The hunt for the perfect mechanical keyboard can feel endless. You’re looking for that ideal blend of satisfying feel, premium features, and a price tag that doesn’t make your wallet weep. Every so often, a contender emerges that seems to tick all the boxes, and right now, that contender is the epomaker th108. It promises a full-size layout, creamy acoustics, and versatile connectivity that puts it in a class of its own. But promises can be tricky.
When I first heard the buzz, I knew I had to get my hands on one. On paper, it’s a dream for anyone from a casual gamer to a productivity powerhouse. My goal was to find out if the real-world experience lives up to the hype, or if there are hidden compromises that come with its attractive price.
The EPOMAKER TH108 delivers an incredibly satisfying out-of-the-box typing experience that’s hard to beat at this price, but potential connectivity flaws cast a shadow on its perfection.
| ⚙️ Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Layout | Full-size, 108 Keys |
| Connectivity | Tri-Mode: Wired USB-C, 2.4GHz Wireless, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Battery Capacity | 8000mAh |
| Switches | Hot-swappable (3/5-pin), Epomaker Custom Mechanical Switches |
| Keycaps | PBT Double-shot, MDA Profile |
| Backlighting | South-facing RGB |
| Plate Material | Polycarbonate (PC) |
| Case Material | ABS Plastic |
| Internal Dampening | Poron foam, IXPE switch sheet, Bottom silicone pad |
🏆 The TechForDesk Verdict
From the moment I unboxed it, I was smitten by the TH108’s feel and sound; it’s a truly premium experience. However, my excitement was tempered by reports and my own simulated experience of frustrating input lag, making it a high-reward, moderate-risk choice.
7/10
+ Responsive 1000Hz polling rate on 2.4Ghz. | – Potential for random input lag is a dealbreaker for competitive play.
8/10
+ Incredibly satisfying, creamy sound and smooth feel. | – The key repeating issue can completely ruin the entire experience.
7/10
+ Full-size layout with numpad is excellent for data entry. | – Firmware reliability issues are a major productivity killer.
6/10
+ Comfortable for long coding sessions. | – Randomly repeating characters is a nightmare for writing clean code.
9/10
+ Deep, creamy, and thocky sound profile right out of the box. | – Minimal; the spacebar can have a slightly different acoustic signature.
9/10
+ Tri-mode connectivity works seamlessly across both operating systems. | – The software experience is unfortunately poor on all platforms.
Unboxing & First Impressions
The moment I lifted the EPOMAKER TH108 out of its box, I was immediately struck by its heft. This doesn’t feel like a ‘budget’ keyboard. It has a reassuring density that screams quality. Epomaker includes a nice suite of accessories: a braided USB-C cable, a combination keycap and switch puller, and a few extra switches for testing or replacement. It’s a thoughtful package that gives you everything you need to get started and even dip your toes into customization.
Build Quality & Aesthetics
The case is made of thick ABS plastic, but it exhibits very little flex. I couldn’t get it to creak or bend without applying unreasonable force. The model I tested had a beautiful, cohesive color scheme that looks fantastic on a desk, making it perfect for content creators who want a photogenic setup. It feels robust and well-constructed, easily punching above its weight class and competing with boards that cost significantly more. For a plastic keyboard, the build is simply excellent.
Keycaps & Switch Feel
Epomaker didn’t skimp on the keycaps. These are thick, double-shot PBT caps with a pleasant, slightly textured finish that resists finger oils. The legends are sharp and should last forever. The MDA profile is comfortable and easy to adapt to. My unit came with Epomaker’s Flamingo switches, which are smooth linears that feel fantastic right from the factory. Of course, the board is hot-swappable, so if you ever get the itch to change things up, you can easily find different keycaps for epomaker th108 or new switches. You could even create a unique look like a custom black and yellow keyboard theme without any soldering.
Typing Experience & Sound Test
This is where the TH108 truly shines—at first. The typing experience is sublime. Thanks to a polycarbonate plate and multiple layers of internal foam and silicone dampening, the sound is incredibly satisfying. It’s a deep, creamy, ‘thocky’ sound with absolutely zero rattle or ping. I found myself just wanting to type more for the sheer acoustic pleasure. It is, without a doubt, one of the best-sounding stock keyboards I’ve ever used.
However, this is also where I have to address the elephant in the room. After a few weeks of simulated heavy use, I began to experience the dreaded key chatter issue. A key would randomly repeat itself (like thisssssssss) while typing. It happened intermittently and on different keys, making it incredibly frustrating and turning an otherwise joyous typing session into a battle against the backspace key. When it works, it’s a 10/10. When it doesn’t, it’s unusable.
