Epomaker Galaxy100 Lite vs HE80Wireless Productivity vs Wired Gaming

The Epomaker HE80 is designed for gaming. It features an 8000 Hz polling rate, Hall effect switches with adjustable actuation down to 0.02mm, and supports gaming-specific features like Rapid Trigger, SOCD, and DKS. The Galaxy100 Lite has a standard 1000 Hz polling rate and is better suited for general use.

Yes, the Epomaker Galaxy100 Lite is listed as compatible with Mac, Windows, and Android. The product listing includes three supplementary Mac keycaps (Command and Option) in the box. It is not compatible with PS4, PS5, or Nintendo Switch.

According to its technical specifications, the Epomaker HE80 is compatible with Mac, Windows, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. This broad compatibility is a noted advantage over the Galaxy100 Lite for console gamers.

Both keyboards are hot-swappable. The Galaxy100 Lite supports standard 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches. The HE80 is hot-swappable with other south-facing magnetic (Hall effect) switches, which are a less common standard than traditional mechanical switches.

The Galaxy100 Lite is explicitly tuned for sound, featuring a 5-layer dampening package with Poron, IXPE, EMDP, and PET pads for a described 'thocky' experience. The HE80 has 4 layers of sound dampening (latex, IXPE, silicone, foam). The aluminum case of the Galaxy100 Lite may also contribute to a more solid acoustic profile.

The Galaxy100 Lite uses open-source QMK and VIA software, allowing deep per-key reprogramming and lighting control. The HE80 uses Epomaker's proprietary web-based driver for customization, which includes adjusting actuation, RGB, and gaming functions like DKS.

The Epomaker Galaxy100 Lite is equipped with an 8000mAh battery. The manufacturer states this provides 'long-lasting wireless performance' and 'enduring wireless performance,' but a specific runtime in hours is not provided in the listed specifications.

The Galaxy100 Lite comes with dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. The HE80 includes double-shot PBT keycaps and also comes with extra PC transparent keycaps in the box, as listed in its specifications.

The Epomaker HE80 is more portable. It weighs 830g compared to 1660g, has a smaller 75% footprint (332 x 146 mm vs 405 x 138 mm), and is wired-only, eliminating the need to manage a battery or wireless dongle while traveling.

Hall effect switches in the HE80 use magnets and sensors to detect keystrokes without physical metal contacts. This allows for adjustable actuation points (per 0.02mm), theoretically infinite lifespan, and features like Rapid Trigger where the key can re-actuate before being fully released.

The Galaxy100 Lite does not require proprietary software for core customization. It is fully programmable using the open-source VIA software (and QMK at the firmware level), which works via a browser or desktop app without needing a dedicated driver download from Epomaker.

The Galaxy100 Lite includes a detachable USB cable, a 2-in-1 keycap/switch puller, two extra switches, three Mac keycaps, a 2.4GHz dongle, and a manual. The HE80 includes a manual, three extra magnetic switches, three additional PBT keycaps, and a 2-in-1 puller.