Which one should you get?
Get the
Epomaker EK21
Numpad
- Extremely compact and lightweight design for portability.
- Full programmability via open-source VIA software.
- Includes a customizable aluminum alloy knob.
- 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.
Get the
Epomaker TH87
TKL Keyboard Comparison
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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 TH87
Layout size
Numpad
80%
Battery
1,000 mAh
10,000 mAh
Switch options
Linear
Linear, Silent
Knob
Yes
No
Weight
200 g
1,000 g
- Epomaker EK21
- Epomaker TH87
- Performance
- 7975
- Build quality
- 7760
- Productivity
- 8876
- Customizability
- 8258
- Portability
- 8885
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Case material: ABS
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the Epomaker 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.
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 TH87
15 owner reviews
“Im really happy with the overall quality of the keyboard. The silent switches are really great for working and gaming as well.”
“Ill start with the positives. - it sound creamy and has a great feel on the fingers. - a ten keyless that has all the functionality that i need In theory this is the perfect keyboard but i have had 1 issue that has been bugging me so much. Ever so often the…”
Epomaker EK21 vs TH87 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 24 specs differ
Epomaker EK21
Epomaker TH87
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
Typing angle
Backlight
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 TH87: your questions
No, the EK21 is not a full keyboard. It is a 20-key numeric keypad, or numpad, designed as an accessory to complement a compact keyboard that lacks a number pad. It includes 20 keys and one aluminum knob.
The Epomaker TH87 has a significantly longer battery life. It features a 10000mAh battery, which the manufacturer states provides up to 45 hours with RGB on. The EK21 has a 1000mAh battery, which will require more frequent charging.
Both keyboards offer programmability, but the method differs. The EK21 explicitly supports VIA software for deep, open-source key remapping and macro creation. The TH87 mentions programmable software for Windows for macros and remapping, but VIA support is not listed in its specifications.
Yes, both the Epomaker EK21 and TH87 feature hot-swappable PCBs. This allows you to easily change the mechanical switches without soldering. Both are compatible with 5-pin switches.
The Epomaker TH87 is better suited for a quiet office. It offers silent linear switch options, such as the Sea Salt Silent Switch, which are designed to reduce typing noise. The EK21's listed switch options are standard linear switches, which may be louder.
Yes, according to the vendor description, the Epomaker TH87 includes a slot to store the 2.4GHz wireless receiver. The description specifies it is stored under the side kickstand.
In their 2.4GHz wireless modes, both keyboards offer a 1000Hz polling rate. In Bluetooth mode, both drop to a 125Hz polling rate, as stated in their respective technical specifications.
Both keyboards use PBT keycaps, which are more resistant to shine and wear than ABS. The EK21 uses dye-sublimated PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile, while the TH87 uses double-shot PBT keycaps, also in a Cherry profile.
Yes, the Epomaker EK21 supports triple-mode connectivity, including Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless. This allows you to pair it with different devices, such as a computer, tablet, or phone, and switch between them.
The core difference is their layout and purpose. The EK21 is a 20-key numpad accessory with a focus on programmability and modding features like a flex-cut design and specific foam layers. The TH87 is an 87-key TKL keyboard built as a primary input device, emphasizing battery life, a full key set, and ergonomic adjustments.
Yes, both the Epomaker EK21 and TH87 list Mac compatibility in their specifications. They support Windows, Mac, and Android operating systems.
The EK21 includes a 2-in-1 keycap/switch puller, an extra 'Back' keycap, a braided USB cable, a 2.4GHz dongle, and a manual. The TH87 includes a USB cable, the 2.4GHz receiver, two extra switches, a 2-in-1 puller, and a manual.
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