Chosfox Init40 vs. Geonix Rev.2.5: Which is better as your first 40% keyboard?
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Chosfox’s “Init40” and “Geonix Rev.2.5” are both 40% low-profile mechanical keyboards.
It’s genuinely great to see products in the ultra-niche category of 40% low-profile mechanical keyboards being sold as in-stock items in multiple layout variants.
These two share a lot in common—overall size, weight, and more—but they use different physical layouts.
Init40: Row-staggered layout (a classic staggered layout)
Geonix Rev.2.5: Ortholinear layout (a grid-like layout)
If you want to move to a 40% keyboard while keeping a feel close to a typical keyboard, the Init40 will likely be easier to adopt.
On the other hand, if you value neatly aligned keys in a grid and more flexibility with thumb keys, the Geonix Rev.2.5 is compelling.
In this article, based on the units used by the Greenkeys editorial team, we’ll compare the differences between the two keyboards and explain which one you should choose.
The Init40 used in this article was provided by Chosfox. The Geonix Rev.2.5 was purchased by the Greenkeys editorial team. This article contains monetized links, but they do not affect our evaluation.
First, let’s look at which one suits what kind of user.
Who the Init40 is for
People using a 40% keyboard for the first time
People who want to transition from a typical row-staggered layout
People who prefer a keyboard with a 5° typing angle
People who want to check layer status via LEDs
People who want to keep the purchase price as low as possible
Who the Geonix Rev.2.5 is for
People who want to try an ortholinear layout
People looking for a Planck-like 4×12 layout
People who want to split the thumb keys into two
People who want to choose between a Full Aluminum and Semi-Aluminum case
People who prefer a flat 0° typing angle
People who prioritize switch and keycap options
It’s not a case where one is outright better than the other.
If you think of it as the difference between “Init40, which shrinks a familiar layout,” and “Geonix Rev.2.5, which is an exciting rebuild starting from how you move your fingers,” it may be easier to choose.
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The biggest difference really is the physical layout. If you want to keep switching cost low, go with the Init40; if you want to challenge yourself with a new layout, the Geonix Rev.2.5 is the pick. Since the price isn’t that high, buying both is also a reasonable option.
When choosing between the Init40 and Geonix Rev.2.5, the most important factor is the physical layout.
Init40 uses a typical row-staggered layout
The Init40 uses a row-staggered layout, where each row of keys is shifted horizontally.
Because the keys are arranged with the same basic logic as a typical keyboard, it’s easy to grasp the relative positions of the alpha keys.
Of course, since the number row and some symbol keys are omitted, you’ll still need to get used to layer operations.
Even so, because you don’t have to drastically change how your fingers move over the alpha keys, it’s easy to adopt for anyone moving to a 40% keyboard for the first time.
If you want to keep the switching cost from your current keyboard low, the Init40 is a strong option.
On the other hand, if you place arrow keys on the base layer, you end up sacrificing normal typing with the alpha and symbol keys.
So, realistically, a downside of this layout is that you’re essentially forced to put arrow keys on a secondary layer.
Geonix Rev.2.5 uses a 4×12 ortholinear layout
The Geonix Rev.2.5 uses an ortholinear layout with keys aligned in a 4-row × 12-column grid.
Its biggest feature is the grid-like, Go-board-style arrangement of key positions.
However, the direction your fingers move differs from a typical row-staggered layout.
In particular, for the left and right index fingers—which cover multiple columns in basic touch typing—you may feel some awkwardness until you adapt.
Also, while ortholinear layouts can reduce finger travel on larger keyboards, there are also test results showing that on 40% boards, finger travel didn’t change much depending on the physical layout.
In other words, for a 40% board, choosing ortholinear can reasonably come down to preferences like “it looks beautiful” or “I want to try changing the direction of my finger movements.”
On top of that, this layout makes it possible to place arrow keys on the base layer.
Geonix Rev.2.5 with arrow keys
This is probably one of the areas where preferences will split compared to the Init40.
Differences in typing angle
Left: Init40 Right: Geonix Rev.2.5
The two products also differ in typing angle.
Init40: 5°
Geonix Rev.2.5: 0°
The Init40 has a 5° slope, descending from back to front.
Typical row-staggered layout keyboards usually have a tilt of around 4–7°.
In that sense, the Init40 has the advantage of letting you type with a more familiar feel.
Meanwhile, the Geonix Rev.2.5 has a flat profile with the same height front to back.
It’s less about which is better, and more about what matches your usual wrist angle and preferences.
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This is subjective, but ortholinear layouts tend to feel easier to type on with a flat profile.
Differences in typing sound direction
The two keyboards differ in the “direction” of their typing sound depending on whether they include sound-dampening foam.
Let’s compare the official configuration images.
Since the explained items differ, we’ll compare them in a table.
Init40
Geonix Rev.2.5
keycap
keycap
switch
switch
long vowel mark (usually only used in katakana)
Switch pad
Switch plate (listed as “Positioning Plate”)
Switch plate (listed as “PCB Plate”)
PCB
PCB
long vowel mark (usually only used in katakana)
Sandwich foam (sound dampener)
long vowel mark (usually only used in katakana)
Bottom case foam (sound dampener)
long vowel mark (usually only used in katakana)
Insulation film
battery
battery
case (e.g. receptacle, condition, event, legal action, letter style, etc.)
case (e.g. receptacle, condition, event, legal action, letter style, etc.)
