Epomaker Tide75 Review: Close to Great, but Needs Some Tweaks
The Epomaker Tide75 is a solid 75% mechanical keyboard with plenty of promise, but a few quirks keep it from reaching its full potential. For $119, you get a premium aluminum build, wireless connectivity, and zebra switches, but does it justify the price? Here’s a deep dive into the Tide75 and whether it’s the right fit for you.
Pros:
- Solid Aluminum Build: The Tide75 has a premium feel with its sturdy aluminum frame, making it both durable and aesthetically pleasing on any desk.
- Wireless Connectivity: With wireless capabilities, a USB-C option, and an included dongle, you have flexibility in how you connect the keyboard to your devices.
- Zebra Switches: These ultra-light 40g switches offer a smooth, quiet typing experience, ideal for long work sessions or gaming.
- VIA Compatibility: Full VIA support right out of the box allows for seamless customization of your key layout.
- Great Typing Sound: The Tide75 has a nice, uniform typing sound that feels satisfying with each keystroke.
Cons:
- Dim RGB Lighting: Despite the side-printed keycaps, the RGB backlighting isn’t bright enough, making it difficult to see the keys in low light.
- Off-Centered Knob: The knob feels wobbly and off-center, which detracts from the otherwise premium build quality.
- Limited Keycap Options: The included keycaps are available in only a few colors, and the font can be hard to read. Custom keycap options would enhance this keyboard’s appeal.
- USB-C Port Issues: Some users report that the USB-C connection feels scratchy, making it difficult to plug in and out.
- Lack of Heavier Switch Options: The default zebra switches are very light (40g), which might lead to accidental keypresses for some users. Having more switch options would benefit a wider audience.
Conclusion:
The Epomaker Tide75 has a lot going for it in terms of build quality, switch feel, and wireless capabilities, but a few key areas like lighting and quality control need improvement. With a bit more attention to detail and additional customization options, this keyboard could easily be a top contender in the 75% layout category. However, for now, it remains a solid, but slightly flawed, choice for those who value typing experience over visual flair.
