In at the moment’s world, the place portability and performance are important, the Epomaker TH40 emerges as a standout alternative for these searching for a light-weight but highly effective multifunctional keyboard. Designed with a compact 40% format, the Epomaker TH40 ditches the normal quantity pad, arrow keys, and quantity row, providing a minimalist but environment friendly typing expertise. This ultra-compact mechanical keyboard is ideal for customers who prioritize space-saving and portability with out compromising on efficiency. Whether or not you’re a frequent traveler, a tech fanatic, or just in want of a streamlined keyboard setup, the TH40 delivers versatility and superior options in a small package deal.
What units the Epomaker TH40 aside is its progressive design and tri-mode connectivity, permitting customers to change seamlessly between wired and wi-fi modes. Its superior gasket construction enhances typing consolation, whereas full programmability by way of VIA software program opens up infinite customization prospects. Regardless of its ultra-minimalist dimension, this keyboard is full of energy and suppleness, making it excellent for professionals, avid gamers, or anybody on the go. On this evaluation, we’ll delve deeper into the TH40’s key options, efficiency, and why it stands out on the earth of compact mechanical keyboards.
Unboxing
The packaging of the EPOMAKER TH40 has a well-known look, intently resembling the design used for the MS68. It is available in a thick, sturdy cardboard field that feels sturdy and dependable. On the entrance, you’ll discover a clear picture of the keyboard, whereas the again provides a concise overview of its major technical specs. Moreover, the important thing options are highlighted on the highest aspect fringe of the package deal, making it handy to entry all of the important particulars proper from the second you unbox it.
Opening the package deal, the keyboard and equipment are well-organized and guarded. The keyboard is wrapped in a semi-transparent plastic bag and nestled in a molded rubber insert for added safety. Beside it, a small cardboard field homes the equipment, which embody a USB-C to USB-A cable, a 2.4 GHz wi-fi USB receiver, a keycap and swap puller, three further Epomaker Flamingo switches, and an instruction guide. This considerate association ensures all parts are secure and straightforward to entry proper out of the field.
Design
The EPOMAKER TH40 stands out with its ultra-compact 40% format, making it considerably smaller than a full-sized keyboard. This minimal design eliminates the quantity pad, arrow keys, and high quantity row, giving it a smooth and compact look. Regardless of its dimension, the keyboard is optimized for typing effectivity, that includes a break up house bar with an FN key positioned in between to reduce finger motion and enhance typing velocity. Its light-weight, moveable design makes it a wonderful alternative for customers who want a keyboard that’s straightforward to hold with out sacrificing performance.
The TH40 keyboard’s light-weight construct, attributed to its ABS plastic outer casing, brings its weight down to simply 0.5 kg. With a compact 40% format and dimensions of 258 x 97 x 35 mm, the keyboard is ultra-portable, becoming effortlessly into backpacks or briefcases with out including pointless bulk. Its slim profile and portability make it an excellent alternative for professionals throughout varied industries, providing comfort in almost any work atmosphere.
The Tab, Area, and Enter keycaps characteristic a gold/yellow colour scheme, including a contact of vibrancy to the in any other case black keyboard. These delicate accents improve the general design with out being overwhelming, giving the keyboard a particular look that stands out in a refined means.
The TH40’s distinctive format options an Fn key positioned centrally, successfully splitting the house bar into two separate segments. This progressive design was a novel expertise for me, because it marked the primary occasion of encountering a keyboard with twin house bars. The association not solely provides a novel aesthetic but additionally enhances performance, making the keyboard really feel refreshingly totally different from extra typical designs.
The keyboard comes outfitted with a nylon carrying strap conveniently hooked up to the left aspect. This considerate addition makes the keyboard extra moveable, permitting customers to hold it round with ease, particularly for individuals who incessantly transfer between workspaces or gaming setups.
The TH40 options three indicator LEDs positioned on the highest proper of the keyboard. The left LED alerts the standing of Caps Lock, whereas the middle LED exhibits whether or not the Win and App keys are locked. The fitting LED shows the present connection mode: it lights up as soon as for Home windows and flashes thrice for Mac.
The again of the keyboard contains a simple design, incorporating two kickstands that enable for straightforward adjustment of the typing angle. Moreover, it’s outfitted with 4 anti-slip rubber ft, guaranteeing stability throughout use, even on clean surfaces.
