Epomaker TH40 vs Nuphy Gem80Ultra-Portable vs Premium Custom
Choose the Epomaker TH40 for extreme portability and value, or the Nuphy Gem80 for a premium build, superior sound, and a full layout.
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3.9 (56)3.9 · 56 reviews
from$55at Epomaker
90-day lowLowest price in 90 days
No reviews
from$170at Nuphy
Which one should you get?
Get the
Epomaker TH40
Ultra-Portable
Build quality in the top 30% of 40% boards under $150.
- Extremely compact and lightweight 40% layout, ideal for portability.
- Offers tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) in a budget-friendly package.
- Hot-swappable PCB and programmable via VIA software with multiple layers.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- 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
Nuphy Gem80
Premium Custom
Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $200.
- High-end construction with an aluminum top case and polycarbonate bottom case.
- Extensive sound customization with six included mods and an omni-mount system for different feels.
- Sold as a versatile barebones kit, offering great flexibility for switch and keycap choice.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
Your choice fundamentally comes down to form factor and investment. The Epomaker TH40 is a compelling, affordable gateway into ultra-compact keyboards and wireless convenience, perfect for minimalist desks or frequent travelers. The Nuphy Gem80 is a premium project for enthusiasts who value acoustic tuning, material quality, and a standard layout, and are willing to invest more time and money into building their perfect keyboard.
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 TH40
Nuphy Gem80
Layout size
40%
80%
Battery
3,000 mAh
4,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Ergonomics
Split Spacebar
Standard
Case material
ABS
Aluminum, Polycarbonate
Switch options
Linear
Mechanical
- Epomaker TH40
- Nuphy Gem80
- Performance
- 7479
- Build quality
- 7584
- Productivity
- 6288
- Customizability
- 8594
- Portability
- 8476
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- QMK
- VIA
What will you mostly use it for?
The Nuphy Gem80 is the more versatile choice for stationary use cases like gaming, office work, programming, and content creation, thanks to its standard layout and premium features. The Epomaker TH40 dominates for travel due to its minimal size and weight. For modding enthusiasts, the Gem80 offers unparalleled depth with its barebones nature and customizable mounting system, while the TH40 provides a solid, more accessible hot-swap foundation.
Pick the Nuphy Gem80
- The Gem80 offers a 1000Hz polling rate on both wired and 2.4GHz connections, matching the TH40's wired/2.4G performance.
- Its standard TKL layout includes dedicated arrow and function keys, which are more intuitive for gaming shortcuts without layers.
- The listing mentions a 1000Hz Nordic wireless chip optimized for gaming, a feature not highlighted for the TH40's wireless.
Epomaker TH40 vs Nuphy Gem80 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
13 of 25 specs differ
Epomaker TH40
Nuphy Gem80
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
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 TH40
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Nuphy Gem80
Input Gear
ISO-DE
Out of stockShips 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 TH40 vs Nuphy Gem80: your questions
The TH40 is beginner-friendly in terms of being a pre-built, hot-swappable board, but its 40% layout has a steep learning curve. New users must be comfortable memorizing and using multiple function layers to access numbers, arrows, and symbols.
No, the Nuphy Gem80 is primarily sold as a barebones kit. According to the vendor listing, keycaps and switches are not included by default, but they can be purchased separately as add-ons during checkout.
Both support 2.4GHz and Bluetooth. The Nuphy Gem80's listing specifically highlights its 1000Hz polling rate on 2.4GHz using a Nordic chip and a polycarbonate bottom case designed for strong wireless reception, claims not made for the TH40's wireless performance.
Yes, the TH40 is listed as compatible with Mac and Windows. However, some user reviews mention difficulties with VIA software and firmware updates on macOS, which potential buyers should consider.
The Gem80 includes six pre-installed sound mods, such as multiple poron absorbers and a customized IXPE dampener. Its unique omni-mount design also allows you to physically change the mounting style (gasket, top, bottom) to alter the typing feel and sound signature.
The Nuphy Gem80 has a larger 4000mAh battery compared to the TH40's 3000mAh. The Gem80's vendor page provides detailed lab test results for battery life with different lighting settings, while the TH40's listing does not provide specific runtime estimates.
Yes, both the Epomaker TH40 and the Nuphy Gem80 feature hot-swappable PCBs that support 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches, allowing for easy switch replacement without soldering.
Both keyboards support deep programmability through the open-source QMK and VIA software, allowing for extensive key remapping and macro creation. Their programmability is a shared strength.
The Nuphy Gem80 has a listed typing angle of 6 degrees. The Epomaker TH40's specifications do not state a typing angle.
Yes, the TH40 is programmable via VIA software. The vendor provides a JSON configuration file for it. It's important to note that some user reviews report issues with VIA recognition, suggesting potential firmware or setup hurdles.
The Epomaker TH40 comes with PBT dye-sublimated keycaps. The Nuphy Gem80, when keycaps are purchased, offers options including double-shot PBT sets and themed ABS keycaps, as shown in its accessory list.
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