{"product_id":"the-matrix-forty-hot-swappable-keyboard-pcb","title":"The Matrix Forty | 40 Percent Hot-Swappable RGB Keyboard PCB, Type-C","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"product-narrative\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForty Percent Is Not a Compromise. It Is a Decision. A full-size board asks you to reach; a forty percent board asks you to learn. Every key stays within one palm span, the mouse never leaves its patch of desk, and the modifiers you actually press live under the thumb instead of in the far corner. What looks like an amputation to a first-time buyer looks like a clean instrument to anyone who types for a living.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn open board you can re-cut at will. The firmware is QMK-compatible, so layers, tap-hold behaviour, per-key functions and macros are yours to define rather than handed down by a factory. Write one layout for code, another for a game, and switch between them without opening the case. Type-C connection, no proprietary cable in the drawer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHot-swap sockets instead of soldering iron. Switch preferences change. A socketed board lets you pull a set and press in another in an afternoon, which is the difference between a keyboard that ages with you and one that ends up in a box the day your taste shifts. The RGB underglow runs beneath the plate rather than through it, so the light reads as a rim on the desk instead of a glare on your fingertips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt for the people who assemble rather than the people who unbox. Choose the bare PCB and bring your own case, plate, switches and keycaps, or step up through the kit variants where the stabiliser set is included. If you are building your first ortholinear board, message us with the case you own and we will confirm plate and stabiliser compatibility before it ships.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLayout is personal. The board should be, too.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-features\" style=\"margin-top:30px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:20px;margin-bottom:14px;\"\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"list-style:none;padding:0;margin:0;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f2f2f2;\"\u003e✦ 40 percent ortholinear layout (Planck-style), the whole map inside one palm span\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f2f2f2;\"\u003e✦ QMK-compatible firmware with open remapping, layers and macros\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f2f2f2;\"\u003e✦ Hot-swap switch sockets, no soldering to change a switch set\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f2f2f2;\"\u003e✦ RGB underglow lighting under the plate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f2f2f2;\"\u003e✦ USB Type-C connection with a standard cable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f2f2f2;\"\u003e✦ Four purchase tiers: bare PCB, or Kit 1 through Kit 3 with stabilisers included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f2f2f2;\"\u003e✦ Designed for desktop, laptop and tablet use alike\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"padding:8px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #f2f2f2;\"\u003e✦ Runs on 3-pin and 5-pin switches without modification\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-specs\" style=\"margin-top:30px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:20px;margin-bottom:14px;\"\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"list-style:none;padding:0;margin:0;\"\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eee;padding:10px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLayout:\u003c\/strong\u003e 40 percent ortholinear, Planck compatible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eee;padding:10px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConnection:\u003c\/strong\u003e USB Type-C, wired\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eee;padding:10px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFirmware:\u003c\/strong\u003e QMK compatible, remappable through VIA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eee;padding:10px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSwitch Mounting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hot-swap sockets, 3-pin and 5-pin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eee;padding:10px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e RGB underglow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eee;padding:10px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStabilisers:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2U stabiliser set included from Kit 1 upward\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eee;padding:10px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOperation Style:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mechanical\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eee;padding:10px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eApplication:\u003c\/strong\u003e Desktop, laptop, tablet and number-pad use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eee;padding:10px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProgrammability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Per-key remap, layers, tap-hold, macros\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eee;padding:10px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not included, sold as a PCB kit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eee;padding:10px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAssembly:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tool-light, no soldering required for switches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #eee;padding:10px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mainland China\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-applications\" style=\"margin-top:30px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:20px;margin-bottom:14px;\"\u003eWho Builds on the Matrix Forty\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt suits two kinds of buyer. The first already owns a case, plate and switch set and wants a programmable board at a price that does not carry a brand's nameplate premium. The second is moving down from a 65 percent or 60 percent layout to reclaim desk space for a trackball or a second monitor and wants the transition to be reversible. Written-language users also choose the ortholinear grid because the columns line up with finger travel, which changes typing angle on the index and little fingers. Studios and repair desks use them because a socketed board survives a spilled switch or a worn contact as a five-minute fix rather than a reflow job.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-faq\" style=\"margin-top:32px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"font-size:20px;margin-bottom:16px;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom:16px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight:600;margin:0 0 4px 0;\"\u003eQ: What exactly is included in the bare PCB option?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;color:#555;\"\u003eA: The PCB itself. Case, plate, switches and keycaps are not part of the bare option, and the kit tiers add the stabiliser set. Check the variant name for the contents of the tier you select, and message us if you want the current bundle confirmed in writing before ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom:16px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight:600;margin:0 0 4px 0;\"\u003eQ: Does it need soldering?