Epomaker is set to release a portable mechanical keyboard optimized for both Mac and Windows. The company calls the NT68 Wireless Magic Mechanical Keyboard the first to feature an “invisible” stand you can place on top of your laptop.
The 65% wireless mechanical keyboard — meaning it has 65% of a full keyboard layout — features a slim design and Mac and Windows key layouts, Epomaker said. It enables you to take a clickety-clackety mechanical keyboard anywhere you go with your laptop and other gadgets.
Epomaker NT68: Place it right on your laptop
Using the combination magnetic case/”invisible” stand shipped with the Epomaker NT68, you can place the mechanical keyboard directly on top of your laptop’s keyboard. That saves space wherever you work while giving you the feel and function many people enjoy in a mechanical keyboard. The stand also can fit phones and tablets, the company said.
“Our stand is invisible,” said Epomaker in a press release. “That is what we perceive a kickstand should be: unseen when attached, unfelt when in use, and unnoticed when carried.”
You can adjust the stand’s height for typing comfort. The typing angle ranges from 6 degrees to 15.5 degrees. The company, which is based in China, said the stand also helps dissipate heat coming from the laptop.
Compatible with ‘most’ laptops
Epomaker emphasized that the NT68 “is compilable with most laptop brands.”
But “to use the magic feature, an integrated laptop keyboard needs to have a similar layout as the NT68, such as MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, MacBook Pro 16-inch,” it said. “Laptops with integrated numpad (ThinkPad P73, for example) can’t use the magic feature but can use the NT68 as a small mechanical keyboard.”
Photo: Epomaker
Good for Mac and Windows
Epomaker said it designed the NT68 to work for people used to running Macs, PCs or both. You can swap out keys to switch the layout back and forth. Shortcut keys are designed to be where you expect them, as well.
RGB lighting
The NT68 features nine RGB lighting settings with 16 million LED colors and various effects that can be customized with included software. Simply connect the keyboard using a USB cable to update the software and available effects, the company said.
Mechanical switches
Unlike modern keyboards using touch-sensitive membranes, mechanical keyboards come with old-school switches under the keys. The NT68 keyboard uses Gateron switches (Blue, Brown, Black, Red) and Epomaker’s own Chocolate Switches (Blue, Red, Silver, Brown, Rose Brown).
“After studying the designs and flaws of most typical mechanical switches, we have developed our innovative switch mechanism,” the company said. “Our new and improved switch design helps reduce the physical wear on the switches while providing a smoother typing experience.”
Bluetooth 5.1 and USB-C connections
You can connect the keyboard via Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless connectivity or with an included USB-C cable. With Bluetooth activated via a handy button, the keyboard integrates with your phone, laptop or tablet — up to three devices at once.
Pricing and availability
The company did not state a price or sale date for the new keyboard. However, the company invites people to sign up for early-bird discounts and updates on the Epomaker website.
