Looking for a 96% mechanical keyboard that packs premium features without the premium price tag?

Thanks to Epomaker, I got to experience my very first 96% layout, also often referred to as a 1800 layout. The Epomaker TH99 offers the functionality of a full-sized keyboard without the bulk: you get the full function row, dedicated arrow keys, and a number pad; all tightly packed into a sleek frame. It might not have a fancy screen or multiple knobs, but it offers a refined typing experience packed into a sturdy build that gets the job done for US$82.99.

Aesthetically, the Epomaker TH99 comes in a 2 color variations: black and white-blue. I received the white-blue version, and simply love the sweet pastel blue casing! It is my first blue mechanical keyboard, and I can't wait to pair it with cute keycaps and artisans.

Get your Epomaker TH99 here!

First Impressions: Premium Yet Playful

Let’s start with the unboxing experience, which is always the most exciting part for me. What captivated me first was the cool packing box with the astronaut at the front. Due to the 96% layout, the box (and keyboard) is a bit longer than the ones I currently have.

Right out of the box, the Epomaker TH99 has a compact layout, offering 99 keys that include the full function row, dedicated arrow keys, and a number pad. I always appreciate it when the keyboards come with a dustcover. Not only does it help keep the keys clean, but it’s also perfect for keeping any setup looking neat and display-ready when the keyboard’s not in use.

Here’s what you’ll find in the box:
✔️ The Epomaker TH99 Keyboard & Plastic Dustcover
✔️ Detachable USB-C cable
✔️ Keycap & Switch puller

✔️ 2 (extra) switches
✔️ A user manual

Layout and Build Quality

With its compact 96% layout, hot-swappable switches, tri connectivity (bluetooth, 2,4ghz wireless and wired), rgb options, and sound-dampening design, the Epomaker TH99 delivers a premium typing experience at a reasonable price. It’s a great choice for anyone transitioning from a full-sized keyboard, offering nearly all the keys of a 100% layout while saving valuable desk space.

Despite its ABS plastic frame, the Epomaker TH99 feels solid and reassuringly weighty in hand (around 1.2kg), with minimal flex. The double-shot PBT keycaps are nicely textured and resistant to shine, ensuring they hold up well over time.

While the board comes with a subtle natural slope, you can further customize the typing angle thanks to two-stage adjustable feet, making it easy to find your ideal angle for typing.

Epomaker TH99: Technical Specifications

Specification Details

Brand EPOMAKER
Model H99
Layout 96% QWERTY ANSI US Layout
Number of Keys 102 keys
Front Height About 20MM
Case Material ABS Plastic
Plate Material PC Plastic
Flex-Cut PCB Flex-Cut
Stabilizers Plate-Mount Stabilizer. (Not compatible with Screw-in Stabilizer)
Mounting Structure Gasket-Mount
5 layers Sound Dampening Poron Sandwich Pad, IXPE Switch Pad, PET Sound-Enhancement pad, Bottom Poron and Bottom Silicone
Keycaps Profile Cherry Profile
Keycaps Material PBT Plastic
Keycaps Manufacturing technique Double-Shot
Hot swappable Yes, 3/5-pin mechanical switches
RGB South-facing, per-key RGB
Polling Rate 1000Hz (USB, 2.4Ghz), 125Hz (Bluetooth 5.0)
Latency 2ms (USB), 5ms (2.4Ghz wireless), 11ms (Bluetooth 5.0)
Anti-Ghosting N-Key Rollover
Connectivity Cable Wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0
Compatibility Mac/WIN/Android (Not compatible with PS4/5/Switch)
Battery 4000mAh
Keyboard Dimensions 402*303*375MM
Package Weight 2kg (actual keyboard is about 1.2kg)

Switches: Epomaker Creamy Creamy Jade Switch (Linear)

The Epomaker TH99 comes with the Epomaker Creamy Jade Switches, known for their unique deep thocky sound and smooth feel. It is interesting to note that the Epomaker Creamy Jade Switch is currently not available for purchase separately and is primarily used in the Epomaker TH99 (and TH85) keyboard models.

The specs are worth highlighting too:

Switch Type: 5-pin Mechanical Switch, Linear, Pre-Lubed
Trigger Force: 45±5gf
Bottom-out Force: 50±5gf
Pre-Travel: 2.0±0.4mm
Total Travel: 3.6±0.4mm
Light Diffuser: No Light Diffuser

💕Feel: Relatively light, but if you are used to anything less 45±5gf you might find yourselves just using a little bit more force but not enough to make your fingers tired during long typing sessions.

💕Sound Profile: Deep and creamy “thock” that feels polished and refined like a delicious cup of smooth dark chocolate milkshake (for the ears).

If you love linear switches with a silky, low-pitched sound, these won’t disappoint. They’re quieter than the Flamingo switches on the Epomaker Cypher 81. You can check out my review about them in the link below:

[Epomaker Cypher 81 Review: A Sleek and Satisfying Typing Companion with Flamingo Linear Switches]

Typing Experience: Solid, But Takes Getting Used To

The typing experience on the Epomaker TH99 is where things get interesting. Out of the box, the keyboard and the Epomaker Creamy Jade Switches provide a smooth and surprisingly stable typing experience: there's almost no stem wobble, giving each keypress a solid and satisfying feel.

That said, not all stabilizers are created equal. I noticed that while the the spacebar stabilizer is nicely dampened and soft, the backspace and enter keys feel slightly firmer. This inconsistency gives the keyboard a bit of a learning curve, especially when you’re switching between keys that require different amounts of force.

In addition, it did not help that the space between each key seems to be a further apart then what I am used to (that or I am not quite used to the longer layout as compared to a tenkeyless keyboard).

As a result, it took me a couple of days to adjust, but the overall typing experience was pleasant (as long as the narrow surface area of the keycaps is forgotten). I plan to change out the stock keycaps to ones which have a wider surface area, so stay tune for that post!

Connectivity and Battery Life

I always love having more options for less, so I would usually go for a mechanical keyboard which as tri connectivity versus just wired. The Epomaker TH99 comes with tri-mode connectivity:

USB-C wired
2.4GHz wireless (dongle included)
Bluetooth 5.0 (connects up to 3 devices)

The 4000mAh battery promises up to 800 hours of use with RGB off . While I haven’t pushed it that far (yet), it’s lasted through several days of wireless use without needing a charge.

RGB and Software Customization

If you love to personalize your mechanical keyboard, the Epomaker TH99 offers vibrant RGB lighting with multiple preset modes select from. You can also dive into further customization using Epomaker’s software or using VIA.

Being VIA compatibility makes key remapping and lighting customization super intuitive. You can set macros, change RGB effects, and remap keys without needing to flash firmware.

Final Thoughts

The Epomaker TH99 doesn’t pretend to be the flashiest keyboard on the market. There’s no screen, no fancy features and no knob. But what you do get is an incredibly solid, thoughtfully designed mechanical keyboard that delivers where it matters: typing experience, sound, and layout.

It’s compact, reliable, and feels like a premium upgrade without breaking the bank., espcially if you are getting your very first mechanical keyboard and/or don't want to compromise too much on the full sized experience.

If you're looking for a keyboard that feels as good as it sounds, and you’re ready to spend a bit of time getting used to its unique quirks, this might just be your next mechanical keyboard to get.

👉 Get yours here!

Have you tried the Epomaker TH99 or love the 1800 layout? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!