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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 13, 2026

Epomaker Split70 vs Azio RetroSplit Layout or Clicky

Choose the Epomaker Split70 for its ergonomic split layout, RGB, and VIA customization; choose the Azio Retro for its tactile clicky round keys, integrated wrist rest, and vintage styling.

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EPOMAKER Split70

4.0 (15)

$98at Epomaker

90-day low

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Epomaker Split70

Knob

If you want

  • Ergonomic split layout with halves that can be separated or linked by cable.
  • VIA and QMK support, plus a programmable knob and multimedia keys.
  • RGB backlighting and Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and USB-C wired connectivity.

Rules this board out

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

Get the

Azio Retro

If you want

  • Tactile, clicky round mechanical keys with a vintage typewriter-inspired design.
  • Integrated wrist rest and an adjustable tilt using pillar-style rear feet.

Bottom line

Get the Epomaker Split70 for its split ergonomic layout, RGB, tri-mode connectivity, and VIA/QMK customization. Choose the Azio Retro if its tactile clicky round keys, adjustable stand, and vintage styling matter more than split ergonomics and extensive configuration features.

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 Split70

Azio Retro

  • Connection

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Bluetooth, Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Ergonomics

    Split

    Standard

  • Knob

    Yes

    No

  • Weight

    890 g

    1,587 g

    Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel

  • QMK

    Yes

    No

    The deep option when you want to remap every key

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Epomaker Split70
  • Azio Retro
Performance
78
54
Build quality
78
48
Productivity
93
51
Customizability
91
51
Portability
88
50

What they share

  • Hot-swappable
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Split70 leads in the listed use cases because it combines a split layout with more customization and connection options. Its VIA controls and knob are especially relevant for programming and content workflows, while its lower listed weight and wireless modes make it the more practical travel pick. The Azio Retro remains the distinct choice for shoppers who specifically want a vintage typewriter look and tactile, clicky round keys, even though that does not change the category picks here.

For gaming

Pick the Epomaker Split70

  • The Split70 has a stated 1000 Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz modes.
  • Its linear switches and south-facing RGB lighting suit buyers who want a linear, illuminated setup.

Full specs

Epomaker Split70 vs Azio Retro specs

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

12 of 25 specs differ

Epomaker Split70

Azio Retro

Typing & switches

Switch options

Linear
—

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
—

Sound dampening

Yes
No

Layout

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Split
Standard

Knob

Yes
No

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
No

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
—

Battery

3,000 mAh
—

USB-C

Yes
No

Build & materials

Case material

ABS
—

Plate material

Polycarbonate
—

Keycaps

PBT
—

Weight

890 g
1,587 g

Dimensions

40 x 118 x 372 mm
40 x 147 x 455 mm

Typing angle

7°
—

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
None

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
No

VIA

Yes
No

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2025
2021

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.

Azio Retro2 stores

FAQ

Epomaker Split70 vs Azio Retro: your questions

The Split70 is the stronger fit for gaming if you want linear switches, RGB, and a stated 1000 Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4 GHz modes. The Azio Retro instead has tactile, clicky switches and no backlight.

The Epomaker Split70 has an ergonomic split layout, and its vendor description says the halves can be detached or linked with a cable. The Azio Retro has a conventional full-width layout.

Yes. The Split70 supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and USB-C wired mode.

The Azio Retro metadata lists Bluetooth and wireless connectivity, but its vendor specifications describe a USB connection and a 1.8 m braided cable. Check the exact model listing before buying if wireless operation is essential.

The Split70 is listed with linear switches, and Epomaker identifies its included switch as the factory-lubed Wisteria Linear V2. The Azio Retro uses tactile, clicky Blue switches with round keys.

Both keyboards are listed as hot-swappable. Epomaker specifies that the Split70 accepts 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.

Yes, the Split70 has dynamic RGB backlighting with south-facing per-key LEDs. The vendor says its lighting can be adjusted for saturation, tone, brightness, and speed.

No, the Azio Retro vendor specifications list no backlight. The Split70 is the option here with RGB lighting.

The Split70 supports VIA and QMK, and Epomaker says VIA can map keys and configure macros. It also has a programmable knob for controls such as volume and brightness.

The Azio Retro has an integrated wrist rest listed in its product features. Its vendor description also specifies pillar-style rear feet that adjust the keyboard tilt.

The Epomaker Split70 weighs 890 g, while the Azio Retro weighs 1587 g. That makes the Split70 the lighter of the two by the listed specifications.

The Split70 has south-facing LEDs, and its compatibility note warns that shine-through legends stay dark. It also cautions that some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.

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