Although you can use the Epomaker Galaxy 100 with a laptop, it’s probably more of a desktop keyboard … [+]
Low-profile keyboards with membrane switches look nice in the waiting area of a fancy ad agency, but can they stand up to the punishment of data entry in a call center or millions of words typed by a journalist? Maybe not. If you want a keyboard that can withstand the rigors of life in a busy office, then a mechanical keyboard with a choice of keys and a full numpad for entering figures into a spreadsheet or database is essential.
I’ve tested a lot of mechanical keyboards and I’m a big fan. However, a keyboard recently appeared on my desk for testing that struck me as one of the most solid and well-built I’ve seen in a while.
The Epomaker Galaxy 100 keyboard is built like a tank and offers an exceptional typing experience. It’s one of the heaviest keyboards I’ve used and feels pretty solid, although there’s a bit of flex on the right side if you press hard. Weighing in at 2kg and finished in a durable powder-coated aluminum case, this keyboard has a real premium feel and solid look.
The Epomaker Galaxy 100 is available in gray or black with Feker White Marble switches which are … [+]
Like many mechanical keyboards, the Galaxy 100 has positive tactile feedback with sound dampened by five separate layers of sound-insulating materials that produce a very satisfying rumble. It is a keyboard that is extremely comfortable to type on and with high precision thanks to the perfect pitch between the keycaps, reducing the risk of fatigue while typing. If you like using mechanical keyboards, the Epomaker Galaxy100 will likely appeal.
The Epomaker Galaxy 100 display is 1800 ANSI US with a full numpad and volume rocker. It’s a little smaller than a full-sized keyboard, but only just. The keyboard uses QMK/VIA firmware which enables keys to be remapped and assigned macros through customizable layers. The Galaxy100 is ideal for anyone who wants to customize their keyboard using VIA software or by visiting the VIA website with an HID-compliant browser such as Chrome or Brave.
All switches on the Epomaker Galaxy 100 are fully interchangeable and compatible with 3- and 5-pin mechanical switches. Epomaker offers a choice of soft-sounding Feker Marble White or Wisteria linear switches. You can, of course, specify your choice of switches and there are many on offer through the Epomaker website. The switches offer different actuation forces, travel distances and almost any kind of sound you want.
The new Epomaker Galaxy 100 is available for pre-order and comes with key and keyboard puller, … [+]
The keys on the keyboard are all pre-lubricated at the factory for a smooth typing feel. With the broken keyboard structure, the typing sound is soft and very satisfying. Each switch has south-facing RGB backlights, powered by a large 8,000mAh battery, which is double the size found in most mechanical keyboards and thus offers longer use between battery charges.
One small issue I ran into was when using the Galaxy 100 via Bluetooth. With my Mac mini M2 PRO, I found that the keyboard would wake my Mac seconds after it had been put to sleep. I tried several solutions, but Epomaker says it is investigating and will release a firmware update if necessary. Incidentally, there were no sleep issues when connected via USB or 2.4GHz. I’ve experienced this problem with other keyboard brands, including Apple, so it appears to be a bug in the Bluetooth stack in some keyboard drivers.
Whether you use Windows, macOS, Android or iOS, the Epomaker Galaxy 100 will work with them all, and with a choice of USB, Bluetooth or 2.4GHz RF wireless connectivity, there are plenty of options. Epomaker also includes editing keyboards in the box for Windows and macOS layouts.
Verdict: The Epomaker Galaxy 100 is a superbly manufactured, solid and heavy duty keyboard, it would be ideal for heavy duty industrial use. It’s a joy to type and so easy for touch typists thanks to the perfect voice. This is a solid keyboard with a divine typing sound and a feel that is pure luxury. One small complaint I have is that the volume rocker is a little too close to the PRTSC key, but other than that, this keyboard is pretty much perfect. If you want the ultimate work keyboard, check out the Epomaker Galaxy 100.
Price and availability: The Epomaker Galaxy 100 Mechanical Keyboard is available now and priced at $104.99 from the Epomaker website.
Technical characteristics:
- Appearance: 1800 ANSI US.
- Number of keys: 101 keys and 1 key.
- Battery: 8000 mAh.
- Connection: Wired, 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth 5.0.
- Compatibility: Mac / WIN / Android (Not compatible with PS4/5/Switch).
- Dimensions: 405 x 138 x 32.3 mm
- Weight: 2 kg
- Front height: 195 mm.
- Writing angle: 7 degrees.
- Case material: Powder coated CNC aluminum alloy.
- Plate material: PP.
- Stabilizers: Plate-Mount (not compatible with screws).
- Mounting structure: Gasket-mount.
- PCB thickness: 1.2 mm.
- Sound attenuation: poron sandwich, IXPE key, PET sound enhancement, EMDP key plug, PET.
- Keycap Profile: MDA (Black), Cherry (White).
- Keycaps Material: PBT with double and sub-coloring.
- Hot swappable: 3/5-pin mechanical switch.
- Lighting: RGB facing south.
- Polling rate: 1000 Hz (USB, 2.4 Ghz), 125 Hz (Bluetooth 5.0).
- Latency: 2.81ms (USB), 4.72ms (2.4Ghz wireless), 15ms (Bluetooth 5.0).
- Anti-ghosting: N key rotation.
