Epomaker EK21 vs Luma40Numpad vs 40% Ortholinear Keyboard
Choose the EK21 if you need a dedicated number pad for a compact main keyboard, or the Luma40 if you want a portable, ultra-compact ortholinear main keyboard.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Epomaker EK21
Numpad
- Includes a programmable aluminum alloy knob for media or macro control.
- Gasket-mount structure with Poron and IXPE foam dampening for a cushioned typing feel.
- Flex-cut PCB and plate, as noted in the technical specs, for additional typing flexibility.
- ABS plastic case feels less premium than aluminum alternatives.
- Limited to 20 keys, functioning only as an accessory, not a standalone keyboard.
- Smaller 1000mAh battery capacity.
Get the
Epomaker Luma40
40% Ortholinear Keyboard
- CNC-cut aluminum case provides a solid, premium build.
- Ortholinear, low-profile layout designed for ergonomic typing and reduced finger travel.
- Larger 1450mAh battery for extended wireless use.
- Ortholinear layout has a significant learning curve for touch typists.
- 40% size requires heavy reliance on layers for numbers and punctuation.
- Tray mount design may offer a less uniform typing feel than gasket mounts.
Your primary need dictates the choice. The Epomaker EK21 is a specialized, highly capable accessory for users who already have a compact or tenkeyless main keyboard and require dedicated number entry or a macro pad. The Epomaker Luma40 is a complete, premium main keyboard for enthusiasts seeking an ultra-portable, ergonomic ortholinear experience and are willing to adapt to layers. Consider the Luma40 if you want to minimize your desk footprint, and the EK21 if you want to expand your existing keyboard's functionality.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Epomaker EK21
Epomaker Luma40
Layout size
Numpad
40%
Battery
1,000 mAh
1,450 mAh
Low profile
No
Yes
Ergonomics
Standard
Ortholinear
Case material
ABS
Aluminum
- Epomaker EK21
- Epomaker Luma40
- Performance
- 7975
- Build quality
- 7780
- Productivity
- 8888
- Customizability
- 8286
- Portability
- 8887
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- VIA
- Sound dampening
- Plate material: Polycarbonate
What will you mostly use it for?
The Luma40 wins for programming and travel due to its ortholinear layout and complete, portable form factor. The EK21 is the pick for gaming and content creation where its knob and dedicated numpad layout provide tangible advantages. For office use and modding, the choice is a tie, as both offer strong programmability and connectivity, with the decision resting on the need for a numpad versus a full compact keyboard.
Pick the Epomaker EK21
- The EK21's dedicated knob can be programmed for volume or in-game controls via VIA.
- Its gasket mount and Poron/IXPE foam dampening, as described by Epomaker, may provide a more cushioned feel for repetitive keypresses.
- It serves as a supplementary macro pad without requiring layer shifts for number input.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Epomaker EK21
34 owner reviews
“Great wireless connectivity, sounds and feels as good as my 200$ custom keyboard. Great buy especially with the discount, would definitely buy again.”
“I have had this thing for years, I have updated to every Json file and firmware file I can find and it has NEVER worked right, Either the Json file or the firmware is jacked up and no one at Epomaker can give me any explanation. This numpad is the reason I…”
Epomaker Luma40
3 owner reviews
“Hello there the luma 40 is one of my favorite keebs i used i can bring it anywhere with me i really love it thanks u guys”
Epomaker EK21 vs Luma40 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
13 of 25 specs differ
Epomaker EK21
Epomaker Luma40
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Epomaker EK21 vs Luma40: your questions
The Luma40's 40% ortholinear layout presents a steep learning curve, as it lacks dedicated number, function, and navigation rows. Beginners may find adapting to layers challenging. However, its VIA programmability allows for extensive customization to ease the transition.
Yes, the Epomaker EK21 supports triple-mode connectivity. You can use it via a 2.4GHz wireless dongle, Bluetooth, or a wired USB-C connection. The included 1000mAh battery powers the wireless modes.
The Luma40 features hot-swappable sockets specifically compatible with 5-pin Kailh low-profile mechanical switches. It is not compatible with standard MX-style switches due to its low-profile design.
Yes, the EK21 is fully programmable using VIA software. This allows you to remap every key, create macros, and customize the functionality of the aluminum knob directly.
The Luma40 has a larger 1450mAh battery compared to the EK21's 1000mAh. According to its specifications, the Luma40 offers up to 75 hours of use with RGB off, suggesting significantly longer battery life.
Yes, the keycaps are replaceable, but they use a low-profile LAK profile. Finding aftermarket keycap sets for low-profile, ortholinear 40% layouts can be more difficult than for standard keyboards.
The EK21 uses a gasket mount with foam dampening, which Epomaker states provides a cushioned, flexible typing experience. The Luma40 uses a tray mount with sponge dampening, which typically results in a firmer, more direct feel.
Yes, both the EK21 and Luma40 support multi-device connectivity via Bluetooth and have a 2.4GHz dongle. This allows you to pair them with several computers or tablets and switch between them.
The Luma40 is designed as a complete travel keyboard, with a compact 40% form factor and a included detachable wrist strap. The EK21 is lighter but is only an accessory, requiring you to also pack a main keyboard.
Yes, both the Epomaker EK21 and Luma40 are listed as compatible with Mac, Windows, and Android systems. The Luma40 even includes Mac modifier keycaps in the box.
According to the product listing, the Luma40 box contains the keyboard, a detachable wrist strap with tools, a USB-C cable, a 2.4GHz receiver, a keycap/switch puller, three extra switches, and a multilingual manual.
Not sold on either?
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