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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 13, 2026

zFrontier Smoke vs Zan 4065% Layout or VIAL

Get the zFrontier Smoke for its 65% layout, aluminum plate, and sound dampening; choose the Zan 40 for VIAL support, split-spacebar options, and a more compact 40% layout.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

zFrontier Smoke

Sound dampening

Build quality in the bottom 45% of 65% boards at any price.

If you want

  • 65% layout with more keys than a 40% board.
  • Aluminum plate and sound dampening.
  • Top-mount construction and pre-built format.

Rules this board out

  • 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.
$400 at zFrontier

Get the

zFrontier Zan 40

Build quality in the top 50% of 40% boards under $200.

If you want

  • VIAL support for keyboard customization.
  • FR4 plate and screw-in stabilizers.
  • Isolated 6u spacebar with split-spacebar support.

Rules this board out

  • Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.
$154 at zFrontier

Bottom line

Get the zFrontier Smoke if you want its 65% layout, aluminum plate, sound dampening, and pre-built format. Choose the Zan 40 for its 40% layout, VIAL support, FR4 plate, and split-spacebar configuration options.

What actually differs

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.

zFrontier Smoke

zFrontier Zan 40

  • Layout size

    65%

    40%

  • Connection

    Wireless

    Bluetooth, Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Ergonomics

    Standard

    Split Spacebar

  • Sound dampening

    Yes

    No

  • Plate material

    Aluminum

    FR4

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • zFrontier Smoke
  • zFrontier Zan 40
Performance
46
47
Build quality
61
74
Productivity
58
60
Customizability
48
76
Portability
87
80

What they share

  • Hot-swappable
  • Case material: Aluminum
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Smoke is the more straightforward fit for buyers who prefer a larger compact layout and an assembled board. The Zan 40 is more compelling for travel or hands-on customization, with its smaller footprint, VIAL support, and configurable kit options. The 40% layout is a significant compromise for workflows that rely on dedicated keys, while the Smoke's listed connectivity is less varied. For typing and gaming, the Smoke's larger layout may be the simpler choice, though neither listing specifies gaming performance features.

For gaming

Pick the zFrontier Smoke

  • The Smoke's 65% layout retains more keys than the Zan 40's 40% layout.
  • Its aluminum plate and sound dampening are listed as built-in features.
$400 at zFrontier

Full specs

zFrontier Smoke vs Zan 40 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

7 of 17 specs differ

zFrontier Smoke

zFrontier Zan 40

Typing & switches

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Top Mount
—

Sound dampening

Yes
No

Screw-in stabilizers

No
Yes

Layout

Layout size

65%
40%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Split Spacebar

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wireless
Bluetooth, Wired

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
Aluminum

Plate material

Aluminum
FR4

Weight

2,100 g
—

Dimensions

38 x 320 x 125 mm
—

Typing angle

9°
—

Backlight

None
None

Firmware & software

VIAL

No
Yes

Extras

Released

2025
2025

Where to buy

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.

zFrontier Smoke2 stores
zFrontier Zan 402 stores

FAQ

zFrontier Smoke vs Zan 40: your questions

The Smoke is a pre-built 65% keyboard with an aluminum plate and sound dampening. The Zan 40 is a 40% kit with an FR4 plate, VIAL support, and split-spacebar support.

The Smoke has a 65% layout, while the Zan 40 has a 40% layout. The Zan 40's compatibility note specifies that it has no function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.

Yes, VIAL support is listed as a feature of the Zan 40. The Smoke vendor description also mentions Vial-compatible PCB support, though its hard-spec feature list does not list VIAL.

The Smoke is listed with wireless connectivity. Its vendor description mentions single-mode PCB support but does not detail a connection method.

The Zan 40 is listed with Bluetooth, wired, and wireless connectivity. The vendor description notes that PCB choices include wire-only and BT-and-wire options, so check the selected configuration when ordering.

The Zan 40's 40% layout is more compact than the Smoke's 65% layout. The Zan 40 also lists Bluetooth, wired, and wireless connectivity, while the Smoke is listed as wireless.

Both keyboards are listed as hot-swappable. The Zan 40 vendor description specifically identifies a hot-swappable PCB.

The Smoke's hard specifications list an aluminum plate. Its vendor page also describes an aluminum plate and an optional 4mm plate.

The Zan 40 is listed with an FR4 plate. The vendor page also describes choices of backplate, including PVD stainless steel and titanium options.

Yes, the Zan 40 vendor description says it supports split spacebars and has an isolated 6u spacebar. It also lists stabilizers and stabilizer wires among the kit contents.

The Smoke is listed as pre-built. The vendor page describes the PCB and other components, but buyers should rely on the product listing for the stated pre-built format.

The Zan 40 lists VIAL support and is sold as a kit with choices of case color, backplate, and PCB configuration. The Smoke is hot-swappable, and its vendor page describes Vial-compatible PCB support, but it is listed as pre-built.

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