When it comes to keyboards, there are two main things to keep in mind: form and function. Both of those can vary widely across keyboards, but the Epomaker RT 98 does a great job of finding the balance.

Between the retro design and the keyboard’s modular, low-latency nature, the RT 98 does a great job of incorporating the past into the modern day. It comes with the keyboard itself, a braided USB-C cable (thank you), a 2.4 G adapter, the Mini TV display, keys to swap between Apple and Windows (with the tool to change them), an allen key, and a couple of extra switches.

Epomaker RT 98 Specs

• Modular Design
• Hot-Swappable Switches
• N-Key Rollover
• Low Latency
• Gasket Mount
• Layer Dampening
• Triple Modes
• 8000mAh Battery

Epomaker RT 98 Review

Most keyboards are designed with a specific function in mind. You’ve got keyboards for gaming, keyboards that focus on ergonomics and even some keyboards that are literally split down the middle. However, the Epomaker RT 98 doesn’t feel like it was designed to be good at just one thing; it’s a jack-of-all-trades.

The RT 98 is a 98% mechanical keyboard, so it’s got every key that you need without taking up the desk space. It’s by no means a small keyboard, but it’s far from a burden. It comfortably accommodates everything else you need on your desk without getting in the way, but your hands don’t feel like they’ll cramp after a long gaming or writing session.

A keyboard like this needs to be assessed in both of the two main areas: Form and Function. They’re both valuable for a modern-day desk because, when you care about how your whole desk looks, the keyboard can’t just be a peripheral taking up space. It has to either look like it belongs or stand out just enough to be eye-catching. But, there’s no point having a piece of tech look so good if it doesn’t do what you need it to.

Function

With so many keyboards on the market, it can be tough to stand out among the crowd. Fortunately, the RT 98 has a couple of features that help it do just that. First of all, the battery life is something you’ll almost never need to think about. The 8000 mAh battery keeps it running for over 300 hours of continuous typing, and it can remain on for around 45 days without being plugged back in.

The keys themselves are probably the most important part of any keyboard, and the Epomaker RT98 knocks them out of the park. The click is the perfect balance of soft, creamy keystrokes and the satisfying sound that many people seek. The keys have exceptionally low latency regardless of the keyboard being connected via wireless or USB-C. The only issue is that the keys can be a bit sensitive, so resting your thumbs on the spacebar or gliding from one key to another may trigger accidental inputs until you get used to it.

The magnetic “Mini TV” might look like a bit of a gimmick at first, but it actually has a lot of functionality. It sits right above the backspace key and can be used to read stats about the keyboard, but it can also be used for personalization. It can read out the time, date and weather in real time, but can also be used to monitor your CPU and RAM usage. If you don’t need any of that, you can just download a couple of GIFs to keep your workspace lively. The software for doing so can be a bit finicky on some devices or browsers, and it seems like the RT98 has to be connected via USB-C for the software to interface with it.

Form

Design-wise, the RT 98 is great for retro enthusiasts who love the look of an old-fashioned keyboard but also want modern functionality. That functionality is built into the very DNA of the keyboard, from the modular number pad that can be swapped to the other side to the triple-mode connectivity. You can connect via 2.4 G wireless, Bluetooth 5.1 or the braided USB-C cable that comes in the box.

Everything about the keyboard is comfortable, too. Not only are the keycaps a joy to press, but the adjustable stands on the back accommodate a wide range of wrist positions. The rubber feet are also exceptional for keeping it in place, no matter what you’re doing.

A bit of a cross between form and function is the modular design. You can swap the number pad to wherever it’s most useful or comfortable. This is great if you prefer to use the number pad with your left hand, or even just if you prefer the look of it the other way around. However, it’s not a simple “lift and drop” to swap the number pad as it appears on the website. You have to unscrew eight screws, crack off the casing, remove and swap the ribbon cable and then reseat and rescrew the keyboard back together. The whole process feels like you’re voiding your warranty.

Overall, the Epomaker RT98 is a great keyboard for most people. Gamers can use it without worrying about latency issues, writers can use it for the pleasing sound of the keys and functionality of the Mini TV and retro enthusiasts can appreciate the aesthetics. Just be sure to take your time swapping the number pad; you don’t want to split a ribbon cable.