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Apart from taking less space, you might be wondering why you should consider getting a 40% mechanical keyboard?
No doubt it is smaller than most mechanical keyboards but this is an outstanding feature that makes it very easy to carry around making it a great takeaway for travels. It is undisputed that it has fewer keys when compared to other variations of a mechanical keyboard but this is a feature that is employed to help you work faster because there are fewer keys to avoid. Coupled with the fact that it requires little or no effort at all to move from the keyboard to the mouse, like a true hacker (just kidding).
Our Top 3 Picks for The Best 40% Mechanical Keyboard
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Vortexgear Core 40% Dark Grey Mechanical keyboard
Cherry MX Blue Switches
If you’re hoping to get a keyboard with mind-blowing features that will fit comfortably fit into your limited space, then you should quickly check this out. It is diligently designed with Cherry MX Blue switches that are easy to navigate, offering you the flexibility to choose between red, blue, brown, and even silent switches. Its programmable keys are individually customized and have 4 Layers of which three are programmable.
It has a split space bar which displays a multi-color light that serves as a notification for the layer that you’re working on. This wired dye-sub keyboard has 47 PBT DSA profile keycaps with spherical tops and a low profile design. It has a USB cable and an anodized CNC aluminum case with tiny keycaps, which makes it a very nice option for people with hand and wrist issues. Despite its small frame structural build, you won’t be wrong if you describe it as a small but mighty mechanical keyboard.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It has Cherry MX Blue switches that are changeable
- It has three layers which can be individually customized
- Its keys are made of PBT plastic which makes it highly durable
Cons
- The programming of the keys can only be done onboard
- There is no LED light which should serve as a notification for the default layer
Qisan Magic force 40% Gaming Mechanical Keyboard
Gateron Blue Switches
Despite how difficult it may be to find a 40% keyboard, there are designs that are quite classy and the Qisan 40% mechanical keyboard falls gloriously into this category. It has a reflective brushed metal plate that heightens the ice blue backlighting effect which can be easily controlled on the keyboard. It features a mechanical Gateron Blue switch that is similar to a Cherry MX Blue switch. With simple customization, the switch can be changed.
This portable keyboard has 49 ABS keycaps which allow the backlight to shine brighter. Unlike other designs of a 40% mechanical keyboard, this brand surprisingly has arrow keys that make it easy to navigate functions when typing. Despite its small size, it has a floating key design in its profile and it also has a plastic base that is fitted with four rubber pads which makes it very stable.
With all the incredible features enclosed in this ergonomic keyboard, it weighs just 390 grams and has a detachable USB cable which makes it very easy to carry around.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It has arrow keys and a detachable USB cable
- It features mechanical Gateron switches that are interchangeable
- Its lighting effect can be controlled on the keyboard
Cons
- It has no support for a programmable layer
- The position of some of the keys might be difficult for ergonomics
YMDK 40% Customized Mechanical Keyboard
DIY 40% Mechanical keyboard
Because of its unique size, a 40% mechanical keyboard can be hard to find. Due to this scarcity, you might find it difficult to find the one that encompasses all the features that you like. Building your own 40% mechanical keyboard can be a very nice option especially if you have some models to look at.
Though this is only the keycaps, the YMDK 40% allows you to customize your mechanical keyboard with features that are unique to you. It allows you to choose your design and the switch that works well for you. It has arrow keys and its other keys are made of thick high-quality, PBT plastic which means that the characters are less prone to fade away even after a long period of use. It is highly durable, offering a compact and steady feel to its appearance.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Its keycaps are made of PBT plastic
- Can make whatever you like!
Cons
- There might be difficulties when customizing the keyboard
- It can be expensive to DIY
- You will need all the other parts and know how.
Conclusion
A 40% mechanical keyboard has amazing features that add thrills to your typing experiences. Their small form factor makes it portable and comfortable, featuring functions that help you work faster and better. Despite its size, it is highly durable and can get the job done efficiently.
Just in case you didn’t find what you are looking for here, there are more high-quality and DIY options available on Amazon that express a style that has all the features that you’ll need for an efficient and exuberant mechanical keyboard experience.