I certainly have mixed feelings about the Epomaker NT68, and I went in quite curious about how the keyboard would differentiate itself from other 65% keyboards we have seen thus far, including some from Epomaker itself. I suppose it's a good thing I don't rate any products in the crowdfunding stage, but I suspect the current implementation of the NT68 Low Profile would not have gotten an award either way. Things are more half-baked than I would like, especially with the main feature meant to differentiate this keyboard from others. The NT68 Regular covered separately here ends up far better and is certainly the one I would go for from among the two.

To be clear, I do not have a MacBook Pro, which clearly seems the designated use case for the NT68. In fact, most of the marketing photos use the macOS layout with keys that are basically a 1:1 reproduction of the MacBook Pro 13 keyboard. The form factor and size of the NT68 also allow it to fit on top of the laptop keyboard, with the integrated magnets holding it in place. The included case doubles up as a stand, and magnets again help secure it under the MacBook for use as a laptop stand—you may end up choking airflow into the laptop, though. There is Windows support as well, but Epomaker would be the first to agree that the NT68 is targeting macOS users.

My main issue was more with the stand that comes with the NT68 Low Profile, which is not really user-friendly, and this pre-production sample differs slightly from the NT68 Regular as it can't as conveniently host mobile devices in front. The stock keycaps are also not as well-built as far as longevity goes, but I understand why given the practical aspects of making this low-profile. It does mean that you can better try out different typing layouts here, and I do appreciate the keyboard generally taking a more universal approach to the 65% keyboard layout on the right side, with the backspace key shifted in for four modifier keys. Whether or not you agree with the bottom row, the keycap profile makes adjusting to it somewhat easier, too.

The Epomaker NT68 costs more than the average 65% keyboard from China, including the popular GK68XS with a similar feature set, down to the unfortunately unoptimized software experience. The main reason to get the NT68 is for the carry case/stand/magnets-based versatility, but the low-profile option may interest others, too. Just remember that the included cables are tiny for any wired application outside of using the keyboard on top of a laptop, so account for this before you decide to back it on Kickstarter or not. I would personally skip the NT68 Low Profile in its current iteration unless Epomaker at the very least revises the case, and replacing the keycap puller would be nice seeing as how the current one is useless here.