Compare Epomaker RT82 vs RT85 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two of Epomaker's feature-rich 75% retro keyboards. The RT82 and RT85 share a gasket mount, tri-mode connectivity, and customizable screens, making the choice difficult. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize open-source VIA software for key remapping or prefer a dedicated joystick and double the battery capacity for media control and untethered use.

Model
	79	71	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.6 stars (34 reviews)	4.9 stars (35 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has Linear, Silent switch options Includes a Yes, LCD display Supports VIA configuration Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Sized at 40 x 327 x 143 mm Made with a ABS case	Has Linear, Tactile, Silent switch options Includes a Yes, TFT display Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery Sized at 40 x 360 x 138 mm Made with a Plastic case
Score	Scores Performance: 78.7 Build Quality: 74 Productivity: 83.5 Customizability: 78.4 Portability: 80.2	Scores Performance: 75.1 Build Quality: 67 Productivity: 76.8 Customizability: 68.2 Portability: 91.8
Name	Name Epomaker RT82	Name Epomaker RT85
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2025
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Silent	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Silent
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 75%	Layout Size 75%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support LCD	Display Support TFT
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity 8000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS	Case Material Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 40 x 327 x 143 mm	Dimensions 40 x 360 x 138 mm
Weight	Weight 1000g	Weight 1000g

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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Epomaker RT82

+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.
+Features a five-layer sound dampening system with Sandwich Latex, IXPE, PET, foam, and silicone.

−Smaller 4000mAh battery compared to the RT85.
−Lacks the dedicated joystick for media control found on the RT85.
−Keycaps use dye-sublimation printing, whereas the RT85 uses double-shot PBT.

Epomaker RT85

+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.
+Compatible with iOS in addition to Mac, Windows, and Android.

−Uses proprietary Epomaker Driver 3.0 software instead of open-source VIA.
−Lists higher latency in its specifications (6ms wired, 12ms 2.4GHz).
−Does not include extra Mac keycaps or a detachable screen in its listed accessories.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingEpomaker 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.

OfficeEpomaker RT85

•The RT85's 8000mAh battery offers longer life, with up to 90 hours with the screen on.
•Its integrated joystick provides quick volume control and mute functions without software.
•Double-shot PBT keycaps, as noted in its description, may offer slightly better legend durability.

ProgrammingEpomaker RT82

•VIA software support on the RT82 enables extensive layer programming and key remapping for coding shortcuts.
•The vendor description mentions the ability to create custom macros to automate tasks.
•Both keyboards offer a compact 75% layout that saves desk space.

TravelEpomaker RT85

•The RT85's larger 8000mAh battery reduces the frequency of needed charges.
•Both are similarly heavy at 1kg and offer tri-mode wireless connectivity.
•The RT85's listed dimensions are slightly longer but may not impact portability significantly.

ModdingEpomaker RT82

•The RT82 explicitly supports VIA, an open-source, browser-based tool favored by the modding community.
•Both are hot-swappable with 5-pin switches and feature a gasket mount with multiple foam layers.
•The RT82's vendor description details its five-layer sound dampening system (Sandwich Latex, IXPE, PET, bottom foam, silicone).

Content CreationTie

•The RT85's joystick offers tactile media control for audio/video editing.
•The RT82's VIA software allows for creating macros to streamline editing workflows.
•Both feature customizable screens for displaying GIFs or system info, adding a personal touch to setups.