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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 12, 2026

Apos Preonic Rev 4 Ortholinear vs Mechboards kingly keys RoMac

Choose the Preonic for a hot-swappable ortholinear numpad with RGB, or the RoMac for a smaller macropad with an OLED and knob.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Apos Preonic Rev 4 Ortholinear

Hot-swappable

Build quality in the top 50% of Numpad boards under $200.

If you want

  • Hot-swappable PCB with support for multiple layouts.
  • QMK-compatible platform and RP2040 controller.
  • CNC-machined aluminum case.

Rules this board out

  • Numpad only. This is not a full keyboard.

Get the

Mechboards kingly keys RoMac

Knob

If you want

  • Macropad format with ortholinear layout.
  • OLED screen and knob support listed in the product metadata.
  • RoMac kit includes a wired RP2040 controller and FR4 bottom.

Rules this board out

  • Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
  • Macropad only. This is not a full keyboard.

Bottom line

Pick the Apos Preonic Rev 4 if you want a numpad with a number row, hot-swap switches, QMK and RGB in an aluminum case. Choose the Mechboards RoMac if an OLED-equipped macropad with knob support better suits your setup, and you are comfortable with soldered switches. Check the RoMac version carefully, since the vendor describes OLED and underglow as Fauxmac features.

What actually differs

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 Preonic Rev 4 Ortholinear

Mechboards kingly keys RoMac

  • Layout size

    Numpad

    Macropad

  • Hot-swappable

    Yes

    No

    Switch changes without soldering

  • Case material

    Aluminum

    Acrylic

  • Knob

    No

    Yes

  • Display

    None

    OLED

    A case display rather than a typing feature

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Apos Preonic Rev 4 Ortholinear
  • Mechboards kingly keys RoMac
Performance
61
45
Build quality
66
66
Productivity
56
50
Customizability
68
57
Portability
65
60

What they share

  • Ergonomics: Ortholinear
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Preonic is the more capable choice when the goal is a typing layout, switch flexibility or firmware customization. The RoMac's strongest fit is as a compact companion pad, particularly for buyers who want an OLED and rotary control. Travel favors the smaller macropad format, though neither product is described with wireless connectivity. For content creation, the RoMac's knob and Fauxmac OLED are useful differentiators, while the Preonic offers broader encoder support.

For gaming

Pick the Apos Preonic Rev 4 Ortholinear

  • The Preonic's numpad layout provides more keys than the RoMac macropad.
  • Its switches are hot-swappable, while the RoMac's are soldered.

Full specs

Apos Preonic Rev 4 Ortholinear vs Mechboards kingly keys RoMac specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

8 of 13 specs differ

Apos Preonic Rev 4 Ortholinear

Mechboards kingly keys RoMac

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
—

Hot-swappable

Yes
No

Mount style

—
PCB Mount

Layout

Layout size

Numpad
Macropad

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Ortholinear
Ortholinear

Knob

No
Yes

Display

None
OLED

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
—

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
Acrylic

Backlight

RGB
None

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
No

Extras

Released

2026
2021

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

Apos Preonic Rev 4 Ortholinear vs Mechboards kingly keys RoMac: your questions

No. Its listed layout size is Numpad, and the compatibility rule specifies that it is not a full keyboard. The vendor describes it as an ortholinear design with a dedicated number row.

No. The RoMac is listed as a macropad, and its compatibility rule says it is not a full keyboard. The vendor describes it as a pad intended to be used alongside another keyboard or by itself.

Yes. Its PCB is listed as hot-swappable, so the switches can be changed without desoldering them. The Apos product page lists linear and silent tactile switch options as well as a no-switch option.

No. The RoMac's switches are soldered, and changing them requires soldering. The vendor says the kit is compatible with MX and Choc V1 PCB-mount switches.

Yes. The Preonic is listed with QMK support, and the vendor describes its platform as QMK-compatible. The vendor also identifies an RP2040 controller.

The product metadata lists an OLED screen, and the vendor specifies OLED support for the Fauxmac version. The vendor's RoMac kit contents list does not include an OLED, so check which version is being sold.

The RoMac product metadata lists knob support. The vendor's Fauxmac kit contents include a rotary encoder and knob, while the standard RoMac contents do not list those parts.

The Preonic has per-key RGB backlighting and integrated underglow according to the Apos product description. The RoMac metadata says RGB is absent, though the vendor lists underglow as a Fauxmac feature.

The Preonic offers hot-swappable switches, QMK support and a PCB with up to ten encoder positions. The RoMac is a kit with soldered switches, and the vendor lists an RP2040 controller in the kit contents.

The Preonic has an anodized CNC aluminum case. The RoMac metadata lists an acrylic case material, while the vendor describes an FR4 bottom and, for Fauxmac, an acrylic middle piece.

Choose the RoMac if you want a macropad rather than a numpad keyboard. Choose the Preonic if you need its dedicated number row and hot-swappable switches; both products are described as ortholinear.

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