EPOMAKER x LEOBOG Hi75 Aluminum Alloy Wired Gaming Keyboard Barebones Kit, 75% Gasket-Mounted RGB Creamy Keyboard, Hot-swap, with Mode-Switching Knob, for Win/Mac (Light Blue)

[Updated] I now own four of these Hi75 keyboards (purple, green, white and creamy pink). All four keyboards worked with zero issues out of the box, other than needing to be switched into windows mode (see command instructions at end of review). This, and the Epomaker Feker Galaxy 80, wired edition (TKL, no knob; I own in blue and “white” - which is actually a creamy beige), are currently my favorites for super affordable, aluminum case, gasket mount, hotswap, barebone kits. They both just sound, feel and look so amazing for the cost. I’m updating my review to specifically caution that the “creamy pink” option is a bit of an odd color. Turns out it’s less pink, or even peachy pink (which is how the listing photos looked on my monitor; the big selling point for me), and more nude. Ymmv, but note the included photo is of the keyboard in indoor, natural lighting. To my tastes, all of my peachy-pink or orangey keycap sets were too orange against the neutral color of this keyboard, and all the truly pink-toned keycap sets were too pink, out of a dozen different sets in my collection. Given the reason I BUY the same keyboard, in multiple colors, is to coordinate with my various, non-monochrome keycap sets, this was an unhappy discovery. Luckily, what ultimately worked beautifully, with a big caveat, is the ASA-low profile, 155 key, Akko Black & Pink set, which is a uniform, doubleshot PBT set influenced by the nicer, but MUCH pricier, SA Bliss. The caveat (ymmv) is that the Akko set’s “pink” modifier and novelty keycaps were too peachy pink against the neutral nude of the keyboard. To me, it just looked BAD. Thankfully, the color LOOKS like a gorgeous match when viewed as legends within the black and charcoal keycaps. As seen in the photo, I also swapped the translucent red knob insert for a (not included) opaque black one, which I already had on hand. So, I’m ultimately very happy, but the Hi75 in this color was almost a return. —————- Original Review: This is a terrific budget keyboard. Heavy aluminum alloy frame (albeit not anodized), comfortable gasket mount, hotswap, NKRO, RGB, decent stabilizers, media knob, GREAT sound (didn't matter what switch I used, they all sounded fantastic - linear switches have offered a very creamy and marbly sound), programmability (via proprietary software), and it comes in several awesome colors! I do feel that the gray, coiled USB cable it comes with is underwhelming, especially since the coil is deformed from the box it’s stored inside, but I prefer to swap out the USB cables, regardless. If you’re thinking the Hi75 being "only" wired is a drawback, consider the fact that lithium-ion batteries don't ONLY stop working eventually, the way older types of batteries did. Instead, they can and DO swell (aka go "spicy pillow") and even explode (note: water will dangerously exacerbate a lithium-ion fire; a Class D fire extinguisher is recommended). There is software for this keyboard. I downloaded the software from the WhatGeek website, but haven't tinkered with it yet. Most users won't need to touch their keyboard settings, but it's there if you need it. I would say the only cons to this keyboard are (1) it will require more care vs. one with an anodized finish to avoid chipping the paint, (2) the odd choice of a red shine-through plastic top on the media knob, regardless of the color of the keyboard you choose, and (3) you need to use extra care when inserting switches, due to all the foam, and the flex cuts in the gasket mounted PC plate. Some people would cite lack of VIA compatibility as an issue, but I find it awkward to use, and tend not to fuss with layout, so I don't care. After assembly, while still returnable to Amazon, DO go to a keyboard tester website to make sure all the keys work. Assume “dead” keys are merely a bent switch pin before you panic about getting a "bad" keyboard. You can usually straighten a bent switch pin with tweezers, and if not, just use another switch. IMPORTANT: Keyboards are NOT in windows mode out of the box. I had to tinker to get it to swap. Fn + W puts you in Windows mode, and the bottom LED indicator will turn on, but if the Win key is STILL not working, press Fn + Left Win key, and you should be all set. As for the red media knob, thankfully, you can buy compatible replacements for that center plastic part (opaque white, opaque black, clear, or transparent pale pink, either individually, or as a full set), but be prepared for a wait, since they ship from China. Just Google "Hi75 Knob". I bought mine on Ebay, since they had the cheapest price at the time, but Aliexpress is another source. [Update: A seller on Aliexpress also offers fancier/decorated options for the knob insert, at a higher cost].

