Hey number pad lovers, this is a keyboard we can finally agree on
The Verge
β’2026-07-04T10:00:00-04:00
π° What Happened
The Verge reviewed the Epomaker RT98, a retro-styled mechanical keyboard with a unique modular numpad that can be positioned on either the left or right side of the keyboard. The reviewer, Antonio G. Di Benedetto, praises the keyboard for solving the long-standing debate between number pad enthusiasts and those who prefer a more compact layout. The RT98 allows users to customise not just keycaps and switches but the physical layout itself, making it a standout in the increasingly crowded mechanical keyboard market.
π The Backstory
The mechanical keyboard hobby has exploded in popularity over the past decade, evolving from a niche enthusiast community to a mainstream market. One persistent debate within the community is the numpad β full-size keyboard users love having a dedicated number pad for data entry, while compact keyboard fans argue for the ergonomic benefits of a smaller footprint (tenkeyless or 75% layouts). The Epomaker RT98's swappable numpad module offers a compromise that appeals to both camps. Epomaker is a Chinese keyboard brand that has become popular in the enthusiast community for offering innovative designs at competitive prices.
π― Why It Matters
The Epomaker RT98 represents an innovative solution to a long-running ergonomic design debate in the mechanical keyboard community, showing how modular design can bridge the gap between competing user preferences.
The Verge reviewed the Epomaker RT98, a retro-styled mechanical keyboard with a unique modular numpad that can be positioned on either the left or right side of the keyboard. The reviewer, Antonio G. Di Benedetto, praises the keyboard for solving the long-standing debate between number pad enthusiasts and those who prefer a more compact layout. The RT98 allows users to customise not just keycaps and switches but the physical layout itself, making it a standout in the increasingly crowded mechanical keyboard market.
The mechanical keyboard hobby has exploded in popularity over the past decade, evolving from a niche enthusiast community to a mainstream market. One persistent debate within the community is the numpad β full-size keyboard users love having a dedicated number pad for data entry, while compact keyboard fans argue for the ergonomic benefits of a smaller footprint (tenkeyless or 75% layouts). The Epomaker RT98's swappable numpad module offers a compromise that appeals to both camps. Epomaker is a Chinese keyboard brand that has become popular in the enthusiast community for offering innovative designs at competitive prices.
The Epomaker RT98 represents an innovative solution to a long-running ergonomic design debate in the mechanical keyboard community, showing how modular design can bridge the gap between competing user preferences.