For years, my desk has been a testament to a compromise familiar to many keyboard enthusiasts, gamers, and programmers. I adore the clean, compact aesthetic of my 75% tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard. It gives my mouse ample room to roam during intense gaming sessions and keeps my workspace looking minimalist and modern. But then, the work begins. The moment a spreadsheet opens or I need to input a series of IP addresses, a wave of regret washes over me. Tapping out numbers on the top row feels like trying to run a marathon in dress shoes—clumsy, inefficient, and deeply frustrating. I’ve sacrificed raw productivity for a streamlined setup, a trade-off that has always felt just a little bit wrong. This constant dance between form and function is why a dedicated, high-performance numpad isn’t just a luxury; it’s the missing piece of the puzzle for a truly optimized desk.
- EK21 VIA Gasket Numpad: Elevate your typing experience with the EK21 VIA Gasket Number Pad, a versatile and highly functional numeric keypad perfect for professionals and gamers alike. Featuring an...
- A Tailored Experience for Your Workflow: In response to community feedback, the EK21 numpad offers robust programmability through VIA software, empowering you to fully customize and personalize each...
What to Consider Before Buying a Standalone Numpad
A standalone numpad, especially in the realm of mechanical peripherals, is more than just an accessory; it’s a key solution for bridging the gap between compact gaming keyboards and full-sized productivity machines. It reintroduces the efficiency of a dedicated 10-key layout for data entry, calculations, and financial modeling without forcing you to commit to a larger, more cumbersome keyboard. For gamers, it can be transformed into a powerful macro pad, assigning complex commands or item loadouts to a single keypress, conveniently placed to the side. The main benefit is modularity: you get the full power of a complete keyboard when you need it and the compact freedom of a TKL when you don’t.
The ideal customer for a device like the EPOMAKER EK21 VIA Gasket Numpad Hot-Swap Aluminum Knob is someone already invested in the mechanical keyboard ecosystem. This includes TKL or 65% keyboard owners, spreadsheet power users, programmers, and gamers seeking a dedicated macro pad. It’s for the user who values a premium typing experience, customization, and the flexibility to adapt their setup to the task at hand. Conversely, this might not be the best fit for casual users who only occasionally type numbers or those on an extremely tight budget, for whom a basic membrane numpad might suffice. It’s also not for someone who simply wants an all-in-one solution from the start; they would be better served by a full-sized mechanical keyboard from the outset.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: A key reason for getting a separate numpad is desk space management. The EK21 measures 5.43″ x 3.66″, a compact footprint that allows it to be placed on either side of your main keyboard or stored away when not in use. Ensure you have the surface area to accommodate it without creating new clutter.
- Performance & Connectivity: Performance in a numpad means more than just registering keypresses. Look for features like N-key rollover, low latency, and versatile connectivity. The EK21’s triple-mode connection (Wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless) offers the ultimate flexibility, providing a zero-lag wired connection for gaming and convenient wireless options for a clean, cable-free setup.
- Materials & Durability: Build quality dictates both the feel and longevity of the device. While the EK21 uses a robust ABS plastic housing for lightness, it incorporates a CNC-cut PC plate and a premium Aluminum Alloy knob. This hybrid approach balances cost with a durable, quality feel in the areas you interact with most, a significant step up from cheaper, all-plastic alternatives.
- Ease of Use & Customization: Out-of-the-box functionality is important, but true value comes from customization. The EK21 is hot-swappable, meaning you can change switches without soldering. More importantly, its VIA compatibility allows for deep, intuitive key remapping and macro creation, transforming it from a simple number pad into a fully programmable tool tailored to your exact workflow.
This level of modularity and customization is what elevates a modern numpad from a simple accessory to an essential part of a high-performance desk setup.
While the EPOMAKER EK21 VIA Gasket Numpad Hot-Swap Aluminum Knob is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- The compact tenkeyless design is the most popular form factor used by the pros, allowing you to position the keyboard for comfort and to maximize in-game performance.
- 【65% Compact Design】GEODMAER Wired gaming keyboard compact mini design, save space on the desktop, novel black & silver gray keycap color matching, separate arrow keys, No numpad, both gaming and...
