# Which mechanical ortho keyboards offer the best value for money under £150? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

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

## Products

### KPRepublic BM40 RGB
```yaml
product: kprepublic-bm40-rgb
brand: KPRepublic
price_gbp: 33.46
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
layout: Ortholinear 40%
switch_type: MX Stem support (hot-swappable, supports Gateron and MX-style switches)
number_of_keys: More than 40 keys
```

- **Price:** £33.46 [^1]
- **Summary:** 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.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for value-focused mechanical ortho keyboards under £150 because it offers hot-swap MX-stem support, full RGB, and QMK/VIA programmability at a low kit price.
- **Additional Sources:** [^1]

### Epomaker LUMA40
```yaml
product: epomaker-luma40
brand: Epomaker
price_gbp: 73.47
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
layout: 40% Ortholinear
switch_type: Kailh White Rain Low-Profile Linear
polling_rate: 1000Hz wired/2.4G, 125Hz Bluetooth
n_key_rollover: true
number_of_keys: 47
keycap_material: Transparent PC Plastic
```

- **Price:** £73.47 [^2]
- **Summary:** 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.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for budget-conscious buyers under £150 who want a compact ortholinear board with hot-swappable low-profile Kailh switches, full VIA/QMK support, and 1000Hz wired/2.4G polling for responsive performance.
- **Additional Sources:** [^3], [^4], [^2], [^3], [^4]

### OLKB Planck EZ 47 keys
```yaml
product: olkb-planck-ez-47-keys
brand: OLKB
price_gbp: 182.56
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
layout: Ortholinear 40%
switch_type: Cherry MX or Kailh (selectable)
n_key_rollover: Full N-key rollover
number_of_keys: 47
keycap_material: PBT
```

- **Price:** £182.56 [^5]
- **Summary:** 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.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for buyers under £150 seeking value because its 47-key ortholinear layout, hot-swappable Cherry MX or Kailh switches, PBT keycaps, and full N-key rollover deliver durable hardware and extensive programmability at a compact form factor.
- **Additional Sources:** [^6], [^5], [^6]

### KPrepublic BM40 (kit variant)
```yaml
product: kprepublic-bm40-kit-variant
brand: KPrepublic
price_gbp: 33.46
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
layout: ortholinear 4x12 (40%)
number_of_keys: 48
```

- **Price:** £33.46 [^7]
- **Summary:** 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.
- **Ideal For:** Suitable for value-focused ortho builds under £150 because it's a low-cost hot-swap QMK/VIA-compatible 40% PCB with RGB and USB-C, enabling inexpensive customisation and parts reuse.
- **Additional Sources:** [^8], [^7], [^8]

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: KPrepublic, accessed 2026-06-16. https://kprepublic.com/products/bm40-rgb-40-hot-swap-custom-mechanical-keyboard-pcb-qmk-underglow-type-c-planck
[^2]: Epomaker Official Store, accessed 2026-06-16. https://epomaker.com/products/epomaker-luma40
[^3]: Best Buy, accessed 2026-06-16. https://www.bestbuy.com/product/epomaker-luma40-low-profile-mechanical-keyboard-with-qmk-via-cnc-metal-transparent-pc-keycap-white/JXZ658CWL9
[^4]: MechLands, accessed 2026-06-16. https://www.mechlands.com/products/epomaker-luma40
[^5]: ZSA (official), accessed 2026-06-16. https://www.zsa.io/planck/
[^6]: Gigazine (product listing with price), accessed 2026-06-16. https://gigazine.net/gsc_news/en/20210714-zsa-planck-ez/
[^7]: KPrepublic store, accessed 2026-06-16. https://kprepublic.com/collections/bm40
[^8]: Try Ortho Keys (affiliate listing), accessed 2026-06-16. https://www.tryorthokeys.com/kprepublic-BM40