For years, my desk has been a revolving door of keyboards. It started with the mushy, unsatisfying membrane boards that came with pre-built PCs, then graduated to the loud, clicky mechanical keyboards that announced every single keystroke to the entire house. Each one promised a better experience, but none truly delivered that elusive, perfect blend of tactile feedback, pleasing acoustics, and versatile functionality. The search for “the one” can be exhausting and expensive, a journey down a rabbit hole of switch types, mounting styles, and endless customization options. It’s a common struggle for gamers, writers, and programmers alike: finding a tool that doesn’t just work, but feels like a natural extension of your thoughts, making the simple act of typing a genuine pleasure. Failing to find it leads to compromise—either in performance, comfort, or acoustics—turning what should be a satisfying interaction into a daily chore.
- 【96% Layout&Gasket Mounted Structure】A 96% layout keyboard with 99 keys can help you save more space on your desk, while keeping the arrow keys and number pad you need for games and work. The F99...
- 【Innovative Single-Key Slotted PCB&Five-Layer Sound-Shock Absorption】Equipped with a unique single-key slotted PCB made of high-quality FR4 material, the F99 offers smooth typing feedback. Each...
What to Consider Before Buying a Gaming Keyboard
A gaming keyboard is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for enhancing control, speed, and comfort during long sessions of work and play. It bridges the gap between your intent and the on-screen action, translating physical movements into digital commands with precision and reliability. The main benefits extend beyond gaming; a high-quality mechanical keyboard provides a superior typing experience that can boost productivity, reduce finger fatigue, and offer a level of durability that standard keyboards simply can’t match. The world of mechanical keyboards is vast, but features like hot-swappable switches, multiple connectivity options, and advanced internal dampening are what separate a good keyboard from a truly exceptional one.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who spends significant time at their computer and values the tactile experience of their tools. This includes competitive gamers who need lag-free performance, writers and coders who desire a comfortable and accurate typing platform, and budding keyboard enthusiasts who want a premium, customizable experience without the steep learning curve of building a keyboard from scratch. However, it might not be suitable for those who need an ultra-portable, lightweight keyboard for travel or users who work in a shared, quiet environment where even a dampened mechanical sound could be disruptive. For those users, a low-profile scissor-switch or silent membrane keyboard might be a better fit.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Layout & Size: Keyboards come in various layouts, from full-size (104 keys) to compact 60% models. The 96% layout of the EPOMAKER F99 is a fantastic compromise, retaining the number pad in a more compact footprint than a full-size board. Consider your desk space and whether you can live without a dedicated numpad before choosing a smaller layout like a Tenkeyless (TKL) or 75%.
- Switches & Feel: This is the heart of the keyboard. Switches determine the sound and feel of each keystroke and are generally categorized as Linear (smooth), Tactile (bumpy), or Clicky (bumpy and loud). The Graywood V3 switches in our review unit are linear, prized for their smooth, uninterrupted travel, which is excellent for both fast typing and gaming. Hot-swappable sockets are a massive bonus, allowing you to easily try different switches without soldering.
- Build & Mounting Style: The materials of the case and keycaps, along with the internal mounting structure, define the keyboard’s sound profile and durability. Gasket mounting, which isolates the PCB and plate assembly with silicone or rubber gaskets, provides a softer, bouncier typing feel and a more muted, “thocky” sound. PBT keycaps are superior to standard ABS as they are more durable and resistant to the shine that develops from finger oils over time.
- Connectivity & Battery: Versatility is key in a modern setup. Tri-mode connectivity (2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and Wired USB-C) ensures compatibility with nearly any device, from a gaming PC to a tablet. For wireless use, battery life is paramount. A massive battery, like the 8000mAh unit in the F99, means you can go for weeks without needing to plug in, eliminating charging anxiety.
Understanding these elements will empower you to choose a keyboard that not only meets your functional needs but also brings a new level of satisfaction to your daily interactions with your computer.
While the EPOMAKER F99 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- The compact tenkeyless design is the most popular form factor used by the pros, allowing you to position the keyboard for comfort and to maximize in-game performance.
