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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

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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EPOMAKER Galaxy100 QMK/VIA

4.6 (68)

$87at Epomaker

90-day low

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Epomaker Galaxy100

Wireless

Build quality in the top 15% of 96% boards under $100.

If you want

  • 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.

Rules this board out

  • 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.

If you want

  • 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.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.

Bottom line

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.

What actually differs

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

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Epomaker Galaxy100
  • Desktop Tribe Balance 103
Performance
83
75
Build quality
84
84
Productivity
93
82
Customizability
88
86
Portability
62
63

What they share

  • Hot-swappable
  • Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
  • Case material: Aluminum
  • Mount style: Gasket Mount
  • QMK
  • VIA
See every spec side by side

Best for

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.

For gaming

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.

Full specs

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

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear
Linear, Magnetic

Hall effect (magnetic)

No
Yes

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

96%
100%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
No

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired, Wireless

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
1,000 Hz

Battery

8,000 mAhBetter
5,800 mAh

USB-C

Yes
No

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
Aluminum

Plate material

Plastic
FR4, Polycarbonate

Keycaps

PBT
—

Weight

2,000 g
1,800 g

Dimensions

32 x 405 x 138 mm
20 x 396 x 138 mm

Typing angle

7°
6°

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
None

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
Yes

VIA

Yes
Yes

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
2025

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

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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