Evo80 Mechanical Keyboard Review – Endgame in TKL Form?

Purchase your own here: ⌨️ Evo 80 Keyboard

There’s something magical about the moment you take a keyboard out of the box and realize: oh… this one is different. That’s what happened with the Evo80 from Evo Works, a tri-mode mechanical keyboard that delivers one of the most polished out-of-the-box typing experiences I’ve ever tested.

It’s rare that a pre-built feels premium inside and out, and gets the acoustics right, and brings small design choices that actually matter. But somehow, the Evo80 pulls it off.

And yeah… mine has cats on it. More on that later.

🧰 Build Quality & Design: Heavy, Intentional, Thoughtful

First off, this board is heavy. In a good way. From the moment you lift the box, gorgeous, by the way, you’re met with a sense of intentionality. The packaging includes everything you need and then some:

Keycap & switch pullers
Extra gaskets for mounting customization
Mac & Windows-compatible keycaps
Wireless dongle (with built-in magnetic storage!)
Braided USB-C cable
A hard-shell carry case (that rivals Wooting’s premium options)

This is not a gimmick board. Every detail feels purposeful, from the thick rubber feet to the weighty rear plate and the ball-and-catch mounting system that makes taking it apart easy for mods.

The design is minimalist, sleek, and functional. There are no kickstand feet, it rests at a permanently steep typing angle. Some users might need a bit of adjustment, but I found it comfortable after a day or two. And that tri-mode connectivity? Works seamlessly out of the box.

🎧 Sound Profile – “Bubble Wrap Thock”

Let’s talk sound, because oh my. I opted for the Azur switches, and they deliver a sound that can only be described as “bubble wrap thock”. It’s poppy, slightly clacky, with a crisp resonance that somehow manages to feel both refined and satisfying.

It’s not that overwhelming, deep “THOCK” some boards chase. Instead, it’s the feel-good pop that makes you want to type everything, including things you don’t need to type.

This thing is quiet enough for solo workspaces but has just enough volume to please acoustic nerds. The stabilizers are tuned shockingly well from the factory. No tick. No rattle. The only weak link is the spacebar, which is slightly more hollow sounding than the rest of the board. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s noticeable if you’re listening for it.

If you want something even quieter, there’s an Oat switch option with a PP plate that might be more up your alley.

🐱 Customization – The Cat’s Meow

Out of the box, the Evo80 has a balanced, subdued keycap set with lovely rounded edges and a soft, chalk-like PBT texture. But I had other plans.

I swapped mine out with Canon Keys’ kitty keycaps, because if I’m going to type on a board this nice, I want it to spark joy. The board’s Nimbus colorway matches beautifully, and the pudding-style caps even let a bit of subtle RGB sneak through the paws.

There’s plenty of layout flexibility, too: I love that you can reposition the caps lock switch from left to right depending on your preferred cap profile. That level of attention to detail is rare.

One caveat: when I moved the switch, I did break it. Luckily, the board comes with spares, but it’s a reminder that this isn’t invincible hardware.

Tri-Mode & Storage That Makes Sense

Evo Works didn’t just slap Bluetooth on this thing and call it a day. You get full tri-mode connectivity, Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless (via included dongle), and wired USB-C.

And here’s the kicker: the dongle stores magnetically inside the board. You literally lift the top plate (ball-and-catch design FTW), drop the dongle into a fitted magnetic slot, and seal it back up. That kind of design thinking is rare and deeply appreciated.

Also, the power switch is under the caps lock key. It’s a minor annoyance if you like toggling power often, but not a dealbreaker. For most, it’s set-and-forget.

Colorways, Pricing & Options

At $169, the Evo80 delivers more value than some boards twice its price. You can also pick from an impressive lineup of colorways:

Nimbus (gray/white/silver/teal)
Tyrion Purple
Sand Gold
Scarlet Red
Spray Painted Iceberg
Cream
Baby Pink
White Cork
Yellow
Blackout

Pair that with switch options (Azur or Oat), and you’ve got a board that adapts to your taste, sound preference, and aesthetic.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

Price: It’s punching above it’s weight class!
Tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, USB-C)
Azur switches deliver fantastic, unique sound
Gasket mounting with butterfly spring = pillowy feel
Ball-and-catch case = super easy modding
Magnetic dongle storage (yes!)
Swappable caps lock switch position
Great factory tuning , stabilizers feel modded out of the box
PBT keycaps feel chalky, soft, thick, and premium
VIA/QMK Support

❌ Cons

No knob or slider , personal preference, but still missed
Power switch under caps lock requires a puller
Caps lock LED can be annoying unless repositioned
Spacebar sounds slightly hollow
Switch broke during repositioning (spares included, thankfully)
RGB is subtle , if you’re into glow-sticks, look elsewhere

Final Thoughts – Is It Your Endgame?

If you love the TKL layout, want excellent acoustics out of the box, and prefer a board that just works without fuss, this is it.

While some enthusiasts may still prefer building customs from scratch, the Evo80 makes a strong case for not bothering. The design is tight, the sound is refined, and the experience is sublime. Add a knob and fix the caps lock LED / power annoyance, and this would literally be my perfect keyboard.

Even without those tweaks, the Evo80 has already earned a permanent spot on my desk.

Purchase your own here: ⌨️ Evo 80 Keyboard

And yes, it still has the cats.