Following up on the popularity of the RT100 and its distinctive secondary display, Epomaker has just announced the Epomaker RT85, the latest addition to their RT keyboard lineup. While many of Epomaker’s products lean toward a stylish, minimalist aesthetic, the RT series has always been about combining classic looks with modern innovation, and the RT85 perfectly embodies this blend.
Epomaker RT85
Encased in a chassis that intentionally screams retro cool, the RT85 is far more than just a throwback. It features a modern TFT screen, a fun four-way joystick, and a fancy five-layer sound-dampening gasket system. This means you’re getting a major upgrade across sight, sound, and touch!
Taking cues from consumer electronics of the twentieth century, the keyboard comes in two distinct colour schemes: a calming green with white accents and a more vintage white accented by grey and vibrant orange.
Key Features at a Glance
- Retro Design: Inspired by classic electronics with a deliberately vintage-style chassis.
- Interactive Display: The TFT module above the function row displays time, control panel options, and user-uploaded animations.
- Four-Way Joystick: Positioned near the arrow keys for easy, driver-free adjustments to volume and RGB lighting.
- Advanced Acoustics: Five-layer sound-dampening system for a deep, resonant keystroke.
- Tactile Rotary Dial: Replaces a traditional switch for selecting the connection mode.
- Ergonomics: Cherry-profile PBT keycaps and a three-angle adjustable kickstand.
- Tri-Mode Connectivity: USB-C, 2.4 GHz, and Bluetooth for broad compatibility.
- Long Battery Life: 8,000 mAh battery offers extended wireless operation (with backlighting disabled).
Innovative Controls and Interactive Display
Epomaker has replaced the standard sliding switch for connection mode selection with a cool rotary dial. It’s satisfying; tactile steps are designed to be reminiscent of tuning an analogue television. They’ve also kept things clean with a magnetically secured 2.4 GHz receiver bay, which keeps the keyboard’s lines sleek and uncluttered.
The star of the show, however, might be the TFT module situated above the function row. This display can function as a clock, a control panel, or even a place to show off your own user-uploaded animations.
Next to the arrow keys, you’ll find a joystick that allows for quick adjustments to the volume and RGB lighting all without needing to mess around with drivers. This is a neat little feature that enhances real-time interactivity, whether you’re gaming or just dealing with multimedia.
Acoustic and Typing Experience
If you love a satisfying thock, this keyboard aims to deliver. Sound refinement is achieved through a serious five-layer specialised damping system, which includes PORON sandwich foam, IXPE switch pad, PET sound enhancement pad, EPDM switch socket foam, and a silicone bottom. All these elements work in harmony with the factory-lubed switches and precision-balanced stabilisers. The result, according to Epomaker, is a keystroke that is “deep, resonant, and free from high-frequency noise.”
To further reduce typing fatigue during marathon sessions, a flex-cut PC positioning plate sits within a gasket mount to ensure consistent flex across the board.
Ergonomics hasn’t been overlooked, either. The keyboard comes with Cherry-profile PBT keycaps and an adjustable kickstand that gives you three different typing angles. Customisation is fully supported via the updated Epomaker Driver, which allows for key remapping, macro recording, sensitivity adjustment, and per-key RGB configuration.
What We Think
The Epomaker RT85 looks like a fantastic fusion of nostalgia and modern keyboard technology. The retro-inspired design is genuinely appealing, and the inclusion of both the interactive TFT screen and the volume/RGB joystick offers real, practical functionality that you don’t see on every board. The commitment to a top-tier acoustic experience with that five-layer damping system suggests this won’t just look good, but will also feel and sound great to type on. For anyone looking for a mechanical keyboard that stands out from the crowd without sacrificing performance, the RT85 is definitely one to watch.
Price and Availability
The Epomaker RT85 is currently on sale for just $85.99 on the official Epomaker website, Amazon, and AliExpress.
