Epomaker G84 Review: A Premium Performance Without Breaking the Bank

When it comes to mechanical keyboards (or keebs, as enthusiasts like to call them), finding the perfect balance between affordability, performance, and aesthetics can be a challenge. Enter the Epomaker G84, a compact 80% keeb that promises to deliver on all fronts.

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I had the opportunity to test the pink variant with Creamy Jade switches, and after weeks of use, I can confidently say this keeb is a standout in its category. Thanks a lot to Epomaker for sending us a test unit to prepare this review. Here’s my in-depth review of the G84 and my experience using it.

Design and build quality

The Epomaker G84 is a visual treat, especially in the pink variant. Its compact 80% layout is both functional and space-saving, making it ideal for gamers and typists alike.

The plastic case feels sturdy and well-constructed, with no signs of flex or creakiness. While some may prefer metal cases, the G84’s build quality is excellent and doesn’t feel cheap in any way.

Pros and cons

After extensive testing, here’s a quick breakdown of the G84’s strengths and minor quirks:

Pros:

• Good Price: At $69.99 MSRP, the G84 offers excellent value for money.
• Great Haptics and Sound: Typing feels satisfying, with a sound profile that strikes a balance between heavily “thocky” and silent, delivering a truly creamy experience.
• Color and Switch Options: Available in multiple colors (pink, white, black) and switch types, with the ability to customize further thanks to its hot-swappable design.

Cons:

• Standalone RGB Stripe: The light under the logo isn’t synchronized with the rest of the keeb’s lighting effects. However, this is a common limitation for such features and doesn’t impact usability.

Overall, after weeks of testing, I found no significant downsides to this keeb. It delivers on all fronts, making it a reliable and enjoyable choice for both gaming and typing.

Typing and gaming experience

The Creamy Jade switches are a joy to use. These linear, pre-lubed switches offer a smooth and “creamy” typing experience, with just the right amount of actuation force (~45gf). Whether you’re gaming or typing for extended periods, the G84 delivers a satisfying and fatigue-free experience.

The gasket-mounted design and 5-layer sound dampening system further enhance the typing experience by reducing noise and providing a soft, cushioned feel. The keeb’s acoustics are impressive, with a “thocky” sound profile that rivals more expensive models.

RGB lighting

The G84 features per-key RGB lighting with south-facing LEDs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of keycaps. The shine-through PBT keycaps are durable and resistant to grease, and the lighting is bright enough to be functional in both daylight and nighttime settings. While the standalone RGB stripe under the logo isn’t synchronized with the rest of the keeb, it adds a unique touch to the overall aesthetic.

Connectivity and customization

The G84 offers tri-mode connectivity (wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth 5.0), making it versatile and easy to use across multiple devices. The ability to connect to several  device types is a huge plus for those who switch between setups frequently.

Customization is another strong point, with hot-swappable switches and VIA programmability. Whether you want to change the switches or remap keys, the G84 makes it easy to tailor the keeb to your preferences.

Summary

After weeks of testing, I found the Epomaker G84 to be an exceptional keeb with no major flaws. It looks great, feels great, and performs exceptionally well for its price point. The minor quirks, like the unsynchronized RGB stripe, are far from deal-breakers and don’t diminish the keeb’s overall value. For anyone looking for a budget-friendly mechanical keeb that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Epomaker G84 is an excellent choice.

Before you go: The Click and Clack of Custom Keyboards – A Mechanical Keeb Guide for Beginners

Whether you’re a gamer, a typist, or someone new to mechanical keyboards, this model is sure to impress. The Epomaker G84 is a budget keeb that punches well above its weight. With its premium typing experience, versatile connectivity, and customizable features, it’s a fantastic option for anyone looking to upgrade their setup without breaking the bank. Right now this is available on Amazon for 52.49 USD, so that’s another discount that helps to make a decision, in case you are looking for a new keyboard like this one.

YouTube: Epomaker G84 | Unboxing, Showcasing, Sound test [promotional clip]

Photo credit: All photos have been taken by Christopher Isak for TechAcute.
Editorial notice: We have received a sample Epomaker G84 keyboard to test it and prepare the review article, but were not paid by Epomaker to cover this product.