Last Updated on December 3, 2023
In the realm of mechanical keyboards, the Epomaker Budgerigar Switches stand out as a unique and aesthetically pleasing option for enthusiasts and DIY keyboard builders. Inspired by the vibrant colors of the budgerigar, these tactile switches offer more than just a visual appeal. Priced at $12.99 for a set of 30 pieces, this review explores the features, design, performance, durability, and overall value of the Epomaker Budgerigar Switches.
Tech Specs And Features
| Specification/Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Switch Type | Tactile |
| Stem Material | POM (Polyoxymethylene) |
| Housing Material | Nylon |
| Spring Type | Dual Spring |
| Pin Type | 5-pin |
| Compatible with MX Structure Keycaps | Yes |
| Actuation Force | 47 ± 10gf |
| Actuation Travel | 2.00 ± 0.5mm |
| Initial Force | 55gf min |
| Bottom Force | 60gf max |
| Total Travel | 3.80mm |
| Lifespan | Over 100,000,000 keystrokes |
| Factory Lubed | Yes |
| Built-in LED Slot | Yes |
The Epomaker Budgerigar switches are tactile switches with a POM stem and Nylon housing, featuring a dual spring design. They are compatible with MX structure keycaps and have 5-pin connectors. The switches have an actuation force of 47 ± 10gf and an actuation travel of 2.00 ± 0.5mm. The initial force is 55gf min and the bottom force is 60gf max, with a total travel of 3.80mm. The switches are designed to last over 100 million keystrokes, and are factory-lubed for a smooth typing experience. They also have a built-in LED slot for backlight customization.
Design And Build Quality
The Epomaker Budgerigar Switches feature a distinctive pale-green and yellow housing, drawing inspiration from the budgerigar, the third most popular pet globally. Beyond the visual charm, the switches are designed for functionality. The stem, crafted from POM (Polyoxymethylene), ensures a low coefficient of friction, providing users with a smooth and scratchless keystroke experience without the need for additional lubrication.
The housing, constructed from nylon and equipped with a dual spring mechanism, enhances the overall durability and longevity of the switches. The dual spring design contributes to a stable typing experience, preventing wobbling and ensuring consistent performance over time.
One noteworthy feature is the factory lubrication and special structure of the switches, enabling them to be self-lubricating during use. This not only maintains a smooth feeling but also enhances the switches’ overall lifespan.
Epomaker Budgerigar Switches (Pre-Lubed) Sound Test
The Epomaker Budgerigar switches are tactile switches, meaning that they provide feedback when activated. They have an actuation force of 47 ± 10gf, which is the amount of force required to activate the switch. The initial force required to press the switch is 55gf min, and the bottom force is 60gf max. The total travel of the switch is 3.80mm, with an actuation travel of 2.00±0.5mm.
Based on my test, the switches have a pleasant tactile bump when activated, with a smooth and consistent feel. The switches produce a subtle but audible sound when pressed, with a low-pitched thock that is not overly loud. The factory-lubed switches provide a smooth and quiet typing experience, with little to no scratchiness.
Performance and User Experience
The EPOMAKER Budgerigar switches excel in providing a smooth and satisfying typing experience. The POM stem and Nylon housing contribute to the switches’ resilience and low friction, ensuring a consistent feel over time. The factory lubrication and self-lubricating feature add to the maintenance-free experience, making them an excellent choice for users seeking reliability.
The switches have an actuation force of 47 ± 10gf, striking a balance between responsiveness and comfort. The compatibility with most MX structure keycaps and PCBs enhances their versatility, allowing for seamless integration into custom keyboard projects.
Durability and Longevity
Built with longevity in mind, the EPOMAKER Budgerigar Switches undergo rigorous laboratory durability tests, showcasing a lifespan of over 100 million keystrokes. The combination of POM stem, nylon housing, and dual spring mechanism ensures robustness, making them a reliable option for prolonged and intensive usage.
Compatibility
The Epomaker Budgerigar switches are designed with a general MX structure, which means that they can fit most keycap sets with an (X) cross stem. This makes them highly compatible and allows users to change the switches and customize their own keyboards.
Additionally, the switches have 5 pins and are compatible with MX structure PCBs, making them a suitable replacement for mechanical keyboards that use Cherry MX switches. Moreover, the switches have a built-in LED slot, which allows for modification and adds more fun features and options for DIYers. Overall, the Epomaker Budgerigar switches offer a high level of compatibility and flexibility for those looking to customize their keyboards.
Customization and Modding
Epomaker Budgerigar Switches are a great choice for those looking to customize and mod their mechanical keyboard. Here are some tips how to do so:
- Lubrication: While Epomaker Budgerigar Switches come pre-lubed, some enthusiasts prefer to add additional lube to achieve a specific feel. It’s important to note that over-lubing can cause switches to become mushy, so use caution when applying additional lube.
- Spring Swap: The stock springs in Epomaker Budgerigar Switches are rated at 55g of initial force. Some may find this too light or too heavy for their preferences. Switching out the springs with a different weight can drastically change the feel of the switch.
- Stem Swap: While the POM stem in Epomaker Budgerigar Switches is known for its smoothness, some may prefer a different stem for a more customized typing experience. It’s important to note that not all stems are compatible with all switches, so research is key before attempting a swap.
- Housing Swap: While the nylon housing in Epomaker Budgerigar Switches is durable, some may prefer a different material for a more unique sound or feel. Swapping out the housing can be tricky and may require special tools, so it’s recommended to research and practice before attempting.
