EPOMAKER x LEOBOG Hi75 Aluminum Alloy Wired Mechanical Keyboard Barebones Kit, Programmable Gasket-Mounted Gaming Keyboard Kit, Hot Swappable, with Mode-Switching Knob, NKRO for Win/Mac (White)

[Updated]I now own four of these Hi75 keyboards (purple, green, white and creamy pink). All four keyboards worked with zero issues out of the box, other than needing to be switched into windows mode (see command instructions at end of review). This, and the Epomaker Feker Galaxy 80, wired edition (TKL, no knob; I own in blue and “white” - which is actually a creamy beige), are currently my favorites for super affordable, aluminum case, gasket mount, hotswap, barebone kits. They both just sound, feel and look so amazing for the cost.I’m updating my review to specifically caution that the “creamy pink” option is a bit of an odd color. Turns out it’s less pink, or even peachy pink (which is how the listing photos looked on my monitor; the big selling point for me), and more nude. Ymmv, but note the included photo is of the keyboard in indoor, natural lighting. To my tastes, all of my peachy-pink or orangey keycap sets were too orange against the neutral color of this keyboard, and all the truly pink-toned keycap sets were too pink, out of a dozen different sets in my collection. Given the reason I BUY the same keyboard, in multiple colors, is to coordinate with my various, non-monochrome keycap sets, this was an unhappy discovery.Luckily, what ultimately worked beautifully, with a big caveat, is the ASA-low profile, 155 key, Akko Black & Pink set, which is a uniform, doubleshot PBT set influenced by the nicer, but MUCH pricier, SA Bliss. The caveat (ymmv) is that the Akko set’s “pink” modifier and novelty keycaps were too peachy pink against the neutral nude of the keyboard. To me, it just looked BAD. Thankfully, the color LOOKS like a gorgeous match when viewed as legends within the black and charcoal keycaps. As seen in the photo, I also swapped the translucent red knob insert for a (not included) opaque black one, which I already had on hand. So, I’m ultimately very happy, but the Hi75 in this color was almost a return.—————-Original Review:This is a terrific budget keyboard. Heavy aluminum alloy frame (albeit not anodized), comfortable gasket mount, hotswap, NKRO, RGB, decent stabilizers, media knob, GREAT sound (didn't matter what switch I used, they all sounded fantastic - linear switches have offered a very creamy and marbly sound), programmability (via proprietary software), and it comes in several awesome colors! I do feel that the gray, coiled USB cable it comes with is underwhelming, especially since the coil is deformed from the box it’s stored inside, but I prefer to swap out the USB cables, regardless.If you’re thinking the Hi75 being "only" wired is a drawback, consider the fact that lithium-ion batteries don't ONLY stop working eventually, the way older types of batteries did. Instead, they can and DO swell (aka go "spicy pillow") and even explode (note: water will dangerously exacerbate a lithium-ion fire; a Class D fire extinguisher is recommended).There is software for this keyboard. I downloaded the software from the WhatGeek website, but haven't tinkered with it yet. Most users won't need to touch their keyboard settings, but it's there if you need it.I would say the only cons to this keyboard are (1) it will require more care vs. one with an anodized finish to avoid chipping the paint, (2) the odd choice of a red shine-through plastic top on the media knob, regardless of the color of the keyboard you choose, and (3) you need to use extra care when inserting switches, due to all the foam, and the flex cuts in the gasket mounted PC plate. Some people would cite lack of VIA compatibility as an issue, but I find it awkward to use, and tend not to fuss with layout, so I don't care.After assembly, while still returnable to Amazon, DO go to a keyboard tester website to make sure all the keys work. Assume “dead” keys are merely a bent switch pin before you panic about getting a "bad" keyboard. You can usually straighten a bent switch pin with tweezers, and if not, just use another switch.IMPORTANT: Keyboards are NOT in windows mode out of the box. I had to tinker to get it to swap. Fn + W puts you in Windows mode, and the bottom LED indicator will turn on, but if the Win key is STILL not working, press Fn + Left Win key, and you should be all set.As for the red media knob, thankfully, you can buy compatible replacements for that center plastic part (opaque white, opaque black, clear, or transparent pale pink, either individually, or as a full set), but be prepared for a wait, since they ship from China. Just Google "Hi75 Knob". I bought mine on Ebay, since they had the cheapest price at the time, but Aliexpress is another source. [Update: A seller on Aliexpress also offers fancier/decorated options for the knob insert, at a higher cost].

