Epomaker Luma40 vs Keychron K5 V2Compact vs Full-Size
Choose the Epomaker Luma40 for extreme portability and a unique ortholinear layout, or the Keychron K5 QMK V2 for a full-size layout with dedicated keys and a larger battery.
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5.0 (3)5.0 · 3 reviews
from$92at Epomaker
90-day lowLowest price in 90 days
5.0 (6)5.0 · 6 reviews
from$89at MK
Which one should you get?
Get the
Epomaker Luma40
Compact
Build quality in the top 20% of 40% boards under $150.
- Ultra-compact 40% ortholinear layout saves substantial desk space.
- Tri-mode connectivity includes 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired USB-C.
- Full aluminum case construction for a premium feel.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
- Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.
Get the
Keychron K5 V2
Full-Size
Build quality in the top 15% of 100% boards under $100.
- Full 100% layout with number pad, arrow keys, and function row.
- Larger 2000mAh battery capacity.
- Includes multiple acoustic foam layers (IXPE, EPDM, latex) for sound tuning.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you must have a number pad, arrow keys, and a full set of dedicated keys without learning layers, the Keychron K5 QMK V2 is the necessary pick. If you value a minimalist desk, extreme portability, and are willing to master a layered ortholinear layout, the Epomaker Luma40 offers a unique and capable package. Both provide excellent programmability and a low-profile typing experience.
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.
Epomaker Luma40
Keychron K5 V2
Layout size
40%
100%
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Battery
1,450 mAh
2,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Ergonomics
Ortholinear
Standard
Case material
Aluminum
ABS, Aluminum
- Epomaker Luma40
- Keychron K5 V2
- Performance
- 7382
- Build quality
- 8180
- Productivity
- 8889
- Customizability
- 8588
- Portability
- 8554
- Hot-swappable
- Low profile
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- QMK
- VIA
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron K5 QMK V2 is the clear choice for office work, content creation, and any task requiring a full number pad and immediate key access. The Epomaker Luma40 dominates for travel and saves desk space for gaming, though it requires adaptation to its 40% layout. For programming and modding, both are capable, with the decision leaning on layout preference versus built-in acoustic foams.
Pick the Epomaker Luma40
- Includes a dedicated 2.4 GHz wireless mode for lower latency gaming, with manufacturer-stated latency of 5ms.
- Its compact 40% size frees up significant desk space for large mouse movements.
- Supports N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Epomaker Luma40
3 owner reviews
“Hello there the luma 40 is one of my favorite keebs i used i can bring it anywhere with me i really love it thanks u guys”
Keychron K5 V2
6 owner reviews
“Genuinely happy with the keyboard. Had a low-profile one from another brand that has been used for 12+ years, and it degraded over time. This K5 feels very good. Still have to get used to the distance between the "primary," arrows, and numpad blocks, but…”
Epomaker Luma40 vs Keychron K5 V2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
13 of 26 specs differ
Epomaker Luma40
Keychron K5 V2
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
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
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Epomaker Luma40
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Keychron K5 V2
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-SW
In stockDoes not ship to you
MonacoKeys
ISO-DE
In stockDoes not ship to you
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Epomaker Luma40 vs Keychron K5 V2: your questions
The Epomaker Luma40 is specifically designed for small desks. Its 40% layout measures only 240mm in width, freeing up significant space for your mouse and other peripherals compared to a full-size keyboard like the Keychron K5.
No, according to its specifications, the Keychron K5 QMK V2 offers connectivity via Bluetooth and wired USB-C only. It does not include a 2.4 GHz wireless mode, unlike the Epomaker Luma40 which comes with a 2.4GHz receiver.
You can, but it will be less efficient. The Luma40 lacks a dedicated number pad, so you must use a function layer to access numbers. For frequent data entry, the Keychron K5's full-size layout with a dedicated numpad is a more practical choice.
Yes, both the Epomaker Luma40 and the Keychron K5 QMK V2 (in its hot-swappable version) feature hot-swappable sockets. The Luma40 is compatible with Kailh low-profile switches, while the K5 V2 is compatible with Keychron Milk POM or Gateron low-profile mechanical switches.
The Keychron K5 QMK V2 has a larger 2000mAh battery compared to the Luma40's 1450mAh battery, which should translate to longer usage between charges. The Luma40's vendor page states a battery life of up to 75 hours with RGB off.
An ortholinear layout arranges keys in a straight grid, with each key aligned vertically and horizontally. This differs from the staggered layout on traditional keyboards like the K5. Epomaker claims this design minimizes finger travel and can reduce strain.
Yes, both keyboards are listed as compatible with Mac and Windows systems. The Keychron K5 specifically includes keycaps for both operating systems and mentions having Mac-specific multimedia keys.
Yes. Both keyboards feature per-key, north-facing RGB backlighting and support customization through their respective software. The Luma40 uses VIA, while the K5 V2 uses the Keychron Launcher web app for lighting control.
According to its listing, the Luma40 includes a detachable USB A-to-C cable, a 2.4GHz wireless receiver, a 2-in-1 keycap and switch puller, three extra switches, a detachable wrist strap with tools, and a manual.
The Keychron K5 V2 includes several features aimed at comfort. It has three adjustable typing angles, low-profile switches to reduce wrist strain, and according to its vendor description, multiple foam layers for a more comfortable and quieter typing sound.
The Keychron K5 QMK V2 is more beginner-friendly due to its standard full-size layout, which requires no learning curve for key placement. The Luma40's 40% ortholinear layout demands significant adaptation to use layers effectively.
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