Review- The large full-size keyboard on my workstation is a bit overkill: I rarely use the numeric keypad, and I can definitely use the space on the right to get more mouse space. I am very happy to be able to view the Epomaker SK21 numeric keypad and use a smaller daily keyboard. Overall, I am very satisfied with it. It has features and functions that go beyond simple keypad replacements. However, I did encounter software issues and incompatibility issues with most docking stations and USB hubs. Depending on the purpose for which you want to use a separate keypad, this may be the right device for you.
What is it?
The Epomaker SK21 numeric keyboard is an independent, customizable backlit mechanical keyed numeric keyboard. It is a wired unit with a USB-C to A connector. The device I was sent for review was a black and red keyed model with an optical brown switch, although it has a variety of switches to choose from, so if you like click or mute keys, you can choose.
What’s in the box?
- SK21 numeric keypad
- USB cable
- manual
- Keycap puller
- Switch puller
Hardware specifications
- Number of keys: 21
- Switch options: Chocolate optical brown/blue/red/silver or Gateron optical black/brown/blue/red
- Keycap type: PBT transparent
- Cable type: USB-C detachable
- Control unit: 32 bits, 8 MB onboard flash memory
- Lighting: 16.8 million colors per key, downloadable effect library
Design and features
The Epomaker SK21 numeric keypad is a fairly standard numeric keypad layout, except for the extra row of keys at the top which I am not used to. As you can see in the image above, when the backlight is off and there is a bright light, it may be difficult to read some keys. This is not a problem during regular use, but if you do have bright lights at the wrong angle and not using the backlight, it can be a bit annoying.
The structure is a high-strength plastic shell. As you can see above, the angle between the keys and them is very small, and even different rows have different angles. I find this layout is easy to use in multiple locations.
The back of the device is the USB-C connector.
All buttons have RGB lighting effects, which can be customized in the software. The primary key function is very obvious, but the secondary function is difficult/impossible to see under certain lighting conditions.
The horizontal swing of all the keys, including the double size, is very small, and the quality feels good.
Installation and setup
Installation of the Epomaker SK21 numeric keyboard is as simple as plugging it into an available USB port. This is where I encountered the first problem. I work and play on laptops. These laptops have far fewer USB ports than desktop computers, so I rely heavily on hubs and docking stations. The device can only run on 3 of the 6 USB hubs and docking stations I have tested. I can’t find a specific model to explain why some are valid and some are not (all are USB-C/non-Thunderbolt, the number and type of ports vary).
If you want to switch keycaps and/or actual key switches, the process is very simple. The attached keycap slides over the top and bottom of the keycap, and you can pull it out directly. The attached switch is compatible with all the keycaps around me.
The pull-out switch itself is similar, except that the small tabs must be pressed to separate them properly.
The software is available for Windows and Mac computers (tested on Windows 10). As you can see in the above screen, there are plenty of customization options. You can change the color of each key, apply color schemes including animations, create your own lighting effects, apply different lights to different keyboard “layers”, and completely customize each key on each layer Function (so you can assign multiple functions to each key). I immediately set up a second layer with hotkeys for OBS game streaming/recording software, which is very convenient for quickly switching cameras and other workflows. Although the device is designed and sold for gamers, it is also a way for professionals to create a macro-rich multifunctional keyboard for programs such as Adobe and Microsoft Office (or any other program that can frequently use hotkeys) The cost is quite low. Combine this with custom keycaps and the possibilities are almost limitless!
This is an example of changing the RGB light settings. I appreciate the wealth of customization options, but the software is a bit overwhelming at first (I make a living from complex software). This is one of the programs that may require reading the manual to successfully customize things the way you want. Once you have mastered it, you can create macros or layers to perform any operation.
Performance
Once I connected the Epomaker SK21 numeric keyboard to the hub or docking station I used with it, it performed well. I am very satisfied with the performance, feel and customization. I like to be able to place it above my regular keyboard or to the right of my mouse, and even remove it when I don’t need it. If you are left-handed, this is also an excellent 10-key digital input device, allowing you to more easily use your dominant hand for digital input.
what do I like
- Robust construction
- Versatile and customized options
What will i change
- Not compatible with many USB hubs and docking stations
- Wireless/Bluetooth
Final thoughts
I don’t think I will go back to a full-size keyboard that includes a numeric keypad again. After using the Epomaker SK21 numeric keypad for a few weeks, I prefer the flexibility and customizability of key/switch/function/macro placement. Combined with a solid build quality that seems to last a long time, this product feels like a winner (except for strange incompatibility with some USB hubs). Maybe Epomaker will solve this problem in future software/firmware updates, if so, I will definitely pay attention and update my review!
Price: 39.99 USD
Where to buy: Epomaker and Amazon
source: The sample for this review is made by Epomaker
