Epomaker Flamingo Switches Review & Sound Test

Last Updated on October 27, 2023

Custom mechanical keyboards have taken the tech world by storm, offering enthusiasts a chance to craft the perfect typing experience. When it comes to custom switches, the Epomaker Flamingo Switches have become the latest sensation, renowned for their unique light pink housing and commitment to a natural world-inspired design. In this comprehensive review, we will dive deep into the features, specifications, installation, sound, performance, durability, compatibility, customization, and value of the Epomaker Flamingo switches.

Specifications:

• Type: Linear
• Material: POM stem, PC housing, dual spring
• Pin: 5 pins
• Actuation Force: 47 ± 5gf
• Actuation Travel: 1.50-2.00mm
• Initial Force: 35gf minimum
• Bottom Force: 60gf maximum
• Total Travel: 3.80mm
• Lifespan: Over 100,000,000 keystrokes
• Price: $12.99 for a set of 30 pieces

Design and Build Quality

The Epomaker Flamingo Linear Switch is a visual delight with its light pink housing, inspired by the vibrant coloration of flamingos in nature. Designers have embraced the concept of biomimicry to create a unique switch that combines aesthetics and functionality. The POM stem and PC housing materials are chosen for their extreme resilience and low coefficient of friction, ensuring a smooth, scratchless keystroke experience.

These switches are compatible with MX structure keycaps and PCBs, making them a versatile choice for keyboard customization. They come pre-lubed from the factory and feature a special structure that allows for self-lubrication during use, guaranteeing a consistently smooth typing experience.

How to Install Epomaker Flamingo Switches

For Hot-Swappable Keyboards:

1. Turn off and unplug the hot-swappable keyboard.
2. Remove the keycaps.
3. Place the Flamingo switch onto the hot-swappable socket, ensuring proper alignment of pins.
4. Gently push the switch until it clicks into place.
5. Repeat the process for all desired switches.
6. Replace keycaps and plug the keyboard back in.

For Soldered Keyboards:

1. Turn off and unplug the soldered keyboard.
2. Remove the keycaps.
3. Use a desoldering pump or desoldering braid to remove existing switches from the PCB.
4. Place the Flamingo switch onto the switch hole, ensuring proper pin alignment.
5. Solder the switch pins onto the keyboard PCB.
6. Repeat the process for all desired switches.
7. Replace keycaps and plug the keyboard back in.

Ensure proper installation for a seamless typing experience.

Epomaker Flamingo Switches (Pre-Lubed) Sound Test

The Epomaker Flamingo switches are linear and exhibit a 35gf initial force and a 47 ± 5gf actuation force. They feature a POM stem, PC housing, and a dual spring, providing a smooth and scratchless keystroke experience without the need for additional lubrication.

In terms of sound, these switches offer a relatively quiet and soft typing experience, particularly when compared to other linear switches. The low-pitched sound with a muffled thock when bottoming out is attributed to the POM stem and PC housing materials. The shorter total travel of 3.80mm contributes to a faster response time and a snappier sound.

Overall, the Epomaker Flamingo switches are an excellent choice for those seeking a quiet and smooth typing experience with a softer sound profile.

Performance and User Experience

The Epomaker Flamingo Linear Switches are designed to provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience. The light pink POM stem and PC housing not only add a pop of color but also ensure a smooth and scratchless keystroke experience.

These switches are factory-lubed and feature a special structure that allows self-lubrication during use, ensuring a consistent smooth feeling over time. The low-friction nature of the POM stem enhances the smoothness and provides a satisfying typing experience without the need for additional lubrication.

Epomaker Flamingo switches are compatible with MX structure keycaps, making them versatile and easy to use with most keycap sets. The built-in LED slot adds an element of fun for DIYers and allows for shine-through effects even with PBT housings.

