Epomaker EK21 vs TH87: Numpad vs TKL Keyboard Comparison

Compare Epomaker EK21 vs TH87 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users deciding between expanding their existing setup with a dedicated numpad or purchasing a complete, standalone keyboard. The choice is difficult because both are Epomaker products with gasket mounts, triple-mode connectivity, and hot-swappable switches, but they serve fundamentally different purposes. The EK21 is a 20-key accessory, while the TH87 is an 87-key primary input device.

Model
Rating	4.6 stars (12 reviews)	4.7 stars (13 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has Linear switch options Available in a Numpad layout Built with the ANSI layout standard Comes with a knob Supports VIA configuration Equipped with a 1000 mAh battery Weighs about 200 g Sized at 29 x 138 x 93 mm Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting	Has Linear, Silent switch options Available in a 80% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, JIS, ISO layout standard Equipped with a 10000 mAh battery Weighs about 1000 g Sized at 41 x 367 x 142 mm Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 77.2 Build Quality: 76.6 Productivity: 86.8 Customizability: 82.4 Portability: 87.8	Scores Performance: 75 Build Quality: 60.9 Productivity: 76.5 Customizability: 60 Portability: 85.9
Name	Name Epomaker EK21	Name Epomaker TH87
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2025
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear	Switch Options Linear, Silent
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, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, JIS, ISO
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 Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 1000 mAh	Battery capacity 10000 mAh
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 ABS
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 29 x 138 x 93 mm	Dimensions 41 x 367 x 142 mm
Weight	Weight 200g	Weight 1000g

Select a keyboard to compare

4.6 stars (12 reviews)

4.7 stars (13 reviews)

Has Linear switch options
Available in a Numpad layout
Built with the ANSI layout standard
Comes with a knob
Supports VIA configuration
Equipped with a 1000 mAh battery
Weighs about 200 g
Sized at 29 x 138 x 93 mm
Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting

Has Linear, Silent switch options
Available in a 80% layout
Built with the ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, JIS, ISO layout standard
Equipped with a 10000 mAh battery
Weighs about 1000 g
Sized at 41 x 367 x 142 mm
Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 77.2
Build Quality: 76.6
Productivity: 86.8
Customizability: 82.4
Portability: 87.8

Scores

Performance: 75
Build Quality: 60.9
Productivity: 76.5
Customizability: 60
Portability: 85.9

Name

Epomaker EK21

Name

Epomaker TH87

Release year

2025

Release year

2025

Switch Options

Linear

Switch Options

Linear, Silent

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

Numpad

Layout Size

80%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, JIS, ISO

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

1000 Hz

Polling Rate

1000 Hz

Battery capacity

1000 mAh

Battery capacity

10000 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Case Colors

Case Material

ABS

Case Material

ABS

Keycaps Material

PBT

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

29 x 138 x 93 mm

Dimensions

41 x 367 x 142 mm

Weight

200g

Weight

1000g

Pros and Trade-offs

Your decision rests entirely on whether you need a primary keyboard or a supplementary peripheral. Buy the Epomaker TH87 if you want a capable, full-featured TKL keyboard with outstanding battery life and quiet operation. Choose the Epomaker EK21 if you already have a compact keyboard and need to add a programmable numpad with excellent modding potential for a lower cost.

Epomaker EK21

+Extremely compact and lightweight design for portability.
+Full programmability via open-source VIA software.
+Includes a customizable aluminum alloy knob.
+Detailed sound dampening with Poron bottom foam, sandwich foam, and an IXPE switch pad.
+Flex-cut PCB and plate for a softer typing feel.

−Only a 20-key numpad, not a standalone keyboard.
−Smaller 1000mAh battery requires more frequent charging than the TH87.
−Lacks adjustable typing angles or a kickstand.

Epomaker TH87

+Massive 10000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
+Complete TKL layout with 87 keys, including a function row.
+Offers silent linear switch options for quieter typing.
+Includes a two-stage kickstand for three adjustable typing angles.
+South-facing RGB LEDs for better compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps.

−Substantially larger, heavier, and less portable at 1000g.
−Software programmability is mentioned only for Windows, without specified VIA support.
−More expensive than the EK21 numpad.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The TH87 is the clear choice as a primary keyboard for gaming, office work, and programming due to its complete TKL layout, silent switch options, and exceptional battery life. The EK21 excels in niche scenarios, winning for travel due to its minuscule size and for modding thanks to its VIA support and detailed acoustic design. For content creation, the decision hinges on whether you value the EK21's programmable knob or the TH87's full key set.

GamingEpomaker TH87

•The TH87 offers a full TKL layout with all gaming keys readily accessible.
•It provides a 1000Hz polling rate in both wired and 2.4GHz modes for responsive input.
•Its listed latency is 2ms in wired mode and 5ms in 2.4GHz mode.

OfficeEpomaker TH87

•The TH87 includes silent linear switch options, which are better for shared workspaces.
•Its massive 10000mAh battery offers up to 45 hours of use with RGB on, reducing charging frequency.
•The TKL layout saves desk space while retaining arrow and navigation keys.

ProgrammingEpomaker TH87

•The TH87 provides a complete set of keys including function row and navigation cluster.
•Its adjustable kickstand offers three typing angles for ergonomic comfort during long sessions.
•The hot-swappable PCB allows for switch customization to suit typing preference.

TravelEpomaker EK21

•The EK21 is significantly smaller and lighter at 200g and 29 x 138 x 93 mm.
•Its compact 20-key numpad layout is highly portable.
•It still offers triple-mode connectivity for flexible use on the go.

ModdingEpomaker EK21

•The EK21 supports VIA software for deep, open-source key remapping and macro programming.
•Its vendor description details a specific sound-dampening setup with Poron and IXPE foam layers.
•It features a flex-cut PCB and plate, and includes an aluminum alloy knob for customization.

Content CreationTie

•The EK21's programmable knob via VIA can be mapped to timeline scrubbing or brush size controls.
•The TH87's full layout is better for shortcut-heavy applications like video editing or DAWs.
•Both have RGB backlighting for visual customization of a workspace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)