Epomaker just released the RT98, a wireless keyboard with an unusual trick: you can unscrew the number pad section and move it from the right side of the board to the left, or leave it off entirely. There's also a decorative screen that looks like an old computer monitor sitting on top. The Verge published a full review on July 4, 2026, and it's the best source for details.

The keyboard costs $119. When you order it, you pick whether you want the number pad on the left or right. If you change your mind later, you just unscrew the number pad and move it. The standard switches—the parts under each key that register your presses—are Creamy Jade or Sea Salt Silent V2, both smooth and quiet. You can swap out switches yourself without tools or special skills. The keyboard runs on an 8,000 mAh battery that lasts a few weeks between charges, and it connects wirelessly to your computer. It comes with nice keycaps that won't get shiny and worn out quickly, and you can reprogram keys without any coding knowledge.

How It's Built

The body is made of sturdy plastic. Underneath, Epomaker used a "gasket mount" system with soft foam layers between the circuit board and the case. Think of it like putting your keyboard on a cushion—it makes typing feel softer and quieter, which is what keyboard enthusiasts expect at this price point. The plastic plate that holds the switches is rigid, which makes the board feel less flexible than fancier keyboards with aluminum bottoms, but that's standard for a $119 board.

The Sea Salt Silent switches are smooth and very quiet when you type on the letters. However, the reviewer spotted a problem: the larger keys—spacebar, shift, backspace—were louder than the letter keys because they use different mounting hardware. That defeats the "silent" promise a little bit. This is a common issue at this price, and either the maker fixes it from the factory or you have to do it yourself by adding special lubricants.

The decorative screen on top is styled to look like an old computer monitor. It doesn't do anything—it's just there because keyboard fans like how it looks on their desks.

How It Compares and Who It's For

The RT98 came from a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. At $119, there are other good keyboards at the same price, so it has plenty of competition.

The Verge's reviewer said the Dry Studio ATM 98 is a better choice if you care most about how it sounds and the quality of the keycaps. That keyboard sounds nicer and feels more polished, even though it costs the same.

Where the RT98 really shines is that moveable number pad. Left-handed people, or right-handed people who don't want the number pad in their way when using a mouse, usually have to make an uncomfortable choice: buy an extra-large keyboard and waste desk space, skip the number pad altogether, or buy a separate one. The RT98 lets you move it around in one compact unit. It's a simple answer to a problem that keyboard makers have mostly ignored.

Epomaker clearly designed this to actually type well, not just be a novelty with a fun gimmick. It doesn't sound quite as good as the Dry Studio, but it's well-made for the price. You get a one-year warranty and can return it free within 30 days, which is fair for a crowdfunded product. The keyboard also comes in a Retro White color.

The retro screen is just decoration—whether you like how it looks is up to you. The real reason to consider this keyboard is that moving number pad, which solves an actual problem that some people deal with every day.