The Epomaker Cypher 81 is a feature-packed mechanical keyboard that brings together performance, style, and a range of innovative features in a compact 75% layout. The keyboard is a great choice for anyone seeking efficiency, comfort, and customization. Here’s a detailed review based on my personal experience with the Cypher 81.
Design & Build Quality: Premium and Compact, with a Cool Interactive Screen
Right out of the box, the Epomaker Cypher 81 impresses with its premium build quality. The PC plate and gasket-mount design give it a sturdy, solid feel, which I immediately appreciated.
The soft Poron fillings inside really make a difference in the typing experience—every keystroke feels smooth, and the reduced vibrations make it much quieter than other mechanical keyboards I’ve used. If you’re someone who types a lot or is sensitive to noise, you’ll love the almost silent keystrokes.
But the standout design feature has to be the 0.85-inch TFT screen. I wasn’t expecting much from it at first, but it turned out to be an incredibly helpful and cool feature. The screen displays useful information like battery status and time, which has been great when I’m in the middle of a long work session or gaming marathon. It’s a nice little touch that adds a sense of “futuristic” utility to the keyboard.
Performance: Smooth Typing and Quiet Keystrokes for a Delightful Experience
Typing on the Cypher 81 has been a joy. The smooth, tactile feedback of the switches is exactly what you want in a mechanical keyboard—precise but not too clicky, offering a great balance for both typing and gaming.
The gasket-mount design ensures that vibrations are absorbed, leaving behind only the pleasant sound of the keys being pressed, which I found to be perfect for long typing sessions.
I have to say, the south-facing RGB LEDs are some of the brightest I’ve seen on a keyboard at this price point. The lighting effects are vibrant, and the ability to change them with the rotary knob is incredibly intuitive. At first, I was just messing around with the different lighting modes for fun, but I ended up using the customizable lighting to match my desk setup and mood, which really added to the experience.
Connectivity & Compatibility: Seamlessly Connect Across Devices
One feature I really appreciated is the tri-mode wireless connectivity. I was able to quickly switch between my laptop and tablet, and there was virtually no noticeable lag, even when I was playing fast-paced games. The 1000Hz polling rate made a difference too—there was no delay in keystrokes, which is important for gaming.
The Type-C wired connection is also a great backup for when the battery is low or if you just prefer a wired setup. If you work on both Mac and Windows systems, you’d be relieved to know that the keyboard easily supports both. The Mac/Win switch was an intuitive addition that made toggling between devices a breeze.
Customization: A Truly Personalized Keyboard
Customization is where the Epomaker Cypher 81 really shines. From programmable keys to the RGB lighting effects, I felt like I could truly make the keyboard my own. The rotary knob is surprisingly functional—it lets you easily adjust the lighting in real-time without needing to open software.
If you’re someone who loves tinkering with settings, you’ll be glad to know that the keyboard’s software allows you to create custom macros, key remaps, and lighting profiles.
Remap keys across secondary layers for expanded functionality, or assign macros to streamline complex workflows, making it faster, more responsive, and highly reliable. Customize backlight patterns to match the rhythm of your game or share your creative designs with a community of like-minded enthusiasts.
Comfort & Ergonomics: Typing Made Comfortable, Even for Long Hours
If you plan on using the Cypher 81 for long sessions, it’s comfortable enough to keep you typing without strain. The 75% layout takes a bit of getting used to if you’re used to full-size keyboards, but the reduced key distance makes for a more compact, efficient typing experience. I found that the typing angle was pretty comfortable right out of the box, thanks to the perfectly angled keyboard legs.
I also thought it was smart to hide the dongle behind one of the legs, as seen from below:
The gasket-mount design does a great job of minimizing any noise or discomfort from key presses, which is something I really noticed during long writing sessions. Whether I was working or gaming, my hands didn’t feel fatigued after a few hours, which is always a plus.
Conclusion: A Versatile, Feature-Rich Keyboard That Delivers
The Epomaker Cypher 81 is a fantastic mechanical keyboard that balances performance, design, and customization in a compact form factor. It’s perfect for anyone looking to save space without sacrificing functionality. Whether you’re a gamer looking for a keyboard that can keep up or a professional seeking a versatile, stylish device for your workspace, the Cypher 81 fits the bill.
After spending some quality time with the Epomaker Cypher 81, I can confidently say that this keyboard is an excellent option for anyone in the market for a compact, customizable mechanical keyboard. The gasket-mount design ensures a quiet and smooth typing experience, while the tri-mode wireless connectivity and RGB customization features offer plenty of flexibility for different setups. I found it to be a reliable and comfortable keyboard for both work and play.
If you’re in the market for a high-performance, stylish, and feature-rich keyboard, the Cypher 81 is definitely worth considering. It’s a versatile, user-friendly keyboard that ticks all the boxes. All that for USD 99.99, which is fairly reasonable.
Here’s a link for you to make that purchase!
