Epomaker RT85 vs Split70Gaming Screen vs Ergonomic Split Layout
Choose the RT85 for its gaming-centric screen and massive battery, or the Split70 for its ergonomic split design and advanced VIA/QMK programmability.
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4.8 (38)4.8 · 38 reviews
from$68at Epomaker
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4.0 (15)4.0 · 15 reviews
from$98at Epomaker
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Epomaker RT85
Gaming Screen
Build quality in the top 50% of 75% boards under $100.
- Large 8000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
- Customizable 1.47-inch TFT screen for media and status info.
- Dedicated joystick for volume and RGB control.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
Get the
Epomaker Split70
Ergonomic Split Layout
- Ergonomic split layout designed to reduce typing strain.
- Full VIA and QMK support for advanced, open-source customization.
- Includes a programmable rotary knob.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want long battery life, a multimedia screen, and a joystick for gaming or casual use, the Epomaker RT85 is the better pick. If your priority is ergonomic comfort for long typing sessions and you value deep, open-source programmability with VIA/QMK, the Epomaker Split70 is worth the higher price. Consider the RT85 for its features and the Split70 for its form and firmware.
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 RT85
Epomaker Split70
Battery
8,000 mAh
3,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Ergonomics
Standard
Split
Case material
Plastic
ABS
Switch options
Linear, Silent, Tactile
Linear
Knob
No
Yes
- Epomaker RT85
- Epomaker Split70
- Performance
- 7478
- Build quality
- 6678
- Productivity
- 7693
- Customizability
- 6691
- Portability
- 9188
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Sound dampening
- Plate material: Polycarbonate
What will you mostly use it for?
The Split70 is the clear choice for office work, programming, and modding due to its ergonomic split design and superior VIA/QMK software support. The RT85 wins for travel and has an edge for gaming thanks to its integrated screen and joystick. For content creation, the tools are different but equally compelling, making it a tie.
Pick the Epomaker RT85
- Includes a dedicated joystick for volume and RGB control.
- Features a customizable TFT screen for status and media.
- Has a slightly heavier 1000g weight for desk stability.
- Lists lower latency in 2.4GHz mode (12ms vs 5ms for Split70, but RT85 vendor claims may prioritize different metrics).
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Epomaker RT85
38 owner reviews
“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.”
“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”
Epomaker Split70
15 owner reviews
“Check out my full review - https://dezdoes.com/epomaker-split-70-the-learning-curve-and-triumph-of-split-ergonomics/”
“i bet its a great product but i never got it because there was an issue with the destination info.. im kinda down eighty bucks and a keyboard.. im working my butt off so i can try to get a new one”
Epomaker RT85 vs Split70 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 26 specs differ
Epomaker RT85
Epomaker Split70
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Epomaker RT85 vs Split70: your questions
The Epomaker RT85 has a significantly larger 8000mAh battery compared to the Split70's 3000mAh. The manufacturer claims the RT85 can last up to 320 hours with the screen and RGB off, while the Split70 is rated for 260 hours with RGB off. For typical use with lighting, the RT85 will last much longer.
Yes, the Epomaker Split70 halves can be connected together physically using the included USB C-to-C cable to form a single unit. However, its layout remains a split 70% design, which is different from a traditional compact keyboard like the 75% RT85.
No. According to the product listings, the Epomaker RT85 uses the proprietary Epomaker Driver 3.0 software for configuration. Only the Split70 explicitly lists support for both VIA and QMK, which are open-source and community-supported.
Both keyboards can come with factory-lubed Wisteria Linear V2 switches. The RT85 listing also shows options for Creamy Jade linear switches and Crystal Tactile Silent switches. The Split70 listing specifically mentions the Wisteria Linear V2.
Yes, both the Epomaker RT85 and Split70 feature hot-swappable PCBs. The RT85 is compatible with 5-pin mechanical switches, while the Split70 is compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.
The Epomaker RT85 is more straightforward for travel due to its single, unified 75% form factor. While the Split70 is lighter (890g vs 1000g), its two-piece split design requires packing and connecting two separate halves, which can be less convenient on the go.
Yes, both keyboards list compatibility with Mac and Windows. The Split70 includes three Mac modifier keycaps (Command, Option) in the box for easier adaptation to the Mac layout.
Both keyboards offer a 1000Hz polling rate in their wired and 2.4GHz wireless modes, which is suitable for gaming. In Bluetooth mode, both drop to a 125Hz polling rate according to their technical specifications.
Both use a gasket mount and multiple layers of foam. The RT85 uses a five-layer system with PORON sandwich foam, IXPE switch pad, PET sound enhancement pad, EPDM switch socket foam, and a silicone base. The Split70 also uses five layers: sandwiched latex, IXPE switch pad, PET sound-enhancement pad, bottom sponge, and bottom silicone.
The RT85 includes the keyboard, manual, USB A-to-C cable, a 2.4GHz dongle, two extra switches, and a 2-in-1 puller. The Split70 includes the keyboard halves, manual, quick start card, three Mac keycaps, three extra switches, a puller, a USB A-to-C cable, and a USB C-to-C cable to connect the halves.
The Epomaker Split70 is specifically designed for this scenario. Its split ergonomic layout allows you to position each half to align with your shoulders, promoting a neutral arm and wrist posture that can help reduce strain during extended typing sessions.
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