Epomaker Luma40 review: the ultimate compact keyboard for enthusiasts

Introduction

The Epomaker Luma40 is a keyboard that clearly speaks to enthusiasts and mobile office users alike. With a tiny 40% layout and just 47 keys, it combines extreme compactness with high customisation potential. Whether you are a programmer, a writer, or a mechanical keyboard hobbyist, the Luma40 is designed to deliver both portability and a premium typing experience.

We have tested several Epomaker keyboards in the past, including the HE80 and the Magcore65 Lite. These keyboards already proved that Epomaker can produce quality builds and thoughtful features. The Luma40 continues this trend but goes a step further, exploring ortholinear layouts, low-profile switches, and a fully customisable ecosystem.

Unboxing

The Epomaker Luma40 comes in a small but premium-looking box that immediately shows it is a well-thought-out product. The front of the box has a clean, modern design with dark blue and black patterns and a simple line drawing of the 47-key ortholinear layout. Key features like the 40% layout, hot-swappable switches, VIA support, RGB, and tri-mode connectivity are clearly highlighted with icons. The back of the box provides all the technical specifications, certifications, and a repeat of the key layout, so you can see how the keyboard is arranged even before opening it.

Inside, the keyboard is protected by high-density foam that keeps it secure during shipping. Despite being small, the package feels solid and premium. Along with the keyboard, Epomaker includes a braided USB-C cable for wired use and charging, a 2-in-1 keycap and switch puller for easy maintenance, and a small bag of spare low-profile switches. The package also contains a leather strap with a magnetic screwdriver for installation, showing that the keyboard is designed to be portable and practical. A manual and quick start guide help set up the tri-mode connection, and a warranty card is included for peace of mind.

Overall, the unboxing of the Luma40 feels thoughtful and premium. The inclusion of accessories like the leather strap and spare switches shows that Epomaker is targeting both enthusiasts and mobile users, making the keyboard feel like a small, stylish piece of everyday carry gear as well as a high-quality desk accessory.

Also read: Epomaker Click Lite review: Powerful performance at $26.99

Epomaker Luma40 specifications

FeatureDetails
Layout40% Ortholinear, 47 keys
SwitchesKailh White Rain Low-Profile Linear, 50 ±10gf actuation
KeycapsLAK low-profile, transparent PC, silk-screened legends
CaseCNC-cut aluminum, flat typing angle, tray-mount
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, USB-C wired
Battery1,450 mAh, 7h with RGB, 75h without
RGBPer-key, north-facing, fully customisable
SoftwareVIA support for remaps, macros, layers
Weight410g
Dimensions240 × 87 × 20.8 mm

Build and Design

The Epomaker Luma40 is a very compact keyboard with a solid and premium feel. It weighs 410 grams and measures 240 × 87 × 20.8 mm, which makes it easy to carry and perfect for small desk setups. The Luma40 is part of Epomaker’s Luma series, which currently includes the Luma40 and the larger Luma80. Unlike the Luma80, the Luma40 is available in only one Silver colour option, keeping the design minimal and focused.

To give a clear size reference, I placed the Luma40 next to my mobile, and the comparison shows just how small and space-saving this keyboard really is. Despite its small footprint, it does not feel fragile or cheap.

The keyboard is built with a CNC-cut aluminum case, which gives it a clean and minimalist look. The flat typing angle keeps the design simple and portable, though it may feel different for users coming from angled keyboards. The transparent PC keycaps allow the north-facing RGB lighting to shine through nicely, while the silk-screened legends keep the overall look subtle and clean.

Overall, the build quality and design show that Epomaker aimed for a balance between portability, durability, and a clean desk-friendly appearance.

Switches and Typing Experience

At the heart of the Luma40 are Kailh White Rain low-profile switches. These linear switches have a 50 gf actuation force and 2.8 mm total travel, making them lighter and faster than traditional mechanical switches.

Because they are hot-swappable, users can easily try different 5-pin Kailh low-profile switches without soldering. This flexibility allows switching between quiet linear switches for coding sessions or clicky switches for gaming or typing pleasure.

The LAK-profile keycaps are low-profile and uniform, apart from the two 2U space bars. This uniformity works perfectly with the ortholinear layout, allowing full customisation and even exotic layouts like Dvorak or Colemak. The transparent PC material lets RGB lighting shine through beautifully, though silk-screened legends may wear over time compared to double-shot PBT.

Connectivity and Battery

The Luma40 supports tri-mode connectivity, meaning it can connect via Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz wireless, or USB-C wired connection. Users can pair up to five devices and switch between them effortlessly, making it perfect for multi-device setups with PCs, laptops, or tablets.

Powering the keyboard is a 1,450 mAh rechargeable battery. With RGB lighting at full brightness, it lasts around 7 hours, and without lighting, it can go up to 75 hours, making it suitable for mobile use without constant charging. Wired mode ensures zero-latency performance for gaming or precision work.

Epomaker Luma40 connectivity

Customisation and Software

The Luma40 is fully compatible with VIA, giving users complete control over key remapping, macros, layers, and lighting effects. You can create a dedicated number pad layer, program complex macros for software or gaming, or change each key’s lighting individually.

The per-key RGB backlighting is controlled through north-facing LEDs, allowing full shine-through on the transparent keycaps. Users can adjust brightness, colors, and dynamic effects to match their desk setup, mood, or workflow. The lighting is not just decorative it can also help highlight layers or shortcuts for better productivity.

Verdict

The Epomaker Luma40 is a keyboard for enthusiasts who want something different. It is not a plug-and-play board for casual users. Its ultra-compact layout, ortholinear design, and hot-swappable low-profile switches are made for people who enjoy customising their keyboards and experimenting with layouts.

For those willing to adapt, the Luma40 offers a premium build, satisfying typing experience, and unmatched flexibility in a very small package. With tri-mode connectivity, full VIA support, and vibrant RGB, it is one of the most versatile 40% keyboards available today.

If you are a keyboard hobbyist or someone who values portability, customisation, and clean aesthetics, the Epomaker Luma40 is definitely worth exploring.

Price and availability

The Epomaker Luma40 is available on the official Epomaker online store. It is priced at $98.59 during the sale period, offering good value for a compact, customizable mechanical keyboard. The Luma40 comes in only one colour option, and stock may vary, so users interested in this unique keyboard should check availability before it sells out.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Very compact 40% size
  • Solid aluminum build
  • Hot-swappable switches
  • Tri-mode connectivity
  • Full VIA support

Cons:

  • Hard to learn layout
  • Only one colour
  • Flat typing angle
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