- Dynamic RGB Backlighting: Light up your desktop with six onboard lighting effects, assign a color to each lighting zone, or program your own vibrant lighting effects across five RGB lighting zones...
First Impressions: More Than Just Numbers
Unboxing the EPOMAKER EK21 VIA Gasket Numpad Hot-Swap Aluminum Knob felt immediately familiar to anyone who’s delved into the enthusiast keyboard world. The packaging is utilitarian but secure, containing the numpad itself, a high-quality braided USB-A to USB-C cable, a combination keycap-and-switch puller, and a few extra switches for tinkering. Our Black Silver model presented a clean, professional aesthetic. The ABS plastic case, while lightweight, feels dense and well-constructed, showing no signs of flex or creakiness during our initial handling. The real star of the show, even before plugging it in, is the knurled aluminum alloy knob. It has a satisfying, tactile rotation and a solid feel that immediately elevates the device above cheaper competitors.
Setting it up was a breeze. As many users have confirmed, it’s essentially plug-and-play for basic functions. We tested all three connection modes, and each paired flawlessly. The 2.4GHz dongle, cleverly stored in a magnetic slot on the underside, provided an instant, stable connection. Bluetooth pairing with our laptop and tablet was equally seamless. Right out of the box, the typing experience was impressive. The gasket-mounted structure gives a noticeable softness to each keypress, and the pre-lubed Zebra linear switches are smooth and produce a very pleasing, muted “clack.” It feels less like an accessory and more like a premium, miniaturized custom keyboard.
What We Like
- Exceptional typing feel and sound due to gasket mount and pre-lubed switches.
- Highly versatile triple-mode connectivity (Wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth).
- Powerful customization through VIA software and hot-swappable PCB.
- Premium, programmable aluminum knob adds functional and aesthetic value.
- Excellent value for the feature set provided.
Limitations
- ABS plastic casing, while solid, lacks the heft of a full aluminum build.
- RGB backlighting is very dim, especially with stock non-shine-through keycaps.
- The fixed typing angle is not adjustable.
Performance Deep Dive: A Tool for Work and Play
After spending considerable time with the EPOMAKER EK21 VIA Gasket Numpad Hot-Swap Aluminum Knob, we can confidently say it punches far above its weight class. It’s not just about adding a 10-key layout back to your desk; it’s about adding a thoughtfully engineered tool that enhances both productivity and enjoyment. We broke down our extensive testing into three key areas that define this numpad’s character: its unique typing acoustics, its go-anywhere connectivity, and its limitless potential for customization.
The Gasket-Mounted Typing Symphony
The single most defining feature of the EPOMAKER EK21 VIA Gasket Numpad Hot-Swap Aluminum Knob is its typing experience, which is frankly sublime for a peripheral in this category. The magic lies in its gasket-mounted design. Unlike traditional tray-mount keyboards where the PCB is screwed directly into the case, the EK21’s plate and PCB assembly “floats,” cushioned between layers of Poron foam gaskets. This isolates vibrations and creates a softer, more flexible, and acoustically refined typing feel. The result is the elimination of harsh, high-pitched sounds, replaced by a deeper, more satisfying resonance. During our testing, every keystroke felt cushioned and consistent, a characteristic frequently echoed by users who describe the experience as “very pleasant” and “a joy to type on.”
This premium foundation is paired perfectly with the included Epomaker Zebra switches in our review unit. These are linear switches, meaning they have a smooth, uninterrupted travel from top to bottom with no tactile bump. From the factory, they come pre-lubed, which further enhances their smoothness and refines their sound profile. The combination of the gasket mount, multiple internal foam layers (Poron bottom foam, sandwich foam, and an IXPE switch pad), and the lubed Zebra switches produces a sound that is best described as a clean, medium-pitched “clack.” It’s audible and satisfying without being overly loud or distracting, hitting a sweet spot that many enthusiasts chase in much more expensive custom builds. We found it made data entry tasks noticeably more enjoyable, a sentiment shared by users who praise the “smooth and creamy” feel. The hot-swappable PCB is the cherry on top, allowing users to easily experiment with other switch types to find their perfect sound and feel without any soldering, making this numpad a fantastic platform for future customization.