I wanted to wait several months before leaving a review for this keyboard base to give myself time to use it and also see how well it held up over time. I'm happy to report that it's worked perfectly, not given me any issues, and continues to work well. The light pink color was what initially drew me to this base. It's very hard to find a light pink in items now-a-days. Most items you find are hot or a bubblegum pink, which I find very annoying. So when I saw this light pink case listed, I immediately started looking into purchasing it. It's made of aluminum, very sturdy, and has a good weight to it. You get an assortment of backlight colors to choose from and I was very happy when I realized it included a light reddish/pink color backlight, as it goes perfectly with my keys and the color of the base. I had no issues installing my switches or keys, as well as no issues with lag or input. I thought the red colored center for the knob would annoy me and throw off the aesthetic, but it actually looks good and compliments the back light. The knob functions well and I like that I'm able to control my speaker volume easily and mute them quickly when needed. I've not had any connectivity issues. I actually used the default grey cable that came with it for a while before changing it out. Overall, this base has lived up to my expectations, continues to work well, and looks great while doing so. As far as cost goes, you pay for what you get, and with this purchase I got a solid, quality keyboard base, so it was money well spent.

THIS IS FANTASTIC. MAGNIFICENT!It is so silky and smooth to type on, and by FAR the best experience I've had so far with any MECHs. It sounds sooooo gooood! I paired it with Gateron silent browns and ha, I am honestly blown away. I am not a big spender and will cover my MechK history down below. By no means am I an enthusiast, but this is starting to make me feel like I am headed in that direction. It is satisfying enough to taper my cravings for going to the next step.One thing to consider with these 75% (also some 96%)keyboards is the smaller size of the right side [Alt FN Cntrl Shift] keys. A good chunk of KEYCAP sets do not include those sizes, like Razer and HyperX pudding for example. Def look into that and make sure you account for it. I do not like using the wrong caps just to fill the space. I had to mix a Razer cap set with another brand, but in the end the result is actually better than using all of the same color. I just happened to already have a cap set with those sizes, luckily. Had that not been the case, I likely would've bought a TKL to save money on caps.Yes, there is bend (depression) if you press the keys down really hard due to the soft insulating materials, but that has no actual effect (at least for me) when typing or gaming with it. I am not a heavy handed person and while this was initially a concern (especially when reading some of the early reviews and seeing the photos), it became very apparent that this was by no means a deal breaker. You have to really press on it to notice it. Honestly, it might be a common trait for such keyboards among this price bracket, but I can't say for sure. I was looking at another barebones keyboard from a certain well known manufacturer, but realized that this might be a smarter (and cheaper!) purchase after reading some of the reviews for that maker. (you might know who that is if you take a STAB at it).This was a BIG step up in terms if quality compared to what I am used to.... I love using this keyboard SO MUCH.Keyboard was in MAC (?) mode out of the box. You have to hit FN + W to switch it to windows mode. Otherwise, alt keys will trigger windows start bar and certain, if not all windows functions (like CNTRL ALT DELETE) will not work.The knob feels very nice and clicky, it has good feel and feedback. The red button on the knob is slightly wobbly, but functions and feels pretty good.If you install the software, the knob goes from controlling RGB and brightness, to automatically functioning as a volume knob. (button click mutes sound)I originally purchased a cheapo (because of price) chinese mech keyboard with generic blue switches. That keyboard was very clicky, but also quite pingy (metallic ring when pressing keys). Fair enogh, tho. It was 20 something doll hairs and by a generic brand I found on ebay. Literally the cheapest I could find to get introduced into the mech keyboard world.Second time around I went with a razer Blackwidow TKL (orange switches, brown for other brands). It was OK, but still a little loud due to its lack of insulation. It quickly began to double or triple type certain keys. Lame!I then bought a DROP ENTR with the yellow linear (slightly heavier reds) switches. It was pretty good and I wanted to try out a linear switch. The reds I've tried before were too sensitive, so the yellows made up for that somewhat. PRETTY OK overall.Next up was the RK96 (my first hot swappable board) with their in-house (generic*) browns. Better insulation and sound compared to the Razer BW TKL with equivalent switches. It was good enough but didn't quite feel very good. I did not want to try other switches with it because I was not extremely fond of it. I liked it, but still felt there was room for improvement and sort of started wishing for a metal frame + insulation. The drop ENTR has a metal frame and I really loved the weight and feel of that keyboard.Lastly, I found this and its pretty darn dang great overall. Would be better if it didn't bend like it does, but it still doesn't seem to affect anything.I would HIGHLY recommend this to anyone.