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Compare Epomaker Galaxy100 vs Keychron K5 QMK V2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two full-size, QMK/VIA-compatible wireless keyboards in a similar price range. The choice is difficult because both offer high customizability and multi-device connectivity. The Galaxy100 emphasizes a premium, thocky sound profile with a gasket-mounted aluminum build, while the K5 QMK V2 focuses on an ultra-slim, low-profile form factor with official ISO layout variants. Your priority in typing feel versus keyboard height and layout needs will determine the winner.

90
EPOMAKER Galaxy100 QMK/VIA
84
Keychron K5 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 2

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4.6 (64)
5.0 (2)
  • Has Clicky, Linear switch options
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 2000 g
  • Sized at 32 x 405 x 138 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Features a low-profile design
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
  • Made with a ABS, Aluminum case
  • Features ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 83.2
  • Build Quality: 83.7
  • Productivity: 92.7
  • Customizability: 88.8
  • Portability: 62.1
Scores
  • Performance: 81.8
  • Build Quality: 78.3
  • Productivity: 80.1
  • Customizability: 89.6
  • Portability: 53.9
Name
Epomaker Galaxy100
Name
Keychron K5 QMK V2
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Clicky, Linear
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
100%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO, 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, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
8000 mAh
Battery capacity
2000 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
PCB Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, North-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS
Dimensions
32 x 405 x 138 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
2000g
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice hinges on form factor and build philosophy. The Epomaker Galaxy100 is for enthusiasts who prioritize a substantial, acoustically tuned typing experience with a versatile knob and long battery life. The Keychron K5 QMK V2 is the clear pick for users wanting a sleek, low-profile keyboard with ergonomic adjustments and specific international layout needs. Both deliver excellent customizability through QMK and VIA.

Epomaker Galaxy100

  • +Full aluminum alloy case with a gasket-mount structure for a premium, tuned typing feel.
  • +Includes a programmable metal knob for media control or custom commands.
  • +Massive 8000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +Features five specific sound-dampening foam layers (Poron, IXPE, EMDP, PET) for acoustic customization.
  • +Offers triple-mode connectivity: USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, and 2.4 GHz wireless.

  • Heavy at 2000g (2kg) and large, reducing portability.
  • PBT keycaps are not shine-through, limiting RGB backlight visibility.
  • QMK support requires loading a JSON file into VIA, not native plug-and-play recognition.

Keychron K5 QMK V2

  • +Low-profile design with Keychron Milk POM switches for an ultra-slim typing experience.
  • +Officially supports multiple ISO layouts (DE, Nordic, UK, Swiss) for international buyers.
  • +Features three adjustable typing angles (3.37°, 4.36°, 6.56°) for ergonomics.
  • +Shine-through ABS keycaps for better RGB backlight illumination.
  • +Uses a web-based Keychron Launcher app for configuration from any browser.

  • Smaller 2000mAh battery requires more frequent charging.
  • Hot-swap socket is limited to Keychron Milk POM or Gateron low-profile switches only.
  • Case uses an ABS and aluminum frame combo, not a full aluminum case.
  • Lacks a 2.4 GHz wireless connection option, offering only Bluetooth and wired.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Epomaker Galaxy100 wins for gaming, modding, and content creation, largely due to its dedicated knob, 2.4 GHz wireless, and extensive sound-dampening construction. The Keychron K5 QMK V2 is better suited for office use and travel, thanks to its low-profile design, ergonomic adjustments, and official ISO layout support. For programming, both keyboards are equally capable with their full QMK/VIA support and hot-swap sockets.

GamingEpomaker Galaxy100
  • Includes a dedicated metal knob for volume control, which the K5 lacks.
  • Offers a 2.4 GHz wireless connection for low-latency gaming, a mode not mentioned for the K5.
  • Vendor page lists specific latency figures for its wired and wireless modes.
OfficeKeychron K5 QMK V2
  • Offers a low-profile design and adjustable typing angles for ergonomic support.
  • Includes 12 multimedia keys according to its specifications.
  • Officially supports a wide range of ISO layouts (DE, Nordic, UK, Swiss) for international users.
ProgrammingTie
  • Both keyboards feature full QMK and VIA support for deep key remapping and macros.
  • Both offer 100% layouts with a numpad for data entry.
  • Both are hot-swappable for switch customization.
TravelKeychron K5 QMK V2
  • Features a low-profile, ultra-slim design described as one of the thinnest wireless mechanical keyboards.
  • Uses a lighter ABS and aluminum frame construction compared to the Galaxy100's full aluminum case.
  • Has a smaller 2000mAh battery, which may contribute to a lower overall weight (specific weight not provided).
ModdingEpomaker Galaxy100
  • Uses a gasket mount design with five named sound-dampening layers (Poron, IXPE, EMDP, PET) for acoustic tuning.
  • Features south-facing RGB LEDs, which are compatible with a wider range of aftermarket keycaps.
  • Comes with PBT keycaps, which are generally more durable than the K5's ABS keycaps.
Content CreationEpomaker Galaxy100
  • Includes a programmable metal knob, useful for scrubbing timelines or adjusting brush size.
  • Massive 8000mAh battery supports long wireless usage sessions without frequent charging.
  • South-facing RGB and PBT keycaps provide a premium aesthetic for desk setups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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