Today we are taking a look at the Split 65, a tri-mode mechanical keyboard, which, as you might have noticed, completely separates into two halves.
Epomaker is no stranger to wacky keyboard layouts, as they have ventured into similar designs before with the Alice series, which curves inwards creating a “V” shape. The Split, however, is a whole different beast, being Epomaker’s first exciting attempt at this unique layout.
Split keyboards are not necessarily a new thing, but most of the ones we can find online are brandless 3D-printed cases with simple PCBs inside, so it’s about time that a real company tackled this trend and showed us what they can do.
Epomaker Split 65 Mechanical Keyboard
Manufacturer: Epomaker
Price: $119.99
Surprisingly lacking in weirdness, the Split layout is actually pretty simple to get used to. The part of me that looks for a challenge in everything is somewhat disappointed, as I did want to test how far my regular typing skills could carry me into a new layout, but on the other hand, being a consumer-friendly product is probably more important.
The 65% layout meshes well with the split design, creating a comfortable size for a keyboard like this. It also makes the keyboard easier to learn, as you still have access to the arrow keys when typing, as well as four function keys that could be reprogrammed into whatever you desire through VIA.
If you feel like temporarily returning to normalcy, the keyboard’s left and right halves can magnetize together, making one whole keyboard. The magnet is not super strong, though, so always pay attention to both halves individually when moving or lifting it.
The split design fixes a fundamental flaw that TKL and smaller layouts have, which is how they limit your hand position. Being able to basically customize how large the keyboard is comes in handy, especially if you have good desk space. Having the ability to spread your arms and shoulders outwards while still having a relatively clean keyboard is the Split’s biggest selling point, and it definitely delivers.
Aside from its ergonomic benefits, the split layout also forces users to get rid of bad typing habits, like reaching for certain keys with the wrong hand. Creating a hard divide between the left and right parts of the keyboard makes it so you have to press every key with the intended hand, otherwise you’ll find yourself tapping the air.
This quirky layout does have its unique restrictions, though, like the fact that both halves need to be tethered by a cable regardless of your connection method. The left part of the keyboard seems to hold the battery, meaning the right part does nothing on its own. It’s unfortunate that despite having wireless capabilities, the user always has to use a cable to connect both parts, but the alternative is making the split two independent keyboards, which sounds like an inconvenient nightmare.
When it comes to its body, the Split 65 is built upon a slightly shiny black ABS case with an iron bottom, giving it some hefty weight. The keyboard as a whole goes for a minimalistic look, not even featuring Epomaker’s logo anywhere, which makes it a good DIY base if you feel like customizing it.
Its Cherry profile keycaps create a light gradient effect with each row, starting with white at the top and ending on a shade of grayish blue at the bottom, matching well with the dark case.
Unfortunately, the smooth PBT plastic keycaps aren’t shine-through, meaning the letters don’t light up. This limits key visibility when writing in low light, something you don’t want when getting used to a new layout.
As far as its sound and feel go, the Split 65 comes equipped with a set of either Flamingo or Wisteria linear hot-swappable switches, depending on your choice. For this review, I went with the Flamingo set, which has a somewhat muted thocky sound.
The Flamingo switches feature 47±5 gf of trigger force and 55 gf of bottom-out force, making them feel slightly heavier than your average switches. Combine this with the 1000 Hz polling rate, and it becomes pretty obvious that the Split 65 is better suited for work and productivity rather than gaming.
The lack of a version with higher specs feels like a missed opportunity, as this would be a solid tool for MOBAs and FPS, as well as any other genres where the right side of the keyboard goes unused. One-handed keyboards for competitive games are a somewhat untapped niche, something that the split layout can do without sacrificing its overall usability as a regular keyboard.
Ergonomically, the split layout allows you to spread your arms outwards when using it, making long work sessions less taxing on the back, neck, and shoulder areas, while also constantly checking you on your bad typing habits. Its quirks are surprisingly lacking in downsides, although not adding feet for height control feels like a huge oversight on Epomaker’s part.
The 65% design includes arrow keys, a volume knob, and four navigation keys, making the keyboard a viable work tool, as it never feels like you are missing anything despite the reduced size.
If you are confident in your typing ability and want to look into more ergonomic alternatives, give the Split 65 a shot. Even though Epomaker hasn’t perfected their design just yet, their take on the split keyboard is leagues ahead of what we currently have available, feeling like a premium product that will hopefully get a V2 in the future.
You can find the Split 65 and more on Epomaker’s official store, currently on sale for $107.99 as of writing this review.
The Split 65 was reviewed using a unit provided by Epomaker. You can find additional information about Niche Gamer’s review/ethics policy here.
