The Epomaker x Leobog Hi75 is among the absolute best budget-friendly mechanical keyboards I’ve ever examined.
Whether or not you’re new to mechanical keyboards or a seasoned collector, it’s price having a look at this distinctive pre-built board. It options one of the absolute best sounding funds switches in the market, a complete aluminum alloy case, and a slew of customization choices for less than $100.
Right here’s an in-depth have a look at the Epomaker x Leobog Hi75.
Epomaker x Leobog Hi75 worth and configurations
The Epomaker x Leobog Hi75 is to be had in numerous prebuilt configurations. You’ll be able to choose between 3 keycap shapes: MDA, Cherry, and SOA. The MDA variant is available in blue and inexperienced colorways and the SOA variant has 3 totally other designs to select from. The Cherry variant is to be had handiest within the blue and white colorway.
Along with the keycaps, you additionally get to select which transferes your prebuilt Hi75 comes with. At time of writing, the 2 choices are the tactile Construction Block transfer or the linear Nimbus transfer. I extremely suggest the Construction Block transfer (on Amazon the Construction Block transfer is renamed the “Juggle V2”). It was once integrated in my assessment configuration, which was once the “Magic Undergo” design that includes a lavender crimson case and SOA keycaps. In the event you’re now not certain which transfer is best for you, take a look at our information to the sorts of mechanical keyboard switches.
All prebuilt configurations are $99 and feature the similar measurement case, which measures 12.9 x 5.3 x 1.7 inches and weighs a hefty 2.7 kilos. That implies the Hi75 is just a little heavy for wearing round, however the weight does upload steadiness to your table.
Along with prebuilt configurations, you’ll be able to additionally purchase the Hi75 as a barebones equipment which simply contains the pre-assembled case, permitting you so as to add whichever keycaps and switches you wish to have. There are extra case colours to make a choice from if you happen to get the barebones equipment. It’s additionally just a little more cost effective at $75.
Epomaker x Leobog Hi75 design
The design of the Epomaker x Leobog Hi75 varies relying on which configuration you get, however the case is identical around the board (albeit, in numerous colours). One of the most first issues I realized about this keyboard is how heavy it’s. That’s due to the whole aluminum alloy case, which guarantees superb sturdiness. It has rubber grip pads at the backside, however the case is so heavy you’ll infrequently want them.
One problem to the case is the loss of top adjustment toes. That is in all probability because of the load of the aluminum case. I discovered the perspective and top comfy for typing, but when top adjustment is a must have for you, then the Hi75 is probably not the most productive are compatible.
But even so the construct high quality, there have been two different options I really like in regards to the Hi75’s case design: the multi-function knob and the gasket construction. The knob is plastic, so it would now not attraction to lovers of steel knobs. Alternatively, I respect that Epomaker a minimum of integrated a knob and I just like the slight tactile comments it has whilst you flip it.
The knob additionally lets you switch between “Workplace” mode and “Gaming” mode via urgent and keeping it. In administrative center mode, you’ll be able to flip the knob to regulate quantity or faucet it to mute. In gaming mode tapping the knob toggles throughout the quite a lot of backlighting results and turning it adjusts the backlighting brightness.
The gasket construction within the Hi75 has relatively just a little of flex, but it surely doesn’t really feel “smooth” when typing. In the event you’ve by no means used a gasket fixed keyboard ahead of, it’s possible you’ll realize that key presses really feel just a little softer when bottoming out in comparison to stiffer plate fixed keyboards.
Epomaker x Leobog Hi75 keys
The switches are the actual spotlight of the Epomaker x Leobog Hi75. The Construction Block switches integrated with my assessment unit are one of the absolute best sounding mechanical keyboard switches I’ve ever attempted. One of the simplest ways to explain them is “poppy.” They aren’t as prime pitched as clicky switches, however they aren’t as low pitched as “thocky” linear switches. They’ve a clean “pop” tone when bottoming out that’s each distinctive and pleasing.
I were given compliments straight away when the usage of this keyboard right through a Discord name (briefly adopted via requests for the hyperlink to shop for it). The Construction Block switches don’t simply sound nice, both. In addition they really feel nice for each typing and gaming. I beloved typing for hours on finish with those switches and located them comfy for taking part in some Palia and Stardew Valley on the finish of the day.
