Compare Epomaker EK21 vs HE80 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users deciding between a specialized accessory and a full-featured gaming keyboard. The Epomaker EK21 is a compact, wireless numpad, while the HE80 is a wired, 75% layout keyboard with advanced magnetic switches. The decision is difficult because they serve fundamentally different primary purposes, but both offer high levels of customization and sound-dampened typing experiences. Your choice hinges on whether you need a supplementary tool or a complete, high-performance main keyboard.

Model
	84	68	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	4.6 stars (12 reviews)	4.8 stars (41 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has Linear switch options Available in a Numpad layout Comes with a knob Supports VIA configuration Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate Equipped with a 1000 mAh battery Weighs about 200 g Sized at 29 x 138 x 93 mm Made with a ABS case Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting	Has Magnetic switch options Available in a 80% layout Utilizes Hall effect sensors Enables rapid trigger functionality Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate Weighs about 830 g Sized at 42 x 332 x 146 mm Made with a Plastic case Features PBT, PC keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 77.4 Build Quality: 76.8 Productivity: 86.7 Customizability: 82.6 Portability: 87.8	Scores Performance: 97.7 Build Quality: 60.4 Productivity: 76.3 Customizability: 59.5 Portability: 57.6
Name	Name Epomaker EK21	Name Epomaker HE80
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2025
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear	Switch Options Magnetic
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size Numpad	Layout Size 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 8000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 1000 mAh	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS	Case Material Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT, PC
Dimensions	Dimensions 29 x 138 x 93 mm	Dimensions 42 x 332 x 146 mm
Weight	Weight 200g	Weight 830g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. Select the Epomaker HE80 if you require a dedicated, high-performance main keyboard for competitive gaming or efficient typing. Choose the Epomaker EK21 if you need a versatile, portable number pad to enhance an existing compact keyboard setup, especially for data entry, creative work, or a clutter-free wireless desk.

Epomaker EK21

+Extremely portable at 200g with a compact 20-key numpad footprint.
+Offers triple-mode connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired USB-C.
+Includes a programmable aluminum alloy knob for media or macro control.
+Fully programmable via VIA software for key remapping and macros.
+Features a gasket-mount structure with Poron and IXPE sound-dampening foam.

−Lacks a full keyboard layout, requiring a separate main keyboard for typing.
−Lower 1000 Hz polling rate compared to the HE80's 8000 Hz.
−Battery-dependent for wireless use, with no pass-through charging mentioned.

Epomaker HE80

+High-performance 8000 Hz polling rate with a claimed 0.125ms latency.
+Hall Effect magnetic switches with adjustable 0.02mm actuation and rapid trigger support.
+Includes a complete 75% layout with 82 keys, including arrows and function keys.
+Comes with four layers of sound-dampening materials, including latex foam and silicone.
+Double-shot PBT keycaps and extra PC transparent keycaps are included.

−Wired-only connectivity limits placement and adds cable management.
−Heavier at 830g and significantly larger than the EK21.
−Lacks the programmable knob and VIA support found on the EK21.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The HE80 is the clear choice for gaming and as a primary keyboard for programming, thanks to its high-speed Hall Effect switches and complete layout. The EK21 excels in office, travel, and content creation scenarios where its wireless portability, programmable knob, and role as a supplementary device are major advantages. For modding enthusiasts, both offer a solid foundation with hot-swap sockets and sound-dampened constructions.

GamingEpomaker HE80

•The HE80 features an 8000 Hz polling rate and 0.125ms latency for ultra-responsive input.
•Its Hall Effect switches support adjustable actuation and rapid trigger functionality.
•The listing mentions compatibility with gaming consoles like PS4, PS5, and Switch.

OfficeEpomaker EK21

•The EK21's triple-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) offers flexible desk setup.
•Its compact 20-key numpad layout saves space and can be positioned independently.
•VIA software support allows for extensive key remapping and macro creation for workflow automation.

ProgrammingEpomaker HE80

•The HE80 provides a complete 75% layout with arrow and function keys essential for coding.
•Double-shot PBT keycaps offer durable legends for frequent use.
•The adjustable typing angle (6, 8.5, and 11.5 degrees) can improve ergonomics during long sessions.

TravelEpomaker EK21

•The EK21 weighs only 200g and measures 29 x 138 x 93 mm, making it highly portable.
•Its wireless modes and 1000mAh battery enable cordless use on the go.
•It can function as a standalone input device to complement a laptop's built-in keyboard.

ModdingTie

•Both keyboards are hot-swappable, allowing for easy switch changes.
•Both feature gasket-mount designs and multiple layers of sound-dampening foam.
•The EK21 supports VIA for firmware customization, while the HE80 uses a web-based driver for switch actuation programming.

Content CreationEpomaker EK21

•The EK21 includes a programmable aluminum alloy knob, ideal for controlling volume, brush size, or timeline scrubbing.
•VIA software allows the knob and every key to be mapped to application-specific shortcuts.
•Its wireless design reduces cable clutter on a creative workstation.