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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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.
- Hot-swappable PCB with support for multiple layouts.
- QMK-compatible platform and RP2040 controller.
- CNC-machined aluminum case.
- Numpad only. This is not a full keyboard.
Get the
Mechboards kingly keys RoMac
Knob
- 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.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- Macropad only. This is not a full keyboard.
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.
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
- Apos Preonic Rev 4 Ortholinear
- Mechboards kingly keys RoMac
- Performance
- 6145
- Build quality
- 6666
- Productivity
- 5650
- Customizability
- 6857
- Portability
- 6560
- Ergonomics: Ortholinear
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.
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.
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
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Case material
Backlight
QMK
Released
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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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