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Our best 40 percent keyboard picks drop the number row and rely on layers, giving you the smallest practical keyboard.
A 40% board takes practice, so programmable firmware matters more than anything else. We compared layout, programmability, build and owner feedback to find the best 40 percent keyboard.
Quick Answer: The Best 40 Percent Keyboard
- Best Overall: Keychron Q9 52-Key 40% Layout Enthusiast Mechanical Keyboard, Hot-Swappable
- Best for Gaming: Koolertron 40% Gaming Keyboard, Compact RGB Backlit Mechanical Keypad
- Best Enthusiast Pick: EPOMAKER Luma40 Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard with QMK/VIA and CNC Metal
- Best Budget Alternative: Redragon K617 Wired 60% Compact Hot-Swap RGB Gaming Mechanical Keyboard
- Best 60% Step Up: RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Wired 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, QMK/VIA, Hot Swappable
The Keychron Q9 is our top pick. Also consider the Koolertron 40% Keyboard (Best for Gaming) and the EPOMAKER Luma40 (Best Enthusiast Pick).
Best 40 Percent Keyboard Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keychron Q9 | Best Overall | 40% aluminum keyboard | 52 keys, all-metal | Check Price |
| Koolertron 40% Keyboard | Best for Gaming | 40% gaming keyboard | 42 keys, programmable | Check Price |
| EPOMAKER Luma40 | Best Enthusiast Pick | Aluminum 40% keyboard | Ortholinear, low profile, QMK | Check Price |
| Redragon K617 Fizz | Best Budget Alternative | Budget 60% keyboard | Hot-swap, very cheap | Check Price |
| Royal Kludge RK61 | Best 60% Step Up | Budget 60% keyboard | Hot-swap, QMK/VIA | Check Price |
The 5 Best 40 Percent Keyboards
Each best 40 percent keyboard pick below uses a 40% layout or close to it.
Keychron Q9 52-Key 40% Layout Enthusiast Mechanical Keyboard, Hot-Swappable
1The Keychron Q9 is a 52-key 40% all-metal keyboard with QMK layers and hot-swap sockets.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Premium metal build
- Layers for missing keys
- Hot-swap
Cons
- Wired only
- Learning curve
📄 Detailed Review
- Layout: 40% (52 keys)
- Case: All metal
- Software: QMK/Launcher
It is a premium compact typing board.
Best premium 40%.
Koolertron 40% Gaming Keyboard, Compact RGB Backlit Mechanical Keypad
2The Koolertron 40% is a 42-key programmable board that works as a compact gaming keypad.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Tiny footprint
- Fully programmable
- Good for left-hand gaming
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Lesser-known brand
📄 Detailed Review
- Layout: 40% (42 keys)
- Feature: Programmable macros
- Lighting: RGB
It saves the most desk space.
Best 40% gaming board.
EPOMAKER Luma40 Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard with QMK/VIA and CNC Metal
3The EPOMAKER Luma40 is a low-profile ortholinear 40% board with a CNC aluminum case and QMK/VIA.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Premium aluminum
- Low profile
- QMK/VIA
Cons
- Ortholinear takes practice
- Not for gaming beginners
📄 Detailed Review
- Layout: 40% ortholinear
- Case: CNC aluminum
- Software: QMK/VIA
It is an enthusiast pick.
Best enthusiast 40%.
Redragon K617 Wired 60% Compact Hot-Swap RGB Gaming Mechanical Keyboard
4The Redragon K617 Fizz is a very cheap 60% keyboard with hot-swap sockets and RGB.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very cheap
- Hot-swap sockets
- Many colors
Cons
- Plastic build
- Thin keycaps
📄 Detailed Review
- Layout: 60%
- Switches: Hot-swappable
- Lighting: RGB
It is an easy first compact board.
Cheapest 60% board.
RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Wired 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, QMK/VIA, Hot Swappable
5The RK61 is a cheap 60% keyboard with hot-swap sockets and QMK/VIA support.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very cheap
- Hot-swappable
- QMK/VIA remapping
Cons
- Basic stabilizers
- Plastic case
📄 Detailed Review
- Layout: 60%, 61 keys
- Switches: Hot-swappable
- Software: QMK/VIA (listed)
It is one of the best-value ways to try a 60% layout.
Best budget 60%.
How We Chose the Best 40 Percent Keyboard
To choose the best 40 percent keyboard, we compared layout, programmability, build and owner feedback.
For official guidance on keyboard height, wrist posture and placement, see the OSHA Computer Workstations eTool on keyboards.
Product details in this guide are based on manufacturer specifications and verified owner feedback, not in-house lab testing. Read more on our How We Test page.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best 40 Percent Keyboard
A 40% keyboard is a big change from a normal layout, so start with these basics.
Keyboard sizes explained
A 60% board drops the number pad, function row and arrow keys. 65% adds arrows, 75% adds the function row in a compact block, TKL keeps a full layout without the number pad, and 96% or 1800 layouts squeeze in a number pad with little wasted space.
Hot-swappable switches
Hot-swap sockets let you pull switches out and try new ones without soldering. It is the easiest way to change the feel of a keyboard later.
Plastic vs. aluminum cases
Aluminum cases add weight, stability and a fuller sound but cost more. Plastic cases are lighter and cheaper, and good foam can still make them sound nice.
Why compact keyboards help aim
Smaller keyboards leave more room to swing your mouse, which matters at low sensitivity. Many FPS players use 60% or 65% boards and tilt them for comfort.
ABS vs. PBT keycaps
PBT keycaps resist shine and feel slightly textured. ABS keycaps are smoother and can shine over time, but they often allow brighter RGB through the legends.
Typing comfort tips
Type more comfortably:
- Keep wrists floating or on a soft rest.
- Pick tactile switches if you like feedback.
- Use PBT keycaps to avoid shine.
- Take short breaks every hour.
Here are quick answers about the best 40 percent keyboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best 40 percent keyboard?
Our pick for the best 40 percent keyboard is the Keychron Q9, followed by the Koolertron 40% Keyboard (Best for Gaming).
How do you type numbers on a 40% keyboard?
You hold a layer key and press letter keys mapped to numbers.
Is a 40% keyboard good for gaming?
It works for games that use few keys; a 60% board is easier.
How long does it take to learn?
Most people adapt in one to two weeks.
Final Verdict
Our final pick for the best 40 percent keyboard is the Keychron Q9. Choose the Koolertron 40% Keyboard if you want a programmable gaming keypad, or the EPOMAKER Luma40 if you want an ortholinear aluminum board.
Related Guides
More gaming keyboard guides:
- Best 60 Percent Keyboard
- Best 60 Percent Keyboard for Small Desk
- Best 60 Percent Keyboard for Typing
- Best 60 Percent Keyboard under 50
- Best Keyboard and Mouse Adapter for PS5
- Best Keyboard and Mouse for Couch PC Gaming
Product details are based on manufacturer specifications at the time of writing. Prices and availability change often, so check Amazon for the latest price.
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