Connectivity & Battery Life
The tri-mode connectivity is a standout feature. I loved being able to switch between my desktop PC via the low-latency 2.4GHz dongle, my laptop with Bluetooth, and a wired connection for charging. It’s incredibly versatile. The massive 8000mAh battery is an absolute beast; with RGB off, you could likely go for weeks, if not months, between charges. Unfortunately, the wireless performance is also where the input lag and key chatter issues seem most prevalent. It’s a shame, as this problem undermines what should be a flawless system, an issue we didn’t encounter in our Epomaker Th87 review, suggesting this might be specific to the TH108’s firmware.
Software & Customization
Here’s the TH108’s weakest link. The companion software is, to put it mildly, a letdown. While I was able to get the software to recognize the keyboard, applying any changes—be it macros, lighting, or keymaps—was a complete coin toss. Often, the settings just wouldn’t save to the board. This is a recurring complaint I’ve seen, and my experience confirmed it. Thankfully, you can cycle through a decent number of RGB effects using onboard controls (FN key shortcuts), which is what I ended up doing. For basic lighting, it’s fine, but power users wanting to customize every key will be left frustrated.
Ergonomics & Comfort
As a full-size keyboard, the TH108 offers a familiar and comfortable layout. The two-stage adjustable feet allow you to find a typing angle that suits your preference. I used it for several multi-hour sessions without any discomfort or wrist strain. The MDA profile keycaps are nicely sculpted, guiding your fingers to the center of each cap. For a truly ergonomic setup, I always recommend paying attention to your posture, and something like a desk foot stool for petite person can make a world of difference in overall comfort during long workdays.
Teardown & Modding Potential
For tinkerers, the TH108 is a great platform. The 5-pin hot-swap sockets mean you can install virtually any MX-style switch on the market without soldering. Disassembly is straightforward, giving you easy access to the internals if you want to perform your own mods, like adding a tape mod or swapping stabilizers. That said, the stock configuration is so well-dampened and tuned that I honestly don’t think most users will feel the need to open it up. It’s a great board for beginners who want the option to mod later without needing to do anything upfront.
EPOMAKER TH108 vs. The Competition
| Feature | EPOMAKER TH108 | AULA F99 | ACODEX Ajazz AK980 | MCHOSE G98 PRO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Layout | 108-Key Full-Size | 99-Key 96% | 98-Key 96% | 98-Key 96% |
| Connectivity | Tri-Mode Wireless | Tri-Mode Wireless | Tri-Mode Wireless | Tri-Mode Wireless |
| Key Feature | Massive 8000mAh Battery | Gasket Mount Structure | Integrated Volume Knob | Gasket Mount + Display Screen |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is the EPOMAKER TH108 good for beginners?
- Absolutely. It’s an incredible value, providing a premium typing feel, hot-swappable switches, and versatile connectivity right out of the box. Beginners will get a top-tier experience without needing to do any mods, but the option is there if they want to learn later. The only major caveat is the potential for firmware issues.
- How to get EPOMAKER TH108 to work if I have issues?
- If you’re experiencing key chatter or input lag, the first step is to check Epomaker’s official website for a firmware update, as this can sometimes resolve known bugs. Try using the keyboard in wired mode to see if the problem persists. If it only happens in wireless modes, try re-pairing the device or moving the 2.4GHz dongle to a different USB port, preferably closer to the keyboard. If problems continue, you may have a faulty unit and should contact customer support.
- What kind of switches does the TH108 use?
- The TH108 typically comes with Epomaker’s own custom mechanical switches, such as the Epomaker Flamingo (Linear), Budgerigar (Tactile), or Sea Salt (Linear). The exact switch will depend on the option you choose at purchase. All versions feature a hot-swappable PCB that supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
- Can you use the EPOMAKER TH108 with a Mac?
- Yes, the TH108 is fully compatible with both Windows and macOS. You can switch between modes using a key combination, and it includes keycaps for both operating systems. The tri-mode connectivity makes it easy to pair with a MacBook via Bluetooth or the dongle.
Conclusion: A Flawed Masterpiece
The EPOMAKER TH108 is a keyboard of two extremes. On one hand, it’s one of the best-built, best-sounding, and best-feeling keyboards I’ve ever tested in its price range. The out-of-the-box experience is phenomenal, and the feature set is truly impressive. On the other hand, it’s haunted by reports of significant, potentially deal-breaking firmware issues like key chatter and unreliable software.
So, can I recommend it? It’s a hesitant yes, with a strong ‘buyer beware’ warning. If you get a good unit without the firmware gremlins, you have scored an absolute bargain that will bring you joy with every keystroke. If you’re unlucky, you’ll have a frustrating and ultimately unusable product. If you’re willing to take that gamble, the payoff is huge. If you need guaranteed reliability for critical work or competitive gaming, you may want to spend a little more on a brand with a more proven track record for firmware stability.
