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Head to head · Prices checked Oct 31, 2026

Epomaker EK21 vs Magcore 87Wireless or 8000Hz

Choose the EK21 for a compact wireless number pad with a knob, or the Magcore 87 for a full TKL layout and adjustable magnetic switches.

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EPOMAKER EK21

Knob

Epomaker EK21

4.5 · 34 reviews

from$33at Epomaker

90-day low

EPOMAKER Magcore 87

polling rate

Epomaker Magcore 87

4.8 · 64 reviews

from$109at Epomaker

90-day low

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Epomaker EK21

Knob

Build quality in the top 25% of Numpad boards under $50.

If you want

  • Tri-mode connectivity includes Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C.
  • The 200g numpad measures 29 x 138 x 93 mm.
  • The aluminum alloy knob is described for volume control, with VIA support for key customization.

Rules this board out

  • Numpad only. This is not a full keyboard.

Get the

Epomaker Magcore 87

polling rate

If you want

  • The 88-key TKL layout provides a complete ANSI keyboard.
  • Kailh Box inductive switches support per-key adjustable actuation and Rapid Trigger.
  • Wired polling rate is 8000Hz, with N-key rollover.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.

Bottom line

Choose the EK21 if you already have a keyboard and want a compact, wireless numpad with a volume knob and standard 3-pin/5-pin switch swapping. Choose the Magcore 87 if you need a complete TKL keyboard and value adjustable magnetic actuation and Rapid Trigger over wireless use. Its south-facing RGB may also affect your choice of keycaps.

What actually differs

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 Magcore 87

  • Layout size

    Numpad

    85%

  • Connection

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Max polling rate

    1,000 Hz

    8,000 Hz

    Higher polling helps competitive FPS and does nothing for typing

  • Case material

    ABS

    Aluminum

  • Knob

    Yes

    No

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Epomaker EK21
  • Epomaker Magcore 87
Performance
78
89
Build quality
76
81
Productivity
87
91
Customizability
82
78
Portability
88
53

What they share

  • Hot-swappable
  • Mount style: Gasket Mount
  • VIA
  • Sound dampening
  • Keycaps: PBT
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Magcore 87 is the clear fit for gaming that calls for adjustable actuation and Rapid Trigger, and for programming with a complete TKL layout. The EK21 suits travel and use alongside another keyboard, thanks to its smaller, lighter numpad form and wireless connections. For office and content workflows, the EK21's knob and connectivity make it a flexible add-on, while the Magcore 87 remains the more complete standalone keyboard. Switch modders should note that the EK21 accepts standard 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, whereas the Magcore 87 takes inductive switches only.

For gaming

Pick the Epomaker Magcore 87

  • The Magcore 87 offers adjustable actuation and Rapid Trigger with Kailh Box inductive switches.
  • Its wired polling rate is 8000Hz, and it supports N-key rollover.
  • The EK21 is a numpad, not a complete keyboard.

From real owners

What owners say

Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.

Epomaker EK21

4.5

34 owner reviews

Praise
“Great wireless connectivity, sounds and feels as good as my 200$ custom keyboard. Great buy especially with the discount, would definitely buy again.”
Jared T.Verified buyer· via Epomaker
Critique
“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…”
Chris· via Epomaker

Epomaker Magcore 87

4.8

64 owner reviews

Praise
“Just got my hand on this beast gaming keyboard and trust me.. its the most solid keyboard out there with its inductive switches it makes gaming next level.”
Ahtisham A.Verified buyer· via Epomaker
Critique
“The keyboard is excellent, and the build quality is great. But I have an issue with its weight—it’s very heavy. Also, if the design were more attractive, had additional features, and was wireless, it would be an amazing product for its price. In its current…”
Khaled M.Verified buyer· via Epomaker

Full specs

Epomaker EK21 vs Magcore 87 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

10 of 24 specs differ

Epomaker EK21

Epomaker Magcore 87

Typing & switches

Switch options

Linear
—

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

No
Yes

Layout

Layout size

Numpad
85%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
No

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
8,000 HzBetter

Battery

1,000 mAh
Wired only

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

ABS
Aluminum

Plate material

Polycarbonate
Aluminum, FR4

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Weight

200 g
2,000 g

Dimensions

29 x 138 x 93 mm
40 x 357 x 136 mm

Backlight

RGB
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

VIA

Yes
Yes

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2025
2025

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

Epomaker EK21 vs Magcore 87: your questions

No. The EK21 is a numpad-only product, so it is intended to add number entry and programmable controls alongside another keyboard. The Magcore 87 is an 88-key TKL keyboard.

Yes. Its listed connections are Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C. The Magcore 87 is wired-only.

Yes. Its Kailh Box inductive switches support per-key adjustable actuation, as well as Rapid Trigger. The EK21 uses linear mechanical switches and does not list adjustable actuation.

The Magcore 87 is listed at 8000Hz, while the EK21 is listed at 1000Hz. The Magcore's 8000Hz figure is for its wired connection.

No. The Magcore 87's hot-swap sockets are for inductive switches, not standard 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical switches. The EK21 supports 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.

Yes. The EK21 supports hot-swappable 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches. Its vendor listing also describes pre-lubed linear switches.

The product listing warns that shine-through legends stay dark with its south-facing LEDs. It also notes that some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.

The EK21 is the smaller and lighter option, weighing 200g and measuring 29 x 138 x 93 mm. The Magcore 87 weighs 2000g, measures 40 x 357 x 136 mm, and requires a wired connection.

Yes. VIA support is listed for both keyboards. The EK21 vendor description also identifies VIA programming for customized keys.

The Magcore 87 has an aluminum case and aluminum plate. The EK21 has an ABS case and a polycarbonate plate.

The EK21 is designed as a standalone numpad, with Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless options as well as USB-C. It can add number entry and a volume-control knob without replacing your main keyboard.

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