Epomaker TH99 Review: Insights Before You Buy

The Epomaker TH99 keyboard brings a lot to the table, particularly for tech enthusiasts looking for a unique typing experience. With its support for the rare ISO-DE layout, customizable features, and a sleek design, this keyboard aims to cater to users seeking a balance between performance and aesthetics. This review is based on hands-on testing of a review unit kindly provided by Epomaker, with thanks extended to them for supporting honest and thorough feedback. Of course, this review is also relevant for all other keyboard layouts available, so if you don’t care about special layouts, then any related matters won’t be a concern for you.

Design and build quality

The first thing that stands out about the Epomaker TH99 is its compact 1800-layout, featuring a German ISO-DE configuration. Supporting a rare layout is a major plus for German users searching for high-end keyboard options. However, it is unfortunate that the ISO-DE version is only available in black. While the black-silver keycap design is clean and professional, it feels relatively uninspired compared to the more colorful black/white and blue/white options available in other layouts.

Another detail worth noting is that the printing on the Umlaut keys in the German layout is inconsistent in terms of position, font, and capitalization, which appears suboptimal and might be a problem with overall appearance. Build-wise, the key material might disappoint some users. The keycaps, while visually appealing, feel too soft and are prone to scratches, particularly if tools are used for replacement. This detracts from an otherwise premium build quality, as this kind of wear may concern users who like to customize their keyboards.

Typing experience

Typing on the Epomaker TH99 generally feels pleasant, but there are some caveats. A key issue we encountered was the “sticky” Enter key. During testing, we found that it occasionally failed to spring back after being pressed, requiring additional effort to reset it manually. For heavy typists or gamers, this could become a significant drawback. Another typing-related observation concerns the arrow keys. The positioning of the arrow keys is lower than other key groups, which feels slightly awkward.

This misalignment could take users time to adjust to, especially for those accustomed to traditional layouts. On a positive note, the ISO-DE layout’s inclusion deserves mention. While it is not perfect, and other layouts support more color diversity, the fact that Epomaker is offering a well-crafted option for German users is commendable. Given that ISO-DE keyboards are relatively rare in the enthusiast market, this definitely earns some points.

Features and functionality

The TH99 includes several standout features designed to enhance productivity and usability, but there are some areas for improvement. One unique addition is the dedicated calculator key, which quickly launches the calculator app. While this is a helpful feature overall, it makes sense given the fact that this keyboard includes a number pad. However, certain omissions were noticeable. For instance, the lack of a dedicated volume wheel or physical volume adjustment keys is surprising, as these are common on other models.

For multimedia users or gamers, this absence might be something to consider. Similarly, the keyboard lacks a Print Screen key, which many users rely on for quick screenshots. Also worth discussing is the key group for “Einfügen” and “Entfernen.” The layout here feels unconventional and differs from more widely accepted formats. While not a major flaw, it is notable and could take some time for users to get used to.

Customization options

Epomaker markets the TH99 as highly customizable, and it does deliver. Users can program RGB lighting and macros through the accompanying software, allowing plenty of room for personalization.

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If you don’t want to do that, the regular Epomaker LED light programs are still fantastic enough to run on their own, as with most of their keyboards to date. While the customizability is appreciated, it does not compensate for some of the hardware concerns, such as the easily scratchable keycaps or sticky key issues.

Final thoughts

The Epomaker TH99 is not without its flaws, but it also shows great promise, particularly for users seeking an ISO-DE layout. For German-speaking enthusiasts in search of a keyboard with an ISO-DE layout, the Epomaker TH99 is a solid contender. Its clean design and programmable features make it appealing to users who value customization. However, the sticky key issue and questionable material of the keycaps may pose concerns for long-term use and haptics. If Epomaker can address these problems in future iterations, this keyboard would likely earn a higher recommendation.

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As of now, you can purchase the keyboard for 70.54 USD on Amazon. Thank you to Epomaker for providing this test unit and enabling an honest and in-depth review. Having the opportunity to actually use a keyboard for a prolonged period helps to give much better results that are based on actual testing rather than relying solely on tech specs. I hope this also helped you with your purchasing decision.

YouTube: [ Unboxing ] Epomaker TH99 Review | Unboxing, Detail Showcasing, ASMR Sound (promotional clip, showing the ANSI QWERTY layout)

Photo credit: All photos shown have been done by Christopher Isak for TechAcute.
Editorial notice: We received a press test unit from Epomaker but were not paid to cover the review of the TH99 keyboard in the German ISO layout.