It took just a little of searching, however I did set up to search out the specifications for those switches. They’re also known as the “Leobog Juggle V2”, as indexed at the Amazon web page for the Hi75. That also is the identify maximum regularly used when those switches are bought stand by myself, even though they’re very exhausting to return via. They’ve an actuation power of 36 grams with 3.6mm of key commute. Whilst that’s a horny low actuation power, those switches do really feel heavier than maximum others I’ve used. Alternatively, that’s in all probability because of the numerous tactile bump they’ve.
The keycaps integrated on my assessment unit are the SOA profile “Magic Undergo” set. The SOA keycap choices all function adorable, artsy designs that aren’t for everybody however undoubtedly are amusing for the ones searching for a novel, comfy aesthetic. They function a amusing marker-style font and little illustrations at the greater keys.
Design apart, the SOA profile keycap form is tremendous at ease to kind on. The fabric is clean however matte, so it by no means were given slippery whilst typing or gaming. The SOA profile keycap form is just a little just like the Cherry profile, however with huge, rounded tops. You’ll be able to all the time go for the Cherry profile configuration if you happen to’re used to the usual keycap form or just desire a extra fundamental keycap design.
Epomaker x Leobog Hi75 efficiency
I beloved typing and gaming at the Epomaker x Leobog Hi75 such a lot right through my trying out that it has transform considered one of my major keyboards. The tactile comments from the Construction Block switches is solely sufficient to be pleasing whilst typing with out tiring out my palms and wrists. I typed at the Hi75 for round 8 hours consistent with day and averaged 86 wpm with 96% at the Monkeytype typing check, which is just a little upper than my conventional reasonable of 84 wpm and 94.3% accuracy.
Alternatively, the tactile bump and (probably) upper actuation power can have an effect on gaming efficiency. I want very gentle linear switches for fast paced video games, so the Construction Block switches weren’t superb for the entire titles I usually play, like Enshrouded and Nightingale. Alternatively, they have been great for extra informal, comfortable video games like Stardew Valley and Minecraft.
In the event you basically play informal or slower-paced video games and desire a comfy keyboard on your setup, the Hi75 is a smart pick out. In the event you’re searching for an esports keyboard, although, you could be at an advantage with one thing just like the Endgame Equipment KB65HE or the Akko MOD007B, either one of which use gentle Corridor Impact switches.
Epomaker x Leobog Hi75 connectivity
One of the most handiest downsides to the Epomaker x Leobog Hi75 is the loss of wi-fi connectivity choices. You’ll be able to handiest use it stressed out by means of a removable USB-C cable. The integrated cable is braided and coiled, which might be great perks.
I didn’t have any connectivity problems with both the USB-C port or the integrated cable, however I do want the port at the again of the keyboard wasn’t recessed into the case such a lot. This boundaries the third-party USB-C cables you’ll be able to use with the Hi75 since there’s restricted room for the cable header.
Epomaker x Leobog Hi75 tool
The Epomaker x Leobog Hi75 has some preset lights modes you’ll be able to switch thru at once from the keyboard, however if you wish to create a customized lights design, you’ll be able to achieve this throughout the Leobog Hi75 motive force. You’ll be able to obtain the app at once from the Epomaker web page.
So far as keyboard tool is going, this app is lovely fundamental, but it surely ran smartly in my trying out. You’ll be able to view all the preset lights modes, create a customized lights mode, view and set macros, modify key bindings, and tweak a handful of efficiency settings.
The one quirk I realized was once that converting key colours in a customized lights mode calls for tapping a key two times, first to transparent the present colour on it and once more to set the brand new colour. It’s now not a large deal, but when your customized lights theme doesn’t appear to be operating, it’s possible you’ll simply wish to faucet every key once more with the brand new colour.
Base line
General, the Epomaker x Leobog Hi75 is considered one of my favourite mechanical keyboards I’ve attempted due to its incredible sound and construct high quality. The unique Construction Block switches have simply sufficient tactile comments and one of the absolute best “poppy” keystrokes sounds I’ve ever heard. Whilst it might be great to have a wi-fi connectivity choice, you in point of fact can’t move improper with this keyboard taking into consideration it’s simply $99.
The Hi75 is incredible for typing and informal gaming, however is probably not the most productive for esports and fast paced video games. In the event you’re searching for one thing very similar to the Hi75 that’s geared just a little extra towards gaming, take a look at the Akko MOD007B, which is identical measurement and has in a similar way amusing designs however comes with rapid, gentle magnetic switches. You’ll be able to additionally take a look at our information to the absolute best gaming keyboards for much more choices.
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