Unleashed Versatility: Triple-Mode Connectivity
A standalone numpad’s greatest strength is its modularity, and the EK21 maximizes this with its robust triple-mode connectivity. We tested it extensively across multiple devices and scenarios, and it performed flawlessly. For our primary desktop setup, we alternated between the 2.4GHz wireless dongle and a wired USB-C connection. The 2.4GHz connection was indistinguishable from a wired one in terms of latency and stability for all productivity tasks and even casual gaming. The inclusion of a small magnetic cutout on the back of the numpad to store the dongle is a thoughtful design choice that prevents it from getting lost.
When we needed absolute certainty for a competitive gaming session where we had mapped macros to the numpad, the wired USB-C connection delivered flawless, instantaneous response. But where the EPOMAKER EK21 VIA Gasket Numpad Hot-Swap Aluminum Knob truly shines is with its Bluetooth 5.0 capability. With the press of a button, we could switch from controlling our desktop PC to pairing with an iPad for spreadsheet work on the go, or connect it to a laptop during a meeting. This seamless multi-device support is a massive advantage. We found the 1000mAh battery provided ample power; in our Bluetooth testing, we easily went weeks without needing a recharge, aligning with one user’s estimate of about a month of usage. This exceptional flexibility confirms that the EK21 isn’t just a desktop accessory; it’s a portable productivity powerhouse that can adapt to any device or workflow you throw at it.
The Power User’s Dream: VIA Programmability and the Aluminum Knob
What truly elevates the EK21 from a great numpad to an essential tool for enthusiasts is its compatibility with VIA. VIA is a powerful, open-source software that allows for real-time, on-the-fly key remapping and macro programming without the need for clunky proprietary software or flashing firmware. Once set up, the configuration is saved directly to the numpad’s onboard memory, meaning your custom layouts and macros travel with the device, regardless of what computer you plug it into.
While some users noted the initial setup could be a bit finicky, we found that by following the correct procedure—connecting via USB-C, ensuring the device is in wired mode, and loading the correct JSON file from Epomaker’s site into the web-based VIA configurator—it was a straightforward process. Once inside VIA, the possibilities are nearly endless. We remapped the entire top row to function keys (F13-F16), created a complex multi-step macro for a repetitive task in Photoshop, and assigned it to the ‘Fn’ key. For gaming, this means you can set up intricate buy-scripts or ability sequences. The programmable aluminum knob is another standout feature. By default, it controls volume (turn) and mute (press), but through VIA, we were able to reprogram it to scroll through video timelines, zoom in and out of documents, and even cycle through browser tabs. This deep level of programmability transforms the EK21 into a bespoke command center, tailored precisely to your needs and making it far more than just a device for typing numbers.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user feedback for the EPOMAKER EK21 VIA Gasket Numpad Hot-Swap Aluminum Knob is overwhelmingly positive, with many praising it as the perfect companion for their TKL keyboards. One user, an engineer who does a lot of number crunching, called it “exactly what a keyboard enthusiast needs at work,” highlighting its enthusiast-grade features like hot-swap sockets, gasket mount, and VIA support. Another frequent spreadsheet user lauded its “great feel of the keys, just like the best old 10-key adding machine,” celebrating how it completed their otherwise perfect TKL setup.
However, the feedback isn’t without its critiques, which align with our own findings. A common point of criticism is the underwhelming RGB backlighting. As one user pointed out, the south-facing LEDs combined with the stock non-shine-through keycaps mean the lighting is “hardly visible – even at max brightness.” While this is an aesthetic issue, it’s a valid point for those who prioritize a vibrant RGB setup. Some users also noted minor quality control issues, such as “blemishes on the double-sized ‘+’ key.” Finally, while the plastic housing is sturdy, a few reviewers felt it was a “bit cheap” or lighter than they expected, wishing for the more premium heft that a metal case would provide. These criticisms, however, are consistently framed as minor trade-offs for what is otherwise considered an incredible value.
How Does the EPOMAKER EK21 Compare to the Alternatives?
The EPOMAKER EK21 VIA Gasket Numpad Hot-Swap Aluminum Knob exists in a unique space as a modular peripheral. While it’s a top-tier numpad, some users might be looking for an all-in-one keyboard solution from the start. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular full-sized keyboards.
