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Compare Epomaker EK21 vs Tide Alice Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a highly portable, specialized accessory and a premium, full-featured ergonomic keyboard. Both are from Epomaker and share features like gasket mounting, VIA programmability, and triple-mode connectivity, making the choice difficult. The decision hinges on whether you need a compact number pad to complement an existing setup or a complete, high-end keyboard designed for comfort and sound.

83
EPOMAKER EK21
90
EPOMAKER Tide Alice

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4.5 (15)
4.0 (20)
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Available in a Numpad layout
  • Offers Normal ergonomics
  • Equipped with a 1000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 200 g
  • Sized at 29 x 138 x 93 mm
  • Made with a ABS case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Released in 2026
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Offers Alice ergonomics
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1600 g
  • Sized at 31 x 343 x 139 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 78.3
  • Build Quality: 77.1
  • Productivity: 87.7
  • Customizability: 83.1
  • Portability: 87.9
Scores
  • Performance: 77.3
  • Build Quality: 82.4
  • Productivity: 92.4
  • Customizability: 89.9
  • Portability: 88.5
Name
Epomaker EK21
Name
Epomaker Tide Alice
Release year
2025
Release year
2026
Switch Options
Linear
Switch Options
-
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
Numpad
Layout Size
65%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Alice
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
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
4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
-
Dimensions
29 x 138 x 93 mm
Dimensions
31 x 343 x 139 mm
Weight
200g
Weight
1600g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. The Epomaker EK21 is a specialized, budget-friendly tool for users who already have a compact keyboard and require a portable number pad. The Epomaker Tide Alice is a significant investment in a premium, ergonomic daily driver built for comfort, sound, and customization. Do not buy the EK21 expecting a full keyboard, and do not buy the Tide Alice if you need something to toss in a bag.

Epomaker EK21

  • +Extremely portable at 200g with a 20-key numpad layout.
  • +Includes a dedicated aluminum alloy knob for volume or scrolling control.
  • +Features a gasket-mount structure with Poron and IXPE foam layers for a cushioned typing feel.
  • +Offers full programmability through VIA software for key remapping and macros.
  • +Comes with a 2-in-1 keycap/switch puller and an extra keycap in the box.

  • −ABS plastic case feels less premium than metal alternatives.
  • −Only a 20-key numpad, not a standalone keyboard for full typing tasks.
  • −Smaller 1000mAh battery, though appropriate for its size.

Epomaker Tide Alice

  • +Ergonomic 65% Alice layout with 66 keys and a knob promotes comfortable typing.
  • +Constructed with a CNC anodized 6063 aluminum case for a solid, premium feel.
  • +Large 4000mAh battery provides extended wireless use.
  • +Employs a five-layer sound dampening system (Poron, IXPE, PET) for a deep, thocky acoustic profile.
  • +Supports both QMK and VIA for advanced firmware customization.

  • −Significantly heavier at 1600g, making it a stationary desk fixture.
  • −The Alice layout has a learning curve and may not be compatible with all keycap sets.
  • −More expensive than the EK21, reflecting its premium materials and features.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Tide Alice is the clear choice for primary use as a full keyboard, winning in Gaming, Office, and Programming due to its complete layout and ergonomic design. It also leads in Modding thanks to its aluminum case and complex sound-dampening stack. The EK21 excels only in Travel due to its minimal size and weight. For Content Creation, it's a tie, as the EK21's numpad is purpose-built for numbers, while the Tide Alice offers broader programmability.

GamingEpomaker Tide Alice
  • •The Tide Alice's 65% layout provides dedicated arrow keys and function row for gaming shortcuts, which the 20-key EK21 numpad lacks.
  • •Both offer a 1000Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4GHz modes for responsive input.
  • •The Tide Alice's N-key rollover ensures all key presses are registered simultaneously.
OfficeEpomaker Tide Alice
  • •The Tide Alice's full 66-key Alice layout is a complete typing solution, while the EK21 is only a supplemental numpad.
  • •The Tide Alice's ergonomic Alice layout is designed to reduce strain during extended typing sessions.
  • •Both support Mac and Windows compatibility, but the Tide Alice also lists Linux support.
ProgrammingEpomaker Tide Alice
  • •The Tide Alice provides a full alphanumeric section, arrow keys, and a knob for scrolling, essential for coding.
  • •VIA programmability on both allows for creating macros for common code snippets.
  • •The Alice layout may offer more comfortable hand positioning for long programming sessions.
TravelEpomaker EK21
  • •The EK21 weighs only 200g and measures 29 x 138 x 93 mm, making it extremely portable.
  • •The EK21's 1000mAh battery is sufficient for a device of its size and key count.
  • •Its triple-mode connectivity allows it to be used wirelessly with a laptop on the go.
ModdingEpomaker Tide Alice
  • •The Tide Alice features a CNC anodized 6063 aluminum case, offering a more premium foundation than the EK21's ABS plastic.
  • •It uses a five-layer sound dampening system (Poron, IXPE, PET) for deeper acoustics, compared to the EK21's three layers.
  • •Both have hot-swappable PCBs and gasket mounts, but the Tide Alice's FR4 plate and aluminum case provide a different modding canvas.
Content CreationTie
  • •The EK21's dedicated numpad and aluminum knob are excellent for numerical input in spreadsheets or video editing timelines.
  • •The Tide Alice's full layout and programmable knob via VIA can be mapped to media controls or application shortcuts.
  • •Both offer VIA support for extensive key remapping and macro creation to streamline creative workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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