keeb-finder.com - September 6, 2025

Best 5 Compact 40% Layout Mechanical Keyboards (2025)

A technical roundup of the top 40% mechanical keyboards in 2025 — ultra-compact layouts with fast navigation, deep programmability, and premium build options for gaming and productivity.

Source: zfrontier.com - Niuniu @40

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Featured in this article

Best Low‑Profile Ortholiear 40% Keyboard

NIUNIU @40

Best Budget 40% Keyboard

Epomaker TH40

Best Aluminum 40% (QMK/VIA)

Keychron Q9

KBDFans Agar Mini - 40% MX and EC Keyboard Kit [Preorder] - Image: 1

Best Custom 40% (MX & EC Options)

KBDFans Agar Mini MX

Best Ergonomic 40% Alternative (Single‑Row Function)

KEEBD Reviung 41

Compare Side by Side

40% keyboards strip typing down to the essentials. By removing the number row and condensing navigation into layers, these boards maximize desk space, reduce hand travel, and keep your posture centered. With the right firmware (QMK/VIA), you can map macros, media, and navigation layers to stay fast and accurate without reaching for a mouse.

In 2025, the category spans prebuilt options for plug‑and‑play simplicity, aluminum customs for premium acoustics, and ergonomic variants for all‑day comfort. Below are our five standout picks that balance portability, programmability, and build quality—each with a clear use case so you can pick confidently.

Best Low‑Profile Ortholiear 40% Keyboard

NIUNIU @40

The NIUNIU @40 is a low‑profile 40% kit designed for speed and comfort. The shorter key travel reduces finger fatigue over long sessions and keeps your hands closer to home row, which helps maintain accuracy when using layers for arrows and function keys.

With QMK/VIA programmability and a portable footprint, it’s easy to build ergonomic layers, macros, and media controls that match your workflow. If you want a modern, slim feel with true 40% efficiency, the @40 is an excellent compact daily driver.

Specs
Name	NIUNIU @40
Release year	2025
Switch Options	-
Profile	Low Profile
Hot Swappable
Layout Size	40%
Layout Standard	ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Ortholinear
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Best Budget 40% Keyboard

Epomaker TH40

The Epomaker TH40 offers incredible value with hot‑swappable switches and a compact layout that’s easy to learn. The lightweight chassis keeps pack weight down, while stabilizers arrive well‑tuned for a clean, rattle‑free feel—great for first‑time 40% users.

With flexible connectivity and vibrant lighting, you get a fun, customizable desk piece that’s fast to set up. It’s the easiest way to experience 40% ergonomics and portability without stretching your budget.

Specs
Name	Epomaker TH40
Release year	2024
Switch Options	Linear
Profile	Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
Layout Size	40%
Layout Standard	ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Split Spacebar
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Best Aluminum 40% (QMK/VIA)

Keychron Q9

Keychron’s Q9 is a compact tank. The CNC aluminum case and gasket‑style build deliver a deep, muted sound with minimal flex, elevating both feel and acoustics. Full QMK/VIA support means you can create fast, ergonomic layers—home‑row mods, tap‑dance arrows, and application shortcuts—for peak efficiency.

If you want workstation‑grade stability with enthusiast tuning out of the box, the Q9 is a compelling daily driver that balances weight, sound, and programmability.

Specs
Name	Keychron Q9
Release year	2022
Switch Options	Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
Layout Size	40%
Layout Standard	ANSI, ISO
Layout Ergonomics	Split Spacebar
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Best Custom 40% (MX & EC Options)

KBDFans Agar Mini MX

The KBDFans Agar Mini bridges mainstream and enthusiast worlds with support for both MX and EC (electro‑capacitive) builds. That flexibility lets you tailor feel—from crisp MX tactility to smooth, long‑stroke EC—so you can tune sound and fatigue exactly to your preference.

Sturdy materials and thoughtful plate options improve acoustics and reduce top‑out harshness. If you’re building for a signature sound and long sessions, this kit offers a versatile path to a premium 40%.

Specs
Name	KBDFans Agar Mini MX
Release year	2025
Switch Options	-
Profile	Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
Layout Size	40%
Layout Standard	ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Ortholinear
Show all

Best Ergonomic 40% Alternative (Single‑Row Function)

KEEBD Reviung 41

The REVIUNG 41 keeps a 40%‑like footprint but adds a smart single‑row function layout for more direct access. The wide, gently curved arc brings columns closer to finger home positions, reducing reach and strain during long coding or writing sessions.

