Epomaker Galaxy100 vs Keychron K5 QMK V2
Choose the Epomaker Galaxy100 for a premium, sound-focused typing experience, or the Keychron K5 QMK V2 for a low-profile design with extensive international layout support.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Epomaker Galaxy100
Battery
- 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.
- 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.
Get the
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.
- 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.
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.
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
Keychron K5 QMK V2
Layout size
96%
100%
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Battery
8,000 mAh
2,000 mAh
Low profile
No
Yes
Case material
Aluminum
ABS, Aluminum
- Epomaker Galaxy100
- Keychron K5 QMK V2
- Performance
- 8382
- Build quality
- 8479
- Productivity
- 9380
- Customizability
- 8889
- Portability
- 6254
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- QMK
- VIA
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the Epomaker 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.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Epomaker Galaxy100
67 owner reviews
“Amazing keyboard, via support could be better, but it works! i love the knob, its so nice. this has to be the worst financial decision ive ever made and i dont regret it”
“The keyboard has been great but when I received it a couple keys were broken. I had to glue the inside connector back together as it had broken apart. Otherwise the keyboard has functions very well.”
Keychron K5 QMK V2
8 owner reviews
“Genuinely happy with the keyboard. Had a low-profile one from another brand that has been used for 12+ years, and it degraded over time. This K5 feels very good. Still have to get used to the distance between the "primary," arrows, and numpad blocks, but…”
“Got this keyboard so I could keep my K5 Pro at work and this one at home. Both are the RGB version with brown switches, the K5v2 is quieter than the Pro and just as good to use. It also reports battery state over Bluetooth, which is a nice QoL improvement…”
Epomaker Galaxy100 vs Keychron K5 QMK V2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
13 of 27 specs differ
Epomaker Galaxy100
Keychron K5 QMK V2
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
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
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Epomaker Galaxy100 vs Keychron K5 QMK V2: your questions
The Epomaker Galaxy100 has a significantly larger 8000mAh battery compared to the Keychron K5 QMK V2's 2000mAh battery. According to Epomaker, this provides convenience and productivity for long gaming or work sessions without frequent charging.
Yes. The Keychron K5 QMK V2 officially supports ISO-UK and ISO-DE layouts, among others like ISO-Nordic and ISO-Swiss. The Epomaker Galaxy100 is listed with an ANSI US layout only.
Yes, both keyboards are hot-swappable. However, the Keychron K5 QMK V2's hot-swap socket is currently compatible only with Keychron Milk POM or Gateron/Keychron low-profile mechanical switches. The Epomaker Galaxy100's hot-swap PCB supports standard 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.
The Keychron K5 QMK V2 may be better suited for quiet offices due to its low-profile design and the option for silent switches, which are mentioned in its vendor page. The Galaxy100 is focused on a dampened but pronounced 'thocky' sound, which may still be audible.
Yes, the Epomaker Galaxy100 features per-key RGB backlighting with south-facing LEDs. The lighting is customizable, but note that its included PBT keycaps are not shine-through, which will diffuse the light differently than shine-through caps.
The Epomaker Galaxy100 uses a gasket-mounted structure with multiple foam layers aimed at creating a soft, cushioned, and acoustically dampened typing experience. The Keychron K5 QMK V2 offers a low-profile typing feel with redesigned stabilizers and adjustable typing angles, focusing on a slim, responsive keypress.
No. The Keychron Launcher web app is specifically for configuring Keychron keyboards like the K5 QMK V2. The Epomaker Galaxy100 is configured using the VIA software, for which you need to load a provided JSON file.
Only the Epomaker Galaxy100 includes a dedicated metal knob, which the manufacturer states is for volume control and data entry tasks. The Keychron K5 QMK V2 does not have a knob.
Yes, but with considerations. The Galaxy100 uses standard Cherry or MDA profile keycaps on a standard layout. The K5 QMK V2 uses low-profile LSA keycaps, which require specific low-profile aftermarket sets. The Galaxy100's south-facing LEDs also ensure compatibility with more cherry-profile keycaps without interference.
Yes, both the Epomaker Galaxy100 and Keychron K5 QMK V2 are listed as compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems. The K5 V2 specifically includes keycaps for both systems and allows configuration of different keymaps for each.
The Epomaker Galaxy100 offers triple-mode connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz wireless via a dongle, and wired USB-C. The Keychron K5 QMK V2 offers Bluetooth 5.2 and wired USB-C connectivity, but a 2.4 GHz mode is not mentioned in its provided specifications.
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