KBDFans Agar Mini vs Niuniu KB40
Choose the Agar Mini for built-in QMK, VIA, and VIAL support, or the KB40 for its five selectable layouts and optional MX/EC wireless PCB.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
4.5 · 4 reviews
from$72at KBDfans
No reviews
from$170at MonacoKeys
Which one should you get?
Get the
KBDFans Agar Mini
QMK
Build quality in the top 5% of 40% boards under $200.
- QMK, VIA, and VIAL support are listed.
- Hot-swappable, with screw-in stabilizers and N-Key Rollover.
- Connectivity includes Bluetooth, wired, and wireless modes.
Get the
Niuniu KB40
Build quality in the top 50% of 40% boards under $200.
- Five layout variants are available, including three ortholinear options.
- The vendor describes a wireless hot-swap PCB compatible with MX and EC-style switches.
- CNC-aluminum case with a Cerakote finish, plus gasket mount with Tadpole gaskets and an O-ring damper.
Choose the KBDFans Agar Mini if you want a pre-built 40% keyboard with QMK, VIA, and VIAL support, plus a listed polling rate and battery capacity. Choose the Niuniu KB40 if selectable ortholinear or staggered layouts and the optional MX/EC wireless PCB are more important, and you are prepared to build from a barebone kit. Confirm which KB40 PCB and layout you are ordering, since its connection and switch options vary by configuration.
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.
KBDFans Agar Mini
Niuniu KB40
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Ergonomics
Standard
Ortholinear
Case material
Aluminum, Brass, Polycarbonate
Aluminum
QMK
Yes
No
The deep option when you want to remap every key
VIA
Yes
No
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
- KBDFans Agar Mini
- Niuniu KB40
- Performance
- 6345
- Build quality
- 9473
- Productivity
- 9477
- Customizability
- 9462
- Portability
- 8788
- Layout size: 40%
- Hot-swappable
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Agar Mini has the clearer edge for gaming and buyers who specifically want QMK, VIA, or VIAL. The KB40 stands out for choosing between staggered and ortholinear layouts, with an optional wireless PCB that supports MX and EC-compatible switches. Office and travel are close calls because both offer compact 40% designs and wireless connectivity, while the Agar Mini has listed weight and battery-capacity figures. For modding, choose based on whether layout and switch-platform choices or named firmware support matter more.
Pick the KBDFans Agar Mini
- The Agar Mini lists a 1000 Hz polling rate, a specification not listed for the KB40.
- The Agar Mini supports N-Key Rollover.
KBDFans Agar Mini vs Niuniu KB40 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 24 specs differ
KBDFans Agar Mini
Niuniu KB40
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
VIAL
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
- Check on Amazon
Amazon
Check price
KBDFans Agar Mini vs Niuniu KB40: your questions
The Agar Mini is listed as a pre-built, ANSI 40% keyboard with QMK, VIA, and VIAL support. The KB40 is a barebone kit whose vendor offers five layout variants and wired MX or wireless MX/EC PCB options.
Yes. The vendor describes three ortholinear layout choices alongside two staggered variants, with the layout determined by the selected plate.
Yes. Its listed features include QMK, VIA, and VIAL support.
Wireless connectivity is available with the KB40 wireless PCB option, which the vendor describes as supporting Bluetooth, USB-C wired use, and 2.4 GHz. The vendor says the 2.4 GHz USB dongle must be purchased separately.
The vendor says the wireless MX/EC-compatible hot-swap PCB supports MX and Topre-style EC switches. This support applies to that PCB option, not the wired-only MX PCB.
Both product listings specify hot-swap support. The KB40 vendor description says both PCB options are hot-swappable, with the wireless PCB supporting MX and EC-compatible switches.
No. The vendor identifies the KB40 as a barebone kit and says switches and keycaps are not included. They must be acquired separately.
The vendor says a foam kit is not included and can be acquired separately. The kit description does specify Tadpole silicone gaskets and an O-ring damper.
The Agar Mini listing specifies a 1000 mAh battery. The KB40 vendor description mentions a lithium battery for the wireless variant but does not give its capacity.
Yes. Bluetooth is listed for the Agar Mini, and the KB40 vendor describes Bluetooth on its wireless PCB option. The KB40's wired-only PCB does not have the listed wireless connection options.
The Agar Mini listing names aluminum, carbon fiber, FR4, and polycarbonate plate materials. The KB40 vendor describes FR4 for its wired PCB and aluminum for its wireless PCB.
The KB40 vendor lists Windows, macOS, and Linux compatibility. The Agar Mini listing names Mac/Win support.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.