Epomaker Luma40 vs Vortex Core Plus
Choose the Epomaker Luma40 for ortholinear typing, RGB and QMK support, or the Vortex Core Plus for a conventional layout with a 5° typing angle.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Epomaker Luma40
QMK
Build quality in the top 20% of 40% boards under $150.
- Ortholinear 40% layout with ANSI standard.
- QMK and VIA support, plus hot-swappable Kailh low-profile switches.
- Customizable RGB with north-facing per-key LEDs and semi-transparent PC keycaps.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
Get the
Vortex Core Plus
Build quality in the top 50% of 40% boards under $150.
- Conventional low-profile 40% layout with a 5° typing angle.
- Aluminum case and FR4 plate, with foam in the bottom case and between the plate and PCB.
- Hot-swap PCB designed for Gateron low-profile switches and VIA 3.0 support.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
Choose the Epomaker Luma40 if you want an ortholinear layout, RGB, QMK support and a rechargeable battery, and check that its low-profile keycap requirements work for your planned setup. Pick the Vortex Core Plus if you prefer a conventional layout and 5° typing angle, and are comfortable sourcing two AAA batteries for wireless use.
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
Vortex Core Plus
Ergonomics
Ortholinear
Standard
Switch options
Clicky, Linear
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Mount style
Tray Mount
Plate Mount
QMK
Yes
No
The deep option when you want to remap every key
Plate material
Polycarbonate
FR4
- Epomaker Luma40
- Vortex Core Plus
- Performance
- 7346
- Build quality
- 8169
- Productivity
- 8875
- Customizability
- 8560
- Portability
- 8587
- Layout size: 40%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Low profile
- Case material: Aluminum
- VIA
What will you mostly use it for?
The Luma40 leads in the listed use cases, particularly where RGB, QMK support or documented wired and 2.4 GHz performance matter. Its ortholinear layout and acoustic construction may also suit buyers who want a grid layout and dampened typing sound. The Core Plus remains a sensible alternative for shoppers who prefer a conventional layout and a 5° typing angle. Both offer low-profile hot-swap sockets and VIA support.
Pick the Epomaker Luma40
- The Luma40 specifies a 1000 Hz polling rate in 2.4 GHz or wired mode.
- It also lists 3 ms USB and 5 ms 2.4 GHz latency.
- The Core Plus listing does not give polling-rate or latency figures.
Epomaker Luma40 vs Vortex Core Plus specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
7 of 25 specs differ
Epomaker Luma40
Vortex Core Plus
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
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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Epomaker Luma40 vs Vortex Core Plus: your questions
The Luma40 has an ortholinear layout, while the Core Plus uses a conventional layout and has a 5° typing angle. The Luma40 also adds RGB and QMK support, which the Core Plus listing does not specify.
The Epomaker Luma40 has customizable RGB with north-facing per-key LEDs. The Vortex Core Plus is listed without RGB.
The Epomaker Luma40 lists both QMK and VIA support. The Vortex Core Plus lists VIA 3.0 support, but not QMK.
Both keyboards are hot-swappable and use low-profile switches. The Luma40 is specified for Kailh low-profile switches, while the Core Plus PCB is designed for Gateron low-profile switches.
No, both compatibility rules specify low-profile switches and keycaps, and state that standard MX keycaps will not fit. The Luma40 also has north-facing LEDs, which can interfere with Cherry-profile keycaps.
The Luma40 lists a 1000 Hz polling rate in 2.4 GHz or wired mode, plus 3 ms USB and 5 ms 2.4 GHz latency. The Core Plus listing does not provide polling-rate or latency figures for comparison.
The Luma40 has a 1450 mAh rechargeable battery, and Epomaker lists up to 75 hours with RGB off. The Core Plus uses two AAA batteries for wireless mode, and its vendor description says they are not included.
Yes, both list Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless and wired USB-C connectivity. The Luma40’s vendor description also specifies polling rates for its 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
Both support VIA, which is listed for remapping and programming on these keyboards. The Luma40 also supports QMK, giving it an additional named firmware option.
Both have aluminum cases. The Luma40 uses a polycarbonate plate and PC keycaps, while the Core Plus uses an FR4 plate and low-profile VTG-profile dye-sublimated keycaps.
The Luma40 is listed at 410 g and 240 × 87 mm, which gives buyers concrete dimensions and weight for packing. The Core Plus product description calls it compact but does not provide its weight or dimensions.
Both product listings specify Mac and Windows support. The Luma40 vendor description also names Android compatibility.
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