Let’s face it, the world of keyboards is becoming increasingly saturated. There are countless options out there, each vying for your attention with its unique features, design, and price point. But sometimes, amidst the flood of new releases, a keyboard emerges that stands out from the crowd, capturing our hearts and our wallets with its undeniable charm. The Epomaker x Feker Galaxy 80 is one such keyboard.
This collaboration between Epomaker and Feker brings together the best of both worlds – a robust and reliable build quality from Epomaker, coupled with the striking aesthetics and ergonomic design of Feker. The result is a keyboard that is both visually stunning and a joy to type on, a perfect blend of form and function.
First Impressions: A Futuristic Aesthetic
The Galaxy 80 arrives in a sleek, modern package with a prominent image of the keyboard on the front. Upon opening it, you're greeted with a sight that is both familiar and utterly unique. The keyboard is a testament to minimalist design, with a clean, uncluttered layout that is reminiscent of classic mechanical keyboards but infused with a futuristic twist.
The first thing that grabs your attention is the color – a vibrant, almost electric cyan that evokes images of distant galaxies and the boundless possibilities of space exploration. This isn't just any shade of blue; it's a special shade that Feker has dubbed "Cosmic Cyan," and it truly lives up to its name. The cyan color is offset by the black aluminum frame, creating a stark contrast that makes the keyboard feel both modern and sophisticated.
The keyboard itself is compact, featuring a 75% layout that eliminates the numpad and some of the function keys to provide a smaller footprint. This compact design is perfect for users with limited desk space or those who prefer a minimalist setup.
Build Quality: Solid and Reliable
When you pick up the Galaxy 80, you immediately feel its weight. This isn't a flimsy, plastic keyboard; it's built to last. The aluminum frame provides a solid base, while the thick PBT keycaps feel substantial under your fingers. There's a satisfying heft to the keyboard, a testament to its well-engineered construction.
The keycaps are also worth noting. They are double-shot PBT keycaps, which means that the legends are injected into the plastic during the molding process, guaranteeing that they will never fade or rub off, even with extensive use. The keycaps also have a textured finish, providing a comfortable grip and reducing the likelihood of your fingers slipping during intense typing sessions.
Typing Experience: Pillowy Smoothness
But the Galaxy 80 is more than just a pretty face; it's also a delight to type on. The keyboard utilizes Gateron Milky Yellow switches, known for their smooth linear action and satisfying tactile feedback. They are a joy to use, offering a comfortable and responsive typing experience.
The Milky Yellow switches are renowned for their "pillowy" feel, providing a smooth, consistent stroke with a pronounced "bottom out" that offers a satisfying tactile bump. This tactile bump is not as strong as some of the other switches on the market, but it's still noticeable and provides a comfortable feedback mechanism.
The switches are also very quiet, especially compared to other linear switches like the Cherry MX Red. This makes the Galaxy 80 a great choice for users who want a quiet typing experience.
Ergonomics: Designed for Comfort
Beyond the switches, the Galaxy 80 also incorporates several ergonomic features that enhance comfort and reduce strain on your hands and wrists. The keyboard features a low-profile design, which helps to maintain a more neutral wrist position. The keyboard also features a slight slope, further promoting a comfortable typing position.
The keycaps themselves are also designed with ergonomics in mind. They feature a spherical profile, which helps to guide your fingers into the correct position and promote a more relaxed typing posture.
Customization Options: Unleash Your Creativity
One of the things that truly sets the Galaxy 80 apart is its customizability. The keyboard features an open-source layout, which means that you can remap the keys to your liking using software like QMK or VIA. This opens up a world of possibilities for personalization, allowing you to tailor the keyboard to your specific needs and preferences.
You can create custom keymaps, assign macros to specific keys, and even configure the lighting effects to your heart's content. The Galaxy 80 comes with RGB lighting, offering a wide range of customization options. You can choose from a variety of pre-set lighting effects or create your own custom patterns.
Connectivity and Software: Seamless Integration
The Galaxy 80 offers both wired and wireless connectivity. It features a USB-C port for wired connections and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless connections. The keyboard supports up to three devices, making it an ideal choice for multi-device users.
The keyboard also comes with a companion software that allows you to customize the keyboard's settings, including lighting effects, key mapping, and more. The software is easy to use and offers a comprehensive set of features.
Who is the Galaxy 80 for?
The Epomaker x Feker Galaxy 80 is a keyboard that appeals to a wide range of users. It's a great choice for anyone looking for a sturdy, stylish, and customizable keyboard with a comfortable typing experience.
Here's a breakdown of who might find the Galaxy 80 particularly appealing:
- Content creators and writers: The keyboard's smooth linear switches and ergonomic design make it a pleasure to type on for extended periods.
- Gamers: The low-profile design and responsive switches make the Galaxy 80 a suitable choice for gaming, offering quick response times and a comfortable feel.
- Programmers and developers: The customizable keymapping and layout make the Galaxy 80 ideal for programmers and developers who frequently use keyboard shortcuts.
- Minimalists and aesthetics enthusiasts: The Galaxy 80's sleek, modern design and vibrant color will appeal to those who appreciate minimalist aesthetics.
Conclusion: A Keyboard That Delivers
The Epomaker x Feker Galaxy 80 is more than just a keyboard; it's a statement piece. It combines a striking visual design with exceptional build quality and a comfortable typing experience. It's a keyboard that is built to last and will undoubtedly enhance your daily workflow or gaming sessions.
If you're looking for a keyboard that is both visually stunning and a pleasure to use, the Galaxy 80 is definitely worth considering. It's a keyboard that ticks all the boxes and delivers on its promises, offering a combination of functionality, aesthetics, and customization that is hard to beat.
FAQs
Q: What is the price of the Epomaker x Feker Galaxy 80?
A: The Epomaker x Feker Galaxy 80 is priced around $150, making it a reasonably priced keyboard with a premium build quality.
Q: What are the dimensions of the Galaxy 80?
A: The Galaxy 80 measures approximately 340mm x 130mm x 40mm, making it a compact keyboard that won't take up too much desk space.
Q: Does the Galaxy 80 come with any accessories?
A: The Galaxy 80 comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable, a keycap puller, and a user manual.
Q: Is the Galaxy 80 compatible with Mac?
A: Yes, the Galaxy 80 is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Q: What are the differences between the wired and wireless versions of the Galaxy 80?
A: The wired version of the Galaxy 80 offers a slightly faster response time, while the wireless version provides the freedom of a cable-free setup. Both versions offer a similar typing experience.