Compare zFrontier HX 40 vs Zan 40 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers choosing between two 40% DIY keyboard kits from zFrontier. Both offer hot-swappable PCBs and split spacebar layouts, but their features and availability differ sharply. The HX 40 is a wired-only kit available in a classic beige and green colorway, while the Zan 40 adds Bluetooth, VIAL firmware, and a choice of powder-coated colors. The decision is hard because both are niche 40% boards, but the Zan 40 provides a clear feature advantage at a lower price point.

Model
		71	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2026 Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity	Released in 2025 Supports VIAL configuration Includes screw-in stabilizers Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity Made with a Aluminum case
Score	Scores Performance: 46.7 Build Quality: 48.9 Productivity: 47 Customizability: 56.7 Portability: 66	Scores Performance: 47.3 Build Quality: 74.3 Productivity: 60.1 Customizability: 76.5 Portability: 80.1
Name	Name zFrontier HX 40	Name zFrontier Zan 40
Release year	Release year 2026	Release year 2025
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 40%	Layout Size 40%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Split Spacebar	Layout Ergonomics Split Spacebar
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style -	Mount Style -
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight	Backlight
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material -	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material -
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight -

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Pros and Trade-offs

The zFrontier Zan 40 is the better choice for almost every buyer due to its wireless connectivity, VIAL support, and higher quality anodized aluminum case, all at a lower price. The only reason to pick the HX 40 is if you need a kit immediately and the Zan 40 is out of stock, or if you specifically want the classic beige aesthetic or EC switch support.

zFrontier HX 40

+Available in stock now from zFrontier with a classic beige top and green bottom case
+Multiple PCB options including EC (electro-capacitive) support
+Offers several plate layout choices including split enter and split spacebar variations

−Wired-only connectivity limits desk setup flexibility
−No VIAL or QMK support mentioned, reducing customization options
−No anodized aluminum case material specified; likely uses a different case construction
−Higher price point than the Zan 40 despite fewer features

zFrontier Zan 40

+Bluetooth and wired dual-mode connectivity for flexible use
+VIAL support enables easy on-the-fly remapping without flashing
+Anodized aluminum case with multiple powder-coated color options available
+Includes FR4 plate and screw-in stabilizers, as listed in the vendor description

−Sold out from zFrontier with no current restock information
−Does not offer EC (electro-capacitive) switch support, only MX hotswap PCB options
−Limited to 6u spacebar wire layout per vendor; alternative plate layouts are not clearly listed

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Zan 40 wins in gaming, office, travel, and modding categories thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity, VIAL support, and higher build quality materials like the anodized aluminum case and FR4 plate. The HX 40 does not have any unique feature that gives it an edge in any use case. Both kits tie in programming and content creation because the 40% layout is the primary limiting factor in those fields.

GamingzFrontier Zan 40

•Bluetooth connectivity offers flexibility to connect wirelessly, though latency expectations are not specified
•VIAL support allows for custom keymaps and macros that can benefit gaming setups

OfficezFrontier Zan 40

•Bluetooth connectivity enables a cleaner desk setup without wires
•VIAL support makes it easy to remap keys for productivity shortcuts
•Anodized aluminum case provides a more premium feel for a desk environment

ProgrammingTie

•Both kits use a 40% layout with layers, which requires significant remapping regardless of the board
•Both feature split spacebars and hot-swappable PCBs for customization

TravelzFrontier Zan 40

•Bluetooth connectivity allows use with tablets and phones without a wired connection
•Batteries are included with the dual-mode PCB option, as mentioned in the vendor description

ModdingzFrontier Zan 40

•Includes screw-in stabilizers and an FR4 plate, which are favored for modding
•Multiple backplate options (PVD SS, Titanium) offer aesthetic variety not available on the HX 40
•Anodized aluminum case provides a higher quality base for building

Content CreationTie

•Both are 40% kits that require heavy layer use, which may not suit creators needing dedicated numpad or function keys
•Both are barebones DIY kits, allowing creators to choose their own switches and keycaps for a personalized look