Are you a gamer looking for an affordable and compact mechanical keyboard that’s a bit different? If that’s the case, I think this new launch from Epomaker may be just what you’ve been looking for.
The Epomaker Galaxy 75HE Mag use Hall-Effect magnetic switches which are faster than the traditional mechanical switches used in many keyboards. What’s more, HE switches can be tweaked and customized with a key latency that’s as low as 1ms.
Each of the keys on the new Galaxy 75HE can offer up to 40 adjustable levels of actuation distance ranging from 0.1mm to 4.0mm. And although the keyboard feels like a regular mechanical model, it’s incredibly customizable using thanks to QMK/VIA firmware.
The 75% ANSI US layout of this new keyboard features 81 keys and its compact footprint allows for more mouse space on your desk. There is easy access to the function and arrow keys and each key includes a south-facing LED that illuminates the keyboard with dynamic RGB backlighting.
The Galaxy 75HE has a 4,000mAh rechargeable battery that can provide up to 400 hours of use from a single charge with the backlight turned off. However, as soon as the backlights are turned on, the battery charge will drain much more quickly.
The keycaps on the Galaxy 75HE have a Cherry profile and an attractive ombré color effect with the top row of keys in black and each successive row cascading with a lighter shade of pale ending up in mauve by way of purple. It’s a beautiful effect and looks great on any desk. Other ombré keycaps are available.
The compact layout of this innovative keyboard makes it ideal for use on smaller desks but Epomaker has still included a full row of Function and multimedia keys which work with macOS and Windows. A switch on the underside of the keyboard can flipped between macOS and Windows layouts.
A second switch on the base of the keyboard can be used to set the method of connection with options for Bluetooth, USB-C or 2.4GHz dongle. When connecting over Bluetooth, the user can switch between a maximum of three host devices. Connecting wirelessly using the included 2.4GHz USB dongle produces a latency of just 1ms. Bluetooth latency is also pretty good at 8ms.
The Galaxy 75HE Mag makes a superb typing sound that’s largely down to the five layers of damping and isolating material inside the case. The gasket-mount structure isolates the keyboard’s aluminum plate from the case and significantly reduces the vibrations from typing, lowering the resonating noises and cutting the harsh impact that can lead to finger fatigue.
The silicone bottom pad inside this keyboard is combined with an IXPE switch pad and two layers of Poron foam sandwiched under the aluminum plate and PCB. These layers absorb the shock from every keystroke and help to deaden the sound profile. The PET Sound-Enhancement pad produces a pleasant “thocky” sound. The aluminum plate also supplies a superbly solid feel which should withstand some serious gaming action.
Although the Galaxy 75HE ships with a rotary knob control that can adjust volume levels and mute sound, the module isn’t soldered and can easily can be pulled out and replaced with two customizable keys using a simple pull and push. Those keys could be programmed with special functions such as putting a computer to sleep or turning it off.
There are two sets of flip-out legs on the base of the keyboard to adjust the typing angle which can go as high as five degrees. It’s comfortable to type on and easy to produce accurate results. The keyboard can be customized thanks to its QMK/VIA firmware which means advanced customization for all kinds of use.
Pricing & Availability: The EPOMAKER Galaxy 75HE mechanical keyboard is available now and costs $79.99.
Tech Specs:
- Product launch: Epomaker Galaxy HE75 Mag.
- Layout: 75% ANSI US.
- Number of keys: 81 keys / 1 knob or 2 additional keys.
- Battery: 4000mAh.
- Connectivity: Wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0.
- Compatibility: Mac/WIN/Android.
- COCD support: Yes.
- Dimensions: 329 x 144.6mm.
- Weight: 1.1kg.
- Front height: 21mm.
- Typing angle: 5 degrees.
- Case material: ABS plastic.
- Plate material: Aluminum alloy.
- Flex-cut: No.
- Stabilizers: Plate-mount.
- Mounting structure Gasket-mount.
- PCB thickness: 1.2mm.
- PCB material: FR4.
- Sound dampening: PPRO sandwich foam and silicone bottom pad.
- Keycaps profile: Cherry.
- Keycaps: PBT Double-Shot.
- Switch: Hall-Effect.
- Hot-swappable: Yes, with other south-facing magnetic switches.
- RGB: South-facing, per-key.
- Polling rate: 1000Hz (USB, 2.4Ghz), 125Hz (Bluetooth 5.0).
- Latency: 1ms (USB), 1ms (2.4Ghz wireless), 8ms (Bluetooth 5.0).
- Anti-ghosting: N-Key rollover.