On the again of the TH40, there’s a handy USB Kind-C port for straightforward charging or connection. The keyboard additionally helps Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wi-fi, and USB connections, giving it the pliability to pair with a variety of gadgets. Whether or not you’re gaming, working, or switching between a laptop computer and desktop, the TH40 handles transitions effortlessly, making it a flexible possibility for varied setups.
The Epomaker TH40 is crafted for individuals who worth each portability and efficiency in a mechanical keyboard. Its compact design doesn’t hinder its versatility, due to a hot-swap PCB and a gasket mount development. This design minimizes keystroke noise and eliminates hole sounds, leading to a extra refined typing expertise. Enhanced with Poron plate foam, an IXPE black swap pad, and backside Poron foam, the TH40 delivers quieter and extra tactile suggestions, making it excellent for each typing and gaming.
The keycaps on the TH40 are notably sturdy, with a thickness of 1.6mm which ensures sturdiness. The keyboard’s customizable RGB lighting results improve the visible attraction of your setup, making a dynamic ambiance that responds to every keystroke. The south-facing LEDs are advantageous for compatibility with customized keycaps, although a bit extra transparency within the keycaps would have allowed the RGB lighting to shine by extra successfully when the lights are off. Total, the backlighting is spectacular, providing wonderful customization choices by way of key mixtures and the VIA software program.
Our evaluation unit options EPOMAKER’s Flamingo switches, linear switches akin to Gateron Reds however with refinements. The POM stem reduces friction for a clean, scratch-free expertise with out further lubrication. These factory-lubed switches are hot-swappable, match commonplace 5-pin sockets, and embody a southern LED slot. The clear PC housing and twin springs improve their attraction. With a 35gf preliminary drive, they are perfect for customized keyboards and appropriate with MX keycaps and PCBs, providing sturdiness and purposeful aesthetics.
By way of Software program
The Epomaker TH40 excels in customizability, due to its compatibility with VIA software program. VIA, a preferred alternative amongst keyboard fanatics, allows intensive personalization, permitting customers to configure every key to their precise wants. Regardless of its compact 40% format, the TH40 helps as much as 4 switchable layers, guaranteeing that customers can totally tailor the keyboard to their preferences with out limitations.
To get began, you may obtain the keyboard’s JSON file from the Epomaker web site and add it into the VIA internet app. This course of permits you to customise varied layers to suit your workflow. The break up spacebars might be repurposed as extra operate keys to entry totally different layers, offering flexibility. As an illustration, you may assign distinct layers to the Fn key and each spacebars. Whereas there’s a studying curve with such a compact format, those that are inclined in direction of 40% keyboards will discover the customization choices definitely worth the effort.
Moreover, Epomaker TH40 additionally helps N-key rollover, which is good for gaming, so you may press a number of keys on the similar time with out them interfering with one another.
Operation Strategies
Connectivity
The TH40 provides versatile connectivity choices with help for 3 totally different modes: Bluetooth, USB receiver (2.4GHz), and a wired USB Kind-C connection. Switching between these modes is easy due to a handy toggle swap and terminal situated on the high left of the keyboard. This bodily button simplifies the method, permitting customers to simply choose their most well-liked connection technique.
Bluetooth
To attach by way of Bluetooth, merely slide the toggle swap to the left. The preliminary setup course of is easy: press and maintain the important thing mixture FN + A-F to enter pairing mode. Switching between connections is facilitated by the toggle swap and terminal positioned on the high left of the keyboard, which is a bodily button, guaranteeing ease of use.
To attach your keyboard in two easy steps:
-
- Enter Pairing Mode
Press and maintain the Fn + A/S/D keys for 3 to five seconds. The fitting indicator mild will begin flashing shortly, signaling that the keyboard is now in pairing mode. - Connect with Your Machine
Go to the Bluetooth settings on the gadget you want to pair with and choose “EPOMAKER TH40” from the record. As soon as the connection is established, the indicator mild will swap from blinking to a gentle on.