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;color:#555;\"\u003eA: Switches do not. The sockets are hot-swap, so a switch set is pressed in and pulled out with a tool. Stabilisers on the kit tiers fit with the hardware in the bag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom:16px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight:600;margin:0 0 4px 0;\"\u003eQ: Is the firmware open source?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;color:#555;\"\u003eA: The board runs on QMK-compatible firmware, and layouts are remapped in VIA without reflashing. That keeps switching between a coding layer and a game layer an ordinary software change.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom:16px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight:600;margin:0 0 4px 0;\"\u003eQ: Which switches fit?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;color:#555;\"\u003eA: Standard 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches from the common brands. Trimmed-pin switches also fit; the sockets are the limiting factor, not the switch brand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom:16px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight:600;margin:0 0 4px 0;\"\u003eQ: What layout is it exactly?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;color:#555;\"\u003eA: A 40 percent ortholinear grid in the Planck family, meaning the columns are vertical rather than staggered. If you have only used staggered boards, expect a week of adaptation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom:16px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight:600;margin:0 0 4px 0;\"\u003eQ: Will this fit my existing case?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;color:#555;\"\u003eA: Ortholinear 40 percent cases in the Planck family usually fit. Tell us the case model before ordering and we will confirm the mounting pattern and plate clearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom:16px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight:600;margin:0 0 4px 0;\"\u003eQ: What is the difference between the kit tiers?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;color:#555;\"\u003eA: Each tier steps up from the bare PCB toward a buildable set, with the 2U stabiliser set entering at Kit 1 and the higher tiers adding the next layer of mounting hardware. The variant name carries the tier, and we are happy to spell out the contents before you buy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom:16px;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-weight:600;margin:0 0 4px 0;\"\u003eQ: Does the underglow light show through opaque keycaps?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0;color:#555;\"\u003eA: It is underglow, so the light renders around the plate edge. If you want per-key shine-through you need translucent keycaps and the switch housings to match.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-promise\" style=\"margin-top:34px;padding:20px 22px;border-left:3px solid #1A3A5C;background:#f7f8fa;\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin-top:0;font-size:19px;\"\u003eThe EastSupplier Promise\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom:10px;\"\u003eEvery listing in this catalog is sourced, checked against its stated specifications, and dispatched from a supply chain we control. If a unit arrives damaged or does not match the description, we replace it or refund it, no argument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom:0;\"\u003eQuestions about compatibility, bulk quantities, or delivery to your region? Our merchandising desk replies within one business day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"product-gallery\" style=\"margin-top:34px;text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0503\/6412\/1244\/files\/Sf20708dd7cb342cd86b8417928dfa1c5v.webp?v=1747801772\" alt=\"The Matrix Forty 40 percent hot-swappable mechanical keyboard PCB\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;margin:14px auto;display:block;border-radius:8px;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0503\/6412\/1244\/files\/S6f664bbff7c045318402facbce9f9066H.webp?v=1747801772\" alt=\"The Matrix Forty 40 percent hot-swappable mechanical keyboard PCB\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;margin:14px auto;display:block;border-radius:8px;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0503\/6412\/1244\/files\/S6105d5a670e74f1f8704ec26839212e2J.webp?v=1747801772\" alt=\"The Matrix Forty 40 percent hot-swappable mechanical keyboard PCB\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;margin:14px auto;display:block;border-radius:8px;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0503\/6412\/1244\/files\/S1298f100ecd84885868ab216157dd571v.webp?v=1747801772\" alt=\"The Matrix Forty 40 percent hot-swappable mechanical keyboard PCB\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;margin:14px auto;display:block;border-radius:8px;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0503\/6412\/1244\/files\/S767fa5d08d764f6f914d73987b95be53a.webp?v=1747801772\" alt=\"The Matrix Forty 40 percent hot-swappable mechanical keyboard PCB\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;margin:14px auto;display:block;border-radius:8px;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0503\/6412\/1244\/files\/S4a5da840935341849cf2d433508981c0X.webp?v=1747801772\" alt=\"The Matrix Forty 40 percent hot-swappable mechanical keyboard PCB\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;margin:14px auto;display:block;border-radius:8px;\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0503\/6412\/1244\/files\/S391730ed1ac649e886e8003c473e2131k.webp?v=1747801772\" alt=\"The Matrix Forty 40 percent hot-swappable mechanical keyboard PCB\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;margin:14px auto;display:block;border-radius:8px;\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"Product\",\"name\":\"The Matrix Forty\",\"description\":\"40 percent ortholinear hot-swappable mechanical keyboard PCB with QMK-compatible firmware, RGB underglow and USB Type-C connection.\",\"sku\":\"ES-209311\",\"brand\":{\"@type\":\"Brand\",\"name\":\"KPrepublic\"},\"category\":\"Keyboard Components\",\"image\":\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0503\/6412\/1244\/files\/Sf20708dd7cb342cd86b8417928dfa1c5v.webp?v=1747801772\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/eastsupplier.com\/products\/the-matrix-forty-hot-swappable-keyboard-pcb\",\"offers\":{\"@type\":\"Offer\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/eastsupplier.com\/products\/the-matrix-forty-hot-swappable-keyboard-pcb\",\"priceCurrency\":\"USD\",\"price\":\"140.92\",\"availability\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\/InStock\",\"itemCondition\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\/NewCondition\",\"seller\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"EastSupplier\"}},\"aggregateRating\":{\"@type\":\"AggregateRating\",\"ratingValue\":\"4.8\",\"reviewCount\":\"5\",\"bestRating\":\"5\",\"worstRating\":\"1\"}}\n\u003c\/script\u003e","brand":"East Supplier Platform","offers":[{"title":"BM40 PCB Only x1","offer_id":46997385019615,"sku":"4001147779116-BM40 PCB Only x1","price":140.92,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"BM40 Kit1 x1","offer_id":46997385052383,"sku":"4001147779116-BM40 Kit1 x1","price":147.43,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"BM40 Kit2 x1","offer_id":46997385085151,"sku":"4001147779116-BM40 Kit2 x1","price":176.08,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"BM40 Kit3 x1","offer_id":46997385117919,"sku":"4001147779116-BM40 Kit3 x1","price":187.81,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0503\/6412\/1244\/files\/Sf20708dd7cb342cd86b8417928dfa1c5v.webp?v=1747801772","url":"https:\/\/eastsupplier.co.uk\/pt-pt\/products\/the-matrix-forty-hot-swappable-keyboard-pcb","provider":"EastSupplier Platform","version":"1.0","type":"link"}