Best Ortholinear Keyboards (2026)
Updated How we research
EPOMAKER Hack70 Planck Mechanical Keyboard VIA Custom 2.4Ghz/BT/Wired Gasket Hot-Swap RGB 65% Ortholinear Layout
EPOMAKER's Hack70 is a Planck-style ortholinear board with gasket mount, RGB, VIA and 2.4Ghz, BT or wired connection.
YMDK 75 Keys QMK Anodized Aluminum Hot-Swappable Type-C Mechanical Keyboard Kit Ortholinear Layout
This YMDK 75-key ortholinear kit adds QMK firmware to the anodized aluminum, hot-swap, Type-C design for full remapping.
An ortholinear keyboard arranges keys in a straight grid instead of the staggered rows found on traditional boards. Supporters argue that columns aligned to each finger reduce sideways reaching and make finger movement more logical. When comparing ortholinear boards, look at the size, since many are compact and rely on layers, plus hot-swap support, connectivity, and how programmable the firmware is. Because the layout is unusual, strong software for remapping keys and building layers is especially important here. These boards suit curious typists, programmers, and enthusiasts who enjoy retraining muscle memory for a potentially more efficient result. Be ready for a real adjustment period, since decades of staggered typing take time to unlearn, and your typing speed will dip before it recovers. If you switch often between your own board and standard keyboards, the transition can feel jarring. But for people who commit to it, an ortholinear layout can become comfortable and even feel more natural than the staggered rows they started with.
The short version
We compared 7 picks. Our scores range from 7.5 to 8.6 out of 10.
- Best overall:EPOMAKER Hack70 Planck Mechanical Keyboard VIA Custom 2.4Ghz/BT/Wired Gasket Hot-Swap RGB 65% Ortholinear Layout. Highest overall score in this guide at 8.6/10.
- Also great value:YMDK 75 Keys QMK Anodized Aluminum Hot-Swappable Type-C Mechanical Keyboard Kit Ortholinear Layout. Value score of 8/10, overall 8.4/10.
- Solid build:EPOMAKER Luma40 Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard with QMK/VIA & CNC Metal. Build and materials score of 8/10, overall 8.4/10.
- Feature-rich:YIVU Corne V4.1 Wired Split Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard | 40% Ortholinear 3x6 Layout, 46 Keys | Hot-Swappable Per-Key RGB | Vial/QMK Programmable | Pre-Lubed Linear Switches. Features score of 8/10, overall 8.2/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
- 1.EPOMAKER Hack70 Planck Mechanical Keyboard VIA Custom 2.4Ghz/BT/Wired Gasket Hot-Swap RGB 65% Ortholinear Layout8.6/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 2.YMDK 75 Keys QMK Anodized Aluminum Hot-Swappable Type-C Mechanical Keyboard Kit Ortholinear Layout8.4/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 3.EPOMAKER Luma40 Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard with QMK/VIA & CNC Metal8.4/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 4.YIVU Corne V4.1 Wired Split Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard | 40% Ortholinear 3x6 Layout, 46 Keys | Hot-Swappable Per-Key RGB | Vial/QMK Programmable | Pre-Lubed Linear Switches8.2/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 5.KBDcraft 07Israfel 50% Ergo-Split Low-Profile Mechanical Keyboard, 56-Key Ortho, Lego-Compatible Case, Wired, Linear Switch, Gasket Mount, Hot-Swappable, RGB, QMK, Vial for Win/Mac, Full Kit, White7.8/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 6.YMDK 75 Keys Anodized Aluminum Hot-Swappable Type-C Mechanical Keyboard Kit Ortholinear Layout7.8/10See on AmazonCheck price
- 7.YIVU Unibody Split Mechanical Keyboard 36 Keys Ortholinear Ergonomic 40% Layout Hot Swappable QMK/VIAL7.5/10See on AmazonCheck price
#1EPOMAKER's Hack70 is a Planck-style ortholinear board with gasket mount, RGB, VIA and 2.4Ghz, BT or wired connection.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Wireless ortholinear boards are rare, so tri-mode connection is a real bonus here
- + Gasket mount and hot-swap sockets give a softer, customizable typing feel
- + VIA lets you remap keys in a browser without compiling firmware
- - Larger grid than a classic Planck, so muscle memory from other grids may not transfer
- - Newer model with less community documentation than established Planck boards
#2This YMDK 75-key ortholinear kit adds QMK firmware to the anodized aluminum, hot-swap, Type-C design for full remapping.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + QMK firmware allows custom layers and macros tailored to a grid layout
- + Aluminum case with hot-swap sockets keeps the build solid and solder-free
- + Type-C connection is modern and uses common cables
- - You still need to supply switches and keycaps before it is usable
- - QMK configuration has a learning curve for people new to custom firmware
#3EPOMAKER Luma40 is a 40% ortholinear low profile keyboard with a CNC aluminum body, QMK/VIA support and 47 hot-swappable sockets. A compact grid layout for people who want to remap everything.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + True ortholinear grid layout with 47 hot-swappable sockets for low profile Kailh switches, so switches can be changed without soldering.
