A few months ago I wrote about the Epomaker G84 HE keyboard which was my first experience using an Epomaker product. At the time I commented on it’s solid build quality, unique sound for a mechanical keyboard, and it’s overall usability for both work and gaming. Since then, it has become my go-to keyboard for daily use.
So when Epomaker sent over the HE108, essentially their full, 108 key version of the keyboard, along with their highly regarded “Click” gaming mouse, I was excited to put them through their paces. Similar to how I felt after time with the G84, I’ve come away very impressed in both instances.
The first thing I notice about the HE108 after pulling it out of the box is yet again, the build quality. These are sturdy keyboards that immediately provide a sense of quality before you even connect it to your PC. While the phrasing may sound a little strange, they are also well planted regardless of the surface you place them on. With weighted bases and rubber feet, I’ve had no issues with the keyboards sliding around at all, even despite me using them primarily on either solid wood or laminate desk tops.
Similar to the G84 I tested previously, the spec sheet lists a range of features you expect to see out of a modern gaming keyboard.
- 100% (108 key) layout
- Tri-mode (wireless, bluetooth, USB-C)
- 8K polling (both in USB and 2.4 GHZ modes) and 128K scan rate (per key)
- 0.1 to 3.3mm adjustable actuation
- Magnetic switches
- Sound dampened thanks to gasket mount
- Software enabling customization of the RGB, actuation, macros, and key remapping, etc.
- Customizable Cherry keycaps
- Windows and Mac compatible
- Battery life: 32 hours (RGB On), 500 hours (RGB Off), 1000 hours (stand by)
- You can find the full spec sheet here
Similar to what I mentioned with the G84, the HE108 feels silky smooth to type on. It’s honestly difficult to even describe outside of me calling it a “thockety thock” keyboard as compared to the traditional, mechanical sound of “klackety klack.” What I will say is that these have become my go-to keyboards for all aspects of my life. I’m now using the the G84 daily at my SG workspace/gaming PC and I use the HE108 in my office. From daily use, to work, gaming, and everything in-between, they are simply fantastic pieces of hardware.
Just like the G84 and other Epomaker products, they are supported by the Epomaker software which provides an extension range of customization options. While I feel the keyboard is well suited out of the gate, as always those who lean into the competitive side more seriously have the power to adjust as they see fit.
There’s not a whole lot more to say on the HE108 that I didn’t say about the G84 to be honest. It’s well built, has an array of customization and configuration options, can connect in any way you prefer, and provides silky-smooth performance, from writing this article to competitive gaming. And it does all of this while being cheaper than a number of direct competitors. I will offer the same recommendation I did with the G84: if you haven’t yet looked at Epomaker for your keyboard replacement, you should be.
Along side the HE108, Epomaker was kind enough to send over their “Click” gaming mouse as well. I had been using a wired Razer Deathadder V2 for some time so, unlike with keyboards, I hadn’t changed my mouse very often at all. The Click is one of Epomaker’s gaming mice and rather straightforward in it’s design. It’s not made for MMOs, and doesn’t feature a wealth of buttons and customization. Rather, it focuses on providing the highest level of what I would call “core” gaming performance.
By core performance, I’m referring to speed and accuracy. With 8K polling both in wired and wireless form (2.4 GHZ mode), up to 42,000 DPI sensitivity, and featuring the PAW3950 optical sensor, it hits the high marks we’re often looking for. The other specs (that can be found here) are impressive as well, with Epomaker clearly being aimed at the core enthusiast.
The first thing I noticed upon switching over to the Click was how light it was. As someone who’s been gaming for a very long time, I find the full-circle the industry has done with weight of accessories a funny aspect. At one point in time, a heavier weight was often searched for as we translated it to higher build quality and an overall higher-end product. Nowadays, gamers like their accessories to be light and easily manageable, with even esports controllers advertising their minimal weight. While not the lightest gaming mouse by any stretch, the Click certainly falls into the latter category coming in around 55 grams.
There’s nothing revolutionary in the overall package here, it’s simply very well executed. The Click molds into your hand cleanly, and the soft-touch, grease-resistant cover feels very soft to the touch. Each of the function buttons have an excellent, responsive action, and the scroll wheel is particularly smooth. From a pure functionality perspective, the Click nails it on all fronts. And like the G84 before it, it has become my daily use mouse for both gaming and work.
On the bottom of the Click are options to change it’s connectivity mode/settings along with it’s polling rate which is signified by the color of the light on the top. Running in wireless 8K polling and connected through the 2.4 GHZ setting, the Click is ultra-responsive. While I continue to keep my keyboard wired purely for typing speed, I’ve haven’t had a single issue with performance with the Click in its wireless mode. Battery life is also very impressive, needing charging only every week or two on average.
The same Epomaker software can then be used to customize the Click as well, with a full-range of options from core button functions all the way down to the light color for each DPI setting. The software is very user friendly and well-designed from a UI/UX perspective, and as you would suspect, it also makes it extremely easy to update firmware when necessary.
After using three different Epomaker products for a few months now, I have to say I’m very impressed. In the peripheral industry, it can be a mixed bag on what you get versus the expectations set by the companies. And I’ve been very pleasantly surprised by the quality and performance of Epomaker products. If you are in the market for gaming peripherals, I highly recommend giving them a look!
