Which mechanical ortho keyboards offer the best value for money under £150?

The BM40 RGB is a 40% ortholinear, hot-swappable PCB with full RGB underglow and per-switch RGB support, QMK/VIA programmability, and a USB Type-C port. It suits builders who want a compact, fully programmable ortho board compatible with MX-style switches and customizable lighting.

The LUMA40 is a CNC-aluminum, hot-swappable 40% ortholinear mechanical keyboard with low-profile Kailh White Rain switches, per-key RGB, and tri-mode connectivity (USB-C, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth). It has 47 keys, transparent low-profile PC keycaps, VIA/QMK support, and a 1450mAh battery for portable use. Its tray-mount design and foam dampening aim for a solid, quiet typing experience.

The Planck EZ is a compact, ortholinear 40% mechanical keyboard with 47 keys, hot-swappable Cherry MX or Kailh switch options, RGB backlighting, USB-C connectivity, and on-board QMK/Oryx programmability. It's built for portability and deep customization via layers and the Oryx configurator, suited to users who want a small, programmable board.

The BM40 kit is a 40% ortholinear hot-swap PCB kit compatible with QMK/VIA, features full RGB underglow and a USB-C port, and accepts separate plates and cases (Planck-compatible). It's a budget, highly moddable ortho PCB aimed at builders who want a compact, programmable keyboard platform.