When I took the EPOMAKER LUMA100 keyboard for testing a few weeks ago, I honestly expected it to be an interesting alternative to the low-profile mechanical switches that are increasingly popular on the market today. But after a few weeks of using it with my Mac, I can say one thing without hesitation – this is not just “another mechanical switch”. This is a keyboard that can easily be compared to Apple Magic KeyboardWhat's more, in some ways it can even surprise her.
Technical specifications, processing and design
At first glance, the LUMA100 appears inconspicuous. It offers a low-profile body made of anodized aluminum, miniminimalist design and a compact 96% layout that preserves the numeric keypad while saving desk space. Combined with MacBookIt then acts as a natural addition, not as something that stands out on the table.
The big surprise for me was the construction. The aluminum body feels solid, nothing bends, and overall the keyboard feels more valuable than you might expect considering the price of $119. The manufacturer has opted for DSA keycaps with double-shot technology, so the labels don't just fall off, and most importantly, they have a very pleasant, slightly "flat" feel when typing.
Inside you will find low-profile Gateron switches, specifically linear ones variantu with an actuation force of around 50 gf. It sounds like a detail, but in practice it means fast and light typing without unnecessary resistance. Add to that the shortened stroke and suddenly you have a keyboard that feels much closer to Magic Keyboard than classical mechanics.
It will also pleaseoneactivity – Bluetooth 5.0, 2,4 GHz dongle and classic USB-C. Switching between devices is a matter of seconds and during testing I switched without any problems MacBook, iPad and iPhone.
Gallery
Testing
Honestly, I was most interested in how the LUMA100 would fare next to it. Magic Keyboard, which I have been used to for a long time. And here came the first surprise. The transition was practically no shock. Typing is fast, accurate and most importantly comfortable even with longer texts. The low profile does its job and if you are used to Apple keyboard, you'll feel right at home here. With just one difference – the response is a bit more "lively" and typing has a pleasantly softer impact thanks to the gasket construction.
I was also very pleasantly surprised by the acoustics. Mechanical keyboards often suffer from a hollow sound or an unpleasant "pinging", but here the manufacturer has used five-layer damping, which makes a huge difference. The result is a quiet, refined performance that will not offend even in theancElars.
The next chapter is customization. Thanks to VIA support, you can customize the keyboard to your exact liking, which is something that Magic Keyboard you just don't have it. And once you get used to it, you don't really want to go back.
The RGB backlighting is more of a bonus than a necessity. I left it off most of the time on my Mac, but if you want a slightly more “lively” setup, the options are really wide. The battery life (3000 mAh) is also absolutely fine. With normal use, I charged the keyboard about once every few weeks, which is practically carefree.
Summary
After a few weeks of testing, I have to say that the LUMA100 is exactly the type of product that will surprise you a little. It looks good on paper, but in reality it works even better. So if you are used to Magic Keyboard and you don't want to give up the low profile, but at the same time you are attracted to the world of mechanical keyboards, this is the ideal entry point in my opinion. It combines the best of both worlds - comfort and simplicity Applu with variability and "liveliness" of the mechanics.
Who does it make sense for? For example, Mac users who want more than just the basics, or those who type a lot and want to enjoy typing a little more. And also for anyone who has looked at mechanical keyboards but never liked classic high-top keys. Honestly, I didn't expect it. But the LUMA100 compares favorably to Magic Keyboard really deserves it. And in some ways it comes out surprisingly strong.
For a couple of years to Mac (driv iMac, i.e Mini) and I use "full-blooded" Logi MX Keys ... original large Apple It didn't fit me and I use the small one recreationally, when I need more space on the table or just need a change from time to time.
This one doesn't look bad either, according to the review, although the circus-like backlighting could have been forgiven...
In any case, it is further confirmation that peripheral manufacturers are able to give users a great alternative for reasonable money that fits a specific person much better than the original. Apple (with a beautiful design but the price for Apple The keyboard is a bit pointless... but maybe they just increased the salaries of children and slaves in China, so it had to be reflected in the price of the product..)
I have to do the same with mice... Apple The mouse is great, a beautiful thing, but working with it for a long time is ergonomically nonsense and the keyboard tunnels have their own minds... that's why I've had the Logi MX vertical on my desk for a long time and I don't let it get to me, and I have an apple in my bag next to my Mbook Air … (with this it is a great combination)