1. AULA F99 Tri-Mode Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
- Multi-Device Connection: AULA F99 wireless mechanical keyboard provides three connection methods, including BT5.0, 2.4GHz wireless mode, and USB wired mode. It can be connected to up to five devices...
- Hot-swappable Custom Keyboard: The switches and keycaps can be freely replaced(keycap/switch puller are included in the package).This customizable keyboard with hot-swap PCB allows users to replace 3...
The AULA F99 is perhaps the closest spiritual competitor, but in a full keyboard format. It offers a 99-key layout (a compact full-size), gasket-mounted construction, and tri-mode wireless connectivity, just like the EK21. For a user starting from scratch who knows they need a numpad, the AULA F99 is an excellent all-in-one choice that delivers a similar modern, enthusiast-level typing experience. However, it lacks the modularity of the EK21. If you value the ability to remove the numpad for more mouse space during gaming or travel, the EK21 paired with a 75% keyboard remains the more flexible and adaptable solution.
2. Corsair K70 RGB PRO Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- The Legend Continues: The K70 RGB PRO retains the iconic elements of the award-winning K70 RGB with a durable aluminum frame, CHERRY MX mechanical keyswitches, and per-key RGB backlighting.
- Powered by CORSAIR AXON Hyper-Processing Technology: Enables a new level of K70 performance, processing and transmitting your inputs up to 8x faster than conventional gaming keyboards.
The Corsair K70 RGB PRO represents the mainstream, high-performance gaming alternative. This is a wired-only keyboard focused squarely on competitive gaming, boasting features like an 8000Hz hyper-polling rate for near-zero latency and a dedicated tournament switch. While it includes a fantastic numpad, its priorities are different. A user should choose the K70 if their primary concern is bleeding-edge gaming performance from a well-established brand. In contrast, the EK21 is for the user who prioritizes a superior typing experience, wireless freedom, and deep, open-source customization over sheer polling rate specs.
3. ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX Gaming Keyboard Red Optical Switches
- PLAY AT THE SPEED OF LIGHT - Take on all comers with ROG Strix Scope RX, the RGB gaming mechanical keyboard featuring exclusive ROG RX Red Optical Mechanical Switches. These switches provide a...
- ABOUT ROG RX RED SWITCH - Linear and Swift, ROG RX Red Optical Mechanical Switches are the first to be developed by ROG. Extensive research, testing and fine-tuning have resulted in switches with a...
The ASUS ROG Strix Scope RX is another gaming-centric option, but it stands apart with its proprietary ROG RX Red Optical Switches. These switches offer an incredibly fast and stable actuation, which can be an advantage in fast-paced games. This keyboard is an excellent choice for gamers already invested in the ASUS ROG ecosystem who want to sync their lighting via Aura Sync. However, its optical switches are not hot-swappable with standard MX-style mechanical switches, locking you into the ROG ecosystem. The EK21 offers far more customization in terms of typing feel, thanks to its hot-swappable PCB that welcomes a world of different switches.
Our Final Verdict on the EPOMAKER EK21 VIA Gasket Numpad Hot-Swap Aluminum Knob
After rigorous testing and evaluation, we can unequivocally recommend the EPOMAKER EK21 VIA Gasket Numpad Hot-Swap Aluminum Knob. It is a masterclass in functional design, delivering a suite of enthusiast-grade features at an incredibly accessible price point. The combination of a gasket-mounted structure, smooth pre-lubed switches, and extensive sound-dampening foam creates a typing experience that is genuinely a pleasure to use for hours on end. Add to that its flawless triple-mode connectivity and the immense power of VIA programmability, and you have a device that is far more than a simple numpad—it’s a versatile, powerful, and customizable productivity and gaming tool.
While it’s true the plastic casing could feel more premium and the RGB lighting is a definite weak point, these are minor quibbles in the face of its overwhelming strengths. For any TKL, 65%, or 75% keyboard user who has ever felt the pang of a missing numpad, the EK21 is not just a solution; it’s the definitive upgrade. It perfectly bridges the gap between minimalist aesthetics and full-scale productivity without compromise. If you’re ready to complete your desk setup and unlock a new level of efficiency, we highly encourage you to check the latest price and discover its full capabilities for yourself.
Last update on 2025-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API