Epomaker Shadow-S Gasket Keyboard Review with Smart Display

EPOMAKER continues to consistently outpace the competition with their mechanical gaming keyboards. Their latest offering, the Epomaker Shadow-Scontinues this trend. This keyboard delivers more than just a tool, it delivers a real experience that takes both your gaming sessions and your daily productivity to the next level. Its updated design, exceptional performance, and innovative features redefine what you expect from a mechanical keyboard.

Buy on Amazon

Design

The Epomaker Shadow-S feels pretty solid, but is mostly made of plastic. It still weighs just over 900 grams, which can actually be a good thing. Eight visible hex screws, which take an H2.0 Wowstick bit, hold the gray/silver top case and pink bottom case together.

The top plastic layer seems a little prone to minor scuffs around the edges. I haven’t been gentle with it, often throwing it in a backpack when moving from one location to another. The surface finish is very similar to aluminum, but with a coarser grain, which I’m pretty sure is just paint. Tolerances are generally excellent, with no noticeable gaps or flaws in the construction. The OLED sits snugly on the top, although the protective window has lifted up a bit and the alignment between it and the plastic underneath is slightly off. Epomaker Shadow-S

A shot from below shows the keyboard’s Ctrl, Shift, Caps Lock, and Tab keys. Shift and Caps Lock are depressed by their left edges. Shift remains level, while Caps Lock is noticeably tilted to the left. The stabilizers in the Shift key work well, but the switches themselves aren’t very stable, making Caps Lock a bit wobbly. Epomaker Shadow-S

The hot-swappable switches live up to their name. You can remove the keycaps and then the switches, although sometimes the switch comes with the keycap. I prefer these switches over switches that are harder to remove (I always forget how to use the switch puller). The space bar, left/right shift, enter and backspace keys all have captive stabilizer bars that are connected to dummy switches. These work well, and for example left shift has much less horizontal play than caps lock. Despite the noise, it feels quite nice to type on.

Display

The 1.14-inch smart screen stands out as a highlight of the Shadow-S. Users can program this display to customize the keyboard in unexpected ways, by showing GIFs, personal logos, or motivational quotes. This feature adds more than just aesthetic appeal; it allows for a level of customization that makes each keyboard unique.

Custom made

The Epomaker Shadow-S stands out from the competition with its compatibility with VIA software. VIA, the community-based software, offers full customization of the keyboard. Users can remap keys, create macros, and configure the keyboard in four different levels, making the Shadow-S adaptable to any gaming or work need.

Switches

The linear “Wysteria” switches included with the Shadow S are marketed as “quiet,” but their low actuation force and lack of any mechanism to prevent the keys from dropping makes the typing experience loud and clacky in an unintended way, unlike intentional clicky switches. The sound of keys dropping is largely determined by typing force, and I tend to type heavily, which further accentuates the sound.

This contradicts Epomakers’ claim that the keyboard achieves maximum noise reduction. The Endgame Gear KB65HE, currently in testing with Gateron KS-37B switches that feel similar, is significantly quieter thanks to a significant amount of dampening material. While the key ratcheting matches the early 90s aesthetic of the Shadow S, the Shadow S falls short of that expectation if you want a quiet keyboard.

Typing experience

The Epomaker Shadow-S delivers an exceptional typing experience with its five layers of cushioning foam. This innovative design includes sandwich foam, IXPE switch pads, acoustic pads, bottom sponge and silicone layers. Every keystroke feels smooth, responsive and produces a pleasant sound, making typing a true symphony.

Connectivity

The Epomaker Shadow-S offers three connectivity modes: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless and wired USB-C. Users can easily switch between modes when needed, whether they are gaming, working or just browsing. The gasket structure ensures precision and comfort in every usage mode.

Battery

The Epomaker Shadow-S guarantees long-term, uninterrupted use with its 4000 mAh rechargeable battery. Whether you’re playing a gaming marathon or working all day, this keyboard will always keep you powered.

Pronunciation

A gamer or someone interested in upgrading their workstation should consider getting the EPOMAKER Shadow-S for many reasons. First, you can customize it to your specific needs thanks to its compatibility with VIA software and its programmable intelligent screen, making the keyboard unique and perfectly integrated into your setup. In addition, its five layers of cushioning foam provide an excellent typing experience, providing a soft and responsive keystroke with a pleasant sound, improving both gaming and work.

Additionally, the Shadow-S offers flexible connectivity options including Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired USB-C, allowing you to easily switch modes and maintain a stable, lag-free connection. Its ergonomic design and gasket construction make it comfortable to hold for long periods of time, reducing fatigue during intense gaming or work sessions. Finally, its exceptional 4000mAh battery allows for long sessions without interruptions, ensuring the keyboard is always ready when you need it.

In short, the EPOMAKER Shadow-S is the ideal choice for anyone looking for a device that you can customize to your liking, with a superior typing experience, versatile connectivity, ergonomic design and longer battery life.