- 【65% Compact Design】GEODMAER Wired gaming keyboard compact mini design, save space on the desktop, novel black & silver gray keycap color matching, separate arrow keys, No numpad, both gaming and...
- Dynamic RGB Backlighting: Light up your desktop with six onboard lighting effects, assign a color to each lighting zone, or program your own vibrant lighting effects across five RGB lighting zones...
First Impressions: Premium Heft and an Eager Silence
Unboxing the EPOMAKER F99 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard was a genuinely surprising experience. In a market saturated with flimsy, lightweight plastic keyboards, the F99 immediately asserts itself with its substantial weight. At over a kilogram, it feels dense, robust, and utterly planted. This isn’t a keyboard that will be sliding around your desk during an intense gaming session; this is a solid piece of hardware. The “White Light Blue” color scheme is aesthetically pleasing, with a clean, modern look complemented by the quality dual-tone PBT keycaps. Inside the box, the essentials are covered: a matching braided USB-C cable, a combination keycap and switch puller, and a small, albeit sparse, instruction manual. There’s no assembly required; it’s ready to go right out of the box. Our first few keystrokes revealed what makes this board special: a deep, muted, and incredibly satisfying sound. It was clear from the first minute that this keyboard was engineered not just to perform, but to provide a truly premium auditory and tactile experience that punches far above its price point.
What We Like
- Exceptional out-of-the-box sound profile; deep, “creamy,” and satisfying
- Substantial weight and sturdy build quality prevent desk slippage
- Massive 8000mAh battery provides incredible wireless longevity
- Versatile tri-mode connectivity (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, USB-C)
- Hot-swappable PCB allows for easy switch customization and repairs
Limitations
- Potential for minor quality control issues like crooked or faulty keys
- Documentation is sparse, particularly regarding battery status indicators
Performance Deep Dive: Engineering an Experience
The true measure of a keyboard isn’t just its spec sheet, but how all those components come together in daily use. After weeks of testing the EPOMAKER F99 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard through marathon coding sessions, extensive article writing, and competitive gaming, we can confidently say that this board is more than the sum of its parts. It delivers an experience that, until recently, was reserved for enthusiasts willing to spend hours and hundreds of dollars building a custom keyboard from scratch.
The Symphony of Sound: Deconstructing the “Creamy Thock”
The single most defining characteristic of the EPOMAKER F99 is its sound. In the keyboard community, words like “thock,” “creamy,” and “marbly” are used to describe the most desirable acoustic profiles, and this board delivers them in spades, right out of the box. This isn’t an accident; it’s the result of meticulous internal engineering. The gasket-mounted structure is the foundation, where the entire plate and PCB assembly is sandwiched between soft silicone gaskets. This isolates it from the hard plastic case, eliminating harsh vibrations and creating a softer, more flexible typing feel. One user aptly described the sound as “the most beautiful sound I have EVER HEARD,” noting it actually made them more productive because they enjoyed typing so much. We can confirm this sentiment; the auditory feedback is so pleasant it makes you want to keep typing.
This is further enhanced by an extensive five-layer padding system. Between the plate and the PCB, there’s a layer of PORON cotton and an IXPE under-shaft pad. Below the PCB, there’s another layer of sound-absorbing cotton and a thick silicone bottom pad. This comprehensive dampening solution works to eliminate any hollowness or pinging, leaving only the pure, clean sound of the switch itself. The single-key slotted FR4 PCB also plays a role, allowing for more consistent flex across the board. The pre-lubricated Graywood V3 linear switches are the final piece of the puzzle. They are incredibly smooth with no perceptible scratchiness, contributing to that “creamy” sensation that so many users, including ourselves, have fallen in love with. The result is a quiet, deep, and rich sound that makes this one of the best-sounding pre-built keyboards we’ve ever tested.
