A scissor-switch Alice layout keyboard has arrived.
On August 28, 2024, Keychron announced the launch of the Keychron B39 and Keychron B40 wireless keyboards featuring the Alice layout on their official X account.
Quiet typing. Ergonomic comfort. Custom control.
— Keychron (@KeychronMK) August 27, 2026
Introducing the new Keychron B39 and B40 Wireless Keyboards.
✨ Alice Ergonomic Design
🔇 Low-Noise Scissor Keys
🖥️ macOS / Windows / Linux Support
📡 Tri-Mode Connectivity
⚡ M1–M5 Macro Keys
🔋 500+ Hours of Battery Life
B39: A… pic.twitter.com/unddzWPwKb
Instead of mechanical switches, they utilize scissor-style key switches designed with a focus on quiet operation.
They support tri-mode connectivity (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and USB Type-C) and allow for key remapping via Keychron Launcher.
The B39, a 96% layout with a number pad, is priced at $54.99, while the B40, a tenkeyless 75% layout, is priced at $49.99.
I never expected to see the Alice layout appear on an affordable scissor-switch keyboard.
Keychron B39 and B40 Sales Information
| Product | Layout | Number pad | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keychron B39 | 96% Alice | Included | $54.99 |
| Keychron B40 | 75% Alice | None | $49.99 |
Both models are available in Deep Black.
As of the time of writing, the B39 can be added to the cart, but the B40 product page shows it is currently out of stock.
If you can’t purchase the B40, you can sign up for restock notifications on the product page.
Alice Layout for Affordable Scissor-Switch Keyboards
The standout feature of the B39 and B40 is the adoption of the Alice layout in a scissor-switch keyboard.
The Alice layout is an ergonomic design featuring angled left and right key areas and a split center section.
Compared to standard linear keyboards, it allows users to maintain a home position with their hands angled outward in a “V” shape.
The Alice-layout models Keychron has released to date have primarily been mechanical keyboards.
- Q Series
- V Series
- K Series
- B11 Pro
Unlike mechanical keyboards with swappable switches, the B39 and B40 use scissor switches, similar to those found in laptops and typical slim keyboards.
Starting at just $49.99, the barrier to entry for trying out an Alice layout is now quite low.
B39: 96% Alice Layout with Number Pad
The B39 features a 96% Alice layout that includes a number pad.
In addition to the Alice-style alphanumeric section, it places a number pad on the right side for numeric input.
While the layout minimizes the spacing between keys—despite retaining functionality close to that of a standard full-sized keyboard—it still gives the impression of being quite wide.
This makes it suitable for tasks that require frequent number entry, such as spreadsheets and accounting.
Furthermore, it features five macro keys (M1–M5) on the left side and a rotary knob on the top right for customizable functions.
| Key Features of the B39 | Details |
|---|---|
| Layout | 96% Alice |
| Number pad | Included |
| Macro Keys | M1–M5 |
| Rotary knob | Included (Customizable) |
| Weight | 680g |
| Battery life | Up to 500 hours |
| Price | $54.99 |
There are few options for pre-built Alice-layout keyboards with a numeric keypad, and finding one that uses scissor switches is exceptionally rare.
B40: Tenkeyless 75% Alice Layout
The B40 is a 75% Alice layout that omits the number pad.
Since it’s narrower than the B39, it’s easier to secure space for mouse movement on the right side.
This model also includes five macro keys and a customizable rotary knob.
| Key Features of the B40 | Details |
|---|---|
| Layout | 75% Alice |
| Number pad | None |
| Macro Keys | M1–M5 |
| Rotary knob | Included (Customizable) |
| Weight | 595g |
| Battery life | Up to 520 hours |
| Price | $49.99 |
If you don’t frequently enter numbers or want to save desk space, the B40 is the better choice.
Equipped with Quiet Scissor-Switch Keys
The B39 and B40 use low-noise scissor-switch keys.
Similar to typical slim keyboards, the switches and keycaps are fixed.
These products do not support hot-swapping like mechanical keyboards, so you cannot change the typing feel by swapping switches or keycaps.
On the other hand, scissor switches are known for reducing key wobble and having relatively quiet typing sounds.
