In the world of mechanical keyboards, finding the perfect balance between price, performance, and features can be a challenge. Enter the Epomaker Galaxy100 — a budget-friendly, tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard that promises to deliver both value and functionality. But how does it stack up against the competition, and is it worth your hard-earned $110? In this review, we’ll dive into the unboxing, design, build quality, typing experience, and more, all while exploring whether this keyboard offers enough to make it a standout choice for those on a budget. Spoiler alert: there are some compromises, but also a lot to love. Let’s get into it!
This article is sponsored by Epomaker. They didn’t review or approve this article, and all thoughts are entirely my own. So, relax, and let’s explore the Epomaker Galaxy100 together!
Inside the Box
The Epomaker Galaxy100 comes with a straightforward package and includes:
- Galaxy100 Keyboard: Wrapped for protection.
- 2.4GHz Dongle: For wireless connectivity.
- Keycap Puller: To easily swap keycaps.
- Extra Switches: A couple of extras for customization.
- User Manual: Instructions for wired and wireless setup.
Design and Build
In terms of aesthetics, the Epomaker Galaxy100 is offered in two color options: gray and black with pink legends, which provide a pop of color without overwhelming the design. While I do like the color scheme, I can’t help but wonder why Epomaker didn’t incorporate the more vibrant blue shades from the Galaxy80, which seemed more striking. I got this into However, I do get it – while people say they want a numpad, there’s a noticeable gap in demand for TKL boards with numpads, which decides to keep the design simple and understandable.
One standout feature is the small, tactile knob positioned at the top of the keyboard, which lets you adjust the volume. It’s a small but satisfying addition that adds to the overall user experience, making it feel just a bit more refined despite its simplicity.
Build Quality
The Epomaker Galaxy100 has an aluminum body, which is a big plus for a budget keyboard in this price range. Aluminum provides a solid, premium feel, but when compared to other higher-end boards, it’s clear that this one could benefit from a bit more attention to detail. For example, the top housing can be a bit “pingy,” almost like a tuning fork, which is common in cheaper keyboards but can be noticeable when typing if you’re paying attention to it. This issue is mitigated somewhat by the gasket mount design, which we’ll talk more about later.
The keyboard is relatively heavy, which is great if you plan to leave it stationary on your desk, but not ideal if you’re someone who travels with their keyboard frequently. It’s certainly not built for portability, and it’s best suited to those who work primarily at their desk or setup.
Despite being TKL, the Epomaker Galaxy100 does feel longer than your typical 75% layout, which might seem strange at first, but the inclusion of a numpad brings added functionality for those who need it. That said, if you’re someone who has experience with smaller layouts, like a 60% or 75% board, the presence of a numpad can feel a bit excessive. Still, it’s a good choice for users who regularly need that extra number row.
Typing Feel and Comfort
The typing experience on the Epomaker Galaxy100 is quite good, with the keyboard’s flex and cushioning coming from its gasket mount design. This type of mount allows the keyboard to feel softer and more “pillowy” when typing, giving it a slightly more premium feel despite the lower price. The flexing action you might notice in the housing is part of the design, allowing for a comfortable typing experience without sacrificing too much stability.
However, for users who are new to gasket mounts, it’s important to note that the flex might feel more pronounced visually than it is in practice. The board feels fairly stable when typing, but the flexing design does contribute to the unique typing feel that some users enjoy.
The keycaps on this board are of the MDA profile, which is a flat, scooped design that takes some getting used to. Some may find them a bit too shallow, while others might appreciate their minimalism. It’s a matter of preference—if you’re accustomed to higher, more sculpted keycaps, it may take some time to adjust. I prefer these MDA keycaps to the taller alternatives, but it’s important to note that they won’t be for everyone.
Modding and Customization
If you’re the type of person who loves to mod your keyboard, the Epomaker Galaxy100 offers a lot of potential for customization. The board is hot-swappable, meaning you can easily swap out switches with any Cherry-style switch without needing to solder. This is great for users who want to fine-tune the board’s feel, and it allows for plenty of experimenting with different switches.
Additionally, the keyboard uses foam, which helps to dampen sound and reduce that annoying “ping” you can sometimes get from the aluminum case. If you’re looking to mod the sound profile further, it’s easy to disassemble the board and make adjustments, though it does require a few screws. While it might not be as easy as magnet-mounted boards, it’s still relatively straightforward for anyone with basic DIY skills.
Fekker Switches
If you’re new to the mechanical keyboard scene, Fekker switches might be unfamiliar to you, but these are a great budget option. They’re linear, meaning they offer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with no tactile bump or audible click. For those who like a clean, uninterrupted stroke when typing or gaming, this is an excellent choice.
My personal experience with the Fekker switches has been overwhelmingly positive. The keypress feels buttery smooth—nothing scratchy or overly stiff. There’s almost no friction when pressing down, which makes typing feel effortless, and that smoothness is something I deeply appreciate after trying other switches that just don’t feel as refined. It’s like the difference between gliding on a clean surface vs. dragging your hand over sandpaper. These switches feel like gliding.
