Design and Concept: Modularity Beyond Switch Swaps
Most modular mechanical keyboards stop at hot-swappable switches and RGB, but the Epomaker RT98 pushes the idea further with a detachable layout. Instead of locking you into a fixed full-size or 75% design, the RT98 uses a 98% form factor with a modular numeric keypad that can be shifted or removed entirely. The chassis comes in three main pieces held together by screws, letting you reconfigure the case while keeping a standard 104-key style spread and a spacious, uncluttered feel. Visually, it leans into a retro-inspired aesthetic with off-white and cream dye-sublimated PBT keycaps and a detachable 1.14-inch ‘mini TV’ smart display that resembles a tiny CRT. Compared with traditional custom keyboard setups, this approach means you can adapt the board to different desks and workflows without buying separate layouts, making the RT98 a genuinely modular mechanical keyboard rather than just a hot swap keyboard.
Build Quality, Typing Feel, and Everyday Comfort
Despite using an ABS case instead of a metal shell, the Epomaker RT98 feels sturdy in daily use, with no obvious flex or wobble. The double-shot PBT keycaps resist shine and lend a pleasantly textured surface, a step up from many budget boards that still use thinner ABS caps. Under the hood, a gasket-style mounting structure and internal damping layers give keystrokes a slightly cushioned, muted character, reducing case ping and cavity resonance. The stock light blue linear switches are proprietary but consistent in feel and sound, making fast, quiet typing and late-night gaming comfortable in shared spaces. Two-stage kickstands offer flexible typing angles without feeling flimsy. Compared with popular wired customs like the Keychron V1, which also leans on PBT caps and a solid frame, the RT98 holds its own for both work and gaming, offering a calmer, softer sound profile that suits mixed environments.
Tri-Mode Wireless and Battery Life for Work and Play
The RT98’s tri-mode connectivity makes it especially practical if you bounce between devices or use one board for both office work and gaming. You get wired USB-C, Bluetooth, and a 2.4 GHz wireless option, with a dedicated housing in the case to store the dongle so it does not go missing when you move the board around. A physical toggle near the I/O lets you switch between modes quickly, handy if you keep a gaming PC on 2.4 GHz and a laptop or tablet on Bluetooth. The 8000mAh battery, combined with south-facing per-key RGB, is designed for long untethered sessions, though heavy RGB use will inevitably shorten runtime. For latency-sensitive gaming, 2.4 GHz and wired modes are the sensible choices, while Bluetooth remains convenient for casual use on phones, tablets, or secondary machines, giving this tri mode wireless keyboard genuine flexibility in a single setup.
Layout Modules, Customization, and RGB Controls
Where the RT98 really differentiates itself from typical custom keyboard setups is in its modular layout and detachable smart display module. The numeric keypad can be shifted and the mini TV display pops out, letting you personalize both the footprint and visual character of your desk. Underneath, a hot-swappable PCB supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches, so you can drop in popular aftermarket linears, tactiles, or clickies without soldering, transforming the board from a quiet office companion into a more expressive gaming deck. South-facing per-key RGB lighting supports detailed effects, and VIA compatibility means you can remap keys, layer macros, and tune lighting without proprietary bloatware. Onboard controls cover basic lighting modes if you prefer staying software-free. In practice, that combination—modular case pieces, hot swap sockets, and VIA—makes the RT98 one of the more versatile options for users who like to tinker gradually instead of building a full custom from scratch.
Value, Ideal Users, and Recommended Tweaks
Positioned as a feature-rich board, the Epomaker RT98 targets users who want custom-style flexibility without diving into a full DIY build. It sits in a different lane than wired-only value options like the Keychron V1, which focuses on hot-swap and VIA but lacks tri-mode wireless or a modular numpad. First-time buyers will appreciate that the RT98 works across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS out of the box, while seasoned enthusiasts may see it as an experiment-friendly platform thanks to its hot swap keyboard design and modular layout. To get the most out of it, lubing the stabilizers, adding or tuning the internal foam, and fine-tuning layouts and lighting in VIA are strongly recommended. If you value a single keyboard that can morph between productivity and gaming roles with minimal fuss, the RT98’s blend of modularity and wireless convenience is compelling, even against strong competitors.