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Head to head · Prices checked Oct 21, 2026

zFrontier Smoke vs Zan 4065% vs 40% Layout Showdown

Choose the Smoke for a ready-to-use 65% layout, or the Zan 40 for a highly customizable 40% kit.

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

zFrontier Smoke

65%

If you want

  • Pre-built and ready to use with sound dampening included.
  • Ergonomic, asymmetrical 65% layout with a 9-degree typing angle.
  • Includes a carrying case, T6/T8 screwdrivers, and multiple buffer blocks (70a and 90a).

And can live with

  • Very heavy at approximately 2.1kg, limiting portability.
  • Wireless connectivity only, with no mentioned wired or Bluetooth fallback.
  • Uses a top mount design, which may offer a different typing feel than other styles.
Check price

Get the

zFrontier Zan 40

40% Layout Showdown

If you want

  • Extremely compact 40% layout with a split spacebar for additional key mapping.
  • Sold as a DIY kit with extensive customization options for case color, plate, and PCB.
  • Supports multiple connectivity models: wired only, dual-mode (Bluetooth & wired), and tri-mode (with a USB dongle).

And can live with

  • 40% layout requires significant layer usage and adaptation, unsuitable for everyone.
  • Being a kit, it requires self-assembly and sourcing of switches and keycaps.
  • The product listing shows it as sold out, indicating potential availability issues.
Check price

Bottom line

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want a substantial, ergonomic, and ready-to-type 65% keyboard, the zFrontier Smoke is the clear option. If your priority is ultimate portability, deep customization through a kit format, and programmable layers via VIAL, the zFrontier Zan 40 is the superior board, provided you are comfortable with a 40% layout.

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

  • Ergonomics

    Standard

    Split Spacebar

  • Sound dampening

    Yes

    No

  • Plate material

    Aluminum

    FR4

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • zFrontier Smoke
  • zFrontier Zan 40
Performance
48
47
Build quality
61
74
Productivity
60
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 65% is the straightforward choice for gaming and office use due to its standard layout and pre-built convenience. The Zan 40 dominates for travel and modding, thanks to its ultra-compact size, wireless options, and kit-based, highly customizable nature. Programming is a strong suit for the Zan 40 because of its VIAL software, while content creation could go either way depending on whether you prefer a ready-made board or a programmable one.

For gaming

Pick the zFrontier Smoke

  • The Smoke's 65% layout retains dedicated arrow keys, which are commonly used in games.
  • Its pre-built nature with included sound dampening offers a consistent, ready-to-use experience.
  • The larger form factor may provide more stability during intense use.
Check price

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.

zFrontier Smoke2 stores

  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    ~$400Visit

  • zFrontierHK

    Out of stock
    $400Visit
zFrontier Zan 402 stores

  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    ~$154Visit

  • zFrontierHK

    Out of stock
    $154Visit

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.

FAQ

zFrontier Smoke vs Zan 40: your questions

The zFrontier Smoke is listed with wireless connectivity. The vendor description does not mention a wired USB connection or Bluetooth as alternative options.

No, the Zan 40 is sold as a DIY kit. The listed contents include the aluminum housing, hot-swappable PCB, FR4 plate, stabilizers, and batteries for wireless models, but switches and keycaps are not mentioned and must be purchased separately.

VIAL is open-source graphical firmware configuration software. Support for VIAL on the Zan 40 means you can remap keys, create macros, and adjust other settings without needing to compile firmware code, making customization more accessible.

The zFrontier Smoke is quite heavy, with an assembled weight of approximately 2.1 to 2.2 kilograms (about 4.6 to 4.8 pounds), as stated in the vendor description.

Yes, but only if you select the specific model. The Zan 40 offers different PCB options: 'Wire Only', 'Dual Mode (Bluetooth & wired)', and a 'Tri-mode' model which, according to the description, includes a USB dongle for wireless connectivity.

The zFrontier Smoke uses a top mount style, which the vendor describes as an 'Enhanced Top Mount' with soft buffer blocks to adjust the typing feel.

The Zan 40 has an isolated 6u spacebar that supports being split into multiple smaller keys. This allows you to program the separate segments as different keys, such as backspace, enter, or layer modifiers, increasing functionality on the small layout.

Yes, the zFrontier Smoke is listed with a hot-swappable PCB option, allowing you to change switches without soldering.

The Zan 40 offers a variety of backplate options. These include an FR4 plate that comes with the kit, as well as optional plates made from PVD stainless steel (in Silver or Rainbow 'Trash Man' designs) and titanium with various decorative etchings.

The PEI (Polyetherimide) middle frame on the Smoke is a translucent hard resin component. According to the manufacturer, it serves three purposes: it acts as a visual design element ('smoke'), functions as a force break to isolate the top and bottom cases, and helps fill internal space to affect the sound signature.

The zFrontier Smoke is more beginner-friendly. It comes pre-built with sound dampening, includes all necessary tools, and uses a familiar 65% layout. The Zan 40 requires assembly, knowledge of layers, and additional purchases, making it better suited for enthusiasts.

No, according to the provided specifications, neither the zFrontier Smoke nor the Zan 40 keyboard has RGB lighting.

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