Compare zFrontier Hare Works TWO Alice vs Zan 40 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for keyboard enthusiasts deciding between two distinct 40% layouts from zFrontier. The choice is difficult because both offer premium aluminum builds, hot-swappable PCBs, and wireless connectivity, but they diverge completely in ergonomic philosophy. The Hare Works TWO is a tented, unibody Alice board, while the Zan 40 uses a traditional staggered layout with a split spacebar. Your decision will hinge on which compact layout you prefer and your willingness to wait for a pre-order.

Model
		71	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Offers Alice ergonomics Connects via USB-C Has built-in sound dampening Uses a PCB Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity	Offers Split Spacebar ergonomics Supports VIAL configuration Includes screw-in stabilizers Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
Score	Scores Performance: 48.3 Build Quality: 59.7 Productivity: 68.5 Customizability: 49.3 Portability: 85.4	Scores Performance: 47.3 Build Quality: 74.2 Productivity: 60 Customizability: 76.6 Portability: 80
Name	Name zFrontier Hare Works TWO Alice	Name zFrontier Zan 40
Release year	Release year 2025	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 Alice	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 Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	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 PCB Mount	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 Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material -
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight -

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice between these two zFrontier keyboards comes down to layout philosophy and immediacy. If you want a distinctive, tented Alice keyboard and don't mind a long pre-order wait, the Hare Works TWO Alice is the path to take. If you prefer a more traditional 40% layout with a split spacebar, want to build a kit immediately, and value extensive cosmetic customization, the Zan 40 is the better option. Both are premium, wireless-capable boards for the dedicated 40% enthusiast.

zFrontier Hare Works TWO Alice

+Unique tented, unibody Alice layout for ergonomic typing.
+Includes sound-dampening materials like silicone pads, switch plate foam, and PET sheets.
+Tri-mode connectivity (wired, Bluetooth, 2.4GHz) for maximum flexibility.
+Comes with a carrying bag for protection and portability.
+Offers plateless mount support for alternative build styles.

−Is a pre-order item with an estimated shipping date far in the future.
−Wireless functionality requires separately purchasing batteries and a 2.4GHz dongle.
−The Alice layout has a steeper learning curve compared to traditional layouts.

zFrontier Zan 40

+Available as an in-stock DIY kit for immediate building.
+Includes screw-in stabilizers, which are favored for a more stable typing feel.
+Offers a wide selection of decorative backplates, including titanium options.
+Some PCB options include batteries and a USB dongle in the kit.
+Features an isolated split spacebar for layout customization.

−Lacks the 2.4GHz wireless mode offered by the Hare Works TWO.
−Does not include any mentioned sound-dampening foams or pads in the kit contents.
−The split spacebar layout may require sourcing specific keycap sets for compatibility.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The use case analysis shows a split decision, largely due to the shared constraints and benefits of the 40% form factor. For travel, the Hare Works TWO has a slight edge due to its included carrying bag. For modding, the Zan 40 is the clear winner as it is offered as a customizable DIY kit with premium stabilizers and plate options. For gaming, office work, programming, and content creation, the choice is a tie, hinging entirely on the user's personal preference for an Alice layout versus a split spacebar layout.

GamingTie

•Both keyboards are 40% layouts, requiring layers for many gaming keys.
•Both support wired and wireless connectivity for flexibility.
•Neither is specifically marketed for low-latency gaming performance.

OfficeTie

•Both offer wireless connectivity for a clean desk setup.
•Their 40% sizes save significant desk space.
•The lack of dedicated number and function rows may hinder productivity for some office tasks.

ProgrammingTie

•Both require heavy use of layers for symbols, numbers, and brackets.
•Both support QMK/VIA or VIAL for extensive keymap reprogramming.
•The Alice layout of the TWO may offer more ergonomic comfort during long sessions.

TravelzFrontier Hare Works TWO Alice

•The Hare Works TWO includes a carrying bag according to its listing.
•Both are compact 40% keyboards, making them highly portable.
•The TWO's tri-mode connectivity includes 2.4GHz for reliable wireless use on the go.

ModdingzFrontier Zan 40

•The Zan 40 is sold as a DIY kit, offering more initial assembly choices.
•It includes screw-in stabilizers, which are preferred by modders.
•The listing offers a wider variety of decorative backplate options like titanium designs.

Content CreationTie

•Both lack dedicated media keys, requiring layer access for playback controls.
•Their small form factors free up desk space for graphics tablets or other gear.
•Wireless operation reduces cable clutter in a content creation setup.