EPOMAKER EK98

EPOMAKER EK98, a brand new, full-sized mechanical keyboard from Epomaker.

Epomaker has an endless variety of keyboards but the EPOMAKER EK98 joins the catalog under the larger models from the brand.

The market tends to see more TKL, 75% and 60% keyboards being constantly released, yet seeing that Epomaker has not abandoned the productive-friendly layouts of 90-100% will make very happy some users.

FIND ALL: Headphones Scores Compared

EPOMAKER EK98 Review

Tests & Scores

Scores

EPOMAKER EK98 Scores

Accessories - 8.25/10
8.3/10
Design - 8.5/10
8.5/10
Ergonomics - 9.5/10
9.5/10
Construction & Build - 8.75/10
8.8/10
Keycaps - 9.5/10
9.5/10
Switches - 8.5/10
8.5/10
Connectivity - 9.75/10
9.8/10
Customization - 9/10
9/10
Typing - 10/10
10/10
Gaming - 8.5/10
8.5/10
Productivity - 9.5/10
9.5/10
Office - 9.5/10
9.5/10
Tablet-Mobile - 8.25/10
8.3/10
Programming - 9/10
9/10
Sound - 10/10
10/10
Durability - 9/10
9/10
Lighting - 8.25/10
8.3/10
Software - 8/10
8/10
Battery - 7.75/10
7.8/10
Value for Money - 10/10
10/10

Summary

Pros

✅ Excellent sound

✅ Hot swappable

✅ Light weighted

✅ Versatile

✅ Affordable

Cons

❌ Average battery size

❌ No knob

Buy Now on Amazon

9/10

MORE: Best Headphones Charts

ACCESSORIES & PACKAGING
^4.25^_/5

The EPOMAKER EK98 comes in the typical packaging of most current and modern mechanical keyboards from Epomaker; which is a fairly simple cardboard box with a design that identifies the model bought.

With the keyboard you will also get:

• 3 extra switches
• Braided USB-C cable
• Keycap/switch puller

DESIGN
^4.25^_/5

The EPOMAKER EK98 is a mechanical keyboard with a 1800 layout and 97 keys, that includes a full-fledged numpad.

Since this is a 98% and not a 100% keyboard (like the Skyloong GK104 PRO), the EK98 becomes significantly smaller than a 100% keyboard yet without compromising the usefulness of bigger keyboards – this kind of layout can be similarly seen on other keyboards such as the EPOMAKER RT100, RT100 ISO UK, Keydous NJ98-CP, NJ98, MCHOSE K99.

Nonetheless, unlike some of the aforementioned, the EPOMAKER EK98 does not include neither a knob nor display screen.

On the upper right corner, above the numpad, you will find 3 small LED light indicators for Num Lock, Caps Lock and wireless status.

On the edge of the left end of the case, the EPOMAKER includes a connection switch, so you will not have to turn the keyboard around to set and see which connection mode you are choosing.

If you have seen our review of the EPOMAKER TH80 PRO V2, you might notice that the EPOMAKER EK98 has nearly an identical aesthetical look; in fact, the EPOMAKER EK98 could had been easily named as EPOMAKER TH98 PRO V2.

Closely looking at both models, the EK98 seems like the 98 version of the TH80 PRO V2 due to the exact same case design, finish and material used and also the same keycaps set.

This means that the EPOMAKER EK98 inherits the retroish flavor with a clean and minimal style.

To date, the EPOMAKER EK98 is only available in 1 color and style.

CONSTRUCTION & BUILD
^4.5^_/5

The EPOMAKER EK98 is part of the plastic keyboards from the brand but as seen on other models from Epomaker, the EK98 does not feel cheap nor flimsy, despite the remarkably light weight.

Internally, the keyboard sports a hot-swappable, south-facing board compatible with most mechanical switches on the market and not needing any soldering.

On top of that, the EPOMAKER EK98 carries inside a polycarbonate plate, plate-mounted stabilizers and a gasket mounted design.

On the bottom, the case is equipped with a 2-step adjustable kickstand to adapt to each user’s ergonomic preference.

KEYCAPS
⁵^_/5

The keycaps equipped on the EPOMAKER EK98 are made of the quality PBT material with dye-sub processing to grant fade-free and long-lasting life without deteriorating.

The keycap set has a Cherry profile and a gently/minimal smooth texture that makes it very pleasant to the touch while also being slippery-free.

The dark fonts over cream-colored keycaps make them highly visible and easy to read on any lighting condition without straining the sight nor getting overwhelmed by some weird font design.

SWITCHES
^4.25^_/5

The keyboard comes preassembled with classic and new generation of mechanical switches from the brand and includes 3 different options to choose from:

• Epomaker Mulan
• Epomaker Peace Lily
• Epomaker Zebra

All 3 models are linear switches that we have reviewed in the past and showed very good performance and usability.

