Epomaker has released the Alice40, a compact mechanical keyboard built around a 46 key split ergonomic layout. The board integrates dedicated arrow keys, 2 spacebars, a metal volume knob, and 5 layers of sound dampening material into an ABS plastic chassis. Preorders are open on the official Epomaker website priced at $70.
The Alice40 divides keys into 2 angled clusters using a column staggered arrangement that cuts down on lateral finger movement during long typing sessions. A central metal rotary encoder controls volume directly between the key groups. The ABS plastic frame measures 281.1 by 122.5 by 35.5 millimeters and weighs 531 grams. Foldable feet on the bottom allow typing angle adjustments between 5 degrees and 8.5 degrees. To reduce acoustic pinging, the gasket mount structure combines a flexible polycarbonate plate with 5 separate sound absorbing layers inside the case. Keycaps use the Cherry profile, molded from PBT plastic with warm sunset colors and orange legends.
Epomaker equips the board with factory lubricated Creamy Jade linear switches featuring a 45 gf actuation force and 3.6 millimeters of total travel. Sockets are hot swappable, allowing switch replacement without a soldering iron. Individual RGB LEDs sit under every switch position, though the thick PBT keycaps block legend passthrough. Power comes from an internal 3000 mAh battery supporting 3 connection methods: Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz wireless, and USB Type C wired. The USB Type C connection operates at a 1000 Hz polling rate with 3 ms latency, while 2.4 GHz delivers 1000 Hz at 5 ms latency. Bluetooth runs at 125 Hz with 15 ms latency. The chassis includes a dedicated storage compartment for the wireless receiver. Key remapping, macro creation, lighting adjustments, and knob functions are handled through VIA or the Epomaker Hub web software.
