HMX GB40 vs Epomaker TH40Aluminum Build vs Firmware Support
Choose the HMX GB40 for its premium aluminum case and included accessories, or the Epomaker TH40 for superior firmware customization and a lower price.
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3.9 (56)3.9 · 56 reviews
from$55at Epomaker
90-day lowLowest price in 90 days
Which one should you get?
Get the
HMX GB40
Aluminum Build
Build quality in the top 50% of 40% boards under $150.
- Offers a premium powder-coated CNC aluminum case option.
- Includes more accessories: a coiled USB-C cable, switch puller, keycap puller, wireless dongle, and a joystick knob.
- Comes with pre-installed sound dampening foam (Poron plate foam and IXPE switch/bottom padding).
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Get the
Epomaker TH40
Firmware Support
Build quality in the top 30% of 40% boards under $150.
- Explicitly supports QMK and VIA for extensive, user-friendly key remapping and macro programming.
- Specifies a 1000Hz polling rate for wired and 2.4GHz wireless modes.
- Features a split spacebar layout with a dedicated FN key for potentially easier layer access.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Your priority should dictate the choice. If a premium metal build, included accessories, and out-of-the-box aesthetics are most important, the HMX GB40 is the clear pick. If deep software customization, a specified high polling rate for responsiveness, and a lower cost are your main drivers, the Epomaker TH40 offers superior value and capability. Both are competent ultra-compact wireless boards, but they serve different core audiences.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
HMX GB40
Epomaker TH40
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Ergonomics
Standard
Split Spacebar
Case material
Aluminum
ABS
QMK
No
Yes
The deep option when you want to remap every key
VIA
No
Yes
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
- HMX GB40
- Epomaker TH40
- Performance
- 5874
- Build quality
- 6975
- Productivity
- 5762
- Customizability
- 5785
- Portability
- 8584
- Layout size: 40%
- Hot-swappable
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
What will you mostly use it for?
The Epomaker TH40 takes the lead for gaming due to its specified high polling rate and for programming/modding thanks to its robust QMK/VIA software support. The HMX GB40 is favored for content creation, leveraging its aluminum build quality. For office use and travel, the keyboards are evenly matched, both offering the extreme portability and multi-device connectivity inherent to the 40% form factor, with the trade-off of learning complex layers for daily tasks.
Pick the Epomaker TH40
- The Epomaker TH40 lists a 1000Hz polling rate for wired/2.4G modes, which the HMX GB40's specifications do not mention.
- It supports full N-Key Rollover (NKRO) to prevent key conflicts during simultaneous presses.
- The manufacturer's description for the TH40 explicitly mentions its suitability for gaming.
HMX GB40 vs Epomaker TH40 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 24 specs differ
HMX GB40
Epomaker TH40
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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HMX GB40 vs Epomaker TH40: your questions
The Epomaker TH40 has superior software support. It explicitly supports both QMK and VIA, which are standard, powerful tools for remapping keys, creating macros, and adjusting layers. The HMX GB40's vendor page and user reviews suggest less reliable VIA compatibility.
The HMX GB40 offers case material options. According to the manufacturer, you can choose a powder-coated CNC aluminum case or a polycarbonate case. The Epomaker TH40 uses an ABS plastic case.
The Epomaker TH40 has a polling rate of 1000Hz when used in wired or 2.4GHz wireless mode. When connected via Bluetooth, the polling rate is 125Hz. The HMX GB40's specifications do not list a polling rate.
Yes, both keyboards include a 2.4GHz wireless dongle. The HMX GB40's listing explicitly mentions the inclusion of a wireless dongle in the box. The Epomaker TH40 supports tri-mode connectivity, which includes 2.4GHz wireless.
Yes, both keyboards are hot-swappable. Their PCBs support both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, allowing you to change switches without soldering.
This depends on preference. The HMX GB40 has a fixed 6-degree typing angle and an aluminum case for stability. The Epomaker TH40 uses a split spacebar layout, which some find ergonomic by reducing thumb travel. Both use gasket mounts and foam for a softer typing feel.
The Epomaker TH40 comes with PBT dye-sublimated keycaps in a Cherry profile. The HMX GB40's keycaps vary by color, with some versions using pad-printed ABS and others using pad-printed PBT.
The HMX GB40 has 45 keys. The Epomaker TH40 has a 44-key layout, which includes a split spacebar.
Yes, both keyboards feature south-facing RGB LEDs. South-facing LEDs are often preferred as they improve compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps and can reduce glare.
The Epomaker TH40 has a built-in 3000mAh battery. The battery capacity for the HMX GB40 is not specified in the provided information.
The HMX GB40 includes more accessories. According to its listing, the box contains a wireless dongle, a switch and keycap puller, a coiled USB-C cable, and a red joystick knob decoration. The Epomaker TH40 listing mentions a keyboard, USB cable, and user manual.
Not sold on either?
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