Verdict First: A Modern Typewriter For Form-First Buyers
A retro typewriter keyboard is a mechanical keyboard that mimics classic typewriter aesthetics—such as rounded keys and levers—while still offering modern features like wireless connectivity, RGB lighting, and hot-swappable switches for contemporary everyday use. The Epomaker Glyph leans hard into that idea: visually, it is a vintage keyboard design with round keycaps, a typewriter-style return lever, and dual TFT displays that make it look more like a collector’s piece than a standard office tool. Functionally, it is a tri-mode hot-swappable mechanical keyboard with enthusiast-grade features, including per-key RGB, gasket mounting, and software for macros and key remapping. At USD 139 (approx. RM650), it is not cheap, but the feature set and build quality largely justify the price if you care about nostalgia computing peripherals as much as you care about typing feel. If you only want the best ergonomics and a small footprint, this is the wrong keyboard.
| Spec | Epomaker Glyph | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 75% ANSI, 83 keys | Function row and arrows, no numpad |
| Connectivity | USB‑C, Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz tri‑mode | Works wired or wireless with multiple devices |
| Battery | 8,000 mAh rechargeable | Long untethered use between charges |
| Switches | Epomaker Wisteria V2 linear, hot‑swappable | Smooth feel; easy to swap MX‑style switches |
| Displays | Dual TFT displays | Show system info, images, GIFs |
| Special controls | Typewriter return lever, programmable rotary knob | Retro-inspired navigation and volume control |
| Weight & size | Approx. 1.18–1.3 kg, ~347–365 × 151–207 × 57–64 mm | Heavy, large 75% board |
Design, Build, and Those Dual Screens
If you want desk presence, the Glyph delivers. Its retro-inspired design borrows heavily from classic mechanical typewriters, with rounded keys, decorative return lever, and a multifunction rotary knob that instantly signal “nostalgia computing peripherals” rather than generic office hardware. The ABS plastic chassis feels solid and premium, with little to no flex or creaking under normal use, despite the two-piece construction. Several reviewers noted that it carries substantial weight for a 75% keyboard, at over two pounds, which helps it stay planted on the desk and adds to the high-end feel. The standout flourish is the dual TFT displays: one can show system information, images, or GIFs, while the other reports keyboard data such as connection mode and status. They are more about delight than necessity, but they contribute heavily to its collectible desk piece appeal.
Typing Experience: Smooth Switches, Quirky Keycaps, Middling Ergonomics
Under the vintage shell, the Epomaker Glyph types like a modern enthusiast board. Epomaker’s Wisteria V2 linear switches are pre-lubricated and light at 45 g bottom-out, with 3.6 mm total travel and a smooth, clacky feel that several reviewers called the company’s best work. The hot-swappable PCB supports 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches, letting you swap in your preferred linears, tactiles, or clickies without soldering. Keycaps are where the typewriter illusion meets practicality: one source lists rounded custom PLA caps, another details double-shot PBT in a Cherry profile that offer better durability than typical ABS caps. The round tops look charming, but can cause more side bumps and slightly reduced accuracy; one reviewer’s Monkeytype score dropped from 100 wpm to around 90 wpm on this board. Ergonomics are a real downside: the board is quite flat, has no height adjustment, and is not comfortable without the included silicon wrist rest.
Pros
- Wonderful typing experience with smooth, pre‑lubed linear switches and satisfying sound
- Premium-feeling ABS chassis with hefty weight and little flex or creaking
- Hot-swappable mechanical keyboard design for 3‑pin and 5‑pin MX-style switches
- Dual TFT displays, RGB lighting, and software for macros and key remapping
- Tri-mode connectivity (USB‑C, Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz) with high polling rate in wired/2.4 GHz modes
Cons
- Large footprint for a 75% layout; not ideal for cramped desks
- No height adjustment and flat typing angle; relies on wrist rest for comfort
- Rounded keycaps can slightly hurt accuracy and cause more side contact
- Pricey compared to simpler mechanical boards with better ergonomics
Features, Connectivity, and Value for Retro Enthusiasts
Beyond looks and feel, the Glyph behaves like a modern premium keyboard. It offers tri-mode connectivity—USB Type‑C wired, 2.4 GHz wireless, and Bluetooth 5.0—backed by an 8,000 mAh rechargeable battery for long sessions away from the cable. Polling rates hit 1,000 Hz over wired and 2.4 GHz, and 125 Hz over Bluetooth, with full N-key rollover so it keeps up with fast typists or gamers. The Epomaker driver lets you program RGB lighting, macros, key remaps, and Fn layers, and the dual TFT displays are customizable with GIFs and images on top of system info. Additional touches, like the programmable rotary knob, dedicated volume roller, included wrist rest, and housing for the 2.4 GHz USB adapter, round out the package. At USD 139.99 (approx. RM655), the Glyph is “surely a bit expensive,” but several reviewers argued that the rich feature set and nostalgic design justify the price for retro enthusiasts who want both character and modern capability.
Buy if / Skip if
- Buy the Epomaker Glyph if you want a retro typewriter keyboard that doubles as a collectible desk centerpiece with dual TFT displays and RGB lighting.
- Skip the Epomaker Glyph if you prioritize compact size and minimal footprint over vintage keyboard design and decorative features.
- Buy the Epomaker Glyph if you value a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard with smooth linear switches and enthusiast-grade connectivity and software.
- Skip the Epomaker Glyph if you need strong ergonomics, adjustable typing angles, and comfort without a wrist rest.
- Buy the Epomaker Glyph if you are a nostalgia computing peripherals fan willing to pay USD 139.99 (approx. RM655) for aesthetics plus modern tri-mode connectivity.
- Skip the Epomaker Glyph if you mostly care about raw typing speed and accuracy on standard keycaps rather than typewriter-style rounded caps.
