Epomaker RT98 vs Vortex Tab 90M
The Epomaker RT98 and the Vortex Tab 90M are close alternatives. The main differences: the Epomaker RT98 is the cheaper of the two at $139 versus $159; the Epomaker RT98 is hot-swap while the Vortex Tab 90M is soldered; the Epomaker RT98 runs wireless where the Vortex Tab 90M is wired-only.
- Lower priceEpomaker RT98$139 versus $159
- Easier to modEpomaker RT98hot-swap sockets and QMK/VIA
- More ways to connectEpomaker RT983 connection modes versus 1
Choose the Epomaker RT98 if
- you mainly want it for office.
- you mainly want it for programming.
- you want to spend less ($139).
- you want to swap switches without soldering.
Choose the Vortex Tab 90M if
- you mainly want it for enthusiast.
Epomaker RT98 vs Vortex Tab 90M, spec by spec
| Epomaker RT98 | Vortex Tab 90M | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 96% | 96% |
| Height | Standard | Standard |
| Connectivity | Wired, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz (stronger spec) | Wired |
| Hot-swap | Yes (stronger spec) | No |
| Keycaps | n/a | VSA-profile dye-sublimated PBT keycaps (ANSI) or DSA dye-sub (ISO) |
| Case | n/a | aluminum |
| Mount | Gasket | n/a |
| Backlight | RGB | White / none |
| QMK / VIA | Yes (stronger spec) | No |
| Battery | n/a | n/a |
| Typical price | $139 (stronger spec) | $159 |
| Sound (stock) | n/a | Varies by Cherry MX switch choice; the aluminum case adds a denser, slightly higher-pitched tone. |
| Released | 2023 | n/a |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.
Where they sit among all 509 boards we track
55% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Epomaker RT98; 64% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Vortex Tab 90M.
Where to buy the Epomaker RT98
No verified retailer link right now. Check the maker or your usual keyboard retailers.
Where to buy the Vortex Tab 90M
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