Epomaker RT85 vs TH87Screen & Joystick vs Larger Battery
Choose the RT85 for its unique screen and joystick controls, or the TH87 for its longer battery life and standard TKL layout.
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4.8 (38)4.8 · 38 reviews
from$68at Epomaker
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4.7 (16)4.7 · 16 reviews
from$60at Epomaker
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Epomaker RT85
Screen & Joystick
Build quality in the top 50% of 75% boards under $100.
- Features a unique 1.47-inch TFT screen for displaying system info, media, or custom GIFs.
- Includes a multifunction joystick for volume control and RGB effect toggling.
- Detailed 5-layer sound dampening system with PORON, IXPE, PET, EPDM, and silicone.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
- No numpad.
Get the
Epomaker TH87
Larger Battery
Build quality in the bottom 45% of 80% boards under $100.
- Larger 10000mAh battery promises extended wireless use.
- TKL (80%) layout provides dedicated navigation keys in a space-saving form.
- Available in multiple layout standards including ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, and JIS.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
Your choice hinges on whether you value unique multimedia controls or maximum battery life and a standard layout. The Epomaker RT85 is the pick for users who want a conversation piece with a screen, joystick, and compact form. The Epomaker TH87 is the better tool for those who prioritize long battery endurance, a traditional TKL key arrangement, and broader physical layout compatibility. Both deliver a solid, creamy typing experience with gasket mounts and tri-mode connectivity.
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 TH87
Layout size
75%
80%
Battery
8,000 mAh
10,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Case material
Plastic
ABS
Switch options
Linear, Silent, Tactile
Linear, Silent
Display
TFT
None
A case display rather than a typing feature
- Epomaker RT85
- Epomaker TH87
- Performance
- 7474
- Build quality
- 6659
- Productivity
- 7675
- Customizability
- 6658
- Portability
- 9185
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Weight: 1,000 g
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The RT85 takes the lead for gaming and content creation due to its unique control joystick and customizable screen, while also being the slightly more portable option. The TH87 is the stronger choice for office use with its larger battery capacity and quiet switch options. For programming and general typing, the keyboards are evenly matched on core specs like hot-swap sockets and gasket-mounted designs, leaving the choice to layout preference.
Pick the Epomaker RT85
- The RT85 includes a dedicated joystick for quick volume and RGB control.
- Its vendor page lists specific low latency figures of 6ms wired and 12ms on 2.4GHz.
- The 75% layout saves desk space for larger mouse movements.
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 TH87
16 owner reviews
“Im really happy with the overall quality of the keyboard. The silent switches are really great for working and gaming as well.”
“Ill start with the positives. - it sound creamy and has a great feel on the fingers. - a ten keyless that has all the functionality that i need In theory this is the perfect keyboard but i have had 1 issue that has been bugging me so much. Ever so often the…”
Epomaker RT85 vs TH87 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
7 of 22 specs differ
Epomaker RT85
Epomaker TH87
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Epomaker RT85
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Epomaker TH87
Epomaker
ISO-DE, ISO-UK
In stockShips to you
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 TH87: your questions
The RT85 has a 75% layout with a TFT screen and control joystick, and an 8000mAh battery. The TH87 has a TKL layout without a screen, but features a larger 10000mAh battery and supports more physical layout standards like ISO.
The TH87 has a larger 10000mAh battery. According to Epomaker, it can last up to 200 hours with the backlight off. The RT85 has an 8000mAh battery with a claimed 320 hours of use with the screen and RGB off.
Yes. The manufacturer states the RT85's 1.47-inch TFT screen has a media page that allows for DIY pictures or GIFs. It can also display keyboard status information and be used to customize RGB settings.
Yes. Both the Epomaker RT85 and TH87 feature hot-swappable PCBs that are compatible with 5-pin mechanical switches, allowing you to easily change switches without soldering.
Based on the vendor description, the TH87 is available with linear switches like the Creamy Jade or silent linear switches like the Sea Salt Silent V2. The listing does not mention a tactile switch option for this model.
Yes. Epomaker lists the joystick functions as: up/down for volume, left/right to toggle RGB effects, and a press to mute audio. This provides quick access to media and lighting controls.
The RT85 is more compact due to its 75% layout, measuring 360mm in length. The TH87, as a TKL keyboard, is slightly longer at 367mm. Both share the same 1kg weight.
Yes. Both product listings specify compatibility with Mac and Windows systems. The RT85 vendor page also mentions compatibility with Android and iOS devices.
Both come with a keyboard, USB A-to-C cable, 2.4GHz dongle, a 2-in-1 switch/keycap puller, extra switches, and a manual. The RT85's dongle is separate, while the TH87 stores its dongle under a kickstand.
Both keyboards use a gasket mount and multiple layers of sound-dampening foam. The RT85 description lists a 5-layer system including PORON, IXPE, PET, EPDM, and silicone. The TH87 description also mentions a 5-layer sound optimizing design for a deep, thocky sound.
Yes. Both feature adjustable kickstands. The RT85 offers angles of 5, 6.7, and 10 degrees. The TH87 offers angles of 6, 8, and 10.5 degrees via a two-stage kickstand.
Both have a 1000Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4GHz modes. The vendor-provided latency numbers differ: the RT85 lists 6ms (wired) and 12ms (2.4GHz), while the TH87 lists 2ms (wired) and 5ms (2.4GHz).
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