As you can see, the Geonix Rev.2.5 is tuned for a packed, “muted direction” typing sound thanks to sound-dampening materials, whereas the Init40 intentionally does not include dampening materials and is tuned for a clacky direction.
If you like a more mechanical-keyboard-like sound that resonates through the case, you can choose the Init40; if you prefer a muted, thocky-style sound, you can choose the Geonix Rev.2.5.
However, if you choose silent switches, the difference in typing sound may become smaller.
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Possibly because of this configuration difference, the Init40’s switches fit firmly into the switch plate, and we didn’t have cases where switches came out together when swapping keycaps. On the other hand, with the Geonix Rev.2.5, it’s common for the switches to come out along with the keycaps when you swap them.
Differences in case options
The Init40 uses an aluminum case.
Meanwhile, with the Geonix Rev.2.5, you can choose from the following two case types.
case (e.g. receptacle, condition, event, legal action, letter style, etc.)
Configuration
keycap
Characteristics
Full Aluminum
Aluminum exterior
LAK
Focuses on rigidity and the feel of a metal chassis
Semi-Aluminum
Aluminum + transparent side parts
LCK
Focuses on RGB effects that extend to the sides
The Full Aluminum model comes standard with LAK keycaps made of PBT with dye-sublimated legends.
The Semi-Aluminum model comes standard with LCK keycaps combining transparent PC material with UV printing.
Full Aluminum case
Semi-Aluminum case
If you prioritize a cohesive all-metal feel, Full Aluminum is the way to go; if you want to enjoy RGB lighting visually, Semi-Aluminum is a better fit.
Since not only the case but also the material and shape of the included keycaps change, make sure to confirm the details before buying.
Differences in switch options
Both products use Kailh Choc V2 low-profile switches, but the Init40 does not offer the Crystal switch option.
switch
type
pressing pressure
Actuation point
Total travel
White Rain
linear
50gf
1.2mm
2.8mm
Black Cloud
tactile
45gf
1.6mm
2.8mm
Deep Sea Silent Linear
Silent Linear
53gf
1.3mm
2.8mm
Deep Sea Silent Tactile
Silent tactile
45gf
1.3mm
2.8mm
Crystal
linear
43gf
1.2mm
3.2mm
The Crystal switch option likely exists mainly to match the translucency of the LCK keycaps.
Since all Init40 models use PBT LAK keycaps that do not let LED light through, it likely won’t make a big difference.
Differences in price
The Init40’s pricing is set as follows:
Right after launch: $99.00
Limited-time price: $105.00
Regular price: $112.00
The Geonix Rev.2.5 varies depending on the case and configuration you choose, with a range of $119.00–$122.00.
Comparing regular prices, the difference comes out to about $7.00–$10.00.
That’s only about a 1,600 JPY difference.
Since it’s not a huge price gap, rather than choosing on price alone, it’s better to prioritize differences like physical layout, case, and bottom layout.
Either way, it’s fair to say the pricing is very competitive.
Whether there’s a layer indicator
On the Init40, the color of the LED indicator on the left changes in sync with the selected layer.
This is an attempt to visualize the currently selected layer, and it’s a very welcome feature for small-keyboard beginners who must rely on layer operations.
Meanwhile, the Geonix Rev.2.5 does not include this feature.
Even from this point alone, the Init40 may be designed with “small-keyboard beginners” in mind.
Which one would you choose?
Up to this point, we’ve organized the differences between the two models.
Who we recommend the Init40 for
The Init40 is for people who want to move to a 40% size while preserving as much of the familiar typing feel of a typical keyboard as possible.
Because it uses a row-staggered layout, you don’t need to relearn the relative positions of the alpha keys in a major way.
You’ll still need layer operations to input numbers and symbols, but you can keep the switching cost lower than moving to an ortholinear layout.
The 5° typing angle, layer indicator, and regular price of $112.00 are also appealing points.
In particular, it’s a good fit for people who match the following:
Buying your first 40% keyboard
You’ve been using a row-staggered layout up to now
You want to keep the learning cost of a new layout low
The Geonix Rev.2.5 is for people who want to use an ortholinear layout and highly flexible thumb keys.
The orderly 4×12 key arrangement takes practice at first, but once you’re used to it, it’s appealing how easy it is to grasp key positions compared to a row-staggered layout.
If you choose the Dual 1U model, you can assign different functions to the two center keys.
And since you can choose between Full Aluminum and Semi-Aluminum, you can decide whether to prioritize all-metal feel or RGB presentation.
In particular, it’s a good fit for people who match the following:
You want to try an ortholinear layout
You’re looking for a Planck-like 4×12 layout
You want to assign different functions to your left and right thumbs
You prefer a flat 0° case
You want to choose your case and keycaps
You want to use wireless connectivity with Japan’s technical conformity certification (Giteki) already obtained
Summary: If it’s your first, go Init40; if you want to enjoy the layout itself, go Geonix Rev.2.5
That’s our comparison of the differences between the two models released by Chosfox.
As expected, the fundamental difference is the “physical layout.”
If you want to build small-keyboard typing skills based on a layer-first philosophy while leaning on your existing typing experience, the Init40 is a safe choice.
On the other hand, once you’ve gotten somewhat used to the layer-first approach, a good option may be to add a Geonix Rev.2.5 later to enjoy a different layout.
In the end, rather than choosing based on size or price, we recommend choosing based on whether you want to “keep your existing typing method” or “adopt a new way of moving your fingers.”
Both can be purchased as complete builds and support Vial.
For anyone who wants to get started with a 40% keyboard without building or compiling firmware, they’re both strong options.
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