# What are the compact mechanical ortho keyboards for small workspaces? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

What are the compact mechanical ortho keyboards for small workspaces?

## Products

### Keebio Iris SE
```yaml
product: keebio-iris-se
brand: Keebio
price_gbp: 171.68
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
layout: Columnar 4x6
switch_type: MX-style
number_of_keys: 56
```

- **Price:** £171.68 [^1]
- **Summary:** The Keebio Iris SE is a split ergonomic keyboard in a compact columnar 4x6 layout with support for standard MX-style switches and any MX keycaps. It supports hotswap switching, per-key RGB, undeglow, and tenting compatibility, and it can be built as a kit, assembled, or barebones. It suits people who want a portable, smaller split board with MX switch/keycap flexibility.
- **Ideal For:** The Iris SE's 56-key compact columnar 4x6 layout, MX-style/hotswap support, and tenting compatibility make it a strong fit for compact mechanical ortho keyboards in small workspaces.

### Gizmo Engineering GK6 Keyboard Kit
```yaml
product: gizmo-engineering-gk6-keyboard-kit
brand: Gizmo Engineering
price_gbp: 208.92
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
layout: Ortholinear 50%
switch_type: null
number_of_keys: 58
keycap_material: PBT
```

- **Price:** £208.92 [^2]
- **Summary:** The Gizmo Engineering GK6 Keyboard Kit is a compact ortholinear 50% mechanical keyboard kit with a hot-swap PCB and per-key RGB. It uses QMK firmware for full programmability and supports multiple bottom-row configurations. It's aimed at minimalist typists who want a smaller desk footprint and are comfortable learning an ortholinear layout.
- **Ideal For:** It's a compact 50% ortholinear kit with hot-swap PCB and QMK remapping, so you get a space-saving layout for small workspaces without losing customization.
- **Additional Sources:** [^2]

### Drop + OLKB Drop OLKB Planck 40%
```yaml
product: drop-olkb-drop-olkb-planck-40
brand: Drop + OLKB
price_gbp: null
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
layout: null
switch_type: null
polling_rate: 1000 Hz
n_key_rollover: Full Key (NKRO)
number_of_keys: 48
keycap_material: PBT
```

- **Price:** £None [^3]
- **Summary:** Drop + OLKB Planck 40% is a compact ortholinear mechanical keyboard built around the Planck grid design for layer-based navigation. It uses hot-swap switch sockets and supports QMK for customizable keymapping, making it suitable for people who want to program layers and macros. With 48 keys and PBT keycaps listed, it's aimed at desk setups where space is limited.
- **Ideal For:** It's a 40% ortholinear grid keyboard with 48 keys and full NKRO support, so most keys stay close in a compact footprint while layer keys handle the missing navigation and symbols-ideal for small workspaces.

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: Keebio, accessed 2026-06-25. https://keeb.io/collections/iris-split-ergonomic-keyboard
[^2]: Apos, accessed 2026-06-25. https://apos.audio/products/gizmo-engineering-gk6-keyboard-kit
[^3]: keybumps.com, accessed 2026-06-25. https://keybumps.com/keyboard/drop-olkb-planck.html