Epomaker Galaxy100 vs Desktop Tribe Balance 103Wireless vs Hall Effect
Choose the Epomaker Galaxy100 for a complete, wireless-ready package, or the Desktop Tribe Balance 103 for a premium, mod-focused build with Hall effect technology.
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4.6 (68)4.6 · 68 reviews
from$87at Epomaker
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Epomaker Galaxy100
Wireless
Build quality in the top 15% of 96% boards under $100.
- Triple-mode connectivity (wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0) for maximum flexibility.
- Comes pre-built with pre-lubed linear switches, PBT keycaps, and a volume knob.
- Large 8000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Get the
Desktop Tribe Balance 103
Hall Effect
Build quality in the top 10% of 100% boards under $200.
- Includes Hall effect magnetic switches for adjustable actuation and high durability.
- Comes as a DIY kit with both FR4 and Polycarbonate plate options.
- Comprehensive accessory kit includes spare gasket sleeves and anti-slip foot pads.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
Your primary need dictates the choice. For a complete, feature-rich keyboard ready to use out of the box with wireless freedom and RGB, the Epomaker Galaxy100 offers significant value. If your goal is a foundational, high-end modding project centered around Hall effect technology and plate flexibility, and you don't mind the wired connection, the Desktop Tribe Balance 103 is the dedicated platform. Consider your willingness to assemble components versus your need for immediate, wireless functionality.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Epomaker Galaxy100
Desktop Tribe Balance 103
Layout size
96%
100%
Hall effect (magnetic)
No
Yes
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired, Wireless
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Battery
8,000 mAh
5,800 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Switch options
Clicky, Linear
Linear, Magnetic
- Epomaker Galaxy100
- Desktop Tribe Balance 103
- Performance
- 8375
- Build quality
- 8484
- Productivity
- 9382
- Customizability
- 8886
- Portability
- 6263
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Case material: Aluminum
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- QMK
- VIA
What will you mostly use it for?
The Epomaker Galaxy100 is the more versatile choice, winning for Gaming, Office, and Content Creation due to its wireless features, included knob, and pre-built convenience. The Desktop Tribe Balance 103 is the specialist's pick for Modding and has a slight edge for Travel due to its lower weight. For Programming, both are equally capable with their extensive firmware support.
Pick the Epomaker Galaxy100
- Offers triple-mode connectivity with 2.4GHz wireless for low-latency gaming.
- Includes a programmable metal knob for volume control or macros.
- Features south-facing RGB backlighting for customizable lighting effects.
Epomaker Galaxy100 vs Desktop Tribe Balance 103 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
13 of 26 specs differ
Epomaker Galaxy100
Desktop Tribe Balance 103
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Epomaker Galaxy100 vs Desktop Tribe Balance 103: your questions
The Epomaker Galaxy100 is explicitly designed for wireless use. It supports Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4GHz wireless connections, and is powered by an 8000mAh battery. The Desktop Tribe Balance 103 is a wired-only keyboard.
No. The vendor lists the Balance 103 as a 'DIY Kit/Barebones'. The product listing includes the case, plates, PCB, and accessories, but you must purchase switches and keycaps separately to complete the build.
Hall effect switches use magnetic fields to register keystrokes instead of physical metal contacts. According to the listing, this technology allows for features like adjustable actuation points via software and offers a theoretically longer lifespan due to the lack of contact wear.
Yes, both keyboards support QMK and VIA firmware. This allows for deep customization including key remapping, macro creation, and layer editing. The Epomaker's vendor notes that QMK support works in wired mode.
The Epomaker Galaxy100 is likely quieter in its stock configuration. It comes pre-built with multiple sound-dampening layers including Poron, IXPE, and PET pads, and uses pre-lubed linear switches. The Balance 103's sound profile will depend entirely on the switches and keycaps you install.
Yes, both product listings specify compatibility with Windows and macOS systems.
Both keyboards have a 1000 Hz polling rate in their primary wired mode, which is standard for responsive gaming. The Epomaker Galaxy100's vendor specifies a 1000Hz rate for its 2.4GHz wireless mode as well.
The Epomaker Galaxy100 comes with PBT plastic keycaps. The vendor description states they use a double-shot and dye-sub manufacturing technique for durability and are available in MDA or Cherry profiles depending on the colorway.
The Balance 103 kit includes two plates: a standard FR4 plate that is pre-installed, and an additional Polycarbonate (PC) plate. This allows you to choose between a more rigid (FR4) or a more flexible (PC) typing feel.
Only the Epomaker Galaxy100 includes a metal knob. The vendor states it can be used for volume control and data entry tasks, and it is programmable via VIA software.
Both keyboards feature aluminum alloy cases and gasket mount designs. The Epomaker uses a plastic (PP) plate and includes five layers of sound-dampening foam. The Balance 103 offers a choice between FR4 and Polycarbonate plates and lists a five-layer sound package including bottom insulation and sound-absorbing pads.
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