The Epomaker Shadow-X is a wireless-compatible keyboard that is compact with a programmable media knob and a built-in screen. It is built with a full plastic body but appears to be sturdy.
It is available for $85 USD on the Epomaker Amazon store or the Epomaker webstore. It is slightly above entry-level pricing but below premium pricing. This is a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard for keyboard enthusiasts who want a sleek design.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
THE GOOD
- Keycaps
It comes with PBT keycaps, so with prolonged usage there won't be as much keycap shine.
- Customizable
The keyboard comes with Epomaker Bluebird mechanical switches but you can hot-swap them for switches that you prefer.
THE BAD
- Software
The process of downloading Epomaker software and drivers is not very simple or straightforward.
THE REST
- Overall
It is a fancy looking mechanical keyboard that costs less than $100 USD and can be customized.
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The Shadow-X comes with a detachable USB Type-A to USB Type-C braided cable, a 2.4 GHz receiver, a keycap and switch puller, extra yellow keycaps, extra switches, and a user manual. The Shadow-X is available in 4 colorways (Black Silver, White Blue, White Green, and White Purple), and 5 switch options (Epomaker Flamingo, Gateron Pro Yellow, Epomaker Budgerigar, Epomaker Bluebird, Epomaker Wisteria). It is built with a plastic chassis and base plate with plate-mounted stabilizers. It includes PBT double-shot injection, and non-shine through keycaps.
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Front of the box.
The keyboard is placed on a 900 x 400 mm desk pad next to a mouse and monitor.
The right side of the keyboard displays the navigation keys, the multimedia knob, and a color LCD screen.
The left side of the keyboard.
The keyboard is connected by a USB Type-A to Type-C detachable cable.
The Shadow-X is both QMK and VIA compatible, as well it has its own software, Epomaker Driver. You can assign Macro Programming within the software. It is compatible with both Windows and MacOS computers. It has per key RGB backlighting.
As mentioned above it is available with 5 mechanical switch options. Labs tested the Black Silver with Epomaker Bluebird switches. The Epomaker Bluebird is a linear mechanical switch. It is hot-swappable with standard Cherry MX switch stems. The Epomaker Bluebird Switch comes factory-lubed with an operating force of 45.7gf, 2.1mm of pre-travel, and 3.7mm total travel. With the 2.4 Ghz adapter, the Shadow-X has an above-average keyboard latency, averaging 12.29 to 12.36 ms. With the Bluetooth 5.0 mode, it has a high keyboard latency of 13.61 to 13.83 ms. And when used in wired mode it has a low keyboard latency of 6.99 ms.
The Shadow-X does not come with a wrist rest, but has three incline angles.
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The keyboard ergonomics at 5 degrees, with the adjustable leg in.