Epomaker P65

8.8

SCORE

8.8/10

Pros

Superior build
Via programmable
High quality components
Sound

Cons

No dust cover included
Keycaps could be too classic for some

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Epomaker P65

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Epomaker P65, part of the latest upper-tier keyboards from Epomaker.

The Epomaker P65 joins the P series as the most compact model of the line but preserving the superior level of build and internals of the bigger siblings.

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Epomaker P65 Review

Tests & Scores

ACCESSORIES & PACKAGING
^4.25^_/5

Being part of the upper-tier keyboards from the brand, the Epomaker P65 comes inside a much better packaging than on most other keyboards from the brand.

With the device you will also get:

• 3 extra switches
• Hex key
• Dongle
• USB cable
• Keycap/switch puller

DESIGN
⁴^_/5

The first impression that we got when unboxing the Epomaker P65 was a déjà vu effect with the Epomaker Tide75 and Epomaker P87 that we have reviewed some time ago. In fact, both keyboards share plenty of qualities and design elements.

The clearest difference is that the Epomaker P65 is a more compact 65% keyboard with 66 keys and a knob.

Overall, the P65 has a very DIY barebones kit vibe and this is not a surprise as the Epomaker P65 is actually a fully pre-assembled keyboard but build over a DIY barebones style case.

As you can expect from this type of keyboard, the bottom has 4 silicone feet but you will not find any adjustable feet.

The Epomaker P65 is available in 2 different colors:

• Epomaker P65 black
• Epomaker P65 khaki

CONSTRUCTION & BUILD
⁵^_/5

We mentioned the close relation of the P65 with a DIY barebones kit and, indeed, this model has 6 screws on the bottom case (and includes the hex key) to easily disassemble the keyboard and go through any desired modding with ease.

On top of that and the most noticeable detail of the P65 is its tank-alike build thanks to a heftily rugged CNC aluminum alloy case and a resulting weight of 1.3kg – this is far from the heaviest metal keyboard that we have reviewed but the compact body makes it be perceived as heavy as larger ones entering the almost 2kg class.

This is a case that will probably last longer than yourself.

Inside, the Epomaker P65 sports premium components inline with the external feel of the unit; which includes: 5 layers of dampening, a gasket-mount design, PC plate and a hot-swappable board to skip the need of any soldering to replace the switches.

The specific layers of sound dampening are a bottom EVA, bottom foam, PET pad, IXPE switch pad and sandwich foam.

KEYCAPS
⁴^_/5

Quality-wise the keycaps of the Epomaker P65 are superb with a thick amount of PBT use for their construction and a nice subtle textured finish.

On the other hand, the keycaps have a conservative color theme with white fonts over black keycaps that when combined with its classic Cherry profile and, also, classic fonts, can risk to be perceived a bit dull by some users.

Most of our editors agreed thought that it did not make it look boring but, instead, it matched the clean and very black-centered core of the model – in fact, many premium barebone kits and keycaps set that we have reviewed have a similar aesthetic approach.

On the upper right corner, the case holds a metal knob that offers excellent resistance:smoothness ratio to be precise but easily manageable with a single finger. The rotational movement responds with tactile but silent feedback per notch.

SWITCHES
^4.25^_/5

The P65 can be bought with Epomaker Zebra or Epomaker Wisteria switches; both of them are linear mechanical switches.

The model that we are reviewing came with the Zebra switches.

Epomaker Zebra switches have been used in many modern Epomaker keyboards and we have, actually, reviewed plenty of them using these switches.

Zebra linears are lighter and faster than Wisteria switches but still provide error-free typing without being overly light as to register unwanted inputs.

If you find many of the 50gf linear switches too heavy for your preference, you will love the Zebra switches as they are not only faster but they feel snappier and can be a good ally for very fast typers.

Switch Name
Epomaker Zebra Switch
Switch Type
5-pin Linear, Factory Lubed
Trigger Force
40±3 gf
Bottom-out Force
45±5 gf
Pre-Travel
1.8±0.3mm
Total Travel
3.8mm
Material
POM (Stem), PC (Top Case), Nylon (Bottom Case)
Life spans
5,000,000

CON

CONNECTIVITY
^4.75^_/5

Many keyboards with this quality of metal case or DIY barebone kits lack wireless connections and are limited to wired only use.

Instead, the Epomaker P65 can be used wired and wirelessly; even more, the keeb works wirelessly with either 2.4G wireless connectivity (dongle included) or through the internal Bluetooth module with 3 independent slots for 3 devices in BT mode.

If you are into gaming and like the compact form factor and premium quality of the P65, you will be glad to know that the keyboard reaches a polling rate of 1000Hz, 3ms of latency and supports anti-ghosting (N-key rollover)

SOUND
⁵^_/5

The Epomaker P65 inherits the sound profile that we have seen in other P and Tide series, with a high-class, refined clacky-poppy personality – expect also a less audible keypress than on some other keebs.

Every single stabilizer in the P65 is flawlessly pre-lubed from factory with no rattle noises ever and a mushy-free performance – no manual lubing is needed.

The quint layered dampening and premium components proved to do a pristine job enhancing the sound quality of the model while keeping under full control any issue such as resonance, pinging, etc.

BATTERY
⁴^_/5

To power the unit in wireless modes, the Epomaker P65 holds inside a 4000mAh rechargeable battery. This battery capacity is a very common size seen on modern keyboards and offer good runtimes without adding excessive weight to the unit.

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Epomaker P65 Technical Specifications

Brand
EPOMAKER
Model
P65
Layout
65% US ANSI Layout
Number of Keys
66 keys and 1 knob
Battery
4000mAh
Connectivity
Cable Wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0
Front Height
21.51mm
Back Height
43.33mm
Typing Angle
About 6 degrees
Case Material
CNC Aluminum Alloy
Plate Material
PC Plate
Flex-Cut
No Flex-Cut
Stabilizers
Plate-mounted Stabilizer. (compatible with Screw-in Stabilizer)
Mounting Structure
Gasket-Mount
PCB Thickness
1.2mm
Sound Dampening
5 layers: Sandwich foam, IXPE switch film, PET sound pad, sound-absorbing foam, and EVA case foam
Keycaps Profile
Cherry
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Manufacturing technique
Double-Shot
Hot swappable
Yes, 3/5-pin mechanical switches
Polling Rate
1000Hz (USB, 2.4Ghz), 125Hz (Bluetooth 5.0)
Latency
3ms (USB), 5ms (2.4Ghz wireless), 15ms (Bluetooth 5.0)
Anti-Ghosting
N-Key Rollover
RGB
South-facing, per-key RGB
Compatibility
Mac/WIN/Linux (compatible with PS4/PS5/Switch/X-Box)
Keyboard Weight
1.3kg
Keyboard Dimensions
320*116*43.33mm