- + QMK/VIA firmware support lets you remap keys, set macros and build layers for a 40% layout.
- + CNC aluminum body with a foam cushioned tray mount design for a dampened sound profile.
- - Low profile switch sockets only, so regular MX style switches and keycaps will not carry over from other builds.
- - A 40% layout has no number row or dedicated arrows, which takes time to learn through layers.
#4Current YIVU listing of the Corne V4.1: a wired 46-key split board with a 3x6 column-staggered layout, three thumb keys per hand, hot-swap sockets and Vial remapping.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Two separate halves let you set spacing, tilt and rotation to match your shoulders and wrists
- + Hot-swap sockets accept 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches, and it ships with pre-lubed linear switches
- + Every key is remappable in Vial, with RGB backlighting and 45 preset lighting modes
- - Only 46 keys, so numbers, symbols and arrows live on layers and take time to learn
- - Wired only: a USB-C cable to the computer and a TRS cable between the halves are required
#5KBDcraft Israfel is a wired 56-key, 50% ortholinear board with low-profile hot-swap switches, a hinge-split body and Vial programming. It is a far lower-priced pick than aluminum ortho boards.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 50% ortholinear layout with 56 keys aligned in straight vertical and horizontal lines
- + Hinge-split design adjusts the angle of the board with up to 7 tilt options
- + Gasket mount, hot-swap sockets for 3-pin low-profile switches, RGB and key remapping through Vial
- - Wired only, and the hot-swap sockets take 3-pin low-profile switches, not standard MX switches
- - Listed as a full kit with a Lego-compatible case, and the listing does not say how much assembly is involved
#6YMDK's 75-key anodized aluminum kit gives a hot-swappable Type-C ortholinear board you finish with your own switches and caps.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Anodized aluminum case feels sturdy and resists scratches better than plastic
- + Hot-swap sockets let you build the kit without a soldering iron
- + Larger grid with 75 keys eases the move to ortholinear with fewer layers
- - Kit format means switches and keycaps are bought separately
- - Grid layouts need keycaps sold in uniform sizes, which narrows set choices
#7YIVU's unibody split board packs 36 keys in a 40% ortholinear layout with QMK and VIAL, aimed at minimalist ergonomic typists.
Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Split halves in a single body improve wrist angle without juggling two separate pieces
- + QMK and VIAL let you design layers so all symbols stay near the home row
- + Hot-swappable sockets make it easy to test lighter switches for comfort
- - Only 36 keys means heavy layer use and a steep learning curve for most people
- - Unibody design cannot be spread wider for broad shoulders like a true split
Before you buy: trade-offs we flagged
No pick is perfect. These are the main compromises we noted for the top products in this guide, so you can check they will not matter for you.
- Larger grid than a classic Planck, so muscle memory from other grids may not transfer (EPOMAKER Hack70 Planck Mechanical Keyboard...)
- You still need to supply switches and keycaps before it is usable (YMDK 75 Keys QMK Anodized Aluminum...)
- Low profile switch sockets only, so regular MX style switches and keycaps will not carry over from other builds. (EPOMAKER Luma40 Low Profile Mechanical...)
- Only 46 keys, so numbers, symbols and arrows live on layers and take time to learn (YIVU Corne V4.1 Wired Split Ergonomic...)
- Wired only, and the hot-swap sockets take 3-pin low-profile switches, not standard MX switches (KBDcraft 07Israfel 50% Ergo-Split Low-Profile...)
- Kit format means switches and keycaps are bought separately (YMDK 75 Keys Anodized Aluminum Hot-Swappable...)
Frequently asked questions
›What is the best choice among ortholinear keyboards (2026)?
EPOMAKER Hack70 Planck Mechanical Keyboard VIA Custom 2.4Ghz/BT/Wired Gasket Hot-Swap RGB 65% Ortholinear Layout is our top overall pick. EPOMAKER's Hack70 is a Planck-style ortholinear board with gasket mount, RGB, VIA and 2.4Ghz, BT or wired connection. It earns our score of 8.6/10, based on fit for the job, features, build and value.
›What is a good budget option?
YMDK 75 Keys QMK Anodized Aluminum Hot-Swappable Type-C Mechanical Keyboard Kit Ortholinear Layout is the strongest low-cost pick in this guide. This YMDK 75-key ortholinear kit adds QMK firmware to the anodized aluminum, hot-swap, Type-C design for full remapping.
›How much should I expect to spend?
Picks in this guide span See on Amazon price bands (roughly: $ = under $30, $$ = $30 to $100, $$$ = over $100). We never display exact prices because they change constantly, so the buttons above always show Amazon's current price.
›How were these products chosen?
We shortlist products that fit the job this guide solves and compare their published specifications, such as size, capacity, materials and what is included. Each pick gets an editorial score out of 10 for fit, features, build and value, and we write the pros and cons from those details. Our score is not an Amazon customer rating. We earn a commission if you buy through our links, which never affects the ranking.
MechKeeb Lab independently selects every product; we may earn a commission from links above.
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