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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 11, 2026

Epomaker EK21 vs Weikav Stars21 Programmable NumpadPlastic vs Aluminum

Choose the Epomaker EK21 for a lighter, prebuilt numpad with a knob, or the Weikav Stars21 for an aluminum case and QMK support.

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EPOMAKER EK21

4.6 (36)

$33at Epomaker

90-day low

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Epomaker EK21

Plastic

Build quality in the top 25% of Numpad boards under $50.

If you want

  • Prebuilt with linear switches and PBT keycaps.
  • Aluminum alloy knob for volume control, according to the vendor.
  • 1000 mAh battery and wired, 2.4 GHz, and Bluetooth connections.

Get the

Weikav Stars21 Programmable Numpad

Aluminum

Build quality in the top 10% of Numpad boards under $100.

If you want

  • Aluminum case with a gasket mount.
  • Supports both QMK and VIA.
  • Hot-swappable PCB and wired, 2.4 GHz, and Bluetooth connections.

Bottom line

Choose the Epomaker EK21 if you want a lighter, prebuilt numpad with PBT keycaps, a larger listed battery, and a volume knob. Pick the Weikav Stars21 if an aluminum case and QMK support matter more, and you are comfortable sourcing switches and keycaps separately.

What actually differs

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

Weikav Stars21 Programmable Numpad

  • Battery

    1,000 mAh

    800 mAh

    A larger battery means fewer cables during the day

  • Case material

    ABS

    Aluminum

  • Switch options

    Linear, Silent

    Linear

  • Knob

    Yes

    No

  • Weight

    200 g

    480 g

    Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Epomaker EK21
  • Weikav Stars21 Programmable Numpad
Performance
77
75
Build quality
76
84
Productivity
87
56
Customizability
82
89
Portability
88
77

What they share

  • Layout size: Numpad
  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
  • Mount style: Gasket Mount
  • VIA
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The EK21 is the more convenient choice for office work, travel, and media-focused desk use, with its lower weight, included keycaps and switches, and dedicated knob. For programming, the EK21's ready-to-use setup is appealing, though the Stars21 suits buyers who specifically want QMK and a barebones starting point. Modding favors the Stars21 for its QMK support and kit format, while the gaming comparison is close on the listed connection and input features. Consider whether you want a finished numpad or prefer to select its switches and keycaps yourself.

For gaming

It's a tie

  • Both list 1000 Hz polling and N-Key Rollover.
  • Both support wired and 2.4 GHz connections, as well as Bluetooth.
  • The EK21 is prebuilt, while the Stars21 listing says switches and keycaps are not included.

Full specs

Epomaker EK21 vs Weikav Stars21 Programmable Numpad specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

10 of 24 specs differ

Epomaker EK21

Weikav Stars21 Programmable Numpad

Typing & switches

Switch options

Linear, Silent
Linear

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

Numpad
Numpad

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
No

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
1,000 Hz

Battery

1,000 mAhBetter
800 mAh

USB-C

Yes
No

Build & materials

Case material

ABS
Aluminum

Plate material

Polycarbonate
—

Keycaps

PBT
—

Weight

200 g
480 g

Dimensions

29 x 138 x 93 mm
18 x 130 x 95 mm

Backlight

RGB
RGB

Firmware & software

QMK

No
Yes

VIA

Yes
Yes

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
No

Extras

Released

2025
2025

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

Epomaker EK21 vs Weikav Stars21 Programmable Numpad: your questions

The EK21 is a prebuilt numpad with PBT keycaps and an aluminum alloy knob, while the Stars21 has an aluminum case and is sold without switches or keycaps. The Stars21 also supports QMK alongside VIA.

No, the Stars21 product listing explicitly says switches and keycaps are not included. It is described as a hot-swappable numpad, so you will need to supply compatible switches and keycaps.

The EK21 is listed as prebuilt and has linear switches and PBT keycaps. Its vendor listing also names a USB A-to-C cable and a 2.4 GHz receiver among the included items.

Yes, both list Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired connectivity. The EK21 vendor describes these as tri-mode connections, and the Stars21 listing also specifies all three modes.

The Epomaker EK21 is listed at 200 g, while the Weikav Stars21 is listed at 480 g. Both support wireless connections, but the EK21 has the lower listed weight.

The EK21 has a listed 1000 mAh battery, while the Stars21 has an 800 mAh battery. These capacities alone do not establish how long either numpad will run between charges.

Yes, the Stars21 product description says it supports QMK and VIA custom firmware. The EK21 lists VIA support, but not QMK support.

Both are listed as hot-swappable. The EK21 vendor specifies compatibility with 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, while the Stars21 description identifies its PCB as hot-swappable.

The Epomaker EK21 includes an aluminum alloy knob, which its vendor describes as a tactile control for volume. The Stars21's listed features do not include a knob.

The Weikav Stars21 has a CNC aluminum case according to its product description. The EK21's case is listed as ABS, though its vendor describes its knob as aluminum alloy.

Both are listed with 1000 Hz polling in wired and 2.4 GHz modes. Their vendor descriptions specify 125 Hz in Bluetooth mode, while the product metadata lists 1000 Hz without separating connection modes.

The Stars21 is presented as a DIY kit or barebones numpad, supports QMK and VIA, and is sold without switches or keycaps. The EK21 is also hot-swappable and supports VIA, but it comes prebuilt with switches and keycaps.

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