Epomaker TH33 vs Varmilo MA21M R2: Wireless Customization vs Wired Simplicity

Compare Epomaker TH33 vs Varmilo MA21M R2 Numpad Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users seeking a dedicated mechanical numpad to complement a compact keyboard or enhance productivity. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize modern features like wireless connectivity and programmability, or prefer a straightforward, plug-and-play accessory. The Epomaker TH33 offers extensive customization, while the Varmilo MA21M R2 provides a simpler, more traditional experience.

Model
Rating	5.0 stars (4 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2025 Has Linear switch options Supports hot-swappable switches Available in a Numpad layout Comes with a knob Connects via USB-C Supports VIA configuration Has built-in sound dampening Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery Weighs about 380 g Sized at 45 x 151 x 141 mm Made with a ABS case Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting	Released in 2024 Has Clicky switch options Uses a Plate Mount mounting style Made with a Plastic case Offers Yes, White RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 78.1 Build Quality: 76.7 Productivity: 87.4 Customizability: 82.7 Portability: 90	Scores Performance: 53.6 Build Quality: 49.1 Productivity: 45.1 Customizability: 50.1 Portability: 42.8
Name	Name Epomaker TH33	Name Varmilo MA21M R2 Numpad
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear	Switch Options Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size Numpad	Layout Size Unknown
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
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
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 2000 mAh	Battery capacity -
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 Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight White
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS	Case Material Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 45 x 151 x 141 mm	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight 380g	Weight -

Varmilo MA21M Panda R2 White LED Numpad Dye Sub PBT Mechanical Keyboard

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5.0 stars (4 reviews)

0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Released in 2025
Has Linear switch options
Supports hot-swappable switches
Available in a Numpad layout
Comes with a knob
Connects via USB-C
Supports VIA configuration
Has built-in sound dampening
Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
Weighs about 380 g
Sized at 45 x 151 x 141 mm
Made with a ABS case
Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting

Released in 2024
Has Clicky switch options
Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
Made with a Plastic case
Offers Yes, White RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 78.1
Build Quality: 76.7
Productivity: 87.4
Customizability: 82.7
Portability: 90

Scores

Performance: 53.6
Build Quality: 49.1
Productivity: 45.1
Customizability: 50.1
Portability: 42.8

Name

Epomaker TH33

Name

Varmilo MA21M R2 Numpad

Release year

2025

Release year

2024

Switch Options

Linear

Switch Options

Clicky

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

Numpad

Layout Size

Unknown

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI

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

Polling Rate

1000 Hz

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

2000 mAh

Battery capacity

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Mount Style

Plate Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Backlight

White

Case Colors

Case Material

ABS

Case Material

Plastic

Keycaps Material

PBT

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

45 x 151 x 141 mm

Dimensions

Weight

380g

Weight

Pros and Trade-offs

The Epomaker TH33 is the clear recommendation for most users, offering significant advantages in connectivity, customization, and versatility for a similar price. Only consider the Varmilo MA21M R2 if you specifically want a simple, wired numpad with Varmilo's electrocapacitive switches and have no need for wireless operation, programmability, or future mods.

Epomaker TH33

+Tri-mode wireless connectivity (Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz, USB-C).
+Fully programmable via VIA software with macro support.
+Hot-swappable PCB compatible with 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches.
+Gasket-mounted design with multiple sound-dampening foam layers.
+Includes a programmable knob and extra arrow/function keys.

−ABS plastic case may feel less premium than other materials.
−Battery life is dependent on the 2000mAh capacity and RGB usage.
−Bluetooth mode operates at a lower 125Hz polling rate.

Varmilo MA21M R2 Numpad

+Uses Varmilo's proprietary electrocapacitive switches.
+Features thick, dye-sublimated PBT keycaps.
+Simple plug-and-play operation with no software required.

−Wired-only connectivity with no wireless option.
−Switches are not hot-swappable, limiting customization.
−Lacks programmability or macro functionality.
−Only white LED backlighting is available, not RGB.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Epomaker TH33 is the decisive winner across all defined use cases due to its comprehensive feature set. Its wireless connectivity, programmability, and modding-friendly design make it versatile for gaming, office work, and creative tasks. The Varmilo MA21M R2, being a wired-only, non-programmable numpad, serves a much narrower role as a basic input accessory without these modern conveniences.

GamingEpomaker TH33

•The TH33 offers a 1000Hz polling rate for lower latency input.
•Its VIA software support allows for complex in-game macros.
•The layout includes arrow and function keys useful for navigation.

OfficeEpomaker TH33

•Tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) allows easy switching between devices.
•The programmable knob and VIA software enable workflow-specific shortcuts.
•Includes a 2000mAh battery for cord-free use during long sessions.

ProgrammingEpomaker TH33

•Fully programmable via VIA software for custom shortcuts and layers.
•Hot-swappable PCB allows tailoring switch feel for long typing sessions.
•Compact size with arrow keys saves desk space next to a main keyboard.

TravelEpomaker TH33

•Wireless operation removes cable clutter and increases portability.
•Lightweight at 380g and compact dimensions.
•Rechargeable battery supports use away from a power outlet.

ModdingEpomaker TH33

•Hot-swappable PCB supports 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
•Gasket mount design with multiple foam layers (Sandwich Latex, IXPE, PET) for sound tuning.
•South-facing RGB LEDs allow compatibility with Cherry profile keycaps.

Content CreationEpomaker TH33