Epomaker Brick 87 - User Manual

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Summary

EPOMAKER BRICK 87 Keyboard Overview

Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

Screen Brightness Adjustment

Control screen brightness up/down using FN+F1/F2.

System and Media Functions

Access system apps and media controls via FN+F3-F12.

Win Key Lock Functionality

Lock or unlock the Windows key using FN+WIN.

Mac Keyboard Shortcuts

Mac System and Media Controls

Access Mac system apps and media controls via F3-F12.

FN Key Mapping in Mac Mode

FN key functions are mapped directly to F keys in Mac mode.

Advanced Function Key Combinations

Keyboard Reset and Mode Switching

Reset keyboard (FN+ESC) and switch to Wired Mode (FN+5).

Bluetooth Device Pairing

Switch/pair Bluetooth devices 1/2/3 using FN+1/2/3.

2.4 G Wireless Pairing

Switch to 2.4G mode and pair using FN+4.

Status Checks and Layer Switching

Check battery (FN+B), layer/mode (FN+Spacebar), and switch layers (FN+Z/X/C).

Keyboard Light Effects

Backlight On;Off and Brightness

Turn backlights on/off (FN+Backspace) and adjust brightness (FN+↓/↑).

RGB Effects and Color Control

Toggle RGB effects (FN+\) and colors (FN+P).

Wireless Connectivity Guide

Bluetooth Pairing Procedure

Pairing instructions for Bluetooth devices 1, 2, and 3.

2.4 GHz Dongle Pairing

Instructions for pairing via the 2.4G wireless dongle.

Sleep Mode Behavior

Keyboard enters sleep mode after inactivity, reactivated by keypress.

Wired Mode and Battery Status

Engaging Wired Mode

Switch to wired mode using the physical switch.

Checking Battery Percentage

Display battery level using FN+B key combinations.

Battery Charging Indicators

Low battery and charging indicator light behavior.

Layer and Mode Identification

Understanding Layer and Mode Indicators

Interpret key indicators when holding FN+Spacebar to identify layer and mode.

Keyboard Specifications

Technical Specifications List

Details on model, keys, materials, PCB, battery, connectivity, and dimensions.

Keycap and Switch Replacement Guide

Switch Installation and Removal

Instructions for removing and installing mechanical switches using included tools.

Important Notes on Replacement

Guidance on avoiding pin damage and contacting support.

Customer Support and Community

Technical Assistance Contact

Email support channel for technical issues with order details.

Community Forum Access

Links to Discord and Reddit communities for enthusiasts.

Product Warranty Information

Warranty Coverage Details

Covers factory defects, excludes normal wear and tear, modifications.

Warranty Purchase Conditions

Warranty valid for official store purchases; contact reseller for others.

The Epomaker Brick 87 is a TKL (Tenkeyless) triple-mode RGB mechanical keyboard featuring a unique stackable brick base, designed for versatility and customization. This keyboard offers multiple connectivity options, extensive function key combinations, and customizable light effects, making it suitable for a wide range of users, from casual typists to serious gamers and professionals. Its design emphasizes ease of use, robust functionality, and user-friendly maintenance, particularly for switch and keycap replacement.

Function Description

The Epomaker Brick 87 operates in three distinct modes: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired. This triple-mode connectivity allows seamless switching between different devices and usage scenarios. The keyboard automatically identifies the operating system (Windows or Mac) when connected, adapting its shortcuts accordingly for an optimized user experience.

In Bluetooth mode, the keyboard can be paired with up to three different devices (BT1, BT2, BT3). Users can easily switch between these paired devices with a short press of Fn+1, Fn+2, or Fn+3. The pairing process is straightforward: hold Fn+1/2/3 for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes, then connect from your Bluetooth device. Once connected, the indicator light stops flashing. This feature is ideal for users who frequently switch between a computer, tablet, and smartphone.

For 2.4GHz wireless mode, the keyboard connects via a dedicated 2.4G dongle. To activate this mode, hold Fn+4 for 3-5 seconds until the light flashes green, indicating it's ready for pairing. Insert the dongle into your device, and the connection is established when the 4$ key stops flashing green. This mode offers a stable and low-latency wireless connection, often preferred for gaming. The keyboard also features an intelligent sleep mode, entering sleep after 2 minutes of inactivity to conserve battery, and can be reactivated by any keypress.

