Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 Review: Upgrade Your Typing Experience!

If you’re a gamer or a typist looking for the ultimate keyboard experience, the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 might just be the perfect solution for you. This 65% mechanical keyboard is packed with features that will enhance your typing experience and take your gaming skills to the next level.

Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2

The Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 is a wireless/wired mechanical keyboard that comes in two color options, Retro Grey and Moon White, and is priced at $129.99. This 65% keyboard is hot swappable and features a gasket mount design with Poron foam for added cushioning and structural integrity. The Quake Matte Linear Switches offer a linear typing experience with 47g of operating force, and are hot-swappable to allow for easy switch replacements.

The keyboard supports VIA programming, allowing for easy macro creation and keyboard layout remapping, and features on-board memory to save and switch between up to 6 different layers. It also features wired and Bluetooth connectivity, and can connect with up to 3 devices, with the ability to switch between devices by pressing Fn + Z, X, or C. The V65 is compatible with Windows, MacOS, and Linux, and can switch between OS layouts by entering the Win mode (Fn+Q) or Mac mode (Fn+W).

The keyboard has south-facing RGB LED backlighting that is customizable through VIA, and features light pipes to make the RGB brighter. The premium non-shine-through PBT keycaps are retro-dye sublimated in a grey-beige color to integrate with the retro-theme, and are designed to avoid interference when installing popular Cherry profile keycaps.

The CIDOO V65 also features a rotary knob for media control and comes with an aluminum CNC casing that is durable, corrosion-resistant, and oxidation-resistant, with an electrically treated surface for a silky-smooth texture. The keyboard supports NKRO and comes with 6KRO out of the factory. Overall, the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 is a powerful and versatile keyboard that is suitable for both work and gaming.

Tech Specs And Features

The Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 is a 65% mechanical keyboard that can be used both wirelessly and wired. It features hot-swappable switches, VIA programming support, a gasket mount design with Poron foam sound dampening, a metal rotary knob for Mac/Win OS, and an aluminum CNC casing with dye-sublimation PBT keycaps. The keyboard is available in two color options: Retro Grey and Moon White. Here is a summary of the tech specs and features:

Overall, the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 is a high-quality keyboard that offers excellent features and build quality at an affordable price. Its hot-swappable switches, VIA programming support, and gasket mount design with Poron foam sound dampening make it a great choice for both gamers and typists who demand accuracy, speed, and reliability. The metal rotary knob for media control and NKRO support further add to its versatility, while its aluminum CNC casing and retro design make it a stylish addition to any setup.

Unboxing The Keyboard

In the box, along with the keyboard, users will receive a user manual, an allen wrench, a braided white USB C to USB A cable for wired connection, extra rubber feet, and an all-in-one switch and keycap puller.

Design and Build Quality

The Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 is a mechanical keyboard that features a 65% layout and is available in Retro Grey and Moon White colors. The keyboard has an aluminum CNC casing with a retro dye-sublimation PBT keycap design. The aluminum has been electrically treated to give the keyboard a smooth texture and corrosion-resistant surface.

The Cidoo V65 V2 is a gasket-mounted keyboard with a Poron foam sound dampening construction that adds structural integrity over time. The typing experience is cushioned and smoother due to the Poron foam, and the auditory experience is clear thanks to the Quark customized matte linear switches that provide a 47g operating force. The switches are hot-swappable and the keyboard has a PCB that supports 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.

The keyboard is equipped with a rotary knob that can control volume on both Mac and Windows operating systems. The south-facing RGB LED illumination is designed to better illuminate the keyboard backlight from the typist’s angle with the premium non-shine-through PBT keycaps installed. The keyboard also features light pipes that make the RGB brighter and more fun for customization of the typing environment.

The Cidoo V65 V2 has a hot-swappable layout, wired and Bluetooth connectivity, and Win/Mac OS/Linux support. With a built-in 3000mAh battery, the keyboard can connect with up to 3 devices, and you can easily switch between devices by pressing Fn + Z, X, or C. The keyboard comes with plate-mounted stabilizers and has a PC plate. The keyboard is also programmable with VIA software, making it easy to create macros and remap your keyboard layout.

Poron Dampening Foam

The Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 keyboard features Poron dampening foam as part of its construction. This foam is placed within the keyboard as a gasket mount, providing additional cushioning for a smoother and more comfortable typing experience.

The Poron foam also helps to enhance the structural integrity of the keyboard over time. This is due to the foam’s ability to dampen reverberations within the housing, which reduces the risk of resonance and potential damage to the keyboard’s components.

