YMDK Air40 Review – The 40% Ortholinear Keyboard Worth Getting Right Now
For years, the Planck and Preonic from OLKB have been the go-to 40% ortholinear keyboards. But with their frequent stock shortages, many in the community have been searching for a worthy alternative. Enter the YMDK Air40 — a compact, ortholinear aluminum kit that’s quickly becoming the new standard for anyone wanting to dive into the world of 40% keyboards.
Why the Air40 Stands Out
The Air40 takes the best aspects of the 40% form factor — compact size, efficient typing, and ortholinear layout — and packages it into a premium, customizable kit. Here’s why it’s such a strong contender right now:
- Premium CNC Aluminum Case – The anodized aluminum housing gives the Air40 a solid, high-end feel compared to cheaper plastic kits.
- Hot-Swap PCB with VIA Support – North-facing RGB backlight, underglow options, and full VIA compatibility make customizing your layout and lighting easy without extra software headaches.
- No Stabilizers Required – Inspired by YMDK’s numpad design, the Air40 skips stabilizers entirely. Larger 2u keys feel smooth and relaxed to press, though if you’re picky about perfect stability, it’s worth noting this trade-off.
- Flexible Layout Options – With soldering skills, you can experiment with alternate layouts; otherwise, you can order the pre-set layout of your choice.
- True 40% Size – At just 235mm x 84mm, it embodies the portability and minimalism that make small boards so appealing.
Add-Ons and Customization Options
One of the biggest advantages of the Air40 over OLKB’s offerings is the sheer variety of readily available upgrades and accessories. YMDK has built an ecosystem around this board that makes it easy to personalize your setup:
- Keyboard Foam – Add dampening foam for a quieter, more refined typing sound. Get it here »
- Wood Wrist Rests – Comfortable and stylish, these rests are sized perfectly for the Air40. Grab one here »
- Walnut Wood Case Kits – Upgrade your Air40 to a stunning natural wood enclosure that feels as premium as it looks. See the kit here »
This level of modularity and accessory support makes the Air40 one of the most versatile 40% boards you can buy today.
See all YMDK40 kits and accessories here.
Air40 vs Planck
If you’re deciding between the Air40 and the classic Planck, here’s how they compare:
| Feature | YMDK Air40 | Drop + OLKB Planck V7 |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 40% ortholinear, 48 keys | 40% ortholinear, 48 keys |
| Case | CNC anodized aluminum (upgradeable to walnut wood) | CNC anodized aluminum or polycarbonate |
| PCB | Hot-swap, VIA compatible, RGB underglow & backlight | Hot-swap, RGB bottom lighting only |
| Stabilizers | None required (smooth 2u key feel) | PCB-mounted stabilizers included |
| Customization | Large ecosystem of foam, rests, and wood case add-ons | Fewer direct accessory options |
| Availability | In stock at YMDK | Frequently sold out on Drop |
Verdict: While the Planck remains an iconic choice, the Air40 offers more flexibility out of the box with hot-swap support, a strong accessory ecosystem, and wider availability.
Final Thoughts
The YMDK Air40 proves that the 40% keyboard scene isn’t defined by just one company anymore. With premium build quality, readily available accessories, and easy customization, it has earned its spot as the 40% ortholinear to get in 2025.
👉 Don’t wait — grab the YMDK Air40 kit here while it’s still in stock.
