Epomaker RT98 Puts the Numpad Anywhere You Want It — and That Changes Everything

For decades, keyboard buyers have faced a binary choice: embrace the full-sized layout with its number pad anchored on the right, or go tenkeyless and sacrifice numerical input for desk space. The Epomaker RT98 challenges that assumption with a modular design that lets users physically relocate the numpad to whichever side suits them — a deceptively simple idea that no mainstream manufacturer has seriously pursued at this price range. It's the kind of solution that makes you wonder why it took this long to arrive.

The RT98 comes loaded with features that punch above its price bracket. Beyond the swappable numpad, the board sports a retro aesthetic with a CRT-inspired display screen that gives it a distinctive character on any desk. It uses mechanical switches for tactile, satisfying keystrokes, and supports VIA compatibility — a widely respected open-source keyboard configuration tool — allowing advanced users to remap keys and tweak firmware without touching a line of code.

Epomaker has been steadily building a reputation in the enthusiast mechanical keyboard community as a manufacturer willing to experiment. The company occupies that interesting middle ground between mass-market brands and boutique custom keyboard makers, targeting buyers who want quality and customization without spending hundreds of dollars. The RT98 fits squarely into that strategy, offering genuine innovation at an accessible price rather than simply copying established designs.

The left-hand numpad placement is particularly significant for right-handed mouse users. Traditional keyboards force the mouse far to the right when a numpad is present, creating ergonomic strain over long sessions. Moving the numpad left keeps the mouse closer to center, a setup that professional data-entry workers and spreadsheet-heavy users will immediately appreciate. This single feature alone could make the RT98 a serious productivity tool, not just a hobbyist curiosity.

That said, no keyboard is without tradeoffs, and the RT98 is no exception. Reviewers have noted the board carries some quirks typical of mid-range mechanical keyboards — whether in stabilizer tuning, software reliability, or build consistency. Buyers should go in with realistic expectations rather than assuming modular innovation equals perfection across the board. Still, for the flexibility it offers, the RT98 represents a genuinely fresh approach to a product category that has seen surprisingly little structural innovation in years.