Overall, the Poron dampening foam plays an important role in the Cidoo V65 V2’s design, contributing to its superior typing feel and durability.

The Keycaps

The Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 is a mechanical keyboard that comes with high-quality keycaps. These keycaps are made of PBT (short for polybutylene terephthalate), which is a type of thermoplastic material that is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear.

One of the key advantages of PBT keycaps is that they are much more resistant to shine and discoloration compared to ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) keycaps, which are commonly found on cheaper mechanical keyboards. This means that the keycaps on the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 will retain their color and texture even after extended use, which is especially important for frequently used keys like the spacebar and WASD keys.

Another important aspect of the keycaps on the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 is their profile. The keyboard comes with a standard OEM (original equipment manufacturer) profile, which is a slightly curved shape that is comfortable for typing. The keycaps are also sculpted, meaning that the rows of keys are slightly different heights to accommodate the natural angle of your fingers when typing.

Overall, the keycaps on the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 are of high quality and should provide a comfortable and durable typing experience. The PBT material ensures that they will resist wear and tear, while the OEM profile and sculpted design make them comfortable to use for extended periods of time.

The Switches

The Quake Matte Linear switch is a type of mechanical switch that is used in the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 keyboard. It is a linear switch, which means that it does not have any tactile feedback or clicky sound when it is pressed.

The Quake Matte Linear switch has a 60-gram actuation force, which means that it requires a force of 60 grams to activate the switch. This makes it a relatively light switch, which is good for fast typing and gaming.

One of the key features of the Quake Matte Linear switch is its matte finish. This gives the switch a smooth and silky feel, which can be quite satisfying to type on. The matte finish also helps to reduce finger slippage and improve accuracy.

Another advantage of the Quake Matte Linear switch is its durability. It is rated for up to 50 million keystrokes, which means that it can withstand heavy use for a long time. The switch is also relatively quiet, which makes it a good choice for office environments or shared spaces.

Overall, the Quake Matte Linear switch is a high-quality switch that offers a smooth and satisfying typing experience. It is a good choice for gamers, typists, and anyone who wants a reliable and durable mechanical switch.

The Hot-Swappable Switches

Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 is a mechanical keyboard that comes with hot-swappable switches. This means that the switches can be easily removed and replaced without the need for any soldering or technical expertise.

The hot-swappable feature allows users to experiment with different types of switches without having to buy a new keyboard. They can swap out the switches whenever they want, and this makes it easier to customize the keyboard to their liking.

In addition, the hot-swappable switches also make it easier to maintain the keyboard. If a switch is damaged or malfunctions, it can be easily replaced without having to take the entire keyboard apart. This can save time and money in the long run.

Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 supports a wide range of switches including Cherry MX, Gateron, Kailh, and others. This means that users can choose from a variety of switches to find the ones that suit their typing preferences.

Overall, the hot-swappable switches feature in Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 provides a lot of flexibility and customization options for users, making it a great choice for those who like to experiment with different types of switches or want to maintain their keyboard easily.

The Stabilizers

The Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 comes with Cherry-style PCB mount stabilizers. Stabilizers are an essential component in a mechanical keyboard as they help to ensure the stability and consistency of the key presses. They consist of a wire and housing that work together to reduce wobble and make key presses feel more solid and satisfying.

The Cidoo V65 V2’s stabilizers are pre-lubricated with a factory-applied grease, which reduces the amount of noise and rattling that can occur during typing. Additionally, the stabilizers feature an upgraded wire material, which is thicker and more durable than previous versions.

The stabilizers are also hot-swappable, which means that they can be easily removed and replaced without requiring any soldering. This makes it easier for users to customize their keyboard by swapping out keycaps or modifying the stabilizers to their personal preference.

Overall, the stabilizers on the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 provide a smooth and stable typing experience, with minimal noise and a solid feel. The hot-swappable design also makes it easy for users to customize their keyboard to suit their specific needs and preferences.

RGB Backlit

The Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 features RGB backlighting, which means that the keys can be illuminated with different colors and effects. The RGB backlighting can be controlled using the keyboard’s firmware or a companion software application.

The keyboard offers a wide range of lighting effects, such as static, breathing, reactive, and ripple. These lighting effects can be customized to suit individual preferences, and users can adjust the brightness and speed of the effects. Additionally, the keyboard features per-key lighting, which means that each key can be individually lit in a different color or effect.

The RGB backlighting is powered by SMD LEDs mounted on the PCB, which provide bright and vibrant lighting. The LEDs have a lifespan of over 50,000 hours, which means that they will last for a long time without needing to be replaced.

