Mechanical keyboard brand Epomaker has announced the launch of its latest mechanical keyboard– the DynaTab 75–an unusual keyboard that’s bound to appeal to live streamers or anyone else looking to make a visual splash.
The DynaTab 75X’s case is a little larger than most 75% keyboards because it has to accommodate a large dot-matrix display that serves a variety of functions. The keyboard is built around a gasket-mount which is an increasingly popular design for many mechanical keyboards because of the bouncy feel the gasket provides when typing.
The gasket-mount DynaTab 75X feels well-engineered despite the case feeling lighter than some other popular mechanical brands like Keychron. The gasket structure ensures each keypress is stable and consistent, making typing and gaming precise and satisfying.
As well as the solid gasket structure, the DynaTab 75X has some unusual features. To begin with, there’s the compact 75% layout which provides a balance between saving space and efficiency.
The DynaTab 75X has a full-qwerty layout as well as a row of Function and media keys that work with both macOS and Windows. If you don’t need a numeric keypad and too many extra navigation keys, then 75% is the ideal compromise between space and usability.
The keyboard has customizable RGB backlights under each keycap for backlighting of the keys. Users can use the Epomaker Driver software to assign unique lighting effects to individual keys to create a personalized setup that will suit both work and play.
Perhaps the standout feature of the DynaTab 75X is its large 540-pixel RGB dot matrix display. The letterbox-shaped display offers plenty of space and can be directly programmed with intricate pattern designs, including dynamic GIF animations. The display also has a range of custom lighting effects and can display letters responding to each keystroke on the screen.
With the Epomaker Driver software, users can design, draw and upload their animation effects to the dot matrix screen. Next to the dot-matrix screen is a button that controls the display, toggling different functions at a press. The EPOMAKER software can also be used to remap and customize individual keys by assigning macros to them for specific functions.
The DynaTab 75X also has hot-swappable key switches that can be easily swapped out to provide different feel and sounds. The switches can be exchanged without the need for a soldering iron or any special technical knowledge. Just pull out the old switch and pop in a new one with the feel and sound you like.
One of the reasons many people love mechanical keyboards is the sound they make. Everyone has their own idea of the perfect typing sound and that will depend on whether you are working alone or in a crowded office where very clacky keys might annoy colleagues.
To ensure the Epomaker DynaTab 75X creates a great sound, it has a foam sandwich inside the keyboard made from Poron and there’s also a sheet of latex shaft base foam. These materials absorb vibrations and deaden the sound of the switches, producing a satisfying sound and a solid feel. The foam layers act as shock absorbers which helps to extend the life and durability of the switches.
Although this keyboard can be used with Windows and macOS computers, the software for customizing the settings is currently only available for Windows, so I wasn’t able to test that aspect with my Mac. Epomaker assures me work is underway on the macOS version and I’ve seen and used Epomaker Mac software for some of the company’s other keyboards, so I expect it to be available soon for customizing the dot-matrix display and setting up the keyboard with the correct time and date on the display.
Powering this DynaTab 75X is a large 10,000mAh rechargeable battery that has advanced fast-charging technology. The battery delivers sustained power and enables users to stay productive when working wirelessly. The fast-charging function means that even when the keyboard’s battery does run down, it can be quickly recharged using the supplied USB-C cable while carrying on typing using a wired connection.
There are three ways to connect the DynaTab 75X to its host device. There’s the usual Bluetooth and USB cable, plus there’s a 2.4GHz RF dongle that provides a wireless connection with the responsiveness of a cable.
Verdict: The Epomaker DynaTab 75X is a solid and enjoyable keyboard to type on. Despite being relatively lightweight, the designers have done a good job of deadening the tactile feedback and that makes it a great keyboard to type on. The review sample I tested came with side engraved and see-through PBT keycaps. I’m not a huge fan of side-printed keys and would recommend you choose a more conventional keycap design when ordering unless you are a confident touch typist. The dot-matrix on this keyboard could be seen as a bit of a gimmick but I can imagine gamers and live streamers would appreciate the animation aspect. If that’s something that appeals to you, then you’ll have plenty of fun customizing the colorful display and keyboard functions.
Pricing & Availability: The Epomaker DynaTab 75X mechanical keyboard has launched already on Kickstarter and if you like the idea of a keyboard with a colorful and customizable display, then this could be the keyboard for you. The super-early bird price for the Epomaker DynaTab 75X is $109. As with all crowdfunded products, make sure you carry out due diligence.
More info: Epomaker.com and Kickstarter.
Tech Specs:
- Layout: 75%
- Display: RGB dot-matrix LED screen.
- Structure: Gasket mount.
- Hot-swappable: Yes.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB-C, 2.4GHz dongle.
- Compatibility: macOS, Windows, Android, iOS.
- Battery: Fast-charging 10,000mAh.
- RGB backlights: South facing.
- Keycaps: Side-engraved PBT.
- Finish: Purple White or Black Grey.
- Switches: Sea Salt (silent), Flamingo (Linear), Wisteria (Linear), Wisteria (Tactile).
