REVIEW – I’m a keyboard nerd and in my dive down that rabbit gap, I found I most popular a TKL, ten-keyless, keyboard. It’s been properly over 10 years since I’ve used a full-sized keyboard, however generally I really feel like I may benefit from having a separate numpad that I might take away from my desktop when not in use. Nicely, it simply so occurs, mechanical numpads are a factor and are about as customizable as a keyboard. And, hey. Guess what? Epomaker has one. Guess what else? I received to evaluate one. Wish to hear about it? Right here it goes!
What’s it?
The Epomaker EK21-X is a customizable gasket-mounted numpad with hot-swappable key switches, an aluminum case, RGB, and a knob
What’s included?
- EK21-x
- USB-A to C cable
- 2.4 GHz dongle
- Keycap/swap puller
- Handbook
- Further switches
- Enter keycap
- Allen wrench
Tech specs
Click on to develop
Poron gasket
Aluminum case
Aluminum knob
RGB LEDs
1000 mAh
VIA suitable
Pre-lubed switches and stabilizers
Bluetooth/2.4 GHz/Wired
Design and options
The Epomaker EK21-X is mainly a customizable mechanical keyboard, however simply the numpad. Similar to these keyboards, it has layers of froth to cushion the motion and have an effect on its sound. Epomaker makes use of poron gaskets and foam, together with an IXPE swap pad to perform this. They’ve additionally put in a CNC lower and sandblasted PC plate. The case is all aluminum so it’s received some heft to it. Couple that with the rubber nubbins for toes and it stays the place you place it.
The switches utilized in my evaluate pattern are Epomaker’s Mulan switches. They arrive evenly pre-lubed and are linears. Actuation power is 47gf +/- 10 with a backside power of 60gf +/- 10. Pre-travel is 2 mm +/- .40 whereas whole journey is 3.8 mm +/- .20. They’re additionally pretty silent.
The EK21-x has three completely different modes of communication. You may go wired with the included braided USB cable or go wi-fi with both Bluetooth or the included 2.4 GHz dongle.
One in every of its finest options is the knob and its encoder. The knob itself is aluminum with good knurling with good constructive clicks when turned. Clearly, its nice for adjusting the amount of your media, and if you happen to press the knob, it mutes it.
And for all you RGB lovers on the market, Epomaker has you coated. You may change the lighting mode, pace, brightness, or hue proper on the unit itself with some key combos or via the third celebration app, VIA.
Epomaker had included a 1000 mAh rechargeable battery so you may get numerous use out of the EK21-X in between prices.
Meeting, Set up, Setup
Setup could be very easy. To make use of it wired, depart the swap subsequent to the dongle storage within the center and join the USB cable to the EK21-X and your PC or Mac. Utilizing it wirelessly is simply as easy. Flip the swap to the suitable after which pair it by way of Bluetooth or flip it left, join the dongle to a USB port and also you’re off. See? Easy.
Efficiency
The EK21-X performs as anticipated however feels nice as a result of its construct and the supplies used. If you happen to’re a keyboard nerd like me, you’ll recognize its solidness and tactility. The one drawback I had with it’s I haven’t used a numpad in so lengthy, my muscle reminiscence hasn’t caught up but so it doesn’t really feel pure but. I’ll get there nevertheless it’ll take a while.
What I like about Epomaker EK21-X numpad
- Strong construct
- Customizable
- Lengthy battery life
What must be improved?
- Nothing that I can consider.
Last ideas
I do know a separate numpad might not be everybody’s cup of joe, however I had been desirous to strive including one to my setup for a while to see if it could assist my workflow. Some might imagine $70 for simply a part of a keyboard is loopy, however there are dearer choices on the market. Belief me. In my view, Epomaker has hit the candy spot with the asking worth and the options it gives with the EK21-X. If you happen to’ve been questioning whether or not or not you’d like so as to add a numpad to your setup however wished one thing nicer than some plastic factor with squishy membrane switches (shudder), then test it out.
Worth: $69.99
The place to purchase: Epomaker and Amazon
Supply: The pattern of this product was offered at no cost by Epomaker. Epomaker didn’t have a remaining say on the evaluate and didn’t preview the evaluate earlier than it was revealed.
