Epomaker Glyth Review: A Typewriter Inspired Keyboard With Real Substance

Introduction

Typewriter-style keyboards are everywhere, but they rarely get taken seriously. The Epomaker Glyth tries to change that by pairing retro-inspired keycaps with modern mechanical keyboard features like hot-swappable switches, a full-color screen, and tri-mode wireless connectivity. At a starting price of $139.99, currently on sale for $118.99, it aims to be more than just a novelty.

The Glyth is a 75% keyboard with an exploded arrow key layout, a volume knob, a small screen, and a lever switch that adds a bit of typewriter flair. But does the aesthetic hold up in daily use, or is it just a gimmick? This review digs into the design, typing feel, software, and quirks to help you decide if it is worth your money.

Design and Build Quality

The Glyth is made entirely of plastic, which keeps it very lightweight. That makes it easy to transport, but it also gives the keyboard a slightly toy-like feel. The rounded edges soften the look, and the overall design is genuinely cute. It is not the premium metal build you might expect at this price, but it has a charm that fits the typewriter theme.

The included wrist rest is a welcome addition. It is made of silicone with a cut-out design, and it is soft and squishy. Given the keyboard’s tall typing height, the wrist rest makes sense. However, if you prefer a lower-profile keyboard, the Glyth’s height might be a dealbreaker. The tall profile is a common issue with typewriter-style boards, and it is worth considering before you buy.

The keycaps are the most distinctive part of the Glyth. They have a rounded, bottle-cap-like shape with a gentle scoop that cups your fingers nicely. This is a significant improvement over older typewriter-style keycaps, which often have an awkward lip. The keycaps feel comfortable to type on, and they look great. If you do not like them, you can swap them out, since the keyboard is fully customizable.

Typing Feel and Sound

Under the keycaps are Wisteria V2 switches, which are standard linear switches. They feel smooth and sound pleasant, with a satisfying thock that many keyboard enthusiasts appreciate. The Glyth uses a stiff top-mounted design with five-layer dampening foam, which contributes to the solid sound and feel.

The keyboard is hot-swappable, so you can replace the switches with any compatible option. That means you could turn it into a clicky typewriter-style board if you wanted, though that might be a bit much for most people. The typing experience is genuinely good, and the sound is one of the highlights of this keyboard.

One downside is that the Glyth is not easy to take apart. There are no visible screws, which makes modding frustrating. If you like to customize the internals of your keyboard, this could be a significant limitation. For most users, though, the stock experience is more than adequate.

Screen, Knob, and the Flicky Lever

The Glyth has two screens. The one on the left shows the date, but it has a poor viewing angle, so you have to crouch down to see it clearly. The screen on the right is a full-color display, roughly 2.7 inches, which is honestly pretty decent. You can add custom images, though they do not easily fill the entire screen, leaving a black border around everything. The software does let you draw your own images, so there is room for creativity.

The volume knob on the right works as expected. The real quirk is the flicky lever. Flick it down for backspace and up for enter. It feels satisfying at first, but it has a flaw: if you flick it aggressively, it rattles back and forth and sends the opposite input. So, if you are trying to spam backspace, you might accidentally send an enter command. The lever cannot be reprogrammed, which is a missed opportunity. If you could remap it to a single function, it would solve the problem entirely.

Software and Customization

The Glyth uses Epomaker’s proprietary software. It is being updated and improved, but it is still not great. You can reprogram all of the keys, but the lever is not programmable. The software does allow you to customize the screen and RGB lighting, which is a plus.

The keyboard has full RGB backlighting on all keys, plus a beautiful RGB strip on the back. It is a bit unnecessary on a retro-inspired keyboard, but it adds a futuristic touch. You can easily turn off the RGB or set it to a single color in the software.

Wireless Connectivity and Everyday Use

The Glyth is tri-mode wireless, meaning you can connect it via Bluetooth to multiple devices, including a phone, or use the 2.4 GHz dongle hidden in the back for your computer. There is also a small slot at the top where you can rest your phone or a small tablet. This is a nice touch for people who like to keep their devices close while typing.

In everyday use, the Glyth performs well. Everything that needs to work does work. The typing feel is satisfying, the sound is great, and the wireless connectivity is reliable. The main quirks are the lever behavior and the tall typing height, but neither is a dealbreaker if you like the aesthetic.

Buying Advice

The Epomaker Glyth is a niche product. It is a typewriter-inspired keyboard that does not try to be a literal typewriter. Instead, it takes the visual cues and wraps them around a solid mechanical keyboard. If you love the retro aesthetic and want a customizable board, this is a strong option.

The $118.99 sale price makes it more accessible, but the plastic build and software limitations are worth noting. If you prefer a lower-profile keyboard or want to mod the internals, this might not be the right choice. However, if you want a fun, good-sounding keyboard with a unique look, the Glyth is worth considering.

Conclusion

The Epomaker Glyth succeeds as a typewriter-inspired keyboard with modern features. It sounds great, feels satisfying to type on, and offers plenty of customization. The quirks, like the lever and the tall profile, are manageable if you know what you are getting into. For the right person, this is a delightful keyboard that stands out from the crowd.