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Compare Keychron Q5 Max vs Epomaker Galaxy100 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two high-end 96% aluminum gasket-mount keyboards. Both the Keychron Q5 Max and Epomaker Galaxy100 offer triple-mode connectivity, hot-swappable PCBs, and QMK/VIA support, making the choice difficult. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize international layout support, a detailed acoustic foam package, and a barebones kit option, or prefer a significantly larger battery, a lower price point, and a specific pre-lubed linear switch experience.

96
Keychron Q5 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
90
EPOMAKER Galaxy100 QMK/VIA

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5.0 (9)
4.6 (64)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ISO-SW layout standard
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 2215 g
  • Sized at 23 x 145 x 408 mm
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Clicky, Linear switch options
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 2000 g
  • Sized at 20 x 405 x 138 mm
Scores
  • Performance: 82.5
  • Build Quality: 90.8
  • Productivity: 97.5
  • Customizability: 99.8
  • Portability: 56.1
Scores
  • Performance: 83.1
  • Build Quality: 83.8
  • Productivity: 92.8
  • Customizability: 88.9
  • Portability: 62
Name
Keychron Q5 Max
Name
Epomaker Galaxy100
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Clicky, Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ISO-SW
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
8000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
23 x 145 x 408 mm
Dimensions
20 x 405 x 138 mm
Weight
2215g
Weight
2000g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and specific needs dictate the choice here. If you require ISO layouts, want the deepest modding platform starting from a barebones kit, and value detailed acoustic engineering, the Keychron Q5 Max justifies its higher cost. If your priority is maximizing wireless battery life, you prefer a pre-lubed linear switch out of the box, and you want to spend less, the Epomaker Galaxy100 is a compelling alternative, albeit with fewer layout and build-style options.

Keychron Q5 Max

  • +Available as a barebones DIY kit for complete customization.
  • +Supports multiple ISO layouts (UK, German, Nordic, Swiss).
  • +Features a detailed acoustic package with IXPE, PET, and Latex foams.
  • +Includes screw-in PCB stabilizers for a stable typing feel.
  • +Uses a polycarbonate plate for a more flexible gasket mount feel.
  • −Has a smaller 4000mAh battery compared to the Galaxy100.
  • −Is generally more expensive than the Galaxy100.
  • −Heavier at 2215g, making it less portable.

Epomaker Galaxy100

  • +Features a large 8000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +Offers a more affordable price point.
  • +Comes with pre-lubed linear switches (Feker Marble White or Epomaker Wisteria).
  • +Vendor page lists five specific sound-dampening layers including Poron and PET pads.
  • +Lighter weight of 2000g compared to the Q5 Max.
  • −Only available in ANSI layout, with no ISO options.
  • −Uses plate-mount stabilizers, which are not compatible with screw-in types.
  • −The vendor notes QMK support works in wired mode only.
  • −Lacks a barebones kit option, only available pre-built.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron Q5 Max is the clear choice for programmers and modders due to its barebones kit option and developer-focused features. It also wins for office use, especially in international settings, thanks to its wide array of ISO layouts. The Epomaker Galaxy100 is better suited for travel or situations where maximum battery life is a priority. For gaming and content creation, the keyboards are evenly matched on core specs like polling rate, programmability, and the inclusion of a control knob.

GamingTie
  • •Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate in 2.4 GHz and wired modes for low latency.
  • •Both feature N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
  • •Both have south-facing RGB backlighting.
OfficeKeychron Q5 Max
  • •The Q5 Max offers extensive ISO layout support (UK, German, Nordic, etc.), crucial for international offices.
  • •Its vendor page highlights dedicated Mac and Windows keycaps and a system toggle.
  • •It supports Bluetooth 5.1 for connecting to three devices.
ProgrammingKeychron Q5 Max
  • •The Q5 Max is available as a barebones DIY kit, allowing programmers to choose their preferred switches and keycaps from the start.
  • •It features a powerful ARM Cortex-M4 MCU with 256KB flash, which the manufacturer states provides more flexibility for developers.
  • •It includes screw-in PCB stabilizers, which are often preferred for a more stable typing feel on large keys.
TravelEpomaker Galaxy100
  • •The Galaxy100 has a larger 8000mAh battery, which should offer longer wireless usage between charges.
  • •It is slightly lighter at 2000g compared to the Q5 Max's 2215g.
  • •Its listed dimensions are marginally more compact in some aspects (20mm height vs. 23mm).
ModdingKeychron Q5 Max
  • •The Q5 Max is explicitly sold as a barebones kit, a major advantage for modders.
  • •Its vendor description details multiple acoustic foam layers (IXPE, PET, Latex) and a double-gasket design for sound tuning.
  • •It uses a polycarbonate plate and screw-in stabilizers, which are standard targets for customization.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both keyboards include a dedicated knob, useful for media control or scrubbing timelines.
  • •Both offer full N-key rollover and programmable keys via QMK/VIA for macros.
  • •Both have a 96% layout that retains a numpad for data entry without taking up excessive desk space.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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