The Epomaker EK98 keyboard mixes modern features with an old-school aesthetic. The blend of comfortable keys and versatility caught my eye. Furthermore, the pleasant typing experience ensures that this is a great device for gaming and working.
I’ve recently covered the Epomaker TH80 and was thoroughly impressed. It was stylish, attractive, and great for gamers. However, this latest addition goes one further as it has a numpad, and it has wireless connectivity. This was a fantastic decision as it makes this device portable and wonderfully versatile.
What’s in the box of the Epomaker EK98 keyboard?
- The packaging is compact, attractive, and easy to handle. Additionally, it can be recycled.
- The Epomaker EK98 keyboard is wonderfully old-school. The lettering is larger than life and the earthy colours complement the off-white finish. Moreover, there is a connectivity switch to flit between the 3 main modes.
- A keycap puller lets you customise the device.
- Power the keyboard with the USB-C cable.
- Learn the fundamentals with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
The Epomaker EK98 keyboard is designed with your comfort at the fore. Accordingly, it is hot-swappable for 3 and 5-pin switches. This was great as you can adjust the keyboard without the need to solder. Moreover, you may use your switches to create the keyboard of your dreams. This straightforward approach lets less experienced PC users feel more accomplished. Alternatively, veterans may play around with the device without wasting their precious time.
The 1800 compact layout doesn’t compromise! Instead, you may enjoy a smaller form factor whilst retaining the arrow keys and a full numpad. This was impressive, especially as I have a minuscule workstation. This smaller form factor lets me use my mouse freely without reducing my keyboard functionality.
Connectivity.
If you love to type or play games wirelessly, the Epomaker EK98 keyboard has your back. You may connect to this device via Bluetooth, the wireless dongle, or a classic USB cable. If you opt for the latter, it will charge the 3,000 mAh battery as you work. However, the handy LEDs highlight the battery capacity if you opt for a wireless approach.
Both wireless connections are easy to use and reliable. The 2.4 GHz option delivered lag-free gaming no matter the genre. Furthermore, it was as simple as flicking a switch and plugging in the wireless dongle. Alternatively, the Bluetooth mode demands a low power draw and is equally simple to set up. The 10-metre range is ideal for most normal workstations and I had no problems when gaming for extended periods.
Build quality.
Though the Epomaker EK98 keyboard has a retro finish, the build quality is wonderfully modern. This gasket-mounted keyboard incorporates a latex sandwich foam layer. This foam layer reduces vibrations throughout the device to deliver a cleaner typing experience. The device can be set across 3 unique typing positions. Moreover, the wireless dongle is housed nicely behind one of the adjustable Multipoint feet. This was a clever idea as it kept things streamlined.
If you love cherry profile keycaps, then this will be right up your street. The familiar curved pattern feels fantastic to use during marathon sessions. When you combine this with the flexible PC plate, you’ll notice a lack of fatigue and more accurate inputs. The keycaps will retain their colour and detail because of the high-quality PBT material. Thankfully, they resist dirt and that horrible shiny finish. Subsequently, you’ll enjoy highly durable keycaps that will last the test of time.
RGB lighting is an essential part of a gaming arrangement. The south-facing lighting creates a pleasant hue that can be adjusted. Gamers are encouraged to adjust the lights whilst creating colours that are as unique as the user. Furthermore, if you use this as a wireless device, you may check your battery status against the RGB indicators.
Is the Epomaker EK98 keyboard worth it?
No matter how many TKL keyboards I try, I always return to a full-sized device. Accordingly, a smaller form factor that doesn’t compromise usability is always welcome. What’s more, thanks to the wireless options and spectacular build quality, it was hard not to love this device. Consequently, this is fantastic and I recommend buying it here!
(More information on Epomaker can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! Epomaker provided a sample for an unbiased and free review!)
