HMX GB40 vs Vortex Core PlusRGB or VIA Choice
Choose the HMX GB40 for RGB and broader switch compatibility, or the Vortex Core Plus for VIA programming and low-profile typing.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Which one should you get?
Get the
HMX GB40
Build quality in the top 50% of 40% boards under $150.
- Gasket mount design with an aluminum case.
- South-facing RGB lighting.
- Hot-swap PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Get the
Vortex Core Plus
VIA
Build quality in the top 50% of 40% boards under $150.
- VIA 3.0 support for programming.
- Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity.
- Low-profile CNC aluminum case with a 5° typing angle.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
Pick the HMX GB40 if south-facing RGB and support for both 3-pin and 5-pin switches matter most. Choose the Vortex Core Plus if VIA programming, Mac and Windows support, or its low-profile build better suits your setup, and plan to use low-profile switches and keycaps.
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
Vortex Core Plus
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Low profile
No
Yes
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Plate Mount
VIA
No
Yes
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
Backlight
RGB, south-facing
None
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
- HMX GB40
- Vortex Core Plus
- Performance
- 5846
- Build quality
- 6970
- Productivity
- 5775
- Customizability
- 5760
- Portability
- 8587
- Layout size: 40%
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: Aluminum
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Vortex Core Plus has the edge for office work and programming, thanks to VIA support, Mac and Windows support, and its 50-key layout. Its low-profile design and 2.4 GHz option also make it a useful travel pick. The HMX GB40 is the more flexible starting point for switch changes, with support for both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, plus RGB. Gaming and content-creation choices depend more on whether you value the GB40's lighting or the Core Plus's VIA support.
It's a tie
- Both are ANSI 40% keyboards with Bluetooth and wired connectivity.
- The HMX GB40 has south-facing RGB, while the Vortex Core Plus adds 2.4 GHz wireless; neither listing specifies gaming latency or polling performance.
HMX GB40 vs Vortex Core Plus specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
7 of 19 specs differ
HMX GB40
Vortex Core Plus
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Typing angle
Backlight
VIA
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
- Check on Amazon
Amazon
Check price
HMX GB40 vs Vortex Core Plus: your questions
Choose the HMX GB40 for south-facing RGB and a hot-swap PCB that supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches. Choose the Vortex Core Plus for VIA 3.0, 2.4 GHz wireless, and a low-profile design.
Yes, the HMX GB40 has south-facing RGB lighting. Its compatibility note warns that shine-through legends stay dark and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
No, the Vortex Core Plus is listed without RGB. The HMX GB40 is the option in this comparison with south-facing RGB lighting.
Yes, the Vortex Core Plus supports VIA 3.0. The HMX GB40 metadata does not list VIA support, so choose the Core Plus if VIA is a requirement.
The HMX GB40 vendor listing says its hot-swap PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches. It also lists HMX Monochrome 42g linear PCB-mount switches as the included switch type.
No, the Vortex Core Plus compatibility rule specifies low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
The HMX GB40 lists Bluetooth and wireless connectivity, and its vendor description says a wireless dongle is included. The Vortex Core Plus offers Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless, with a 2.4 GHz dongle listed among the included items.
The Vortex Core Plus vendor listing specifies Mac and Windows support. The HMX GB40 vendor listing explicitly names Windows compatibility, but does not specify Mac support.
The Vortex Core Plus is the more directly equipped option for programming, with VIA 3.0 support and a 50-key layout. The HMX GB40 has 45 keys and a hot-swap PCB that supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
The HMX GB40 offers broader stated switch compatibility, supporting both 3-pin and 5-pin switches. The Vortex Core Plus is hot-swappable too, but its PCB is designed for Gateron low-profile switches.
The vendor listing names a wireless dongle, switch and keycap puller, coiled USB-A to USB-C cable, and custom knob decoration. It also describes Poron plate foam and IXPE switch and bottom padding inside the keyboard.
The Vortex Core Plus vendor listing says wireless mode is powered by two AAA batteries, which are not included. The listing also says it has no lithium battery.
Not sold on either?
![[In Stock] GuangQi40 40% Mechanical Keyboard](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0549/0262/0278/files/3_f9db0f02-e41b-4619-910e-31d54b65865c.png?v=1735804775&width=3840&quality=75)
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.