Unleashed and Unplugged: Tri-Mode Connectivity and Marathon Battery Life
A keyboard’s primary function is to serve as a reliable input device, and in 2024, that means versatile connectivity. The EPOMAKER F99 excels here, offering three distinct connection modes that cover virtually any use case. For our gaming tests, we exclusively used the 2.4GHz wireless dongle. The connection was flawless and immediate, with no discernible input lag, even in fast-paced FPS titles. It felt identical to a wired connection, a sentiment echoed by a user who noted, “There is no input lag and it works awesome!”
For productivity, we frequently switched to Bluetooth, connecting the keyboard to a laptop and a tablet with the press of a function key combination. The ability to pair with multiple Bluetooth devices and switch on the fly is a huge workflow enhancement. Finally, the wired USB-C mode provides a foolproof connection and charges the keyboard simultaneously. But you won’t be reaching for that charging cable very often. The inclusion of a colossal 8000mAh battery is, frankly, game-changing. Most wireless mechanical keyboards feature batteries in the 2000-4000mAh range. By doubling that, EPOMAKER has created a keyboard with true endurance. In our testing, with RGB backlighting used moderately, we went over three weeks before even thinking about charging. Several users reported even more impressive results, with one stating they’d only charged it once since purchasing it months prior. Another user summed it up perfectly: “it auto shuts down to save power and I barely have to charge! I even forget it’s wireless.” This incredible battery life removes one of the biggest pain points of wireless peripherals and truly lets you enjoy a clutter-free desk.
Built to Last, Built to Mod: Design, Durability, and Customization
From the moment you place it on your desk, the EPOMAKER F99 feels like a premium product. Its weight is its most surprising and welcome physical attribute. This heft, combined with its large rubber feet, ensures it stays locked in place. The chassis, while made of plastic, feels incredibly dense and well-constructed with no creaking or flex. The dual-tone PBT keycaps are another high-end feature. PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) is a much more durable plastic than the ABS found on most mainstream keyboards. It resists oils from your fingers, preventing that shiny, worn look from developing over time, and has a pleasant, slightly textured feel.
Perhaps the most important feature for long-term ownership is the hot-swappable PCB. This means you can change the mechanical switches without any soldering. Is a switch failing? Just pull it out and pop in a new one. Want to try a different typing feel, like a tactile or clicky switch? You can buy a set and swap them in within minutes. This transforms the keyboard from a static product into a customizable platform. Many users shared their experiences with customization, swapping in different keycap profiles and switch types to perfectly tailor the board to their preferences. One reviewer mentioned adding foam to the spacebar to fine-tune the sound, while another bought multiple F99s to house different custom keycap sets. This level of versatility is a massive selling point, making the EPOMAKER F99 an ideal entry point into the world of keyboard modding and a product that can grow with your tastes.
What Other Users Are Saying
After analyzing dozens of user experiences, a clear consensus emerges: the EPOMAKER F99 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard is overwhelmingly loved for its premium sound and feel at an accessible price. One user’s review, “Oh. My. God. I am in love,” encapsulates the enthusiastic response from many who feel they’ve finally found their perfect keyboard. Another noted that it compares favorably to keyboards they’ve owned that cost over $200, highlighting its incredible value. The “creamy” sound is the most frequently praised attribute, with many first-time mechanical keyboard owners stating they spent days watching videos to find this specific sound profile and were thrilled with the result.
However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect. A recurring minor complaint revolves around quality control. We saw a few reports of issues right out of the box, such as one user who received a keycap that was slightly broken and would get stuck when pressed. Another user reported that after three months of use, their Alt and Windows keys stopped working entirely, even after swapping switches. While these appear to be isolated incidents, they are worth noting. Another small but valid criticism is the lack of clear instructions, specifically on how to check the battery life, which left some users guessing. Despite these issues, the vast majority of owners are exceptionally satisfied with their purchase.
How the EPOMAKER F99 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Compares to Alternatives
The F99 carves out a unique niche, but it’s important to see how it stands against established players in the gaming keyboard market. Each alternative offers a different set of features for a different type of user.
