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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

AULA HERO84 vs Epomaker RT85Wired 8K Gaming vs Wireless All-Rounder

Choose the AULA HERO84 for maximum wired gaming performance, or the Epomaker RT85 for wireless flexibility and a premium typing feel.

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Wireless All-Rounder

Epomaker RT85

EPOMAKER RT85

4.8 (38)

$68at Epomaker

90-day low

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

AULA HERO84

Wired 8K Gaming

Build quality in the bottom 35% of 75% boards under $100.

If you want

  • Features an 8000 Hz polling rate for high-speed input response.
  • Uses Hall Effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation distance (0.01mm - 3.4mm).
  • Includes a front-edge RGB lightbox in addition to per-key south-facing RGB.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.

Get the

Epomaker RT85

Wireless All-Rounder

Build quality in the top 50% of 75% boards under $100.

If you want

  • Offers tri-mode connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired.
  • Includes a 1.47-inch customizable TFT screen and a functional joystick for media control.
  • Built with a gasket mount structure and a polycarbonate plate for a softer typing feel.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.

Bottom line

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you are a competitive gamer who values the absolute lowest potential latency and wants to fine-tune switch actuation, the wired AULA HERO84 is the clear pick. For virtually every other user—whether you need wireless freedom, a premium typing experience, unique features like a screen, or just a versatile daily driver—the Epomaker RT85 provides significantly more value and functionality for a similar price.

What actually differs

The differences that matter

Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.

AULA HERO84

Epomaker RT85

  • Hall effect (magnetic)

    Yes

    No

    Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing

  • Connection

    Wired

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Max polling rate

    8,000 Hz

    1,000 Hz

    Higher polling helps competitive FPS and does nothing for typing

  • Case material

    ABS

    Plastic

  • Switch options

    Magnetic

    Linear, Silent, Tactile

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • AULA HERO84
  • Epomaker RT85
Performance
91
74
Build quality
57
66
Productivity
76
76
Customizability
58
66
Portability
63
91

What they share

  • Layout size: 75%
  • Hot-swappable
  • Sound dampening
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Epomaker RT85 is the more versatile choice, winning in five of six categories. Its strengths in wireless connectivity, battery life, and its unique screen/joystick combo make it superior for office work, programming, travel, and content creation. Its gasket mount also appeals to modders. The AULA HERO84's sole, but decisive, win is in dedicated gaming, where its 8000 Hz polling rate and customizable Hall Effect switches provide a tangible performance edge for competitive players.

For gaming

Pick the AULA HERO84

  • The AULA HERO84 has an 8000 Hz polling rate, which is eight times faster than the RT85's 1000 Hz rate for potentially lower input lag.
  • It features Hall Effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points from 0.01mm to 3.4mm for precise customization.
  • The vendor description highlights its design for 'competitive performance' and 'esports-level speed'.

Full specs

AULA HERO84 vs Epomaker RT85 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

10 of 22 specs differ

AULA HERO84

Epomaker RT85

Typing & switches

Switch options

Magnetic
Linear, Silent, Tactile

Hall effect (magnetic)

Yes
No

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Tray Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

75%
75%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
TFT

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

8,000 HzBetter
1,000 Hz

Battery

Wired only
8,000 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

ABS
Plastic

Plate material

Steel
Polycarbonate

Keycaps

—
PBT

Weight

910 g
1,000 g

Dimensions

43 x 322 x 138 mm
40 x 360 x 138 mm

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2025
2025

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

AULA HERO842 stores

FAQ

AULA HERO84 vs Epomaker RT85: your questions

The AULA HERO84 is better for competitive FPS gaming. It has an 8000 Hz polling rate, which is eight times faster than the Epomaker RT85's 1000 Hz, potentially reducing input lag. Its Hall Effect switches also allow you to adjust the actuation point to be extremely sensitive for faster keypress registration.

Yes, the Epomaker RT85 supports tri-mode connectivity. You can connect via a 2.4GHz wireless dongle for gaming, Bluetooth for devices like Macs or tablets, and a wired USB-C connection. The manufacturer lists compatibility with Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS.

No, the AULA HERO84 is a wired-only keyboard. It connects via the included USB-A to USB-C cable and does not offer Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless modes.

The Epomaker RT85 uses a gasket mount with a polycarbonate plate and multiple foam layers, aiming for a softer, more cushioned 'thocky' sound. The AULA HERO84 uses a tray mount with a steel plate, which typically results in a firmer, more direct typing feel.

The Epomaker RT85 has a significant battery advantage. It houses an 8000mAh battery, which the manufacturer claims can last up to 320 hours with the screen and RGB off. The AULA HERO84 does not have a battery as it is a wired-only keyboard.

Yes, both keyboards feature hot-swappable PCBs, allowing you to change the switches without soldering. The AULA HERO84 uses magnetic Hall Effect switches, while the Epomaker RT85 is compatible with standard 5-pin mechanical switches.

The Epomaker RT85 includes a 1.47-inch TFT screen that can display system info, custom GIFs, or act as a control panel. It also has a joystick next to the arrow keys that controls volume, mutes audio, and toggles RGB effects.

Both keyboards offer software for customization. The AULA HERO84 uses a web-based driver accessible from Chromium browsers. The Epomaker RT85 uses the downloadable EPOMAKER Driver 3.0 software for Windows and Mac, which allows for key remapping and macro creation.

While both are 75% layouts, the Epomaker RT85 is more portable in practice due to its wireless functionality, eliminating the need to manage a cable. However, it is slightly heavier (1000g vs 910g) and longer (360mm vs 322mm) than the AULA HERO84.

Yes, both keyboards feature per-key RGB backlighting with south-facing LEDs. The AULA HERO84 additionally has a distinctive front-edge RGB lightbox, according to its vendor description.

The Epomaker RT85 comes with double-shot PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile. PBT plastic is generally more resistant to shine and wear over time compared to ABS plastic.

The AULA HERO84 includes the keyboard, a USB cable, a user manual, a keycap puller, and two replacement switches. The Epomaker RT85 includes the keyboard, a manual, a USB cable, a 2.4GHz dongle, two extra switches, and a 2-in-1 switch and keycap puller.

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