Epomaker Hack 59 vs RT85Compact QMK or TFT

The Hack 59 is a 60% keyboard with QMK/VIA support, while the RT85 is a 75% model with a TFT screen and joystick. The RT85 also has a larger 8000mAh battery, compared with 3000mAh in the Hack 59.

The Hack 59 lists support for both QMK and VIA. The RT85 product description refers to EPOMAKER software and does not list QMK or VIA support.

Both list a 1000 Hz polling rate, and the RT85 also specifies N-key rollover. Its 75% layout includes more dedicated keys than the Hack 59's compact 60% layout.

The Hack 59 is lighter at 630 g, while the RT85 weighs 1000 g, and the Hack 59's listed dimensions are smaller. The RT85 counters with a larger 8000mAh battery, compared with the Hack 59's 3000mAh cell.

The Hack 59 is a 60% ANSI keyboard with 59 keys, and its compact layout lacks a function row and dedicated arrow keys. The RT85 is a 75% ANSI model with 82 keys, a joystick, and a screen, but no numpad.

Both keyboards are listed as hot-swappable. The Hack 59 vendor description specifies 3- and 5-pin mechanical switch support, while the RT85 specifies 5-pin switches.

The RT85 listing describes linear, tactile, and silent tactile switch options. Its silent tactile option is described as suitable for office or nighttime use.

Yes, the RT85 product description says the TFT screen can display custom pictures or GIFs, as well as keyboard information. It also describes the screen as showing details such as connection status and power percentage.

The RT85 joystick can control volume, toggle RGB effects, and mute audio. The product description calls it programmable, but these listed functions are the specific controls described.

Both use south-facing LEDs, and the compatibility notes say shine-through legends stay dark. They also caution that some sculpted keycaps can clip the LEDs.

Both product descriptions specify five sound-dampening layers and a gasket mount. The Hack 59 listing names Poron sandwich foam, an IXPE switch pad, a sound enhancement pad, a Poron switch socket pad, and a bottom silicone pad.

Both list Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity. The Hack 59 vendor description identifies Bluetooth 5.0, and the RT85 vendor description also identifies Bluetooth 5.0.