The wired mode provides a direct and reliable connection via a Type-C cable. Switching to wired mode is as simple as toggling the switch on the right side of the keyboard. The 5% key briefly lights up white for 2 seconds to confirm the mode change. This mode ensures zero latency and continuous power, eliminating concerns about battery life.

The Epomaker Brick 87 boasts a comprehensive set of function key combinations that enhance productivity and control. These combinations are categorized into general functions, connectivity controls, and lighting effects.

General Functions: Fn+Esc (hold 3s) resets the keyboard, useful for troubleshooting. Fn+B checks the battery status, illuminating keys from 1! to 0) to indicate the percentage. Fn+Z/X/C allows switching among three distinct layers (Layers 1/2/3), providing customizable key assignments for different tasks or preferences. Holding Fn+Spacebar checks the current layer and mode, with indicators on Z/X/C and 1/2/3/4/5 lighting up to provide visual feedback.
Connectivity Controls: As mentioned, Fn+1/2/3 are for Bluetooth pairing and switching, while Fn+4 is for 2.4G mode pairing. Fn+5 activates wired mode.
OS-Specific Shortcuts: The keyboard intelligently adapts its F-key shortcuts based on the detected operating system. For Windows, Fn+F1-F12 control screen brightness, task manager, explorer, mail, "My Computer," media playback (previous track, play/pause, next track), mute, and volume adjustments. Fn+Win locks/unlocks the Windows key, indicated by a white light on the right. For Mac, the F-keys directly control screen brightness, Mission Control, search, mic, sleep, and media playback, mute, and volume. In Mac mode, Fn+F1 through Fn+F12 function as F1 through F12 directly, without requiring the Fn key for their primary Mac functions.

Usage Features

The Epomaker Brick 87 is designed for a highly customizable and enjoyable user experience. Its RGB lighting is a prominent feature, offering a wide array of effects and colors.

Backlight Control: Fn+Backspace toggles the backlights on/off. Fn+↓ and Fn+↑ adjust the backlight brightness, allowing users to set the perfect illumination level for any environment.
RGB Effects: Fn+\ (backslash) cycles through various RGB effects, providing dynamic visual flair. Fn+P toggles through different RGB colors, enabling users to match the keyboard's aesthetic to their setup or mood.
Speed Control: Fn+← and Fn+→ adjust the speed of the backlight effects, from subtle fades to rapid transitions.

The layer switching functionality (Fn+Z/X/C) is a powerful feature for advanced users, allowing them to program different key layouts for various applications or games. This means a single physical key can perform different actions depending on the active layer, significantly expanding the keyboard's versatility without needing to physically swap keys.

Battery management is integrated for convenience. Beyond checking the battery percentage with Fn+B, the keyboard provides visual cues for low battery (right indicator flashes red) and charging status (light stays green for 5 seconds then turns off). This helps users manage their charging schedule effectively and avoid unexpected power loss during use.

The stackable brick base is a unique aesthetic and functional element. While the manual doesn't detail its specific usage, it implies a modular design that allows for customization or expansion, potentially with other brick-compatible accessories or to alter the keyboard's height and angle.

Maintenance Features

The Epomaker Brick 87 is designed with hotswappable PCB (3/5-pin), making switch replacement incredibly easy and tool-free. This feature is a significant advantage for enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with different switch types or for users who need to replace a faulty switch without soldering.

Switch Removal: To remove a switch, use the included switch removal tool. Align the gripping teeth vertically at the center of the switch, apply pressure until the switch releases from the plate, and then pull it away vertically.
Switch Installation: Before installing, ensure the switch metallic pins are straight and clean. Align the switch vertically with the Gateron logo facing north, ensuring the pins align with the keyboard PCB. Press the switch down until you hear a click, indicating the clips have attached to the plate. Test the switch to ensure proper functionality. The manual explicitly warns against applying excessive force to prevent pin damage.

Keycap replacement is also straightforward with the included keycap puller. This allows users to easily swap out keycaps for custom sets, different profiles, or to clean the keyboard thoroughly.

The keyboard's construction with an ABS plastic case and steel plate material suggests a durable build, capable of withstanding regular use. The plate-mounted stabilizer type contributes to a consistent and stable typing experience across larger keys.

In summary, the Epomaker Brick 87 is a feature-rich mechanical keyboard that combines flexible connectivity, extensive customization options for lighting and key assignments, and user-friendly maintenance. Its triple-mode operation, OS-adaptive shortcuts, and hotswappable design make it a versatile and appealing choice for a broad spectrum of keyboard users.