By: Jadon Lee
July 19, 2024
I recently watched part of WWDC and saw some key features going into Apple devices. Before I go on to comment about one of the coolest features, I just want to say Apple branding their AI as Apple Intelligence so it can be abbreviated as AI is the most Apple thing I have ever seen. Additionally, I found it amusing how people were applauding at the idea of movable icons. I personally thought IOS already had that feature, so I was filled with confusion when it came up. Nonetheless, it was a good feature that should have been implemented ages ago. It may seem like a joke, but the most impressive feature to me was the calculator app. For those who have not seen the keynote, Apple included something called Math Notes, which is absolutely incredible. This allows you to write down your equations with a pen, and it will automatically solve it with your own handwriting. There are many features included in Math Notes, such as the ability to recognize variables and automatically update equations. Furthermore, you are able to graph in real time and adjust variables as if they were on a dial. It was such an exciting development that made holding a TI-84 feel obsolete. How technology has grown is truly amazing, just like how keyboard innovation has progressed. Today, we have the Epomaker Shadow-X to test out. The Shadow-X boasts the infamous gasket design, but will it hold up to our standards of what that means? Keep reading to find out!
Our review unit of the Epomaker Shadow-X came alongside the Shadow-S in a tightly wrapped in a DHL-branded plastic that covered many layers of bubble wrap underneath. The box was shipped to us here in Calgary, Alberta from Shenzhen, China via DHL Express. The shipping process was quite good, having no visible impacts on the retail box. I was not worried about the condition of the product itself, as there was no noticeable damage.
The Epomaker Shadow-X’s box design is very aesthetically pleasing, utilizing a black and white exterior. The front of the box displays Epomaker's logo on the top center, the name of the keyboard on the bottom, and a small list of features. The back of the box displays a bigger Epomaker logo alongside a full list of features. The sides of the box offer repeated information from the front of the box. This is a very simple box that offers very minimal information. Personally, I do not mind this, as I appreciate the lack of clutter and simplicity.
Before we continue, here are the specifications for the Epomaker Shadow-X, as specified by the manufacturer’s website:
Model: Epomaker Shadow-X
Number of Keys: 70 keys + 1 knob
Connectivity: Wireless and wired
Battery: 3000mAH
Structure: Gasket-mounted
LED Direction: South-facing LED
Keycap profile: S-like profile/Cherry profile
Keycaps: Double shot PBT material
Plate Material: PC
Hot-swappable: Yes
Bottom Layer: Silicon pad
Sandwich Layer: Poron foam, IXPE switch pad
Compatible Systems: Win/MacOS/Linux/Android/iOS
Dimensions: 370.4*129.8*47.8mm
Weight: Around 0.8kg
Out of the box, you will receive the Epomaker Shadow-X keyboard with a cable, 2.4GHz receiver, keycap/switch puller, extra switches, and a user manual. The keyboard was wrapped in a plastic bag and was topped with a plastic cover to prevent any surface scratches. The quality of the packaging was fitting my expectations, as there was nothing exceptional, but it did the job adequately.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look - Hardware and Software
3. A Closer Look - Disassembly and Internals
4. Conclusion
