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The Best 40% Mechanical Keyboards You Can Buy in 2025

By Keybumps • Updated: April 21, 2025
Vortex Core Plus 40% Mechanical Keyboards in Black, White and Retro Grey
Image: Vortex Core Plus in Black, Retro Grey, and White

Think full-size keyboards are overkill? You're not alone. In 2025, 40% mechanical keyboards are thriving—shrinking desk setups while keeping the essentials right under your fingertips. These ultra-compact boards ditch the function row, number pad, and even the arrow keys (yep, seriously), all in the name of efficiency, aesthetics, and portability.

But don’t let the size fool you. The best 40% keyboards punch well above their weight—offering hot-swappable PCBs, high-quality builds, and enough custom flair to make your inner keeb goblin squeal. Whether you're chasing minimalism, space-saving, or just want to flex a weird layout on your coworkers, this list has you covered.

Let’s dig into the best 40% mechanical keyboards you can buy in 2025—from plug-and-play options to custom kits for the brave and bold.

Top 40% Mechanical Keyboards in 2025

Best Low Profile 40% Mechanical Keyboard

Vortex Core Plus Compact 40% Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard in Black

Vortex Core Plus

The Vortex Core Plus builds upon the original Vortex Core by introducing wireless connectivity options, including Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz, making it a versatile choice for both desktop and mobile setups. Its hot-swappable PCB allows for easy switch customization, catering to users who like to fine-tune their typing experience.

The keyboard's low-profile design, combined with the VTG profile keycaps, offers a comfortable typing angle and a modern aesthetic. The inclusion of sound-dampening foam enhances the typing experience by reducing noise and providing a more solid feel.

Whether you're a seasoned keyboard enthusiast or someone looking to dive into the world of compact mechanical keyboards, the Vortex Core Plus offers a compelling blend of form and function.

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Best Barebones 40% Mechanical Keyboard

Keychron Q9 w/ Knob Black Aluminum Barebones 40% Mechanical Keyboard in Black

Keychron Q9

The Q9 stands out in the 40% keyboard category by offering a robust set of features typically found in larger keyboards. Its double-gasket mount design enhances typing comfort by reducing vibration and noise. The inclusion of a programmable knob adds a layer of customization, allowing users to assign functions like volume control or scrolling.

While its compact layout may require some adjustment, especially for users accustomed to larger keyboards, the Q9's build quality and feature set make it a compelling choice for those seeking a minimalist setup without sacrificing functionality.

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Best Budget 40% Mechanical Keyboard

Koolertron 40% Compact Mechanical Keyboard

Koolertron 40%

If you’ve ever thought, “What if my keyboard was just macros?”—Koolertron heard you. The Koolertron 42-Key packs serious customization into a budget-friendly, ultra-compact form. It’s a quirky 40% designed less for typing novels and more for crushing shortcuts, streaming commands, and rapid-fire workflow macros.

The Koolertron 42-Key isn’t your average compact keyboard—it’s more like a power tool disguised as a keypad. Whether you’re deep in video editing, 3D modeling, Excel wizardry, or MMO grinding, this keyboard is built to save your fingers and your sanity with one-tap macros and fully layered configurations.

You won’t get premium materials or QMK-level firmware, but for under $70, you’re getting a highly usable, endlessly programmable macro pad that actually looks cooler than it should. It’s a wildcard pick for workflow freaks who want control at their fingertips.

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Overall Best 40% Mechanical Keyboard in 2025

EPOMAKER TH40 40% Compact Mechanical Keyboard

EPOMAKER TH40

If you're looking for the ultimate mix of portability, customization, and wireless freedom, the EPOMAKER TH40 is the one to beat in 2025. With its tri-mode connectivity, full QMK/VIA support, and gasket-mounted comfort, this 40% board manages to pack flagship-tier features into a featherlight frame. All without breaking the bank.

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40% Mechanical Keyboard FAQ

What is a 40% mechanical keyboard?

A 40% mechanical keyboard is an ultra-compact layout that omits the number row, function keys, navigation cluster, and often arrow keys. Most 40% boards use layers and function modifiers to access missing keys, making them ideal for minimalists and advanced users who value space-saving and customizability.

Are 40% keyboards good for gaming?

Yes, 40% keyboards can be great for gaming, especially if you rely primarily on a small set of keys. However, the lack of arrow keys and function keys may require remapping or custom macros. They're popular among FPS and MOBA players who want more mouse space on their desk.

Can you use a 40% keyboard for everyday typing?

You can, but it takes time to adjust. Since a 40% layout lacks many standard keys, you'll need to learn layer-based shortcuts for common functions. For users willing to adapt, 40% keyboards offer a streamlined and efficient typing experience.

Are 40% keyboards programmable?

Most 40% mechanical keyboards are highly programmable and often support QMK or VIA firmware. This allows users to remap keys, create custom layers, set macros, and optimize the layout to fit their workflow or gaming needs.

What are the downsides of using a 40% keyboard?

The biggest downside is the learning curve. You’ll need to rely on layers for keys like numbers, arrows, and punctuation. It’s also not ideal for users who switch between machines without programmable profiles or software support.



Conclusion

40% keyboards aren’t just a layout—they’re a lifestyle. Whether you’re a coding minimalist, shortcut goblin, or just someone who wants to reclaim a few precious inches of desk space, these boards prove that size isn't everything. In fact, when it comes to mechanical keyboards, less really can be more—as long as you're willing to learn the layers.

From wireless wonders like the TH40 to macro monsters like the Koolertron, 2025 is a golden era for compact keyboards. And the best part? This space is only getting weirder, wilder, and more customizable.

So… are you ready to shrink your setup and level up your workflow? Drop us a comment, share your build, or check out our other guides if you're feeling the itch to go even deeper. Because here at Keybumps, we don't just chase the best keebs—we obsess over them, one switch at a time.