The sound profile is subtle but satisfying. If you’re the type of person who enjoys a soft but pleasant thock when typing, these Fekker switches deliver. They aren’t as deep as some high-end switches, but they’re still very pleasant to listen to, especially for a budget option. It’s the kind of sound that keeps you from becoming annoyed with long typing sessions but isn’t so loud that it would disrupt your environment or be bothersome during gaming.
Battery and Connectivity
The Epomaker Galaxy 100’s battery life is really impressive for a keyboard in this price range, especially considering its wireless capabilities.
Wireless Connectivity Options
The Epomaker Galaxy100 offers two primary wireless modes: Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless. Both modes are handy for those who want to ditch the cable and have a cleaner, more flexible desk setup. I tested both modes extensively, and here’s what I found.
- Bluetooth Mode: Using Bluetooth is quite convenient. I tested it across a couple of devices, and the pairing was easy—just a simple key press and your device connects without a hitch. Battery life in Bluetooth mode is surprisingly good, lasting up to 30 hours with moderate use, though this can vary depending on things like RGB settings and key usage. If you plan to use it as a daily driver, expect to charge it every couple of days, especially with the RGB lighting turned on.
- 2.4 GHz Mode: The 2.4 GHz wireless connection is more responsive, which is ideal for gaming or fast-paced tasks. It does consume a bit more power than Bluetooth, but the difference isn’t huge. Expect to get around 25–28 hours of battery life, again depending on how bright you have your RGB lights and your typing intensity. The response time in this mode feels snappy and perfect for gaming, but it does mean you’ll need to charge it a bit more often if you’re using it wirelessly.
Charging Time
Now, one of the most impressive things about the battery life of the Epomaker Galaxy 100 is the charging speed. The USB-C charging port ensures a quick recharge, and in my testing, I found it took about 2–3 hours to fully charge from zero to 100%, which is pretty decent for a keyboard of this size and feature set.
If you’re in a pinch and the keyboard is out of juice, you can always plug it in and keep using it while it charges. The wireless mode still works while charging via USB-C, which is a huge plus if you don’t want to stop typing or gaming.
RGB Battery Life
One thing to keep in mind is that the RGB lighting plays a role in how long the battery lasts. The lighting is bright and vibrant, especially on the black version with the pink legends, and it’s one of the keyboard’s standout features. However, if you’re using the RGB at full brightness, you’ll see a noticeable reduction in battery life. Turning the lighting down or off can extend the keyboard’s usage time, particularly when using it in Bluetooth mode.
VIA Epomaker
One of the standout features of the Epomaker Galaxy 100 is its compatibility with VIA software. For those who are new to custom keyboards, VIA is a powerful, user-friendly software that allows you to easily remap keys, create custom macros, and adjust various settings on your keyboard—without needing to dive into complex firmware or programming.
Easy Setup and Use
Setting up VIA with the Epomaker Galaxy100 was a breeze. After plugging the keyboard in, I was able to open up the VIA software and immediately start adjusting my key assignments. VIA is known for being straightforward, and this experience was no different. The interface is intuitive, and everything you need is right at your fingertips.
RGB Customization
Another fun feature of VIA is the ability to control RGB lighting on your keyboard. The Epomaker Galaxy 100 has stunning RGB effects, and VIA lets you fine-tune these to your heart’s content. You can change colors, adjust brightness, and select different effects like wave patterns or reactive lighting. It’s not just for show—it adds an extra layer of customization to your setup.
However, I do recommend playing around with the RGB settings if you’re aiming for the longest battery life. Full RGB brightness can drain the battery quickly, so adjusting to a more subtle setting can significantly extend your wireless usage time.
Verdict
After thoroughly testing the Epomaker Galaxy 100, I can confidently say that it’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly TKL keyboard with a Numpad. Priced at $110, it offers great value for money and punches above its weight, especially considering its performance and modding potential. The build quality is good, with a sturdy aluminum frame, and although the unboxing experience and accessories are bare-bones, the keyboard itself performs well.
Typing on it is a pleasant experience, with smooth switches and a gasket mount that provides a soft, pillowy feel, though the pinging sound can be a concern for some users. Thankfully, foam dampening helps mitigate this, and modding the keyboard is relatively straightforward if you’re into customizations. The addition of VIA software further enhances its appeal, offering customization for keymaps, macros, and even RGB effects.
However, the keycap profile and switch options may not be for everyone, especially if you prefer something more tactile or higher-profile. That said, the Fekker switches in my unit are a highlight, providing an incredibly smooth typing experience. The keyboard is hot-swappable, making it easy to swap out switches for something more suited to your preferences.
In conclusion, if you’re after a keyboard with a numpad, solid customization options, and an entry-level modding platform, the Epomaker Galaxy 100 is worth considering. While it’s not perfect and compromises in areas like design and premium features, its affordability, typing feel, and software compatibility make it a great option for anyone on a budget or looking to explore the custom keyboard world without breaking the bank. If you’re in the market for a reliable TKL with a Numpad, it’s tough to beat the Galaxy 100 at this price point.
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