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The mechanical keyboard universe is a vast and ever-expanding galaxy of choices. It seems like every week a new constellation of switches, keycaps, and cases appears, promising a transcendent typing experience. Into this cosmic fray enters the Epomaker Galaxy65. With its aluminum body, gasket-mounted design, and a name that evokes interstellar travel, the Galaxy65 aims to be a star. But is it the one?
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Epomaker Galaxy65 Design
At first glance, the Galaxy65 is a study in minimalist chic. It’s a 65% layout, which means you get the essential keys for typing and navigation without the bulk of a full-sized board. This compact form factor is perfect for those of us with limited desk real estate or who prefer a more streamlined setup. The CNC-machined aluminum case gives the Galaxy65 a reassuring heft and a premium feel that belies its relatively affordable price point. It’s available in a few different colorways, but the silver option I have here is particularly handsome.
But the real design innovation of the Galaxy65 lies in its “ball-catch” gasket-mount system. This is where things get a little nerdy, so bear with me. Traditional keyboards are often held together with screws, which can create a rigid and unforgiving typing experience. Gasket mounting, on the other hand, suspends the keyboard’s plate and PCB between soft, rubbery gaskets, resulting in a softer, more cushioned feel. The Galaxy65 takes this a step further with a ball-catch mechanism that allows you to pop the top case off without a single screw. This makes it incredibly easy to get inside the keyboard to swap out switches, lubricate stabilizers, or add your own personal touches. It’s a small detail, but it’s one that speaks to Epomaker’s growing understanding of the enthusiast community.
Read also: Epomaker Galaxy 100 Review: The Full-Size Keyboard That Will Survive a Nuclear Blast
Sound
Of course, a mechanical keyboard is more than just a pretty face. The real test is how it feels and sounds to type on. And here, the Galaxy65 delivers a surprisingly refined experience. Our review unit came equipped with Epomaker’s new KTT Blueberry Ice Cream switches, which are a light linear switch with a smooth, consistent travel. They’re not as snappy as a tactile switch or as clicky as a, well, clicky switch, but they have a pleasant, muted “thock” that’s incredibly satisfying.
The six layers of sound-dampening foam inside the Galaxy65 also play a huge role in shaping its acoustic profile. There’s foam between the plate and the PCB, foam in the bottom of the case, and even a layer of anti-static foam to protect the electronics. All of this adds up to a keyboard that’s remarkably quiet and free of any unwanted pinging or rattling. It’s a level of attention to detail that you don’t often see in keyboards at this price point.
Features
The Galaxy65 is packed with features that will appeal to both casual users and hardcore enthusiasts. It has triple-mode connectivity, so you can use it wired, via Bluetooth 5.0, or with the included 2.4GHz wireless dongle. The 4000mAh battery is good for up to 200 hours of use with the backlighting turned off, which is more than enough to get you through a week of heavy typing. And speaking of backlighting, the Galaxy65 has per-key RGB that’s fully customizable through the VIA software.
VIA is an open-source configurator that allows you to remap keys, create macros, and customize the lighting to your heart’s content. It’s a powerful tool that’s quickly becoming the standard for enthusiast keyboards, and its inclusion on the Galaxy65 is a huge plus. It’s a far cry from the clunky, proprietary software that many other keyboard manufacturers use.
Read also: Logitech Flip Folio review: iPad Case with a Removable Wireless Keyboard
Potential downside is the PBT keycaps. While they’re durable and have a nice, textured feel, the legends are dye-sublimated, which means they’re not shine-through. This isn’t a huge deal, but it does mean that the RGB backlighting is more for show than for practical use in low-light conditions. If you’re a touch typist, this won’t be an issue, but if you rely on the backlighting to see the keys, you might be disappointed.
The Verdict
The Epomaker Galaxy65 is a keyboard that gets a lot of things right. For $109.99, it has a premium build quality, a refined typing experience, and a host of features that will appeal to a wide range of users. The ball-catch gasket-mount system is a genuine innovation that makes it incredibly easy to customize, and the inclusion of VIA support is a huge plus.
Overall, the Epomaker Galaxy65 is a fantastic keyboard that offers a lot of value for the money. It’s a great choice for anyone who’s looking for a premium typing experience without breaking the bank.