Two premium mechanical keyboards earn high marks for opposite reasons
The Verge praised the compact Evoworks Evo75 for sound and the Dry Studio ATM98 for quiet typing, giving both keyboards a 9 score.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
3 min read
The Verge has rated two prebuilt mechanical keyboards highly, despite describing them as aimed at different kinds of typists. Reviewer Antonio G. Di Benedetto gave both the Evoworks Evo75 and the Dry Studio ATM98 a score of 9, framing them as desk upgrades for buyers weighing sound, size and style.
According to The Verge, the Evoworks Evo75 sells for about $169 to $170, while the Dry Studio ATM98 was listed at $259, with Angry Miao showing a $199 sale price in the review. Both keyboards come assembled with switches and keycaps, which matters for buyers who want enthusiast-style hardware without building a board from parts.
Shared enthusiast features
Di Benedetto reported that both models support hot-swappable switches and three connection modes: wired, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless. He also said each uses a gasket-mounted internal design with foam layers intended to shape feel and typing sound.
The Evo75 adds leaf springs inside, according to The Verge. The ATM98, by contrast, stands out with a large rotary dial, translucent upper case and quieter switch setup, the review said.
Evoworks Evo75 favors sound and compact size
The Verge described the Evo75 as a 75-percent keyboard with a compact layout and a low, resonant typing profile. Di Benedetto said the reviewed Nebula version has a mostly black finish with subtle colored speckling, while other versions come in colors including purple, blue and sage green.
The review singled out the Evo75’s linear Keygeek Neo Rye switches and polypropylene plate as central to its deeper typing sound. Di Benedetto wrote that the board’s build quality, included zip-up travel case, alternate Mac keycaps and ball-catch top release were strengths at its price.
The Verge listed two main drawbacks for the Evo75. Di Benedetto said it lacks storage for its USB dongle, unlike the larger Evo80, and he found the three-position connection switch less solid than he wanted.
Dry Studio ATM98 emphasizes silence and controls
The Dry Studio ATM98 uses an 1800, or 98-percent, layout, according to The Verge. Di Benedetto called it the best silent keyboard he had used, citing its preinstalled linear Bsun Light Sakura switches as quieter than Kailh Box Deep Sea Islet Pro switches he had used in his own keyboard.
The review said the ATM98’s typing remains pleasant despite its low noise, making it better suited to calls, livestreams or quiet offices than louder mechanical boards. The Verge also highlighted the Frost Whisper color option, translucent top half and bright RGB lighting under the oversized corner dial.
Di Benedetto reported that the dial adjusts system volume by default and can be customized through Dry Studio’s browser-based configuration tool. He used it for volume, page controls, media track changes and switching between Windows virtual desktops, according to the review.
The Verge’s complaints about the ATM98 focused on omissions rather than typing quality. Di Benedetto noted that it does not include Mac modifier keycaps and, like the Evo75, has no dedicated place to store its USB dongle.
The review concluded that the two keyboards serve different preferences: the Evo75 for buyers who want a compact board with a pronounced typing sound, and the ATM98 for users who want quiet keys with a larger layout and a distinctive control dial.
This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.