Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Head to head · Prices checked Oct 21, 2026

Epomaker Luma40 vs Keychron K5 QMK 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.

EPOMAKER LUMA40

Compact

Epomaker Luma40

5.0 · 3 reviews

from$115at Epomaker

Shop nowSee all prices
Keychron K5 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 2

Full-Size

Keychron K5 QMK V2

4.5 · 8 reviews

from$89at Keychron

Shop nowCompare 2 stores

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Epomaker Luma40

Compact

If you want

  • 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.

And can live with

  • 40% layout requires heavy use of layers for numbers, function keys, and symbols.
  • Smaller 1450mAh battery compared to the K5.
  • Lacks dedicated arrow keys, number pad, and function row.

Get the

Keychron K5 QMK V2

Full-Size

If you want

  • 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.

And can live with

  • Larger full-size form factor is less portable.
  • Lacks a 2.4 GHz wireless mode, relying on Bluetooth and wired.
  • Case uses an ABS and aluminum frame, not full aluminum.

Bottom line

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.

What actually differs

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 QMK V2

  • Layout size

    40%

    100%

  • Connection

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Bluetooth, Wired

  • Battery

    1,450 mAh

    2,000 mAh

  • Ergonomics

    Ortholinear

    Standard

  • Case material

    Aluminum

    ABS, Aluminum

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Epomaker Luma40
  • Keychron K5 QMK V2
Performance
75
82
Build quality
80
79
Productivity
88
80
Customizability
86
89
Portability
87
54

What they share

  • Hot-swappable
  • Low profile
  • Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
  • QMK
  • VIA
See every spec side by side

Best for

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.

For gaming

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.

From real owners

What owners say

Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.

Epomaker Luma40

5.0

3 owner reviews

Praise
“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”
Sajad m.Verified buyer· via Epomaker

Keychron K5 QMK V2

4.5

8 owner reviews

Praise
“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…”
Viktor K.Verified buyer· via Keychron
Critique
“Got this keyboard so I could keep my K5 Pro at work and this one at home. Both are the RGB version with brown switches, the K5v2 is quieter than the Pro and just as good to use. It also reports battery state over Bluetooth, which is a nice QoL improvement…”
Alex· via Keychron

Full specs

Epomaker Luma40 vs Keychron K5 QMK V2 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

12 of 25 specs differ

Epomaker Luma40

Keychron K5 QMK V2

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear
Clicky, Linear, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Tray Mount
PCB Mount

Low profile

Yes
Yes

Sound dampening

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

40%
100%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK

Ergonomics

Ortholinear
Standard

Display

None
None

Media keys

No
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
1,000 Hz

Battery

1,450 mAh
2,000 mAhBetter

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
ABS, Aluminum

Plate material

Polycarbonate
—

Keycaps

PC
ABS

Weight

410 g
—

Dimensions

21 x 240 x 87 mm
—

Backlight

RGB, north-facing
RGB, north-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
Yes

VIA

Yes
Yes

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2025
2024

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

  • EpomakerUS

    In stock
    $115Visit
  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    Visit
  • KeychronHK

    In stock
    $89Visit
  • MKUS

    In stock
    $89Visit
  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    ~$89Visit

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.

FAQ

Epomaker Luma40 vs Keychron K5 QMK 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.

Still torn?

Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.