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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 10, 2026

Epomaker Galaxy100 vs Monsgeek M5Wireless Full-Size vs Wired DIY Kit

Choose the Epomaker Galaxy100 for wireless versatility and a complete package, or the Monsgeek M5 for a dedicated, wired DIY building experience.

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Wireless Full-Size

Epomaker Galaxy100

EPOMAKER Galaxy100 QMK/VIA

4.6 (69)

$87at Epomaker

90-day low

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Epomaker Galaxy100

Wireless Full-Size

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

If you want

  • Triple-mode connectivity (wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0) with an 8000mAh battery.
  • Full QMK and VIA firmware support for extensive programmability.
  • Comes pre-built with lubed linear switches, PBT keycaps, and a volume knob.

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

Monsgeek M5

Wired DIY Kit

Build quality in the top 10% of 100% boards under $150.

If you want

  • Sold as a dedicated DIY kit for a fully custom building experience.
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers, which are favored for their stability.
  • CNC-machined aluminum case with a gasket mount structure.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.

Bottom line

Your choice depends entirely on your desired starting point. For a premium, out-of-the-box wireless keyboard with extensive customization software, the Epomaker Galaxy100 is the logical pick. If your goal is to personally select every component and build a custom wired keyboard from a kit, the Monsgeek M5 is the appropriate foundation. Consider the additional cost and effort of sourcing switches and keycaps for the M5 before deciding.

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

Monsgeek M5

  • Layout size

    96%

    100%

  • Connection

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Knob

    Yes

    No

  • Weight

    2,000 g

    2,600 g

    Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel

  • QMK

    Yes

    No

    The deep option when you want to remap every key

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Epomaker Galaxy100
  • Monsgeek M5
Performance
83
75
Build quality
83
79
Productivity
93
87
Customizability
88
79
Portability
62
46

What they share

  • Hot-swappable
  • Case material: Aluminum
  • Mount style: Gasket Mount
  • Sound dampening
  • Keycaps: PBT
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, programming, and content creation due to its wireless features, software support, and ready-to-use design. The Monsgeek M5 is the clear winner only for modding, where its DIY kit format is the primary advantage. For travel, both are equally unsuitable due to their substantial weight and lack of portability features.

For gaming

Pick the Epomaker Galaxy100

  • The Galaxy100 offers a 1000Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4GHz modes for lower latency.
  • Its triple-mode connectivity allows for a cable-free desk setup.
  • The pre-lubed linear switches provide a consistent, ready-to-use gaming feel.

Full specs

Epomaker Galaxy100 vs Monsgeek M5 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

9 of 26 specs differ

Epomaker Galaxy100

Monsgeek M5

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear
—

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

No
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

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
—

Battery

8,000 mAh
Wired only

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
Aluminum

Plate material

Plastic
—

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Weight

2,000 g
2,600 g

Dimensions

32 x 405 x 138 mm
33 x 146 x 446 mm

Typing angle

7°
—

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
No

VIA

Yes
No

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
2023

Where to buy

Compare prices

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

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

Monsgeek M52 stores

FAQ

Epomaker Galaxy100 vs Monsgeek M5: your questions

According to its technical specifications, the Epomaker Galaxy100 is listed as not compatible with PS4, PS5, or Nintendo Switch. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Android systems.

The Monsgeek M5 is sold as a DIY kit. The vendor description and metadata confirm it does not include switches or keycaps. You must purchase these components separately to complete the build.

Yes, the Epomaker Galaxy100 supports both QMK and VIA. However, the manufacturer notes that QMK works in wired mode, and using VIA requires downloading a specific JSON file for the keyboard, as it is not natively supported.

Yes, the Monsgeek M5 features a hot-swappable PCB. The vendor description states it has full-key hot-swappable sockets compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.

The Epomaker Galaxy100 has an 8000mAh battery. The manufacturer promotes it for long-lasting wireless performance, but the exact battery life in hours is not specified in the provided information.

The Monsgeek M5 is heavier, with a listed weight of 2600 grams (2.6kg). The Epomaker Galaxy100 weighs 2000 grams (2kg). Both are substantial, non-portable keyboards.

Yes, the Monsgeek M5 features RGB backlighting. The vendor description specifies it uses south-facing LEDs for the backlight.

The Epomaker Galaxy100 uses plate-mount stabilizers. Its technical specifications explicitly state it is not compatible with screw-in stabilizers.

The Monsgeek M5 product listing does not mention a dedicated volume knob or multimedia controls. As a DIY kit, any such functionality would depend on the keycaps and firmware programming you implement.

The Epomaker Galaxy100 has a 1000Hz polling rate in USB wired and 2.4GHz wireless modes. In Bluetooth 5.0 mode, the polling rate is 125Hz.

The Epomaker Galaxy100 uses five layers of sound-dampening materials. These are listed as a Poron sandwich pad, IXPE switch pad, PET sound enhancement pad, EMDP switch socket pad, and a PET bottom pad.

No, the Monsgeek M5 is not a pre-built keyboard. It is explicitly listed as a 'DIY Kit' and 'Barebones' in its features, meaning it requires assembly and the addition of switches and keycaps.

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