Linear in nature, they feature a 47 ± 5gf actuation force, a 35gf initial force, a 60gf maximum bottom force, an actuation travel of 1.50-2.00mm, and a total travel of 3.80mm. These switches have a lifespan of over 100 million keystrokes based on laboratory durability tests, making them durable and long-lasting.

The Epomaker Flamingo switches are part of Epomaker’s biomimicry design philosophy, which draws inspiration from nature to create beautifully functional design solutions. This design philosophy can be seen in other Epomaker products, such as the kitty, panda, honey milk, iceberg, and macaw keycaps.

In conclusion, the Epomaker Flamingo Linear Switches offer a smooth and satisfying typing experience, versatility, and durability. Their unique design and compatibility make them an ideal choice for those looking to customize their keyboards.

Durability and Longevity

The Epomaker Flamingo switches are designed with durability and longevity in mind. With a lifespan of over 100 million keystrokes, based on laboratory durability tests, users can expect to enjoy these switches for a long time without issues.

The POM stems, known for extreme resilience and low friction, provide a smooth and scratchless keystroke experience without the need for additional lubrication. The PC transparent housing and dual spring make these switches durable, resisting cracking and breaking. The dual spring design ensures the switch can withstand repeated use without losing its functionality.

Moreover, Epomaker Flamingo switches come factory-lubed and are specially structured for self-lubrication during use. This not only maintains a smooth feeling but also extends the lifespan of the switches.

The switches are equipped with LED slots for modification, and the backlight can shine through even with PBT housings, adding more fun features and options for DIYers.

In summary, the Epomaker Flamingo switches are an excellent choice for those seeking durable and long-lasting switches that provide a smooth and satisfying typing experience.

Compatibility

The Epomaker Flamingo switches are designed to be compatible with MX structure keycaps and PCBs. This means they can fit most keycap sets with an (X) cross stem. This level of compatibility provides flexibility for keyboard builders, allowing them to use these switches in a variety of setups.

Additionally, the built-in LED slot allows for modification and customization of backlighting, further enhancing the compatibility of these switches with various keyboard setups.

Overall, the Epomaker Flamingo switches are a versatile option that can be integrated into many different types of keyboards, providing a unique and colorful touch to any setup.

Customization and Modding

Epomaker Flamingo switches are an ideal choice for those who want to customize and modify their keyboards. With their factory-lubed and self-lubricating capabilities, POM stem, PC housing, and built-in LED slot, these switches offer numerous possibilities for DIY enthusiasts. Here are some ways to customize and mod your Epomaker Flamingo switches:

• Lubrication: While the switches come factory-lubed, some users may prefer to add more lubrication for an even smoother keystroke. Different types of lubricants like Krytox or Tribosys can be used for further enhancing the feel of the switches.
• Spring Swapping: The dual spring in the Flamingo switches provides excellent tactile feedback, but some users may desire a different feel. Experimenting with different springs like gold-plated or stainless steel can help achieve the preferred level of resistance.
• Stem Swapping: The POM stem in the Flamingo switches provides a low-friction experience, but some users may want to try different stem materials like Nylon or PBT for a different sound profile.
• LED Modifications: The built-in LED slot allows users to add their preferred LED colors to the switches. Experimenting with different LED colors and brightness can help match the keyboard’s overall aesthetic.
• Switch Films: Switch films can help reduce wobbling and create a more consistent feel between each switch. Adding switch films can also help reduce the sound profile of the switches.
• Keycap Customization: The Flamingo switches are compatible with most MX keycaps, allowing users to experiment with different keycap profiles, colors, and materials for a completely unique keyboard experience.

Overall, the Epomaker Flamingo switches offer a solid foundation for customizing and modding your keyboard. With their factory-lubed and self-lubricating capabilities, built-in LED slot, and compatibility with MX structure, these switches are perfect for DIY enthusiasts who want to create a personalized and unique keyboard experience.