Open‑source firmware and community builds make it easy to tune layers and sound profile. If you want 40% portability with a friendlier learning curve and ergonomic tilt, the REVIUNG 41 is an excellent daily companion.

Specs
Name	KEEBD Reviung 41
Release year	2021
Switch Options	Tactile
Profile	Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
Layout Size	40%
Layout Standard	ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Normal
Show all

Browse more 40% keyboards in our database

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Explore additional 40% and near‑40% options, compare prices, and filter for hot‑swap, case material, and connectivity to dial in your perfect compact setup.

$119

Epomaker Tide49

40%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

$229

Wind Studio Hola Hola Mini

40%,

Hotswap,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

$154

[In Stock] Zan 40 keyboard kit by Niuniu Selection

zFrontier Zan 40 Selection

40%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

Alu case

$114

NIUNIU @40

40%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

Alu case

$130

80Retros GB40 40% Aluminum Wireless Keyboard - Image: 1

HMX GB40

40%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

$180

Unity Community Micro

40%,

RGB,

Knob,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case

$72

Epomaker TH40

40%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

RGB,

VIA,

QMK,

Gasket Mount

$109

Keychron Q9

40%,

Hotswap,

Wired,

RGB,

Knob,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

$30

Mechboards Plaid

40%,

QMK

$193

[In Stock] GuangQi40 40% Mechanical Keyboard - Image: 1

Dwarf Wangchuan GuangQi40

40%,

Hotswap,

Wireless,

Wired,

VIA,

QMK,

Alu case,

Gasket Mount

Compare Side by Side

Model	NIUNIU @40	Epomaker TH40	Keychron Q9	KBDFans Agar Mini MX	KEEBD Reviung 41

Rating	4.5 stars (4 reviews)	3.9 stars (21 reviews)	4.5 stars (13 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Name	Name NIUNIU @40	Name Epomaker TH40	Name Keychron Q9	Name KBDFans Agar Mini MX	Name KEEBD Reviung 41
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2024	Release year 2022	Release year 2025	Release year 2021
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options Linear	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options -	Switch Options Tactile
Profile	Profile Low Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 40%	Layout Size 40%	Layout Size 40%	Layout Size 40%	Layout Size 40%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Ortholinear	Layout Ergonomics Split Spacebar	Layout Ergonomics Split Spacebar	Layout Ergonomics Ortholinear	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support	Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless	Connection
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 3000 mAh	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 1000 mAh	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style -	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style -
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum, Polycarbonate	Case Material ABS	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum, Polycarbonate, Brass	Case Material Acrylic, Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material -
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions 35 x 258 x 97 mm	Dimensions 20 x 94 x 326 mm	Dimensions 40 x 250 x 120 mm	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight 500g	Weight 1050g	Weight 700g	Weight -

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Best 5 Compact 40% Layout Mechanical Keyboards (2025)

Featured in this article

Best Low‑Profile Ortholiear 40% Keyboard

NIUNIU @40

Best Budget 40% Keyboard

Epomaker TH40

Best Aluminum 40% (QMK/VIA)

Keychron Q9

Best Custom 40% (MX & EC Options)

KBDFans Agar Mini MX

Best Ergonomic 40% Alternative (Single‑Row Function)

KEEBD Reviung 41

Best Low‑Profile Ortholiear 40% Keyboard

NIUNIU @40

Best Budget 40% Keyboard

Epomaker TH40

Best Aluminum 40% (QMK/VIA)

Keychron Q9

Best Custom 40% (MX & EC Options)

KBDFans Agar Mini MX

Best Ergonomic 40% Alternative (Single‑Row Function)

KEEBD Reviung 41

Browse more 40% keyboards in our database

Compare Side by Side

Read more

Low Profile Keycaps: Where to find them

The Best Mechanical Keyboard Switches of 2025

The Best Magnetic Keyboards of 2025

Mechanical Keyboard Features and Specifications Guide: From Layout Size to Mount Style

MelGeek Mojo84 Vaporwave Mechanical Keyboard Review & Sound Test