The Shadow-X keyboard is a wonderful design with excellent typing motion and a strong key sound. It is a … [+] pleasure to make use of.
EPOMAKER
I like keyboards. This week, I had the possibility to check the Shadow-X keyboard from EPOMAKER. This reasonably priced mechanical wi-fi keyboard options an ANSI structure and a 70% design. It doesn't have a separate row of Perform or Media keys, however the numerals can work as Fn/Media keys when utilized in mixture with the particular Perform key.
The uncommon factor concerning the Shadow-X is its tiny OLED display on the right-hand aspect, not a lot bigger than a small postage stamp. The display reveals the date and time, the keyboard's battery cost, plus the CAPS LOCK key standing. The display additionally signifies if the keyboard is in Mac or Home windows mode alongside a number of different issues, such because the connection to the host laptop.
The EPOMAKER Shadow-X keyboard can join in considered one of 3 ways: USB-C cable, particular RF wi-fi dongle or Bluetooth. The Bluetooth possibility can join and swap between three totally different gadgets. A rotary swap is used to set the kind of connection.
The EPOMAKER Shadow-X has sizzling swappable switches that may be modified to swimsuit the sound and tactile … [+] suggestions the consumer desires.
EPOMAKER
For the Shadow-X's show to work accurately, you should first obtain the EPOMAKER software program obtainable for Mac or Home windows. The software program units the right time and date on the small show. Sadly, the instruction handbook makes no point out of this, in order that's one thing that might undoubtedly be improved.
The software program wants just a little extra polish and will do with a number of additional options, like an possibility to alter the working system and redefine some capabilities extra effectively. The EPOMAKER software program mechanically acknowledges the working system getting used, nevertheless it switched to Home windows mode at one level, forcing me to reset the keyboard to return to macOS. I later came upon that there's a shortcut to do that, however the instruction handbook didn't point out it.
Along with the EPOMAKER software program for customizing the Shadow-X, the keyboard can have its firmware flashed so it's QMK/VIA appropriate. With this firmware onboard, it is doable to make use of VIA software program or a web site to reconfigure and remap the Shadow-X's keys. Nevertheless, in the event you flash the firmware, you might discover the keystrokes for setting the RGB LEDs now not work and have to be reprogrammed utilizing VIA.
The Shadow-X keyboard has a small LCD show to indicate the standing of the keyboard's settings as nicely … [+] because the time and date.
EPOMAKER
The switches on the Shadow X are all hot-swappable, and a keycap and swap puller are provided within the field. You possibly can specify the kind of swap you need if you order the Shadow-X; there's a alternative of Flamingo, Gateron Yellow, Budgerigar, Bluebird or Wisteria varieties. Each gives a distinct sound, journey size and really feel, so you may select the one which fits you greatest.
All of the switches on the keyboard have south-facing RGB LEDs that may show numerous colours, animation results and brightness. The route of the LEDs ensures the lights shine in the direction of the consumer. The LEDs draw their energy from the keyboard's 3,000mAh rechargeable battery.
With the LEDs turned on, the battery life is shortened, however that's the trade-off you make for having all these fairly lights. As a result of the keycaps aren't shine-through, I turned the LEDs off and received an extended battery life when utilizing the keyboard wirelessly.
The Shadow-X keyboard comes with some brilliant yellow keycaps that you could swap out for the usual … [+] gray model.
EPOMAKER
The keycaps on the Shadow X are produced from hardwearing PBT materials and are a double-shot development. The legends are giant and beautifully sharp, making them ultimate for anybody with impaired imaginative and prescient. Like most mechanical keyboards, the keycaps could be swapped out for a distinct design as long as they're appropriate with Cherry MX match.
The Shadow X is a gasket-mount keyboard with a layer of Poron and a silicone pad on the bottom that gives a easy typing expertise. The stabilizers and switches are all pre-lubed for additional smoothness. With the gasket construction design, the tactile really feel and stability of the keys are strong, notably on bigger keys just like the spacebar and Enter key. Lengthy typing classes are enjoyable and in no way fatiguing.
Sadly, the Shadow-X doesn't ship with any macOS modifier keys. I want it did as a result of this keyboard feels so good that some correct macOS modifier keys would make it good.
Verdict: This keyboard might have a number of shortcomings with the software program and instruction handbook, however each could be simply improved. At first, I didn't know if I'd get pleasure from typing on the Shadow-X, nevertheless it has turned out to be one of the crucial satisfying mechanical keyboards I've reviewed in fairly some time. The keycaps are nicely raked and there are two ranges of flip-out ft to set the keyboard on the proper typing angle. The Shadow-X has excellent double-shot keycaps that make it extremely satisfying to make use of. That is the proper keyboard for contact typists and in order for you a high-quality and compact mechanical keyboard with the "X Issue" and a very good worth, the EPOMAKER Shadow-X is the one for you. Extremely Advisable.
Pricing & Availability: The EPOMAKER Shadow-X is accessible now from the EPOMAKER web site and prices simply $85.99.
Extra information: epomaker.com
Tech Specs:
Mannequin: EPOMAKER Shadow-X.Variety of keys: 70 keys + 1 knob.Connectivity: Wi-fi 2.4GHz RF, Wired and Bluetooth.Battery: 3,000mAh.Construction: Gasket-mounted.LED route: South-facing.Keycaps: Double shot PBT.Plate materials: Polycarbonate.Scorching-swappable switches: Sure.Backside layer: Silicone pad.Sandwich layer: Poron foam, IXPE swap pad.Appropriate programs: Win/macOS/Linux/Android/iOS.Dimensions: 370.4 x 129.8 x 47.8mm.Weight: 800g.Equipment: USB-C cable, 2.4GHz receiver, keycap/swap puller, additional keycaps.
The EPOMAKER Shadow-X mechanical keyboard comes with additional keycaps, switches, plus a key and swap … [+] puller, cable and RF dongle.
EPOMAKER