By: Jadon Lee
February 7, 2025
If you are an anime watcher, you are probably aware that Solo Leveling has started a new season. I was planning on simply watching the anime and enjoying it for what it was. For some reason, my typical urge took over of watching a few episodes then binge reading the manga, if it was possible. The difference that separates this from my usual times is I have already read all of Solo Leveling, so there was really no point in me reading it again. I realize I have this habit where I have to reread or rewatch things I previously enjoyed. That being said, I find this repetition builds my joy for these things more, as I start recognizing and experiencing deeper intricacies I did not see on my previous rounds. This experience is much like keyboards as a hobby. You might think after you built your keyboard, you are set and you will never build that keyboard ever again. You might see where this is going, and yes, I have in fact taken apart my keyboards and put them together again. Each time, I have had more appreciation for the design and the versatility of my keyboards. For our review today, we have the Epomaker Tide 65 that can also be reconstructed. The Tide 65 is a fully aluminum keyboard that features wireless operation. Will the Tide 65 be able to satisfy my itch for building keyboards? Keep reading to find out!
Our review unit of the Epomaker Tide 65 came alongside the CIDOO C75 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 Canada Post. The shipping process was good, with no visible impact on the retail box. I was not worried about the condition of the product itself, as there was no noticeable damage.
The Epomaker Tide 65’s box design is aesthetically pleasing, using a black, white, and yellow exterior. The front displays Tide 65 in the very center of the box, having Epomaker branding right above it. There is a brief description of the keyboard below the name as well giving a good depiction of what you will receive. The back mentions some notable features. This is a straightforward design 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 Tide 65, as specified by the manufacturer’s website:
Number of Keys: 66 + 1 knob
Anti-Ghosting: NKRO
Case Material: 6063 Aluminum
Aluminum Case Finishing: Electrophoretic (Blue), Anodized (Black, Purple)
Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz Wireless, Type-C Wired
RGB: South-facing RGB LEDs
Hotswappable: Yes
Plate Material: FR4
Stabilizer Type: Plate-mount
Software Compatibility: VIA, QMK
Battery: 4000mAh
Keycap: OEM profile double-shot PBT keycaps
MCU: ATmega32U4
Default Polling Rate: 1000Hz for wired & 2.4G connection, 125Hz for Bluetooth
Weight: 1.27 kg
Dimensions: 320 x 114 x 21.5 mm
Front Height: 21.5 mm
Out of the box, you will receive the Epomaker Tide 65 keyboard with a cable, keycap/switch puller, hex key, and a user manual. The keyboard is wrapped in plastic alongside a plastic cover to prevent any surface scratches. I was pleasantly surprised when it came to packaging. The quality of the packaging is vastly better than most manufacturers, as the foam usage surrounds the entire keyboard.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. A Closer Look - Hardware and Software
3. A Closer Look - Disassembly and Internals
4. Conclusion
