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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 10, 2026

Evoworks Evo80 vs Meletrix ZOOM TKL ESSENTIAL EDITION

Choose the Evo80 for per-key RGB and 2.4 GHz wireless, or the ZOOM TKL for its split layout and gasket mount.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Evoworks Evo80

Battery

Build quality in the top 15% of 80% boards under $200.

If you want

  • Wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz connectivity, with a 1000 Hz polling rate specified for wired and 2.4 GHz modes.
  • Per-key south-facing RGB lighting.
  • 8000mAh battery.

Rules this board out

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

Get the

Meletrix ZOOM TKL ESSENTIAL EDITION

Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $200.

If you want

  • Gasket mount with aluminum and plastic case materials.
  • Split Backspace and split Spacebar layout options.
  • 5° typing angle and 1580 g listed weight.

Bottom line

Pick the Evoworks Evo80 if you want per-key RGB, 2.4 GHz wireless, and its larger battery, and check that your keycaps suit south-facing LEDs. Choose the Meletrix ZOOM TKL Essential Edition if its split layout, gasket mount, and lower listed weight matter more. Both provide hot-swap support, VIA, and a 1000 Hz polling rate.

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.

Evoworks Evo80

Meletrix ZOOM TKL ESSENTIAL EDITION

  • Connection

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Bluetooth, Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Battery

    8,000 mAh

    2,250 mAh

    A larger battery means fewer cables during the day

  • Ergonomics

    Standard

    Split Backspace, Split Spacebar

  • Case material

    Aluminum, Copper

    Aluminum, Plastic

  • Mount style

    Plate Mount

    Gasket Mount

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Evoworks Evo80
  • Meletrix ZOOM TKL ESSENTIAL EDITION
Performance
77
52
Build quality
80
82
Productivity
84
82
Customizability
82
62
Portability
87
73

What they share

  • Layout size: 80%
  • Hot-swappable
  • Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
  • VIA
  • Sound dampening
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Evo80 is the more feature-oriented pick for gaming, programming, modding, and RGB-focused desk setups. The ZOOM TKL has a clearer office case if its split layout and 5° typing angle suit your preferences. For travel, the ZOOM TKL is lighter, while the Evo80 has the larger battery and a vendor-listed carrying case, so the priority matters. Both offer VIA, hot-swap support, and wired and Bluetooth connections.

For gaming

Pick the Evoworks Evo80

  • The Evo80 offers 2.4 GHz wireless in addition to wired and Bluetooth connections; the ZOOM TKL lists wired and Bluetooth.
  • Both list a 1000 Hz polling rate, and the Evo80 specifies that rate for wired and 2.4 GHz modes.
  • The Evo80 has per-key RGB, while the ZOOM TKL has no RGB.

Full specs

Evoworks Evo80 vs Meletrix ZOOM TKL ESSENTIAL EDITION specs

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

12 of 23 specs differ

Evoworks Evo80

Meletrix ZOOM TKL ESSENTIAL EDITION

Typing & switches

Switch options

Linear
—

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Plate Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

No
Yes

Layout

Layout size

80%
80%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Split Backspace, Split Spacebar

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
1,000 Hz

Battery

8,000 mAhBetter
2,250 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum, Copper
Aluminum, Plastic

Plate material

FR4, Plastic, Polycarbonate
Aluminum, Polycarbonate

Keycaps

PBT
—

Weight

1,870 g
1,580 g

Typing angle

—
5°

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
None

Firmware & software

VIA

Yes
Yes

N-key rollover

Yes
No

Mac & Windows

Yes
No

Extras

Released

2024
2025

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

Evoworks Evo80 vs Meletrix ZOOM TKL ESSENTIAL EDITION: your questions

Yes. Its listed connections are wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz, and the vendor specifies 1000 Hz polling in wired and 2.4 GHz modes. The ZOOM TKL lists wired and Bluetooth connections.

No, its metadata lists RGB as absent. The Evo80 has per-key RGB with south-facing LEDs.

The Evo80 lists an 8000mAh battery, compared with 2250mAh for the ZOOM TKL. Battery life is not specified here, so capacity alone does not establish runtime.

Yes, both list hot-swappable switches and VIA support. The Evo80 vendor listing also describes a hot-swap PCB.

The ZOOM TKL is listed at 1580 g, while the Evo80 is listed at 1870 g. Both vendor listings mention a carrying case or bag.

Yes, both list VIA support. The Evo80 vendor description also identifies it as programmable with VIA.

Both are 80% ANSI keyboards. The ZOOM TKL lists split Backspace and split Spacebar options, while the Evo80 vendor description identifies an 88-key TKL layout with an F13 key.

The Meletrix ZOOM TKL lists a gasket mount. The Evo80 uses a plate-mount switch arrangement in its metadata, while its vendor description separately describes a butterfly leaf spring mechanism with a gasket.

The Evo80 has south-facing LEDs, and its compatibility note says shine-through legends stay dark. It also warns that some sculpted keycaps can clip the LEDs.

The Evo80 metadata lists FR4, plastic, and polycarbonate plate materials. Its vendor description specifically names polypropylene or FR4 plate options.

The Meletrix vendor listing says the prebuilt includes WS Standard switches and WS doubleshot PBT keycaps. It also lists a PC plate and stock WS stabilizers.

The Evo80 is the direct fit if you want per-key RGB and 2.4 GHz wireless alongside Bluetooth and wired connections. The ZOOM TKL has no RGB and lists wired and Bluetooth connectivity.

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