Epomaker EK21 vs TH40Numpad vs 40% Keyboard Comparison
Choose the EK21 to add a numeric keypad to your setup, or the TH40 to replace your main keyboard with an ultra-compact layout.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Epomaker EK21
Numpad
- Dedicated 20-key numpad layout with an aluminum alloy knob for volume or macro control.
- Includes a comprehensive accessory kit with a braided cable, 2.4GHz dongle, keycap puller, and extra keycap.
- Features three layers of sound dampening foam: bottom Poron, sandwich Poron, and an IXPE switch pad.
- Not a standalone keyboard; requires a separate primary keyboard for letter inputs.
- Smaller 1000mAh battery compared to the TH40's 3000mAh.
- Some user reviews mention persistent firmware or VIA configuration issues.
Get the
Epomaker TH40
40% Keyboard Comparison
- Ultra-compact 40% layout with 44 keys and a split spacebar to maximize desk space.
- Larger 3000mAh battery capacity for extended wireless usage.
- Supports both QMK and VIA firmware for advanced programmability and four switchable layers.
- Steeper learning curve due to the minimal 40% layout requiring heavy use of function layers.
- More expensive than the EK21 numpad.
- User reviews report challenges with VIA recognition and a clip-in case design that's difficult to open.
Select the Epomaker EK21 if your goal is to enhance an existing keyboard setup with a programmable numpad and control knob for data entry, gaming, or content creation. Choose the Epomaker TH40 if you want to replace your main keyboard with a minimalist, ultra-portable device and are willing to learn layers for programming or travel. The core trade-off is between a supplemental tool and a primary, space-saving daily driver.
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 TH40
Layout size
Numpad
40%
Battery
1,000 mAh
3,000 mAh
Ergonomics
Standard
Split Spacebar
Knob
Yes
No
Weight
200 g
500 g
- Epomaker EK21
- Epomaker TH40
- Performance
- 7974
- Build quality
- 7776
- Productivity
- 8862
- Customizability
- 8286
- Portability
- 8884
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Case material: ABS
- Switch options: Linear
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
What will you mostly use it for?
The EK21 numpad wins for office work, gaming macros, and content creation due to its focused numeric and knob controls. The TH40 40% keyboard is the choice for programming and travel, where its compact, layered layout serves as a complete primary keyboard. For hardware modding, both offer a similar foundation of hot-swap sockets and gasket-mounted foam. Your primary task dictates the winner.
Pick the Epomaker EK21
- The EK21's 20-key layout provides dedicated macro keys without replacing your main gaming keyboard.
- Its included aluminum knob can be mapped to volume or other in-game controls via VIA.
- It offers a 1000Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4GHz modes for responsive 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 TH40
56 owner reviews
“Overall good little keyboard for the price, other 40s cost more but better quality, also I could not find a few characters mapped on this one, not in manual or online.”
“The keyboard is very solid ooverall, but frequently will type two letters instead of one on key press. This is a very frustrating issue and leads to many typos. Without this problem, it would easily be a 5-star keyboard.”
Epomaker EK21 vs TH40 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 24 specs differ
Epomaker EK21
Epomaker TH40
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
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
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Epomaker EK21 vs TH40: your questions
The EK21 is a 20-key numeric keypad (numpad) meant to be used alongside a main keyboard. The TH40 is a 44-key, 40% layout mechanical keyboard that serves as your primary typing device, but lacks dedicated number, arrow, and function rows.
Yes, the TH40 supports N-Key Rollover and has a 1000Hz polling rate in wired/2.4G modes. However, its 40% layout requires using layers for numbers and many function keys, which may not be ideal for all games compared to a full-size or TKL keyboard.
The TH40 has a larger 3000mAh battery, while the EK21 has a 1000mAh battery. Based on the listed specifications, the TH40 should generally offer longer wireless usage between charges, though actual life depends on RGB usage and connectivity mode.
Yes. Both the Epomaker EK21 and TH40 feature hot-swappable sockets that are compatible with 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, allowing you to easily change switches without soldering.
Yes. According to the manufacturer's description, the aluminum alloy knob on the EK21 can be customized using VIA software. Its default function is volume control, but it can be remapped.
The TH40 does not have dedicated physical arrow keys. You must access arrow functions through a programmable layer, typically by holding a modifier key (like FN) and pressing other keys.
The EK21 is smaller (138mm wide) and lighter (200g), but it is only a supplemental device. The TH40 is larger (258mm wide) and heavier (500g) but is a complete keyboard. For portability as a standalone device, the TH40 is designed for it. For adding to a travel kit, the EK21 is more compact.
Yes. Both the Epomaker EK21 and TH40 list compatibility with Mac and Windows operating systems in their specifications.
The EK21 uses a gasket mount with three layers of foam: bottom Poron, sandwich Poron, and an IXPE switch pad. The TH40 also uses a gasket mount with Poron plate foam, an IXPE switch pad, and bottom Poron foam.
The EK21 includes the numpad, a 2-in-1 keycap/switch puller, an extra 'Back' keycap, a 1.8m braided USB-C cable, a 2.4GHz dongle, and a manual. The TH40 includes the keyboard, a USB cable, and a user manual.
Some user reviews for both models mention difficulties with VIA software recognition or firmware updates. The TH40's product page also notes its JSON file is not compatible with VIA 2.0 or 3.0, and some reviews cite problems getting it working on macOS.
The Epomaker EK21 numpad is objectively better for dedicated numeric data entry. It provides a traditional numpad layout for fast, efficient number typing, which is a significant advantage over using a layer on the TH40's 40% layout.
Not sold on either?
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