Overall, the RGB backlighting on the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 is a great feature that adds a lot of personality to the keyboard. The ability to customize the lighting effects and colors allows users to create a unique and personalized keyboard that fits their style and preferences.

The South-Facing LED

The Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 is equipped with south-facing LEDs, which are located at the bottom of each switch. This means that the LEDs are positioned in such a way that the light shines towards the bottom of the keycap, rather than directly up towards the user’s eyes. This design choice has a few benefits.

Firstly, south-facing LEDs create a more subtle and diffuse lighting effect, which is less harsh and distracting compared to north-facing LEDs. With north-facing LEDs, the light can sometimes shine directly into the user’s eyes, causing discomfort or eye strain over time. South-facing LEDs avoid this issue, creating a more pleasant and comfortable lighting experience.

Secondly, south-facing LEDs are more compatible with a wider range of keycap profiles. Some keycap profiles, such as Cherry profile, have a lower profile and sit closer to the switch housing. North-facing LEDs can sometimes be obstructed by these keycaps, resulting in inconsistent lighting or even no lighting at all. South-facing LEDs do not have this issue, as the light shines downwards and is not obstructed by the keycap.

Overall, the south-facing LED design of the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 is a thoughtful and practical choice that enhances the user experience and ensures compatibility with a wide range of keycaps.

Connectivity And Compatibility

The Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 keyboard has a variety of connectivity options, making it easy to use with different devices. It supports both wired and wireless modes of connectivity.

In wired mode, the keyboard can be connected to a device via a USB Type-C cable. This cable can be detached from the keyboard, making it easy to transport and use in different locations. The USB Type-C port on the keyboard supports fast charging and data transfer, ensuring that the keyboard is always ready for use.

In wireless mode, the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 can connect to devices using Bluetooth 5.1. This allows the keyboard to be used with a range of devices, including laptops, desktops, and mobile devices. The keyboard supports up to three devices in wireless mode, and switching between devices is easy with the press of a button.

The Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This makes it a versatile keyboard that can be used with a variety of devices. The keyboard also supports a range of keyboard layouts, including ANSI, ISO, and JIS. This means that it can be used in different regions and with different language settings.

Overall, the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 has excellent connectivity and compatibility, making it a flexible and convenient keyboard for a range of users.

Software and Programmability

The Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 keyboard features VIA firmware support, which allows users to fully customize their keyboard layout and programming. With VIA, users can create and assign macros, remap keys, and access advanced settings to fine-tune their typing experience. The firmware is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for even novice users to customize their keyboard. Additionally, the V65 V2 supports up to 6 different layers, so users can switch between different keyboard layouts and settings with ease. Overall, the VIA firmware support adds a high level of functionality and customization to the already impressive Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 keyboard.

Performance

The Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 is a high-performance mechanical keyboard designed for gaming and productivity. The keyboard uses Quake Matte Linear switches, which are renowned for their smooth and tactile feedback. The switches provide a satisfying typing experience and offer a fast response time, making them ideal for gaming.

The keyboard features a 65% layout, which means it is compact and easy to transport. The layout includes all the essential keys needed for daily use, including arrow keys, function keys, and a full-size number row. The keyboard also has a programmable firmware, allowing users to customize the layout and remap keys to suit their needs.

In terms of connectivity, the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 features both wired and wireless options. The keyboard connects via USB Type-C cable, which provides a stable and fast connection. It also features Bluetooth 5.1 technology, which allows users to connect up to three devices simultaneously and switch between them with ease.

The keyboard also features RGB backlighting, which offers a wide range of customization options. Users can choose from a variety of colors and lighting effects, making it easy to personalize the keyboard to match their setup. The keyboard also includes a variety of media control keys, allowing users to adjust volume, playback, and other functions with ease.

Overall, the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 offers a high-performance typing and gaming experience with its Quake Matte Linear switches, customizable layout, and versatile connectivity options. Its compact size and customizable RGB backlighting make it a great choice for those who value both form and function in a keyboard.

Typing Experience And Sound Test

The Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 is a 65% wireless/wired mechanical keyboard that offers a smooth and cushioned typing experience. The keyboard features a gasket mount design with Poron dampening foam and a PC plate for added structural integrity over time. The tactile and auditory experience is further enriched with the use of high-quality Poron foams, which dampen reverberations within the housing and effectively dampen resonance.

The keyboard comes with Quake Matte Linear switches that offer a linear typing experience with 47g of operating force. The switches have nylon housings, POM stems, and are factory lubed, making them durable and contributing to creating a clear acoustic environment.