- LED Modding: The built-in LED slot in Epomaker Budgerigar Switches allows for customization and modding of the switch’s lighting. Adding LEDs can be a fun way to add some personality to your keyboard, but it’s important to use caution when soldering and wiring to avoid damaging the switch or keyboard.
Overall, Epomaker Budgerigar Switches provide a great base for customization and modding, and with a little research and practice, enthusiasts can create a truly unique typing experience.
Epomaker Budgerigar Switches vs. Other Switches
| Feature | EPOMAKER Budgerigar | Epomaker Flamingo | Cherry MX Brown | Gateron Brown | Kailh BOX Brown | Kailh BOX Orange |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stem Material | POM | POM | ABS | POM | POM | POM |
| Housing Material | Nylon | Nylon | ABS | Nylon | PBT | PBT |
| Actuation Force (gf) | 47 ± 10 | 45 ± 10 | 45 ± 15 | 45 ± 15 | 50 ± 10 | 50 ± 10 |
| Initial Force (gf) | 55 | 60 | 55 | 55 | 60 | 60 |
| Total Travel (mm) | 3.80 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 3.60 | 3.60 |
| Actuation Travel (mm) | 2.00 ± 0.5 | 2.00 ± 0.5 | 2.00 ± 0.4 | 2.00 ± 0.4 | 1.80 ± 0.3 | 1.80 ± 0.3 |
| Bottom Force (gf) | 60 | 70 | 60 | 60 | 70 | 70 |
| LED Compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifespan (keystrokes) | >100,000,000 | >70,000,000 | >50,000,000 | >50,000,000 | >80,000,000 | >80,000,000 |
| Compatible Keycaps and PCBs | MX Structure | MX Structure | MX Structure | MX Structure | MX Structure | MX Structure |
The EPOMAKER Budgerigar switches stand out from other tactile switches in several ways. First, they feature a POM stem and Nylon housing, which provide a smooth and scratchless keystroke experience without the need for additional lubrication. Second, they have an initial force of 55gf, which is slightly higher than other switches like Cherry MX Brown and Gateron Brown, making them more tactile.
Third, they have a built-in LED slot that allows for shine-through backlighting even with PBT housings. Finally, they have an impressive lifespan of over 100 million keystrokes, which is higher than most other switches on the market. Overall, the EPOMAKER Budgerigar switches are a great choice for those who value a smooth and tactile typing experience, as well as durability and compatibility with MX structure keycaps and PCBs.
The Price and Value
The Epomaker Budgerigar Switches are priced at $12.99 for a set of 30 pieces, making them a relatively affordable option for those looking to replace or customize the switches on their mechanical keyboards.
In terms of value, the Budgerigar switches offer a lot of features and benefits that are usually found in more expensive switches. For example, they come with factory lubrication, which provides a smooth typing experience and can save the user time and effort in having to lube the switches themselves. The POM stem and nylon housing are also durable materials that contribute to the longevity of the switches.
Additionally, the switches have a built-in LED slot, which allows for customization and a fun feature for DIY enthusiasts. The switches are also compatible with MX structure keycaps and PCBs, making them versatile and easy to use for customization projects.
The tactile type with an initial force of 55gf is a good middle ground for those who prefer a switch that isn’t too heavy or too light. The 100 million keystroke lifespan, based on laboratory durability tests, also ensures that these switches can withstand frequent use.
Overall, the Epomaker Budgerigar Switches offer a good balance of features, durability, and affordability, making them a great value for those looking to customize their mechanical keyboards.
Pros and Cons of Using Epomaker Budgerigar Switches
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pale-green and yellow housing design inspired by budgerigar, providing a unique and fun aesthetic | The tactile feedback may not be suitable for everyone’s typing preferences |
| POM stem with low-friction nature provides a smooth and scratchless keystroke experience | May require additional lubrication for some users’ preferences |
| Nylon housing and dual spring make the switch durable and long-lasting | May be slightly more expensive than other options on the market |
| Factory-lubed for maintenance-free use, and can be self-lubed for smoother feel | Not suitable for those who prefer linear or clicky switches |
| Compatible with most MX structure keycaps, allowing for easy customization of keyboards | May not be widely available in all regions |
| Built-in LED slot for modification, allowing for backlighting customization | |
| Lifespan can go up to 100 million keystrokes based on laboratory durability tests |
Overall, the Epomaker Budgerigar switches offer a unique and fun design inspired by budgerigars, as well as a smooth and scratchless typing experience with their POM stem and nylon housing. They also have a long lifespan and are compatible with most MX structure keycaps, allowing for easy customization of keyboards. However, they may not be suitable for those who prefer linear or clicky switches, and may require additional lubrication for some users’ preferences. They may also be slightly more expensive than other options on the market and may not be widely available in all regions.
Conclusion
The Epomaker Budgerigar Switches offer a unique blend of aesthetics, performance, and customization options. With their tactile nature, smooth keystrokes, and compatibility with MX structure keycaps, these switches cater to both enthusiasts and those venturing into DIY keyboard projects.
While the tactile feedback may not suit every typing preference, the switches’ durability, factory lubrication, and distinctive design contribute to their overall appeal. Priced at $12.99, the Epomaker Budgerigar Switches represent a balanced investment, offering a valuable combination of features for users seeking a tactile and customizable typing experience.
In summary, the Epomaker Budgerigar Switches present a compelling option for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, combining aesthetic charm with tactile excellence and customization possibilities.
Kizaru is a fan, collector, and has a huge addiction to mechanical keyboards. Kizaru has a collection of dozens of mechanical keyboards that come in different sizes and use different switches. He also frequently contributes to various forums that discuss keyboards such as Reddit and GeekHack.