Epomaker Flamingo Switches vs. Other Switches

Specification	EPOMAKER Flamingo	Bluebird	KTT Halu Halo	Akko CS Silver	JWICK Black Ultimate
Type	Linear	Clicky	Tactile	Linear	Linear
Material	POM stem, PC housing, dual spring	Nylon housing, POM stem, gold-plated spring	Nylon housing, POM stem, gold-plated spring	Polycarbonate housing, gold-plated spring	POM housing, POM stem, gold-plated spring
Pin	5 Pins	5 Pins	5 Pins	5 Pins	5 Pins
Actuation force	47 ± 5gf	50gf	65gf	45gf	67gf
Actuation Travel	1.50-2.00mm	2.2mm	1.8mm	1.8mm	2.0mm
Initial force	35gf min	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Bottom force	60gf max	70gf	75gf	60gf	95gf
Total Travel	3.80mm	4.0mm	3.6mm	4.0mm	4.0mm
Lifespan	Over 100,000,000 keystrokes	50,000,000 keystrokes	50,000,000 keystrokes	50,000,000 keystrokes	100,000,000 keystrokes
LED compatibility	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Lubrication	Factory lubed	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified

As seen in the table, the EPOMAKER Flamingo switch offers a linear type, POM stem, PC housing, and a dual spring, with a lifespan of over 100 million keystrokes. It is also compatible with MX structure keycaps, has a built-in LED slot, and comes factory-lubed. In terms of actuation force, the Flamingo switch sits in the mid-range of the other switches compared. However, it has a lower initial force and a shorter actuation travel, making it a good option for fast typists who want a smoother keystroke. Additionally, the Flamingo switch offers LED compatibility, which is not available in the JWICK Black Ultimate switch.

The Price and Value

The EPOMAKER Flamingo switches are priced at $12.99 for a set of 30 pieces. This price is reasonable considering the quality of the switches and their features.

Firstly, the switches are factory-lubed, which saves the user time and effort in applying lube to each switch. The POM stem and PC housing materials used in the switches are known for their durability, making them a good investment in the long run. The dual spring design also adds to the switch’s durability, and the lifespan of over 100 million keystrokes is impressive.

Additionally, the switches are compatible with MX structure keycaps, making them versatile and allowing for customization options. The built-in LED slot is also a unique feature that adds value to the switches, allowing for fun modifications and backlighting options.

Furthermore, the design of the switches is inspired by nature, adding a unique and aesthetically pleasing element to any custom keyboard. The light pink housing of the switches is also a standout feature that adds to their visual appeal.

Overall, the EPOMAKER Flamingo switches offer good value for their price, with their durability, factory-lubed feature, compatibility with keycaps, built-in LED slot, and unique design elements.

Pros and Cons of Using Epomaker Flamingo Switches

Pros:

• Bright coloration and unique design inspired by nature
• Smooth and scratchless keystroke experience without additional lube due to POM stem
• Compatible with MX structure keycaps and PCBs for improved compatibility and customization options
• Built-in LED slot for modification and shine-through backlight
• Durable lifespan of over 100 million keystrokes based on laboratory durability tests
• Factory-lubed switches for self-lubricating during use, maintaining a smooth feeling

Cons:

• May not be suitable for those who prefer heavier switches
• May not be suitable for those who prefer tactile or clicky switches
• The light pink housing may not be to everyone’s taste
• Factory-lubed switches may not allow for further customization with different lubes
• May not be as readily available as more popular switch brands on the market

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Epomaker Flamingo switches are an exceptional choice for keyboard enthusiasts looking to elevate their typing experience. Their unique design, smooth keystrokes, and versatility make them a valuable addition to any custom keyboard project. While they may not cater to those who prefer heavier or tactile switches, their performance and durability make them a compelling choice for the modern keyboard connoisseur. The incorporation of nature-inspired design elements and built-in LED slots add a touch of fun and individuality to the keyboard customization process. With a reasonable price point and a promise of over 100 million keystrokes, the Epomaker Flamingo switches offer a blend of aesthetics and functionality that’s hard to resist.