1. SteelSeries Apex Pro Gaming Keyboard Adjustable Actuation
- FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE & STUPIDLY FAST with OmniPoint 2.0 Adjustable HyperMagnetic switches
- RAPID TRIGGER — Eradicate latency arising from the physical movement of the switch through dynamic activation and deactivation of keys based on travel distance rather than a fixed point in the key...
The SteelSeries Apex Pro is a direct competitor for the serious, competitive gamer who prioritizes raw performance over all else. Its standout feature is the HyperMagnetic switches, which allow for adjustable actuation points on a per-key basis. This means you can set a hair-trigger actuation for fast-paced gaming and a deeper one for typing to avoid errors. This is a level of gaming-focused customization the F99 can’t match. However, the Apex Pro is a wired-only keyboard, lacks the “creamy” sound and feel of the F99’s gasket mount, and typically comes at a significantly higher price. It’s the better choice for esports professionals, while the F99 is superior for those who value typing experience, acoustics, and wireless freedom.
2. Redragon S101M-KS Wireless Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo
- 【Wireless Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo】Get rid of the messy cables, Redragon Tri-mode Wireless Gaming Keyboard and Mouse will provide more freedom of choice for your gaming operations...
- 【RGB Gaming Keyboard and Mouse】Turely RGB Backlight with 8 backlight patterns, you also can adjust the lighting speed and lightness of your keyboard and mouse to fit your gaming scene and enhance...
The Redragon S101M-KS combo represents the ultimate budget-friendly alternative. For a fraction of the price of the F99, you get both a wireless keyboard and a wireless mouse. This package is an excellent choice for someone building their first gaming PC on a tight budget or a casual user who needs functional wireless peripherals without breaking the bank. However, the compromise is significant. The Redragon keyboard uses a membrane design, which cannot replicate the tactile feel or satisfying sound of the F99’s mechanical switches. Its build quality, battery life, and overall feature set are far more basic. It’s a great value entry point, but the F99 offers a monumental leap in quality and experience for those willing to invest more.
3. Razer BlackWidow V3 TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Yellow Switches
- Razer Yellow Mechanical Switches: Built for speed with an actuation point of just 1.2mm, these smooth switches have no tactile feedback and include sound dampeners to reduce its already low sound...
- Ultimate Personalization & Gaming Immersion with Razer Chroma: Fully syncs with popular games, Razer hardware, Philips Hue, and gear from 30 partners; supports 16.8 million colors on individually...
The Razer BlackWidow V3 TKL is a mainstream champion from one of the biggest names in gaming. It targets gamers who want a reliable, compact mechanical keyboard from a trusted brand. Its Tenkeyless (TKL) layout is more compact than the F99’s 96% layout because it omits the number pad entirely. The Razer Yellow linear switches are fast and quiet, but the overall typing experience is more traditional and “clacky” compared to the deep, muted sound of the F99. The BlackWidow lacks the gasket mount, extensive sound dampening, and hot-swappable features of the F99. Choose the Razer for its brand recognition and compact TKL form factor; choose the F99 for a superior typing feel, better acoustics, and greater customization potential.
Our Final Verdict: Is the EPOMAKER F99 Worth It?
After extensive testing, we can say without hesitation that the EPOMAKER F99 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard is a triumph. It successfully democratizes the premium, enthusiast-grade typing experience, delivering a product that sounds and feels like it should cost twice as much. The combination of a gasket-mounted structure, comprehensive five-layer sound dampening, and smooth pre-lubed switches creates an absolutely addictive “creamy” typing experience right out of the box. Add to that the incredible 8000mAh battery, reliable tri-mode connectivity, and a hot-swappable PCB for future customization, and you have a nearly unbeatable package.
While it’s not flawless—with potential for minor quality control issues and a need for better documentation—its overwhelming strengths make these acceptable trade-offs for the price. We recommend this keyboard wholeheartedly to anyone—gamer, writer, or office worker—who wants to elevate their daily typing from a mundane task to a genuinely enjoyable experience. If you’re ready to hear and feel the difference that thoughtful engineering can make, we highly encourage you to check the latest price and discover more about the EPOMAKER F99.
Last update on 2025-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API