Lighting and Performance

The Epomaker Lite keyboard supports N-key rollover USB out of the box, which tested successfully using Aqua's test. As expected, it switches to 6KRO in wireless mode with Bluetooth. Switch Hitter confirmed no chatter with these keys. Also note the base layer above, which shows which functions have dedicated keys on the keyboard. Finally, Switch Hitter does not care about the order in which the keys are pressed, but the bottom row is still different from the usual with R. Ctrl and Fn swapped.


Layers are going to be your best friend on most smaller form-factor keyboards, and the Epomaker Lite is no exception. I mentioned before how the ABS keycap versions have the layer-specific legends, which will help with the learning curve, as you get used to working with Fn for many things. Seen above are some of the various pre-programmed options on this keyboard, where the Fn layer brings back most of the functionality of a TKL-sized keyboard at least. I did find how different the dual OS support is interesting, with Epomaker opting for more native macOS functions rather than the Fn keys themselves. Additionally, there are controls over backlighting, Bluetooth pairing, and device selection, as well as on/off controls for both the keyboard and any associated lighting in wireless mode, which helps a lot in the absence of dedicated on/off buttons.

When the keyboard is first connected via USB or Bluetooth, irrespective of whether or not the software drivers are installed, it lights up in a rainbow wave effect. This also confirms the opaque nature of the PBT keycaps, so if you prefer a vivid light show, perhaps the version with the translucent ABS plastic case and pudding-style keycaps is for you.


Here is a look at some of of the lighting options, with the Epomaker Lite supporting not only pre-programmed static, dynamic, and reactive lighting effects, but also your own custom per-key lighting based on both onboard controls and the software drivers. I used the software primarily for finer control, where you have full 16.8 M colors on offer. Multi-color mode is a great way to test for light bleed. While light bleed is minimal, it also shows that the keycaps are not all perfectly straight. This can be in the form of switch-stem wobble, but also any play in the keycaps fitted over the switches. I can't speak for the other versions, but note that this is only obvious in a dark environment with the LEDs shining through the gaps. Turning all LEDs white makes for a similar effect, but the stabilizer section of the PCB being orange, it reflects just as much. Though handy for showing the various operating states and battery level, I wouldn't get this specific version of the keyboard for its LEDs.

Onboard functionality is quite strong thus, with the various pre-programmed controls and customization options working alongside full software-based key mapping and macro recording and assignment. The various layers also make logical sense, which is a must for 60% keyboards, which does make the Epomaker Lite a decent portable option that is also ergonomic by reducing finger travel between keystrokes. It can be associated with your favorite games and/or productivity tools as a macro pad, with the smaller form factor also putting the mouse all the closer to your hands and in a straight line to your shoulders. Using the keyboard in wired mode is self-explanatory, with the USB connection charging the internal 4000 mAh battery for Bluetooth mode. The Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity works flawlessly and backward compatible with down to Bluetooth 3.0. You can pair the Epomaker Lite with up to three devices simultaneously, but it will only work with one device at a time. Battery life is on the order of weeks with no backlighting, but only ~8–10 hours with the default lighting effects, which turn off after inactivity, as does the keyboard. You can change this using controls covered earlier on this page. Missing is a dedicated battery-life indicator, although the LEDs on the keyboard warn you when the charge is low. There is no fast-charging, so it's an overnight affair of 8–10 hours when you do get around to it.


The Gateron Pro Yellow only differs from the regular Milky Yellow in that it comes lightly pre-lubed, and Gateron also claims a better mold for tighter tolerances with the moving parts. There may or may not be some gold plating on the metal contacts since none is visible to the naked eye. It is a linear switch rated to be slightly heavier than the Cherry MX Red, but with the same respective actuation and total travel distances of 2.0/4.0 mm. Actuation force is thus expected to be near the rated 50 gf with a bottoming-out force of ~60 gf. A random test of twenty switches showed these were not only quite consistent, but very close to the rated numbers. Even using the switches was a pleasure because of the smoother travel, which the lube makes even better. The Gateron Pro would be a very good upgrade for those used to the Cherry MX Red because of various gaming keyboards since it won't feel too different, just better overall while having enough resistance to keep regular typists happy as well. Keeping to 2.0/4.0 mm travel is also good overall; while not a fast gaming switch, it will be a very good general switch, and from what I am told, these switches are selling well, too.


As always, the sound of a keyboard is based on more than just the switch type. So when comparing sound clips, consider the keyboard as a whole. In this case, I have provided above an example sound clip of me typing on the Epomaker Lite keyboard sample at ~75 WPM as it comes out of the box with the aluminium case, PBT keycaps, and Gateron Pro Yellow switches. For context, you can find sound clips from other keyboards here, including those with linear switches. I did bottom out more often than not, but this is a well-damped keyboard with no other source of sound but the switches themselves. There are no felt reverberations, and even the actual typing experience is excellent, and feels supported. It may not be a traditional gasket-mount design, or even a true one based on some thoughts, but does the job well enough to where I am more than content.