Verdict: A Niche Retro Showpiece, Not a Daily Driver for Everyone
The Epomaker Glyph is a retro typewriter keyboard that combines round keycaps, a typewriter-style return lever, and dual TFT screens with modern tri-mode wireless, hot-swappable switches, and RGB lighting to target enthusiasts who care as much about custom keyboard aesthetic as everyday usability.
This Epomaker Glyph review starts with the bottom line: at USD 139.99 (approx. RM650), the Glyph is a gorgeous, eccentric desk centerpiece that makes sense for collectors and nostalgia‑driven typists, but it is not the most comfortable or practical choice if you care mainly about ergonomics or a compact footprint. You get tri‑mode connectivity, dual TFT displays, south‑facing per‑key RGB, a programmable rotary knob, and hot‑swappable mechanical switches, all wrapped in a convincing typewriter shell. In use, it feels more like functional decor than a pure productivity tool. If you love the idea of a modern typewriter with screens and RGB, the price can be justified; if you only want a great typing workhorse, better‑value boards exist.
Design, Layout and Dual TFT Displays
The Glyph leans hard into its custom keyboard aesthetic: rounded typewriter-style keycaps, a decorative return lever, and a chunky 75% layout that still keeps the function row, arrows, and a single navigation column. The ABS plastic chassis feels dense and solid, with little to no flex or creaking despite a two‑piece design, and its weight of around 1.18–1.3 kg keeps it firmly planted on the desk. According to one review, “the housing exhibits little to no flex under normal use, and there is no noticeable creaking or loose panels despite a two-piece construction.”
The dual TFT displays are the Glyph’s party trick. Seamlessly joined to appear like one continuous screen, they can show system stats, keyboard information, date, custom GIFs, and images. One reviewer watched battery drain from the right display and saw it slow significantly once RGB lighting was disabled, even with screens still active. The result is a retro typewriter keyboard that looks like a prop yet offers dashboard‑like feedback. It is overkill if you never glance at your board, but for streamers, desk‑setup enthusiasts, or anyone who loves animated layouts, the displays are a big part of the charm.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Layout | 75% ANSI, 83 keys with F-row and single nav column |
| Connectivity | USB-C wired, 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.0 tri-mode |
| Displays | Dual TFT, joined visually, show system data, GIFs, images |
| Special Controls | Typewriter-style return lever, programmable rotary knob, Enter/Delete flap |
| Dimensions & Weight | Approx. 347–365 × 151–207 × 57–64 mm, ~1.18–1.3 kg |
| Materials | ABS plastic chassis, ABS/aluminum plate, rounded custom keycaps |
Typing Feel, Hot-Swappable Switches and Performance
Out of the box, the Glyph ships with Epomaker Wisteria V2 linear switches, pre‑lubed, with a 45 g bottom‑out force and 3.6 mm total travel. They provide a smooth, clacky experience and pair well with the board’s gasket mount and south‑facing per‑key RGB. For a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard, flexibility is a highlight: the PCB supports both 3‑pin and 5‑pin MX‑style switches, so you can experiment with tactiles or linears using the included puller.
The rounded keycaps are less awkward than they look; cut corners keep the actual strike area familiar, though some users reported brushing against the side walls more often than on standard caps. In terms of measurable performance, one reviewer logged around 90 wpm in Monkeytype versus their typical 100 wpm, suggesting a small learning curve with the layout and caps. N‑key rollover and a 1,000 Hz polling rate over wired and 2.4 GHz mean the board keeps up for gaming or fast typing, while Bluetooth drops to 125 Hz, which is fine for casual use. It is not the fastest board you will ever use, but it is consistent and pleasant once you adapt.
Pros
- Wonderful typing experience with smooth Wisteria V2 linear switches and gasket mount feel
- Premium-feeling ABS chassis with solid weight and no noticeable flex or creaks
- Dual TFT displays, tri-mode connectivity, and lively RGB lighting add modern enthusiast-grade features
- Hot-swappable PCB supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches for easy customization
Cons
- Board sits very flat with minimal built-in tilt; no true height adjustment, which hurts ergonomics
- Large footprint for a 75% layout, demanding more desk depth than many compact boards
- Not comfortable without the included silicon wrist rest due to height and flat profile
- Enter/Delete flap is light and easy to trigger by accident, risking unintended input
Connectivity, Battery Life and Everyday Practicality
The Glyph’s tri-mode connectivity is one of its most practical strengths. You get USB Type‑C for wired use, plus 2.4 GHz wireless via a dongle and Bluetooth 5.0 for pairing with laptops, tablets, and phones. A dedicated housing for the 2.4 GHz adapter keeps the dongle from vanishing when you toss the board in a bag. The 8,000 mAh battery backs all of this, powering the dual TFT displays and RGB.
In day‑to‑day use, the battery drains noticeably with all lighting and both screens active, but one reviewer saw the drain rate “really slow down” as soon as they disabled the RGB while leaving the displays on. The included silicon wrist rest helps, because without it the high, flat chassis becomes tiring in longer sessions. Combine that with a large footprint and limited tilt, and the Glyph feels more comfortable as a stationary showpiece than a portable workhorse. As a retro typewriter keyboard for writing sessions, gaming on the couch in 2.4 GHz mode, or showing off on a streaming setup, it shines; for cramped desks or marathon coding, its ergonomics are a notable compromise.
Value for Money and Final Thoughts
At USD 139–139.99 (approx. RM650), the Glyph sits in the premium enthusiast territory for a 75% board. That price gets you dual TFT displays, tri‑mode connectivity, gasket mount, hot‑swappable switches, an included wrist rest, a typewriter‑style lever, and a programmable rotary knob. One reviewer summed it up by saying the Glyph “is a well-built, well-sounding, and well-equipped keyboard that does a lot right given its price point and setup.”
From a user’s perspective, the trade-offs are clear. You are paying for aesthetic and novelty: the typewriter vibe, the screens, the RGB, and the eye‑catching custom keyboard aesthetic. Ergonomics, portability, and minimalist design are not priorities here. If those compromises sound acceptable, the Glyph is one of the most distinctive hot-swappable mechanical keyboard options you can put on a desk today. If you mainly want comfort, a smaller footprint, or a budget‑friendly board, there are plenty of simpler alternatives that will serve you better at a lower price.
- Buy the Epomaker Glyph if you want a retro typewriter keyboard with dual TFT displays, RGB, and a bold custom keyboard aesthetic as a centerpiece for your desk or stream setup.
- Skip the Epomaker Glyph if you prioritize ergonomics, need adjustable height, or often type long hours without a wrist rest.
- Buy the Epomaker Glyph if you value tri-mode connectivity, hot-swappable switches, and enthusiast-grade features in a single package despite the higher price.
- Skip the Epomaker Glyph if you have limited desk space and prefer a lighter, more compact board for travel or small setups.
- Buy the Epomaker Glyph if you are a collector or nostalgia-driven keyboard enthusiast who sees the USD 139.99 (approx. RM650) price as fair for style and features.
- Skip the Epomaker Glyph if you mostly care about raw typing performance per dollar and would rather invest in a simpler, cheaper mechanical keyboard without gimmicks.
