The Epomaker RT98 is a mechanical keyboard priced at $119 that includes a detachable number pad capable of being positioned on either side of the main layout. It features a retro aesthetic with a CRT‑style screen that can display date, time, connection status, or looping images. The board uses a solid PCB and polycarbonate switch plate without flex cuts, which contributes to a firm typing feel. Available switch options include Creamy Jade linear switches and Sea Salt Silent V2 linear switches, the latter offering quiet operation but louder plate‑mounted stabilizers on the space bar, enter, shift, and backspace keys.

The number pad can be moved by removing the bottom screws, detaching the top cases, swapping the internal assembly, and reattaching the components. The process requires unplugging the detachable screen for its pogo pin connector and repositioning the numpad ribbon cable. While instructions are not included in the package, a manufacturer video tutorial guides the change, which can be completed in about 30 minutes.

Reviewers note that the keyboard’s plastic construction feels less robust than aluminum alternatives, and the printed legends on the keycaps appear low‑quality. However, the tactile experience with the Creamy Jade switches is described as crisp and pleasant, with a richer, darker acoustic profile than comparable Aula models.

The RT98’s price places it near the lower end of mid‑range keyboards that use aluminum cases. It costs $40‑$60 more than entry‑level models without a modular pad and $10 less than the Wobkey Rainy75, which includes higher‑quality keycaps. Potential buyers must weigh the added customization of the movable numpad against the modest price premium and the plastic build.

The modular design offers flexibility for users who want a north‑handed or south‑handed layout without purchasing a separate peripheral. While the screen adds a novelty element, it remains limited to pre‑loaded GIFs and basic status information, and no third‑party accessory ecosystem has been confirmed.

Whether the RT98 will become a mainstream option remains to be seen, as its success will depend on future accessory support and continued consumer interest in modular layouts.