Epomaker EK21 vs RT98Numpad or Modular 98%
Choose the EK21 for a small, separate numpad and knob, or the RT98 for a complete keyboard with a detachable numpad and display.
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4.5 · 34 reviews
from$33at Epomaker
90-day lowLowest price in 90 days
4.7 · 23 reviews
from$101at Epomaker
90-day lowLowest price in 90 days
Which one should you get?
Get the
Epomaker EK21
Knob
Build quality in the top 25% of Numpad boards under $50.
- Compact 20-key numpad format with a dedicated aluminum alloy knob.
- Tri-mode connectivity supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C use.
- Hot-swap support for 3-pin and 5-pin switches, plus VIA support.
- Numpad only. This is not a full keyboard.
Get the
Epomaker RT98
Battery
Build quality in the top 30% of 98% boards under $150.
- 98% ANSI layout with a numpad that can be detached and repositioned.
- Magnetic Mini TV display can show time, date, status, and custom GIFs.
- 8000mAh battery and tri-mode connectivity.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Pick the EK21 if you already have a keyboard and want a small wireless numpad with an aluminum volume knob. Choose the RT98 if you need a complete typing board and value its repositionable numpad, Mini TV display, and silent switch option. The deciding factor is whether you need a compact add-on or a full keyboard.
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 RT98
Layout size
Numpad
98%
Battery
1,000 mAh
8,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Ergonomics
Standard
Southpaw
Switch options
Linear
Linear, Silent
Knob
Yes
No
- Epomaker EK21
- Epomaker RT98
- Performance
- 7877
- Build quality
- 7672
- Productivity
- 8784
- Customizability
- 8278
- Portability
- 8865
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: ABS
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- VIA
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The RT98 takes most categories because it combines a full keyboard layout with a movable numpad and display. Its silent switch option also makes it a stronger fit for quieter office use. The EK21's clearest advantage is portability, and its knob and separate keypad format make it a compact companion to another keyboard. For modding, both support hot-swappable switches, while the RT98 adds a more elaborate dampening stack and customizable display.
Pick the Epomaker RT98
- The RT98 is a complete 98% keyboard, while the EK21 is a numpad only.
- The RT98 numpad can be detached and repositioned for a southpaw setup with more mouse space.
- The RT98 offers a linear silent switch option, Sea Salt Silent V2.
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 RT98
23 owner reviews
“High quality parts, seamless web application for the mini TV, just perfection in the form of a keyboard. Epomaker consistently exceeds my expectations every time.”
Epomaker EK21 vs RT98 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 23 specs differ
Epomaker EK21
Epomaker RT98
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Epomaker EK21 vs RT98: your questions
No. The EK21 is a numpad-only device with 20 keys and a knob, so it cannot replace a full keyboard on its own. It is intended as a compact numeric keypad or companion to another keyboard.
The EK21 is a standalone numpad, while the RT98 is a compact 98% keyboard with a numpad included. The RT98's numpad can be detached and repositioned for a southpaw or right-handed setup.
Yes. The EK21 supports Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless, as well as wired USB-C connectivity. It has a 1000mAh battery.
Yes. The RT98 supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB-C connectivity. Its vendor description also says it can pair with up to four devices.
The EK21 weighs 200g, while the RT98 weighs 1200g. The EK21 is the more suitable choice if low weight and a small footprint are priorities.
Yes. Both support hot-swappable 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches. The EK21 also has a polycarbonate plate, while the RT98 uses a PC plate.
Both product listings include VIA support. The EK21 vendor description says its keys can be customized through VIA.
The RT98 offers Sea Salt Silent V2 linear switches, described as soft and quiet. The EK21 is listed with linear switches, and its vendor description identifies Wisteria and Zebra linear options.
The magnetic display can show time, date, and status, as well as custom GIFs, according to the RT98 vendor description. It attaches via PogPins and is described as customizable through driver software.
Yes. The RT98 has south-facing, per-key RGB. Its compatibility notes say shine-through legends stay dark and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LEDs.
The EK21 vendor description names three layers of PORON and IXPE dampening, along with a flex-cut polycarbonate plate. The RT98 uses sandwich latex foam, an IXPE switch pad, a PET sound-enhancement pad, bottom foam, and a bottom silicone pad.
The RT98 is the standalone option because it has a 98% layout with a numpad. The EK21 has only a numpad and knob, so it requires another keyboard for regular typing.
Not sold on either?
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