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Compare Cidoo Nebula vs Epomaker Hack 59 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two popular, affordably priced wireless mechanical keyboards with gasket mounts. The Cidoo Nebula is a 65% DIY kit, while the Epomaker Hack 59 is a 60% pre-built model. The decision hinges on layout preference, the desire for a complete build versus a project, and the importance of advanced sound dampening. Both offer extensive programmability and tri-mode connectivity, making the choice nuanced.

73
CIDOO Nebula VIA Keyboard Kit
-10% off
79
Epomaker Hack 59

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3.4 (48)
4.7 (18)
  • Released in 2023
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Comes with a knob
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Weighs about 457 g
  • Sized at 35 x 120 x 325 mm
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Available in a 60% layout
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 630 g
  • Sized at 28 x 119 x 303 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 47.9
  • Build Quality: 63
  • Productivity: 73.5
  • Customizability: 85.1
  • Portability: 88.1
Scores
  • Performance: 61.4
  • Build Quality: 76.9
  • Productivity: 73.8
  • Customizability: 86.6
  • Portability: 84.3
Name
Cidoo Nebula
Name
Epomaker Hack 59
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
65%
Layout Size
60%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
3000 mAh
Battery capacity
3000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS
Case Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
35 x 120 x 325 mm
Dimensions
28 x 119 x 303 mm
Weight
457g
Weight
630g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice fundamentally comes down to layout and build state. If you value dedicated arrow keys, a volume knob, and enjoy building a keyboard from a kit, the Cidoo Nebula is the clear pick. If you want a pre-built keyboard with superior, out-of-the-box sound dampening and don't mind mastering layers on a 60% board, the Epomaker Hack 59 offers great value. Prioritize the keys you need daily over features you can add later.

Cidoo Nebula

  • +65% layout includes dedicated arrow keys and navigation cluster.
  • +Sold as a DIY kit, offering flexibility for custom switch and keycap choices from the start.
  • +Includes a volume knob for convenient media control.
  • +Lighter weight (457g) may be preferable for some users.
  • +Lower price point based on listed vendor prices.
  • −Does not come with switches or keycaps, requiring an additional purchase to function.
  • −Lacks the detailed, multi-layer sound dampening system described for the Hack 59.
  • −User reviews from the vendor page indicate a lower average rating (3.4/5).

Epomaker Hack 59

  • +Pre-built with included PBT dye-sublimated keycaps and factory-lubed linear switches.
  • +Features a five-layer sound dampening system with Poron foam, IXPE pad, and silicone pad for a refined typing sound.
  • +Supports both QMK and VIA firmware for advanced programmability.
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs ensure compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps without interference.
  • +Vendor specifications list explicit low latency figures for all connection modes.
  • −60% layout with 59 keys lacks dedicated arrow keys and some modifiers, requiring heavy use of function layers.
  • −Heavier weight (630g) may reduce portability slightly despite the smaller footprint.
  • −A customer review on the vendor page notes the specific absence of a Ctrl key, which could be a significant hurdle for some workflows.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Cidoo Nebula wins for gaming, office, and content creation primarily due to its 65% layout with arrow keys and a volume knob. The Epomaker Hack 59 is better for travel thanks to its more compact 60% form factor and pre-built convenience. For programming and modding, it's a tie, as both offer robust firmware support and hot-swap sockets, leaving the choice to layout preference and whether you want a kit or a pre-built board.

GamingCidoo Nebula
  • •The 65% layout includes dedicated arrow keys, which are often preferred for in-game menus and controls.
  • •The vendor listing for the Epomaker Hack 59 includes a customer review noting the lack of a Ctrl key on its 59-key layout, which could be problematic for gaming shortcuts.
  • •Both offer a 1000Hz polling rate in wired/2.4GHz modes, but the Nebula's more conventional key layout reduces the need for layer mapping during play.
OfficeCidoo Nebula
  • •The 65% layout retains arrow keys and a few navigation keys, which are frequently used in spreadsheet and document editing.
  • •The Cidoo Nebula includes a volume knob, a convenient feature for quick audio adjustments in shared workspaces.
  • •Both support Mac and Windows, but the Nebula's layout requires less adaptation for common office shortcuts.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards support VIA for extensive key remapping, allowing programmers to create custom layers for symbols and shortcuts.
  • •The Epomaker Hack 59 also supports QMK firmware for deeper customization, which is favored by some developers.
  • •Choice depends on personal preference: the Nebula offers arrow keys, while the Hack 59's compact 60% layout maximizes desk space for notes or other devices.
TravelEpomaker Hack 59
  • •The Epomaker Hack 59 is more compact (303mm wide) compared to the Cidoo Nebula (325mm wide).
  • •The Hack 59 is a pre-built unit, so it's ready to use immediately without carrying separate switches and keycaps.
  • •Both have similar 3000mAh batteries and tri-mode wireless, but the Hack 59's slightly smaller footprint is an advantage for tight spaces.
ModdingTie
  • •Both are hot-swappable, support VIA programming, and use a gasket mount structure.
  • •The Cidoo Nebula is sold as a DIY kit, meaning it's intended to be built from scratch with your choice of switches and keycaps.
  • •The Epomaker Hack 59 comes pre-built but features a detailed five-layer sound dampening system (Poron foam, IXPE pad, silicone pad) that modders might appreciate as a starting point.
Content CreationCidoo Nebula
  • •The dedicated arrow keys on the 65% Nebula are useful for timeline scrubbing and precise cursor control in editing software.
  • •The inclusion of a volume knob provides tactile, immediate control for audio levels during video or audio editing.
  • •While both are programmable, the Nebula's layout offers more immediate access keys without requiring a function layer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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