The product page for the B40 states that it uses keys with 59% more travel than standard scissor-switch keycaps.
It is designed to provide a typing feel with greater perceived depth compared to typical low-profile scissor switches.
These products are ideal for environments where you want to keep typing noise to a minimum, such as offices or shared spaces.
Supports 3-Mode Connectivity
The connection methods are the same for both the B39 and B40.
- USB Type-C Wired Connection
- 2.4GHz Wireless Connection
- Bluetooth 5.2 Connection
Both wired and 2.4GHz connections support a polling rate of up to 1,000Hz.
The polling rate for the Bluetooth connection is 125 Hz.
Bluetooth allows you to register up to three devices, letting you switch between a PC, tablet, and smartphone.
The 2.4GHz receiver can be stored in a dedicated compartment inside the keyboard.
Remap Keys with Keychron Launcher
The B39 and B40 are compatible with the browser-based Keychron Launcher.
You can change the following settings in your browser without installing dedicated software.
- Keymap
- Macros
- Shortcuts
- Key Combinations
- Polling rate
- M1–M5 Keys
- Rotary knob
Keychron Launcher also features an AI assistant.
You can input what you want to configure in natural language, and it will guide you to the relevant settings.
To use Keychron Launcher, you’ll need the latest version of Chrome, Opera, or Edge.
Compatible with macOS and Windows
The B39 and B40 allow you to switch between macOS and Windows modes using a physical toggle on the device.
The B40 officially supports the following operating systems:
- macOS
- iOS
- Windows
- Android
- Linux
The B39 specifications list support for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
The keyboard layout is ANSI English. No Japanese layout model has been announced at this time.
Things to Check Before Buying
While these allow you to try the Alice layout at a low price, they have a different character than typical mechanical Alice keyboards.
- Scissor-switch and does not support switch swapping
- Not suitable for swapping keycaps
- No backlighting
- ANSI English layout only
- Case and keycaps are made of ABS
- Not a split keyboard where the left and right sides physically separate
- No tenting mechanism
- Domestic sales and Technical Conformity Mark status in Japan are unannounced
Specifically, the Alice layout is a one-piece keyboard with angled key areas for the left and right hands.
It is different from a “split keyboard” where you can freely change the distance and angle between the two halves, so be careful not to confuse them.
Also, to use the 2.4GHz or Bluetooth connection in Japan, you must verify official domestic sales and the Technical Conformity Mark.
Differences Between Keychron B39 and B40
The main differences between the two products are layout, weight, price, and battery life.
| Item | Keychron B39 | Keychron B40 |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 96% Alice | 75% Alice |
| Number pad | Included | None |
| Key switch | Scissor-switch | Scissor-switch |
| Macro Keys | 5 keys | 5 keys |
| Rotary knob | Included | Included |
| Connection | USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth | USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth |
| Battery | 800mAh | 800mAh |
| Battery Life (2.4GHz) | Up to 500 hours | Up to 520 hours |
| Weight | 680g | 595g |
| Backlight | None | None |
| Price | $54.99 | $49.99 |
Aside from the presence of the number pad, the basic features are identical.
Summary | A Great Entry Point for the Alice Layout
That concludes our introduction to Keychron’s new B39 and B40 keyboards.
While the Alice layout makes it easier to place your hands at a natural angle compared to standard keyboards, it has mostly been used in custom or high-end mechanical keyboards until now.
Even if you’re interested, spending hundreds of dollars on a product without knowing if the layout suits you can be a significant hurdle.
The B40 is $49.99, and even the B39 with a number pad is only $54.99.
Although you can’t customize the typing feel, it works as a complete scissor-switch keyboard, making it easy for users who aren’t familiar with mechanical keyboards to get started.
This product seems to hold the potential to expand the reach of Alice-layout keyboards from a niche for enthusiasts to mainstream office input devices.
- First edition writing date：
- Last updated date：
- Methodology: Referenced manufacturer’s official social media posts and official product pages
- Source: Keychron Official X
- Product Information Source: Keychron B39 / Keychron B40
- Conflict of Interest: No product provided / This post contains affiliate links
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