Typewriters have their own pleasant feel, which you can't get in traditional mechanical keyboards. While I am not a big fan of typewriters, they do bring some great appeal through tactile experience that you usually enjoy more than any other typing device. Epomaker targeted exactly that, and brought the Glyph to the mainstream market.

I have been mostly reviewing mechanical and hall effect keyboards, but this one is different. It is surely a mechanical keyboard as well, but it's much different from the conventional mechanical keyboards that not only focuses on enhancing the typing feel, but also brings multimedia features onboard.

In this review, we will analyze and take a closer look a the Glyph, and see how it compares against traditional mechanical keyboards when it comes to connectivity, typing feel, build quality, features, and more.

Packaging and Contents

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The Glyph comes well-packed in a box that has protective foams underneath, on the sides, and on the top. It has one of the finest packaging designs I have seen for mechanical keyboards and comes with sufficient utilities to get started. Here are the contents you will find in the Glyph box:

1. Epomaker Glyph keyboard
2. Silicon wrist rest
3. Keycap/switch puller
4. User Guide

Technical Specifications

Epomaker Glyph is a retro typewriter keyboard that uses a 75% ANSI US layout, bringing the top Function row, arrow keys, and a dedicated single navigation column. The keyboard offers a total of 83 keys and offers ABS and aluminum plate construction for the chassis.

By eliminating the numpad, it ensues a smaller footprint compared to traditional full-sized keyboard, but it's still adequate for day to day use, be it gaming or work. One of its defining features is the retro-inspired hardware, which includes a typewriter-style return lever, a multifunction rotary knob that works similar to real typewriters, and dual TFT displays for showing system information, custom GIFs, and images.

The other display shows current data, adding both functionality and visual appeal. Glyph uses a hot-swappable PCB that support both 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches that allow uses to replace switches quickly using the shipped keycap/switch puller.

All in all, despite its nostalgic appearance, the Epomaker Glyph is equipped with features typically found on enthusiast mechanical keyboards, which we will talk about in detail in the next sections.

Build Quality and Feel

The Epomaker Glyph is a keyboard that immediately stands apart from conventional mechanical keyboards. Its retro-inspired design takes clear inspiration from classic mechanical typewriters, unlike modern keyboards that prioritize minimalist appearance. The rounded keycaps, decorative typewriter-style return lever, multifunction knob, and dual TFT displays work together to create a product that feels more like a collector's piece than a standard desktop peripheral.

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The keyboard uses an ABS plastic chassis, but despite this, it feels quite sturdy and premium, similar to CNC-machined aluminum keyboards. The housing exhibits little to no flex under normal use, and there is no noticeable creaking or loose panels despite a two-piece construction. That said, although plastic is sometimes viewed as a compromise compared to aluminum, the Glyph has a decent amount of weight, which is due to its durable construction.

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The panel gaps appear consistent throughout the chassis, and the rotary knob and return lever feel securely mounted rather than loosely attached decorative pieces. Still, the return lever has some noticeable wobble, but nothing concerning. One thing I liked most about its construction is how the TFT displays are integrated seamlessly. Both screens are joined together, making it appear as a continuous display, while they both offer different types of content.

As far as the keycaps are concerned, they use double-shot PBT keycaps that are found on premium mechanical keyboards. These offer superior durability compared to conventional ABS keycaps and are less prone to developing a shiny surface after months of use. The legends are molded into the plastic rather than printed on, which should preserve them for a long time.

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Typing experience is at another level, and there's no comparison between Glyph and traditional mechanical keyboards. The round, typewriter-inspired profile naturally draws fingertips toward the center of each key, making the layout comfortable and easy to use. I personally found it easier to transition from the IQUNIX EV63, which is one of the finest hall effect keyboards ever made. The keypresses are pleasant and smooth, offering a tactile experience and consistent acoustics across the keyboard.

That said, one of the keyboard's defining visual elements is surely its oversized typewriter-style return lever positioned on the left side of the chassis. Unlike traditional typewriters, where the carriage return physically advances the paper, the Glyph's lever serves as a programmable function input like Backspace and Enter. These actions are convenient since the lever is within easy reach.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The Epomaker Glyph has a convenient set of connectivity features. Thankfully, the world has transitioned to both wired and wireless connectivity options, and Glyph isn't any different. Apart from wired connectivity that you get from the Type C to Type A cable, you also get the wireless connectivity through Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connection.

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If you want low latency, then 2.4 GHz is the right choice, but Bluetooth is convenient as it expands its compatibility with various devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops. The keyboard can pair to several devices, allowing you to switch between them through a simple button combination. As far as the battery life is concerned, it's equipped with a large 8000 mAh battery, which should be sufficient for a long time, although RGB lighting and display will consume a lot of it.

Compatibility is also strong out of the box. You can connect it to systems running various operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and Android.

Customizations

The Glyph offers a healthy amount of customizations that include customizability on both hardware and software levels. If you want to swap the default Epomaker Wisteria Switch V2, you can remove those easily using the switch puller and add your favorite 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style mechanical switches.

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Customizations extend beyond the switches, as there are numerous ways you can customize the keyboard on the software level. If you want to change the RGB presets, you can do it in seconds using the FN+Home combination. To change the colors, you can use FN+Delete, and you can also change the direction of light flow using the FN+Arrow Keys.

However, the enthusiast-level RGB lighting customizations can be performed through the dedicated Epomaker Driver 3.0 app that allows lighting tweaks on a per-key basis. You may also cycle through various presets through the interface, and a dedicated tab is also present for the side light that brings mesmerizing effects.

Apart from the lighting, the software allows FN layer settings, macro editing, display customizations, and more. Overall, it's the best it could have been.

The Verdict

Epomaker Glyph is an excellent retro typewriter-inspired mechanical keyboard that doesn't disappoint in any area. It brings a convincing blend of nostalgic typewriter aesthetics and modern enthusiastic-grade features that keep it on par with conventional high-end mechanical keyboards. Apart from distinguished aesthetics, the Glyph is wonderful when it comes to customizations, offering customizable dual TFT displays, dedicated software for macros, Fn layer, and RGB lighting, and hot-swappable switches that position it in the premium segment.

On top of that, you get tri-mode connectivity, a premium silicon wrist rest for comfort, and a typing feel that you will never get tired of. The Glyph is surely a bit expensive at $139, but I think the features justify the price tag.

Check out the Epomaker Glyph on the official website.

You can find additional information about our hardware review process and ethics policy here.

A beautifully crafted retro-inspired mechanical keyboard that captures the charm of a classic typewriter while delivering features expected from a modern mechanical keyboard.

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