The specific model that we are reviewing came with Epomaker Zebra switches, which showed a very nice balance between accuracy, force and travel as to offer a wide coverage of tasks from gaming to work.

CON

CONNECTIVITY
^4.75^_/5

The EPOMAKER EK98 can be used wired or wirelessly by using the detachable USB-C cable design or choosing to connect the keyboard through a Bluetooth or 2.4G wireless connection.

The EK98 includes a dedicated dongle to use the keyboard in 2.4G wireless mode (you can find it hidden in a compartment under one the of kickstands.

On all tests, the keyboard paired quickly and reconnected without stutters – nor showed any missed inputs on either wired and wireless modes.

P&E

PERFORMANCE & USE

TYPING
⁵^_/5

The combined features of adjustable height, full-sized but compact, quality keycaps, switches and internal; made the EPOMAKER EK98 a highly enjoyable keyboard to use as a daily driver and main keyboard.

GAMING
^4.25^_/5

Many hardcore gamers love full-sized keyboards for their gaming sessions; we are not part of these users as we consider them a bit too large for FPS but MMORPG and RPG games can easily benefit from the extra keys.

Moreover, the EPOMAKER EK98 offers gaming-related specs such as:

• 1000Hz polling rate
• NKRO
• Wired and 2.4G wireless
• Hot swappable
• Superb switches, keycaps and stabs

PRODUCTIVITY
^4.75^_/5

By including the full F number row, numpad and extra keys such as navigation keys and a tri-mode connection design, the EPOMAKER EK98 can fulfill the needs of users looking to cover office work and productivity tasks.

TABLET/MOBILE
^4.25^_/5

Users with a mobile setup for on-the-go work might prefer smaller keyboards than the EK98, yet this model offers the usability of a full-sized keyboard but with a noticeably light-weighted nature that makes is even lighter than some TKL and 65% keyboards.

LIGHTING
^4.25^_/5

The south-facing RGB LEDs of the board present a bright and efficient backlighting that combines well with the cream/beige color of the keycaps and case to result in nice RGB effects.

Users can change and choose the RGB presets on-the-fly through shortcuts or having complete customization access through the PC software.

SOUND
⁵^_/5

Similar to what we experienced with the EPOMAKER TH80 PRO V2, the team was gladly surprised with the sound profile of the EPOMAKER EK98; exhibiting a remarkably premium thock-clack out of the box without any need of mods nor manual lubrication steps.

The sound quality of the EPOMAKER EK98 easily surpassed the sound of other much more expensive and premium keyboards and even from some metal keyboards like the EPOMAKER Tide75.

Moreover, the stabs came pristinely pre-lubed from factory showing perfect, non-mushy performance while not presenting traces of rattling nor any other issues – miles better factory lubing than some premium keyboards such as AKKO MU01 Mountain Seclusion, Akko MOD 007 PC 7th Anniversary, Akko MOD007B HE PC.

SOFTWARE
⁴^_/5

The EPOMAKER EK98 uses a new version of EPOMAKER software to customize the functions and settings of the unit.

From the PC software you will have access to most normal programming settings seen on modern keyboards, like macros, reprogramming, lighting design and patterns, polling rate.

The software include a nice feature in the lighting section where you can live preview the effects while also acting as a key tester.

BATTERY
^3.75^_/5

Despite the 98% layout, the EK98 carries inside a fairly average battery of 3000mAh.

On the other hand, the lack of a display screen or fancy strip lights can make the keyboard less power-hungry.

SEE PRICEAmazon

SEE PRICEALIEXPRESS

EPOMAKER EK98 Technical Specifications

Brand
EPOMAKER
Model
EK98
Layout
1800 layout, 98% Layout
Number of Keys
97
Case Material
Plastic
Plate Material
PC
Stabilizers
Pre-lubed Plate-mounted
Mounting Structure
Gasket Mount
Battery
3000mAh
RGB
South-facing RGB
Hot swappable
Yes
Anti-Ghosting
NKRO
PCB Thickness
1.6mm
Latency
8ms
Polling Rate
1000Hz(Type-C,2.4Ghz)/125Hz(Bluetooth)
Keycaps Profile
Cherry
Keycaps Material
Dye Sublimation
Keyboard Dimensions
381*144*40mm
Keyboard Weight
0.91kg
Front Height
22.4mm (including rubber feet)
Typing Angle
5 degrees
Inside the box
• Keyboard
• USB Cable
• User Manual
Keycap Puller

YOU WILL ALSO LIKE: Amazon Coupons & Deals

SELECTED FOR YOU: Aliexpress 11.11 Shopping Festival Coupons

RELATED TO THIS PAGE: Aliexpress Anniversary Sale Coupons and Deals

MORE: Cyber Monday Coupons and Discounts

See PriceAmazon See PriceAliexpress

Go to top

EPOMAKER EK98

SCORE

9.0/10

BUY NOW

EPOMAKER EK98 – Review

EPOMAKER EK98