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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 10, 2026

Epomaker RT82 vs RT85VIA Software vs Joystick & Battery

Choose the RT82 for deep VIA programmability, or the RT85 for a joystick and significantly longer battery life.

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VIA Software

Epomaker RT82

EPOMAKER RT82

4.6 (41)

$60at Epomaker

90-day low

Joystick & Battery

Epomaker RT85

EPOMAKER RT85

4.8 (38)

$68at Epomaker

90-day low

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Epomaker RT82

VIA Software

Build quality in the top 30% of 75% boards under $100.

If you want

  • Supports VIA for open-source, browser-based key remapping and macros.
  • Lists lower latency figures (3ms wired, 5ms 2.4GHz) according to its technical specs.
  • Includes a detachable mini TV screen and additional Mac keycaps in the box.

Rules this board out

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

Get the

Epomaker RT85

Joystick & Battery

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

If you want

  • Larger 8000mAh battery provides extended usage between charges.
  • Includes a functional joystick for volume control and RGB toggling.
  • Uses double-shot PBT keycaps for potentially more durable legends.

Rules this board out

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

Bottom line

Your choice depends on which premium feature you value more. If deep, community-driven customization via VIA software is critical, the Epomaker RT82 is the clear pick. If you want longer battery life and the convenience of a hardware joystick for media control, the Epomaker RT85 is the better option. Both deliver a solid retro-style typing experience with gasket mounts and customizable screens.

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.

Epomaker RT82

Epomaker RT85

  • Battery

    4,000 mAh

    8,000 mAh

    A larger battery means fewer cables during the day

  • Case material

    ABS

    Plastic

  • Switch options

    Linear, Silent

    Linear, Silent, Tactile

  • Display

    LCD

    TFT

    A case display rather than a typing feature

  • VIA

    Yes

    No

    GUI remapping without compiling firmware

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Epomaker RT82
  • Epomaker RT85
Performance
78
74
Build quality
74
65
Productivity
82
76
Customizability
78
66
Portability
79
91

What they share

  • Layout size: 75%
  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
  • Mount style: Gasket Mount
  • Weight: 1,000 g
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The RT82 takes the lead for gaming and programming due to its lower listed latency and VIA software support. The RT85 is better suited for office use and travel, thanks to its massive battery and convenient joystick for media control. For modding, the RT82's VIA compatibility is a key advantage, while content creators might value features from both equally.

For gaming

Pick the Epomaker RT82

  • The RT82 lists lower latency in wired (3ms) and 2.4GHz (5ms) modes according to its specifications.
  • VIA support allows for advanced key remapping and macro creation for complex commands.
  • Both share a 1000Hz polling rate in wired/2.4GHz modes and N-key rollover.

From real owners

What owners say

Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.

Epomaker RT82

4.6

41 owner reviews

Praise
“I love the sound, the keyboard was shipped fast, but i have found some of the keys have input issues at times where it doesn't register the key being pushed”
Jennifer W.Verified buyer· via Epomaker
Critique
“I received an informative sms two months ago that the keyboard is arriving, It has still not arrived.”
sam k.Verified buyer· via Epomaker

Epomaker RT85

4.8

38 owner reviews

Praise
“My all time favorite keyboard -- awesome aesthetics, great functionality, types like a dream, and brings just the right amount of fun and whimsy to my new setup.”
Cody S.Verified buyer· via Epomaker
Critique
“Love the build quality of the keyboard especially for the price but I swear this is some of the worst software I have ever seen or used for anything you guys really need to sort that out”
Ethan S.Verified buyer· via Epomaker

Full specs

Epomaker RT82 vs RT85 specs

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

6 of 23 specs differ

Epomaker RT82

Epomaker RT85

Typing & switches

Switch options

Linear, Silent
Linear, Silent, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

75%
75%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

LCD
TFT

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
1,000 Hz

Battery

4,000 mAh
8,000 mAhBetter

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

ABS
Plastic

Plate material

Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Weight

1,000 g
1,000 g

Dimensions

40 x 327 x 143 mm
40 x 360 x 138 mm

Typing angle

5°
—

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

VIA

Yes
No

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.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

Epomaker RT82 vs RT85: your questions

The primary differences are in software and hardware features. The RT82 supports the open-source VIA remapping software, while the RT85 uses Epomaker's proprietary Driver 3.0 and adds a physical joystick. The RT85 also has a larger 8000mAh battery compared to the RT82's 4000mAh cell.

The Epomaker RT85 has a significantly larger 8000mAh battery. According to its specs, it offers up to 90 hours with the screen on and RGB off. The RT82's 4000mAh battery provides up to 45 hours under similar conditions, making the RT85 the choice for less frequent charging.

Yes, but they use different software. The RT82 supports VIA, a popular browser-based tool for remapping keys and creating macros. The RT85 uses Epomaker's own Driver 3.0 software for Windows and Mac to achieve similar remapping and macro functions.

The manufacturer specifies the joystick's functions as volume up/down, toggling RGB effects, and mute. There is no information provided to confirm if it can be remapped to act as a directional input for gaming, so it is primarily designed for media and lighting control.

Yes. Both use PBT keycaps, but the manufacturing technique differs. The RT85 uses double-shot molding, while the RT82 uses dye-sublimation printing. Double-shot legends are often considered more durable over time.

Based on the listed specifications, the RT82 may have a slight edge for competitive play. It claims lower latency (3ms wired vs. 6ms on the RT85) and supports VIA for complex macro setups. Both share a 1000Hz polling rate in performance modes.

Yes, both the Epomaker RT82 and RT85 feature a gasket mount structure. Their vendor descriptions detail multiple layers of sound-dampening foam and silicone to create a softer, more cushioned typing feel.

According to its listing, the RT82 includes the keyboard, a detachable mini TV screen, a USB cable, a 2.4GHz receiver, a switch/keycap puller, a manual, three additional Mac keycaps, and two extra switches.

The RT85 includes the keyboard, a manual, a USB cable, a 2.4GHz receiver, two extra switches, and a switch/keycap puller. It does not list extra Mac keycaps or a detachable screen as included accessories.

Yes, both keyboards list compatibility with Mac and Windows. The RT85 also lists compatibility with iOS. The RT82 includes additional Mac-specific keycaps in the box for the Command and Option keys.

No. The RT82 features a 1.14-inch detachable LCD screen that connects via pogo pins. The RT85 has a 1.47-inch integrated TFT screen. Both screens can display system info, GIFs, and allow for some level of customization.

Both are designed with sound dampening. The RT82's description mentions it offers silent linear switch options. The RT85 also lists silent tactile switches. With their foam layers, either can be configured for quieter typing, but the RT82 may have a slight edge with its specifically detailed silent switch options.

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