Overall, the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 with Quake Matte Linear switches offers a smooth and cushioned typing experience with a variety of customizable features and convenient connectivity options. The keyboard’s high-quality construction and durable design make it an excellent option for both daily work and gaming.

Price and Variants

The Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 is a 65% mechanical keyboard that is available in two color options: Retro Grey and Moon White. It is priced at $129.99 and features Quake Matte linear switches, a gasket mount design with Poron foam sound dampening, a metal rotary knob for media control, and hot-swappable mechanical switches.

The keyboard can be used in wired or wireless modes with a built-in 3000mAh battery, and it supports both Windows and Mac operating systems. The keyboard also features south-facing RGB LEDs and customizable VIA programming software. The Cidoo V65 V2 comes with an aluminum CNC casing, dye-sublimation PBT keycaps, and plate-mounted stabilizers.

Pros and Cons of Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2

Let me explain each point in more detail:

Pros:

• Compact and portable design: The Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 is a 65% keyboard, meaning it has a smaller form factor than a full-sized keyboard, making it easier to carry around or fit on a desk with limited space.
• Hot-swappable switch sockets: This keyboard has hot-swappable switch sockets, which means you can easily replace the switches without having to solder anything.
• Bluetooth and wired connectivity: The Cidoo V65 V2 can be connected via Bluetooth or a wired USB-C cable, giving you the flexibility to switch between the two options as needed.
• Multi-device pairing: The keyboard can be paired with up to three devices and can quickly switch between them with a keypress.
• RGB lighting with customizable effects and macros: The keyboard features customizable RGB lighting and macros that can be programmed to fit your preferences.

Cons:

• Limited customizability: While the hot-swappable switch sockets make it easy to change out the switches, the overall customization options for this keyboard are somewhat limited.
• No dedicated media controls: This keyboard does not have any dedicated media controls, which may be inconvenient for users who frequently listen to music or watch videos.
• No included wrist rest: The Cidoo V65 V2 does not come with an included wrist rest, which may be a drawback for users who prefer to use one.
• Limited availability: This keyboard may be harder to find compared to more mainstream options.
• Relatively high price point for a 65% mechanical keyboard: The Cidoo V65 V2 is more expensive than some other 65% keyboards on the market.

Should You Buy The Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2?

The Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 is a 65% mechanical keyboard with many features that make it a good option for both daily use and gaming. It has a gasket mount design with Poron foam sound dampening for a smooth and cushioned typing experience. It also has hot-swappable mechanical switches and a rotary knob for media control.

The keyboard supports wired and Bluetooth connectivity and can be used with both Windows and MacOS. It also has customizable RGB backlighting and VIA programming support, allowing you to fully remap your keyboard layout and create macros.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality and versatile mechanical keyboard, the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 is definitely worth considering. Its combination of features and reasonable price point make it a great value for anyone in need of a reliable and customizable keyboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 keyboard?

The Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 is a mechanical keyboard with a 65% layout, hot-swappable switches, wireless and wired connectivity, VIA programmable software, and retro-themed design.

What switch options are available for the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2?

The Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 comes with Quake Matte Linear switches, but the hot-swappable PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.

What is gasket mount construction and how does it affect the typing experience on the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2?

Gasket mount construction is a type of mechanical keyboard mounting method where a gasket material is placed between the PCB and the plate. This design allows for more cushioning and a smoother typing experience, while also improving the structural integrity of the keyboard over time. The Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 uses Poron foam for added tactile and auditory experience.

Can I use the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 with both Mac and Windows operating systems?

Yes, the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems. You can switch between the two layouts by entering Win mode (Fn+Q) or Mac mode (Fn+W).

What is VIA programming support and how can I use it on the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2?

VIA is a software tool that allows you to customize and program your keyboard layout, macros, and more. The Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 supports VIA programming, so you can easily create macros and remap your keyboard layout to quickly access any function in any program.

How many devices can I connect to the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 and how do I switch between them?

The Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 can connect with up to 3 devices, and you can easily switch between them by pressing Fn + Z, X, or C.

What is the difference between south-facing and north-facing LEDs on a keyboard?

South-facing LEDs are positioned to shine through the front of the keycap, making the backlight more visible from the typist’s angle. North-facing LEDs are positioned to shine through the top of the keycap, which can create shadows and uneven lighting.

Does the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 come with a volume control knob?

Yes, the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 comes with a rotary knob for media control, allowing you to control volume by simply rotating left or right and pressing.

What is the material of the casing and keycaps on the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2?

The casing of the Epomaker Cidoo V65 V2 is made of CNC aluminum, while the keycaps are made of PBT and feature a retro dye-sublimation design.