This board has started my descent down the keyboard rabbit hole straight to bankruptcy. This board is absolutely beautiful. I knew I wanted the blue base as soon as I saw it. I would recommend getting the pre-built version if it's available in the color you want. Its just a better value and the leobog greywood switches are quite good. Leagues better than the MX Browns on the gaming keyboard I was using before. Unfortunately, the blueberry party version of this board with the blue base was sold out everywhere so I had to spend the premium to build it myself. The build quality is excellent! Much heavier than I was expecting! The only flaw on the finish of my unit is a small chip of paint under the astronaut magnetic badge. As I have no plans on removing the badge this didn't bug me personally. The only downside of the build quality is the screws. I almost stripped mine by using a bit that was ever so slightly the wrong size. If you don't have a precision screwdriver kit with the exact size bit don't bother disassembling it, you will just ruin the screws. I currently have mine stock with JWICK JWK Taro Puree tactile switches and PBT keycaps and it sounds amazing! Its a very rich and thoccy sound signature. I chose these switches as they had the deepest sound profile out of the 9 switches I tested out. It's a heavier 67gf tactile with a large rounded bump if you are interested in checking them out. I also tried the Akko Creamy Blue Pros and the Leobog Greywood V3's in this board and they also sounded great, though not quite as creamy as the Taro Puree's. You can also buy a replacement button for the knob which saves this board aesthetically in my opinion. Overall, this is an amazing board whose only cons are no open-source software support, no wireless, and the ugly red button on the dial. I consider all these issues minor inconveniences. The final product easily outweighs the cons.

I wanted to wait several months before leaving a review for this keyboard base to give myself time to use it and also see how well it held up over time. I'm happy to report that it's worked perfectly, not given me any issues, and continues to work well. The light pink color was what initially drew me to this base. It's very hard to find a light pink in items now-a-days. Most items you find are hot or a bubblegum pink, which I find very annoying. So when I saw this light pink case listed, I immediately started looking into purchasing it. It's made of aluminum, very sturdy, and has a good weight to it. You get an assortment of backlight colors to choose from and I was very happy when I realized it included a light reddish/pink color backlight, as it goes perfectly with my keys and the color of the base. I had no issues installing my switches or keys, as well as no issues with lag or input. I thought the red colored center for the knob would annoy me and throw off the aesthetic, but it actually looks good and compliments the back light. The knob functions well and I like that I'm able to control my speaker volume easily and mute them quickly when needed. I've not had any connectivity issues. I actually used the default grey cable that came with it for a while before changing it out. Overall, this base has lived up to my expectations, continues to work well, and looks great while doing so. As far as cost goes, you pay for what you get, and with this purchase I got a solid, quality keyboard base, so it was money well spent.

Först och främst är detta ett fantastiskt tangentbord som känns mycket premium! Det finns dock två saker som inte var positivt; Det står att det ska ingå vissa verktyg som inte är med i förpackningen. Det andra negativa var att när jag installerade switcharna klickade inte "plastmallen" i switchen runt ingången vilket gjorde det onödigt petigt för att få allt i rätt läge. Men förutom detta är det 5/5!

以前吊るしのものを購入して良かったので余っていたキーキャップ、スイッチで組み立てました。 相変わらず質感はなかなか良いです。 ただ、ベアボーンキットにはプラカバーが付属しないのでそこだけが残念です。 右上ノブのキャップの評判が悪いですが蟻とかで替えのキャップが買えます。 私は気にならないのでそのままです。

フレームとキーキャップが干渉してカチャカチャ音が鳴ります。

I already had switches and keycaps from my old custom build but needed a new board and case. This barebones kit is incredible, especially for the price. I got 30% off for some reason when i ordered it, but im not complaining thats a win. Its heavy, feels premium, the attention to detail on the sound you get is incredible, the gaskets, foam, everything. My keyboard sounds creamy, no mods needed. The stabs that come with the kit are some of the best ive ever used, ZERO rattle, perfect. The volume dial has the most satisfying clicky sound and feedback ive ever felt on a keyboard. The software does what it needs to do, plus, the keyboard has on board memory so you dont need to run the software, only when making changes. I was originally looking for a black case but the color options on amazon are limited for this kit, so i went with the grey. And im so glad i did, it looks incredible with my black and purple keycaps. The machining on this case is second to none. If i had to really try and nit pick, id say i wish the LED on the volume dial could be changed as it is only red, more colour choices on amazon (probs not epomakers fault) and im not a fan of the cable thats provided, its like, half a coiled cable, and very short, BUT the fact they give you one is amazing considering the price, and lastly im not the biggest fan of the cable placement, its like inbetween the left and centre, a lil odd placement, but honestly im pulling at strings, its perfect, get it.

Very good product build!