- Enter Pairing Mode
2.4GHz USB Receiver
The TH40 features a 2.4GHz USB receiver for seamless wi-fi connectivity. To arrange, merely insert the receiver into your gadget and slide the toggle swap to the proper. The connection is established when the indicator mild shifts from stable to flashing. If the connection drops maintain down the Fn+F keys till the indicator mild activates, then reconnect the receiver to revive the hyperlink.
Wired Connection
The TH40 provides versatile connectivity choices, supporting each wired and wi-fi connections. Alongside the wi-fi receiver, the package deal features a Kind-C cable for simple wired connectivity. To set it up, merely join the cable to your gadget and alter the toggle swap to the middle place. This wired connection not solely establishes a steady hyperlink but additionally costs the keyboard, guaranteeing uninterrupted use even when the battery depletes throughout wi-fi operation.
Battery
The TH40 contains a strong 3000mAh battery, offering customers with prolonged utilization time and assuaging issues about frequent recharging. This high-capacity battery ensures that the keyboard stays operational for lengthy intervals, making it appropriate for each intense gaming classes and prolonged work hours with out interruptions.
Battery standing is definitely monitored by an easy indicator system. By urgent the Fn key together with the left house key, customers can examine the remaining battery life by way of inexperienced lights displayed from columns Q to P. Every lit column represents a share of battery life left: a single lit “Q” signifies 10% remaining, whereas each “Q” and “W” collectively present 20% remaining. This intuitive show supplies a fast and clear view of battery standing, switching seamlessly from the backlight to battery indication as wanted.
Use the FN Key
Given its compact 40% format, the keyboard omits devoted quantity keys and symbols like “!” or “-“. To entry these characters, customers should make the most of particular key mixtures. For instance, to enter the quantity “1”, maintain down the FN key whereas urgent the corresponding key. To sort symbols resembling “!”, press each the FN and Shift keys concurrently earlier than urgent the important thing. This technique ensures that even with a decreased key depend, customers can nonetheless effectively enter quite a lot of characters.
| Mixture | Output key (motion) |
|---|---|
| FN+CTRL left | Keyboard Reset |
| FN+TAB | Esc |
| FN+/? | `~ |
| FN+Q | 1! |
| FN+W | 2@ |
| FN+E | 3# |
| FN+R | 4$ |
| FN+T | 5% |
| FN+Y | 6^ |
| FN+U | 7& |
| FN+I | 8* |
| FN+O | 9( |
| FN+P | 0) |
| FN+Ok | -_ |
| FN+L | =+ |
| FN+.> | ↑ |
| FN+ALT proper | ← |
| FN+APP | ↓ |
| FN+CTRL RIGHT | → |
| FN+A | Brief press: Change to BT1 Lengthy press: Pairing mode |
| FN+S | ・Brief press: Change to BT2 ・Lengthy press: Pairing mode |
| FN+D | ・Brief press: Change to BT3 ・Lengthy press: Pairing mode |
| FN+F | Lengthy press: Pairing mode |
| FN+SHIFT proper | Change between Home windows and Mac |
| FN+house left | Checking the battery degree |
| FN+WIN | Locking/Unlocking Keys |
Lighting Settings
The lighting on the SwitchBot Good Air Circulator Fan is nothing in need of beautiful, providing a various array of illumination choices. Though the directions didn’t spotlight this characteristic, I explored it myself and found roughly 16 distinct lighting patterns. You may effortlessly swap between these results by combining varied button presses, including a customizable contact to your expertise.
| Mixture | Operation |
|---|---|
| FN+ENTER | Backlight On/Off |
| FN+Z | Toggle backlight impact |
| FN+N | Backlight Brightness – |
| FN+H | Backlight Brightness+ |
| FN+C | Backlight Velocity+ |
| FN+X | Backlight Velocity - |
| FN+B | Backlight Colour (Again) |
| FN+M | Backlight Colour (Subsequent) |
| FN+G | Backlight Saturation + |
| FN+J | Backlight Saturation – |
The lights are situated on the south aspect (person aspect) of the keycap, so the keys mild up extra clearly than on a standard keyboard.
Conclusion
I am Jani, a devoted Tech Author and Reviewer at Xiaomitoday. With a ardour for exploring and dissecting the most recent in expertise, my mission is to deliver you insightful and complete evaluations that empower your decision-making within the fast-evolving world of devices and tech.
