-A port is required on the source, and with the 5 V/380 mA rating here, USB 2.0 will suffice for power and data alike.