EPOMAKER Galaxy 100 Lite Review: Exceptionally Smooth Typ…

I have been finding it hard to transition to mechanical keyboards despite having used a couple of good keyboards, such as the Womier SK80 Pro. Despite major improvements in modern mechanical keyboards, many still lack the consistent acoustic profile that trul…

I have been finding it hard to transition to mechanical keyboards despite having used a couple of good keyboards, such as the Womier SK80 Pro. Despite major improvements in modern mechanical keyboards, many still lack the consistent acoustic profile that truly inspires awe. It's not that there aren't such mechanical keyboards in the market, but you will often find them at a price tag that competes with magnetic keyboards.

As far as the keyboard vendors are concerned, there are plenty that are currently competing with major brands, offering a wide variety of keyboards in various flavors. If you have ever heard of the brand called EPOMAKER, you might be aware of its peripheral inventory, which includes plenty of mechanical keyboards in varoius form factors. Today, we are testing one of the recently launched Galaxy 100 Lite, a 96% form-factor keyboard that appears pretty appealing from its design.

In this review, we take a close look at its design, core features, customizability, connectivity, and overall value at its nearly $100 price point. The keyboard box comes with regular foam packaging, including the keyboard and the accessories inside a small box. In the accessories box, you will find a long, well-braided cable that has an attached 2.4 GHz USB adapter. Then there are two additional switches, three swappable developer keycaps, a key/switch puller, and a user manual.

The Galaxy 100 Lite is a 96% form-factor mechanical keyboard aimed at users who want a near-full-size functionality, but with a more compact footprint. Still, it will feel as long as a regular 100% keyboard, with the standard layout, except that the arrow and navigation keys are more closely spaced to save space. There is a full Numpad along with a volume knob located at the top-right corner. There are currently two color themes available with this model: Black and Creamy White, and as you can see, the Black one offers a black-and-gray gradient to enhance its aesthetics.

The keyboard offers support for major devices by offering compatibility with operating systems such as Windows, Mac, and Android. Since it offers Bluetooth connectivity, it can be connected to various types of devices such as Android phones, tablets, and laptops. The Galaxy 100 Lite offers an 8000 mAh battery life, which is decent, but with RGB LEDs on, you can expect faster battery depletion. The keyboard will still work for a longer duration as it is capped at 1000 Hz.

Galaxy 100 Lite uses a gasket-mounted structure and multiple sound-dampening layers, which we will talk about in detail in the next section. For the keycaps, the keyboard uses Cherry-profile PBT keycaps, and for the switches, this particular model utilizes the FEKER Marble White Linear Switches, which require just 42 gf of force and have a pre-travel of 2.0 mm and a total travel of 3.5 mm. These are factory-lubed for a better typing experience, and are also swappable, so you can use either 3 or 5-pin mechanical switches of your choice, as the PCB supports both.

Galaxy 100 Lite has, hands down, one of the best constructions, which is why it's quite heavy. Its foundation is a CNC-machine aluminum alloy chassis that's sturdy and feels premium. The metal construction makes it weigh nearly 1.6 kg, and there is no flex, making it incredibly durable. Unlike many modern mechanical keyboards that still rely on the typical plastic chassis, the Galaxy 100 Lite doesn't compromise on the materials.

The keyboard uses a gasket-mount structure that is coupled with five sound-dampening layers, such as Poron sandwich foam, IXPE switch pad, Sound-Enhancement PET, Bottom Foam, etc. With such a configuration, the keyboard nails it when it comes to the acoustics. It's almost similar to the Womier SK75's typing feel, and produces that rich and thocky sound that remains consistent across the board. Thanks to the pre-lubed linear switches, key presses feel almost frictionless, offering a smooth, tactile, and consistent typing experience that makes you want to keep typing.

While I can't really say it's the best mechanical keyboard out there, since I have hardly tried a fraction of what's available in the market, this is without a doubt the "Best" mechanical keyboard I have personally used to date. I wish to see such mechanical keyboards more often, but such a construction and configuration isn't possible at low price. Unfortunately, the keyboard doesn't have any adjustable kickstands to adjust the height, but that's something I personally consider a minor flaw.

With three modes of connectivity, the Galaxy 100 Lite brings wide compatibility with various platforms and the flexibility to choose between wireless and wired connectivity based on preference. A lot of good mid-range and high-end mechanical keyboards now support tri-mode connectivity, and this puts the Galaxy 100 Lite on the same level. The keyboard is plug and play, meaning you don't need any software installation unless you want those extensive customizations for macro, RGB lighting, and similar stuff.

In terms of usage, its heavy build keeps it firmly planted on the desk, but it comes at the cost of portability. Nonetheless, it isn't a dealbreaker considering it offers a premium build for better performance. The keyboard features a black-and-gray gradient with white legends, making the keys easier to identify even in low-light conditions. Plus, with the south-facing RGB LED lightning, the Galaxy 100 Lite appears gorgeous.

However, the light doesn't shine through the legends, as these are opaque. With some key combinations like FN+Enter or FN+Arrow Keys, you can easily change the lightning effects and brightness, but EPOMAKER offers the VIA software for endless customizations. Unlike how I have used software for customizations, using one for the Galaxy 100 Lite might feel tricky at first. The website provides the JSON files in a zip file that you will need to extract after downloading.

Then head to usevia.app and pair your keyboard. Upload the JSON file in the design tab, and now the "Configure" tab will bring all the customization features. You will be able to test your keys, set macros and layers according to your needs. The EPOMAKER Galaxy 100 Lite is one of the best mid-range mechanical keyboards, delivering that superb thocky experience through solid construction, which is uncommon among competitors.

The sturdy steel construction, pre-lubed linear switches for fast and smooth typing, extensive customizations, and tri-mode connectivity make it a perfect mechanical keyboard for gamers and professionals. You can find additional information about our hardware review process and ethics policy here. One of the best linear mechanical keyboards available that elevates the typing experience to the next level.

It's sturdy construction, versatile connectivity, and gorgeous design makes it stand out.

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