The EPOMAKER Alice 66 is a budget-friendly choice for trying this layout. It combines retro design with modern features, including hot-swappable switches, RGB lights, and wireless connectivity. In this review, I’ll share my full hands-on experience in simple, easy-to-understand terms so that anyone can understand.
The Alice keyboard has a split, tilted layout made to help your hands feel relaxed while typing. Some people find it very comfortable, while others need time to get used to it. Different styles like Arisu make it popular for those who like special and fun keyboard designs.
Unboxing
When you open the EPOMAKER Alice 66 box, it feels special. The keyboard comes packed inside a black, sturdy box that feels smooth to the touch. On the front and back of the box, there is a white contrast drawing of the keyboard, showing its design clearly. The main features of the keyboard are also highlighted there, so even before opening it, you get an idea of what’s inside.
Inside, everything is neatly arranged. You get the keyboard itself, fully built and ready to use, so there’s no need to assemble anything.
Along with it, there is a braided USB cable, a tool to pull out keycaps and switches, some extra switches, and a wireless dongle, which is stored neatly in its spot at the back of the keyboard. EPOMAKER has also included a manual written in different languages, making it easy for anyone to set up and start using the keyboard right away.
Pricing
| EPOMAKER Official Website | $89.99 / £77.39 |
EPOMAKER Alice 66 specification
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand & Model | EPOMAKER Alice 66 |
| Layout | 65% ANSI US Layout |
| Number of Keys | 66 keys |
| Battery | 4000mAh |
| Connectivity | Cable Wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Compatibility | Mac, Windows, Android (Not compatible with PS4/5/Switch) |
| Keyboard Dimensions | 402 × 303 × 375 mm |
| Keyboard Weight | 0.95 kg |
| Front Height | 25.99 mm |
| Back Height | 48.96 mm |
| Typing Angle | About 6 degrees |
| Case Material | ABS Plastic |
| Plate Material | PC Plastic |
| Flex-Cut | No |
| Stabilizers | Plate-Mount Stabilisers (Not compatible with Screw-in Stabilisers) |
| Mounting Structure | Gasket-Mount |
| PCB Thickness | 1.6 mm |
| Sound Dampening Layers | 5 layers (Poron Sandwich Foam, IXPE Switch Pad, Sound Enhancement Pad, Poron Switch Socket Pad, Bottom Silicone Pad) |
| Keycaps Profile | Cherry Profile |
| Keycaps Material | PBT Plastic |
| Keycaps Manufacturing | Dye-sublimation |
| Hot Swappable | Yes, supports 3/5-pin mechanical switches |
| RGB Lighting | South-facing, per-key RGB |
| Polling Rate | 1000Hz (USB, 2.4GHz), 125Hz (Bluetooth 5.0) |
| Latency | 3ms (USB), 5ms (2.4GHz Wireless), 15ms (Bluetooth 5.0) |
| Anti-Ghosting | N-Key Rollover |
A closer look
The EPOMAKER Alice 66 only comes in one colour: white and beige with some dark red keys. It has a calm, retro feel, similar to old gaming consoles. The case is made from ABS plastic, which keeps the keyboard light.
In terms of size, the keyboard’s dimensions are 402 by 303 by 375 millimetres, making it wider than regular 65% keyboards because of its split, angled layout. The weight is around 0.95 kilograms, which feels light and easy to carry, especially for a keyboard with this kind of layout and features. Despite being light, it stays stable on the desk during use.
The layout looks like a typical Alice style. It has a split spacebar, arrow keys, and two extra keys in the top right. There’s no function row or number pad.
On the top right corner, there is a rotary switch. It lets you change between USB, Bluetooth, or 2.4 GHz wireless modes. You cannot change this switch’s function; it is fixed.
When you turn the keyboard over, the bottom side also feels thoughtfully designed. To make the bottom look interesting, EPOMAKER has added a metal badge in the centre. Around this badge, there’s an RGB strip that gives off soft lighting. Since the strip is quite small and placed underneath, you won’t really notice it while using the keyboard, but it adds a nice touch when you pick it up or move it.
Besides the metal badge and RGB strip, all the essential things are in place. There are four rubber pads on each corner to keep the keyboard stable on the desk. You also get a two-level kickstand, so you can adjust the typing angle as per your comfort. Even on the kickstand feet, rubber pads are applied, which help stop the board from slipping, whether the stand is open or closed.
At the back of the keyboard, there is a USB Type-C port for charging and wired use. Right next to it, there is a small slot to keep the wireless dongle safely.
