Apos OLKB Preonic vs Mechboards PocketType
Choose the Preonic for QMK, RGB and encoder options, or the PocketType for a pocket-sized 48-button project.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Apos OLKB Preonic
Knob
- Colemak layout and ortholinear design.
- QMK support and knob support are listed.
- The vendor describes per-key RGB and integrated underglow.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
Get the
Mechboards PocketType
- Compact listed dimensions of 18 x 60 x 135 mm.
- The vendor describes 48 small tactile buttons in a plaid-style design.
- The vendor lists an acrylic bottom and controller cover with case hardware.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
Pick the Apos OLKB Preonic if QMK, RGB, Colemak and encoder options are the deciding factors. Choose the Mechboards PocketType if pocketable dimensions and a 48-button DIY build matter more. Both require soldering to swap switches.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Apos OLKB Preonic
Mechboards PocketType
Knob
Yes
No
QMK
Yes
No
The deep option when you want to remap every key
Layout standard
Colemak
ANSI
ISO and JIS exist so regional layouts fit
Backlight
RGB
None
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
Released
2026
2021
- Apos OLKB Preonic
- Mechboards PocketType
- Performance
- 6142
- Build quality
- 6851
- Productivity
- 5644
- Customizability
- 7446
- Portability
- 4040
- Ergonomics: Ortholinear
What will you mostly use it for?
The Preonic leads for office, programming, gaming, modding and content creation based on its Colemak listing, QMK support, RGB and encoder features. The PocketType is the travel-oriented pick, with dimensions and pocketability explicitly called out. Neither board is a hot-swap option according to its compatibility rule, so switch changes involve soldering. Both are ortholinear, but their layouts and feature sets differ substantially.
Pick the Apos OLKB Preonic
- The Preonic has per-key RGB and integrated underglow, while the PocketType is listed without RGB.
- The Preonic supports QMK firmware, an explicitly listed feature that can suit buyers seeking configurable keyboard behavior.
Apos OLKB Preonic vs Mechboards PocketType specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
5 of 11 specs differ
Apos OLKB Preonic
Mechboards PocketType
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Case material
Keycaps
Dimensions
Backlight
QMK
Released
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Apos OLKB Preonic vs Mechboards PocketType: your questions
The Preonic lists a Colemak layout, QMK support, RGB and knob support. The PocketType uses an ANSI layout and has 48 small tactile buttons in a pocket-focused design.
The PocketType is the clearer travel choice because its metadata lists dimensions of 18 x 60 x 135 mm. Its vendor description also calls it pocketable.
Yes, the Preonic is listed with RGB. Its vendor description specifies per-key RGB lighting and integrated underglow.
The PocketType is listed without RGB. Its vendor description mentions LEDs among the PCB components, but that does not establish RGB lighting.
QMK support is listed for the Apos OLKB Preonic, and its vendor description also identifies QMK firmware support. The PocketType metadata does not list QMK support.
Neither product's compatibility rule describes hot-swap sockets. Both have soldered switches, so changing switches requires soldering.
The Apos OLKB Preonic is listed with a Colemak layout. The Mechboards PocketType is listed as ANSI.
Knob support is listed for the Preonic. Its vendor description says the PCBA supports up to ten rotary encoder positions.
The vendor lists a main PCB, wired RP2040 controller, PCB components, an acrylic bottom and controller cover with case hardware, switches and keycaps. The product metadata also classifies it as a DIY kit or barebones keyboard.
The Preonic metadata lists aluminum and acrylic. Its vendor description specifies CNC-machined aluminum top and bottom sections plus an acrylic diffuser for the underglow.
The vendor describes it as a 48-button board with small tactile buttons, and one customer review says finger coverage makes touch typing impractical. That reviewer found it more suited to use as a macro pad, so buyers seeking a conventional daily typing layout should consider its small format carefully.
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