Epomaker EK21 vs Galaxy100 Lite: Numpad vs Full 96% Keyboard

Compare Epomaker EK21 vs Galaxy100 Lite Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users deciding between a dedicated, highly portable accessory and a full-featured primary keyboard. The choice is difficult because both share high-end features like gasket mounting, VIA programmability, and triple-mode connectivity, but serve fundamentally different purposes. The EK21 is a 20-key numpad, while the Galaxy100 Lite is a 100-key 96% layout board. Your decision hinges on whether you need to augment an existing setup or replace your main keyboard entirely.

Model
Rating	4.6 stars (12 reviews)	4.5 stars (22 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has Linear switch options Available in a Numpad layout Equipped with a 1000 mAh battery Weighs about 200 g Sized at 29 x 138 x 93 mm Made with a ABS case Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting	Has Clicky, Linear switch options Available in a 96% layout Supports QMK firmware Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery Weighs about 1660 g Sized at 32 x 405 x 138 mm Made with a Aluminum case Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 77.2 Build Quality: 76.6 Productivity: 86.1 Customizability: 82.4 Portability: 87.8	Scores Performance: 83.3 Build Quality: 83.9 Productivity: 93 Customizability: 89.5 Portability: 62.5
Name	Name Epomaker EK21	Name Epomaker Galaxy100 Lite
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2025
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear	Switch Options Clicky, Linear
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size Numpad	Layout Size 96%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 1000 mAh	Battery capacity 8000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 29 x 138 x 93 mm	Dimensions 32 x 405 x 138 mm
Weight	Weight 200g	Weight 1660g

Select a keyboard to compare

4.6 stars (12 reviews)

4.5 stars (22 reviews)

Has Linear switch options
Available in a Numpad layout
Equipped with a 1000 mAh battery
Weighs about 200 g
Sized at 29 x 138 x 93 mm
Made with a ABS case
Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting

Has Clicky, Linear switch options
Available in a 96% layout
Supports QMK firmware
Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
Weighs about 1660 g
Sized at 32 x 405 x 138 mm
Made with a Aluminum case
Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 77.2
Build Quality: 76.6
Productivity: 86.1
Customizability: 82.4
Portability: 87.8

Scores

Performance: 83.3
Build Quality: 83.9
Productivity: 93
Customizability: 89.5
Portability: 62.5

Name

Epomaker EK21

Name

Epomaker Galaxy100 Lite

Release year

2025

Release year

2025

Switch Options

Linear

Switch Options

Clicky, Linear

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

Numpad

Layout Size

96%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

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

1000 mAh

Battery capacity

8000 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Case Colors

Case Material

ABS

Case Material

Aluminum

Keycaps Material

PBT

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

29 x 138 x 93 mm

Dimensions

32 x 405 x 138 mm

Weight

200g

Weight

1660g

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a full-sized, premium keyboard for your main workstation, the Galaxy100 Lite's aluminum build, extensive layout, and huge battery make it the superior option. If you already have a keyboard you like but need a portable number pad for data entry or travel, the EK21 is a capable and customizable accessory. Consider the significant price difference as an investment in a primary tool versus a supplementary one.

Epomaker EK21

+Extremely portable at 200g weight and compact 20-key numpad size.
+Includes a programmable aluminum alloy knob for volume or macro control.
+Features a gasket-mount structure with Poron and IXPE foam for a cushioned typing feel.
+Offers triple-mode connectivity (wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth) for a peripheral.
+Hot-swappable PCB supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches for easy customization.

−ABS plastic case lacks the premium feel and heft of an aluminum build.
−Only a 1000mAh battery, which is small compared to full-sized keyboards.
−Functionality is limited to being an accessory; it cannot serve as a primary keyboard.

Epomaker Galaxy100 Lite

+Full 96% layout with 100 keys and a knob in a relatively compact form factor.
+Premium powder-sprayed CNC aluminum alloy case for durability and a solid feel.
+Massive 8000mAh battery for exceptionally long wireless usage.
+Extensive 5-layer sound dampening including Poron, IXPE, EMDP, and PET pads.
+Supports both QMK and VIA firmware for advanced programmability.

−Very heavy at 1660g, making it unsuitable for frequent travel.
−Large 96% footprint requires significant desk space.
−The manufacturer states it is not compatible with PlayStation or Nintendo Switch consoles.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Galaxy100 Lite is the clear choice for primary use cases like office work, programming, and gaming due to its complete layout, large battery, and premium aluminum build. The EK21 excels uniquely in portability, making it the winner for travel. For modding, the Galaxy100 Lite's extensive sound-dampening layers and dual QMK/VIA firmware give it an edge. Content creation is a tie, as the decision depends on whether a user values the EK21's dedicated knob or the Galaxy100 Lite's full shortcut layout.

GamingEpomaker Galaxy100 Lite

•The Galaxy100 Lite provides a full set of keys for game controls and macros.
•Its listed 2.81ms wired and 4.72ms 2.4GHz wireless latency may offer a responsiveness edge for competitive play.
•The 1000Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4GHz modes matches the EK21, but the full layout is more practical for most games.

OfficeEpomaker Galaxy100 Lite

•The 96% layout of the Galaxy100 Lite includes a numpad, arrow keys, and navigation cluster essential for data entry and spreadsheet work.
•Its massive 8000mAh battery promises significantly longer wireless use between charges.
•The aluminum case and listed 7-degree typing angle may provide a more stable and ergonomic typing experience for long sessions.

ProgrammingEpomaker Galaxy100 Lite

•The full 100-key layout is necessary for efficient coding, providing all standard keys and a numpad.
•QMK and VIA support on the Galaxy100 Lite allows for deep key remapping and macro creation for development workflows.
•The aluminum build offers a sturdy, premium feel for a desk-bound tool.

TravelEpomaker EK21

•The EK21 weighs only 200g and measures 29 x 138 x 93 mm, making it extremely portable.
•Its 1000mAh battery is sufficient for a peripheral and charges via the common USB-C cable included.
•The compact 20-key form factor easily fits in a laptop bag alongside a compact main keyboard.

ModdingEpomaker Galaxy100 Lite

•The Galaxy100 Lite features a 5-layer sound dampening suite including Poron, IXPE, EMDP, and PET pads for extensive acoustic tuning.
•It adds QMK firmware support alongside VIA, offering deeper programmability options for enthusiasts.
•The aluminum case provides a more premium foundation for custom builds compared to the EK21's ABS plastic case.

Content CreationTie

•The EK21's programmable knob and VIA support are excellent for mapping timeline scrubbing or brush size controls.
•The Galaxy100 Lite's full layout is better for shortcut-heavy software like Adobe Suite or video editors.
•Both offer customizable RGB backlighting for matching a desk aesthetic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)