Keycaps
The keycaps are made from PBT plastic with dye-sublimated letters. They use Cherry profile and have a retro console-inspired colour style. If you plan to change the keycaps, make sure the new set is made for Alice layouts. Normal keycap sets may not fit because of the split spacebar and extra B key.
Switches
The EPOMAKER Alice 66 comes with two switch choices: Flamingo or Wisteria. My keyboard had Wisteria switches. These are light, smooth, linear switches. They look pretty in purple. Even with its solid housing, it still works well with the RGB lights.
Both switch options feel similar while typing. They are both light linear switches, easy to press. The stabilisers are plate-mounted. I am already familiar with Wisteria switches because the same switches are used in the EPOMAKER RT65, which I have used before. Their soft and stable typing feel remains the same here as well, making the experience easy and comfortable right from the start.
| Specification | EPOMAKER Wisteria V1 Switch |
|---|---|
| Switch Name | EPOMAKER Wisteria V1 Switch |
| Switch Type | 5-pin Linear, Factory Lubed |
| Trigger Force | 45 ± 3 gf |
| Bottom-out Force | 62 ± 5 gf |
| Pre-Travel | 2.0 ± 0.3 mm |
| Total Travel | 3.6 ± 0.3 mm |
| Material | POM & PTFE (Stem), PC (Top Case), PA66 (Bottom Case) |
| Lifespan | 5,000,000 presses |
RGB lighting
The EPOMAKER Alice 66 has per-key south-facing RGB lights. It looks good. Besides regular key lights, there are three extra decoration lights: A short strip on the top left, a glowing EPOMAKER logo above the arrow keys, and a metal badge at the bottom of the board.
The badge feels like real metal and is held by a magnet. It lights up with 14 LEDs. It’s a nice surprise, even though you won’t see the bottom often.
Speaking of RGB lighting do check this keyboard from EPOMAKER as well: EPOMAKER TH85 review – A compact keyboard with stunning RGB flair
Connectivity and Battery
The EPOMAKER Alice 66 comes with tri-mode connectivity. You can use it with a wired USB Type-C cable, through 2.4GHz wireless, or via Bluetooth 5.0. Switching between these modes is simple using the rotary switch on the top right of the keyboard. The keyboard has a 4000mAh battery, which is quite good for this size.
Polling rate is 1000Hz on USB and 2.4GHz, but only 125Hz on Bluetooth. For gaming, using USB or 2.4GHz will feel smoother and faster. The battery holds up well for regular typing or gaming, and charging is easy through the USB cable.
User experience
Typing on the EPOMAKER Alice 66 feels different from normal keyboards. Its split and tilted layout helps your hands stay relaxed. It may take a little time to get used to, but once you do, it feels smooth for daily use. The keyboard feels soft while typing because of its gasket-mounted build. The stabilisers are okay, but if you like changing things, you might want to swap them for better ones.
The keyboard does sound a little hollow because of the plastic case, even with five layers of foam inside. Using a desk mat helps make it quieter. I tried silent switches, and the sound became much softer. If you like a louder sound, the default setup is fine. If you prefer quiet typing, silent switches work better.
Even though it’s a 65% layout, the EPOMAKER Alice 66 feels close to a TKL size because of its wide shape and extra buttons. But the plastic case keeps it light, so you can easily carry it from home to work or anywhere else.
VIA Software
One of the best things about the EPOMAKER Alice 66 is VIA software support. You can easily remap keys, set up layers, and adjust settings. To use VIA, you’ll need to download the EPOMAKER Alice 66 JSON file. Once that’s done, everything works smoothly. QMK is also supported, but EPOMAKER may not fully follow all QMK rules.
Overall verdict on the EPOMAKER Alice 66
The EPOMAKER Alice 66 is a great choice if you want to try the Alice layout. It gives you wireless and wired connections, smooth typing, and nice RGB lights. The Wisteria switches feel soft and light. I had already used them before in the EPOMAKER RT65, so I knew what to expect and felt familiar.
Typing feels good, and the layout is comfortable for long use. But the ergonomic split design is not for everyone. Some people may need time to get used to it. Once you adjust, it feels natural and easy.
The keycaps look nice with retro colours, but the font on some keys is not perfect for everyone. This keyboard also adds a retro tech look to desktop and gaming setups, which many people will like.
For around £80, the EPOMAKER Alice 66 gives very good value. It is easy to use, fun to type on, and has many useful features. If you are new to Alice keyboards, the EPOMAKER Alice 66 is a simple and smart way to start your journey.
You can buy your own EPOMAKER Alice 66 keyboard right now through their official site or from other online retailers such as Amazon. We have included affiliate links in this review; however, you by no means are required to purchase through them. But doing so helps us to raise funds to keep the site going. For more hardware reviews, click here.
