Mechboards CFTKB Mysterium Kit V1 vs Discipline V175% vs 65% Through-Hole Keyboard Kits
Choose the Mysterium for a 75% layout with an FR4 plate and ISO support, or the Discipline for a simpler 65% through-hole build with QMK compatibility.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Mechboards CFTKB Mysterium Kit V1
75%
- 75% layout includes arrow keys and a function row.
- Supports both ANSI and ISO layouts.
- Comes with an FR4 switch plate.
- Vendor notes the USB-C connector is hard to solder, recommending experienced users only.
- The V1 kit does not come with plate foam.
- Larger 75% size is less compact than a 65% board.
Get the
Mechboards Discipline V1
65% Through-Hole Keyboard Kits
- 65% layout offers a more compact footprint.
- Explicitly stated QMK compatibility for firmware customization.
- Designed for assembly entirely with through-hole components.
- ANSI layout only, with no ISO support in this kit.
- Does not come with a switch plate or foam.
- Requires 5-pin switches, which are listed as highly recommended.
Your primary layout need dictates the choice. If you want arrow keys and a function row in a 75% form factor with ISO support, the Mysterium is the clear pick. If you prefer a more compact 65% board where deep QMK programming is a priority, the Discipline is the better route. Both are challenging soldering projects suited for experienced builders.
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.
Mechboards CFTKB Mysterium Kit V1
Mechboards Discipline V1
Layout size
75%
65%
QMK
No
Yes
Layout standard
ANSI, ISO
ANSI
USB-C
No
Yes
- Mechboards CFTKB Mysterium Kit V1
- Mechboards Discipline V1
- Performance
- 4345
- Build quality
- 4858
- Productivity
- 4349
- Customizability
- 4654
- Portability
- 5665
- Case material: Acrylic
What will you mostly use it for?
The Mysterium generally wins for tasks benefiting from its larger 75% layout, such as office work, gaming, and content creation. The Discipline takes the lead for travel due to its smaller size and for modding due to its QMK support. For programming, the choice is a tie between the Mysterium's layout and the Discipline's programmability.
Pick the Mechboards CFTKB Mysterium Kit V1
- The Mysterium's 75% layout retains dedicated arrow keys, which are often preferred for gaming.
- It includes an FR4 switch plate, which can provide a more consistent typing feel during rapid key presses.
Mechboards CFTKB Mysterium Kit V1 vs Discipline V1 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
4 of 11 specs differ
Mechboards CFTKB Mysterium Kit V1
Mechboards Discipline V1
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Backlight
QMK
Released
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Mechboards CFTKB Mysterium Kit V1 vs Discipline V1: your questions
The core difference is the layout size. The Mysterium is a 75% keyboard that includes an FR4 switch plate and supports ANSI/ISO. The Discipline is a 65% keyboard focused on a through-hole build with QMK compatibility and does not include a separate switch plate.
No. Both the Mysterium and Discipline are DIY barebones kits. According to the vendor listings, they include the PCB, components, case, and hardware, but you must supply your own mechanical switches and keycaps.
Both require significant soldering. The Mysterium vendor specifically warns that its USB-C connector is hard to solder, recommending it for experienced users only. The Discipline is built with through-hole components, which can be more forgiving than surface-mount parts, but it still requires soldering skill.
No. The vendor description for the Mechboards Discipline V1 kit explicitly states 'ANSI ONLY'. The listing notes an ISO version is available directly from the designer, CFTKB, but not in this specific kit.
It means all electronic components on the Discipline PCB, like diodes and the controller, have wires that go through holes in the board to be soldered on the other side. This is a classic DIY method often considered more accessible than surface-mount soldering.
The vendor description for the Mysterium does not explicitly mention QMK support. The Discipline's listing, however, clearly states it is 'QMK-compatible' and that keymap files are on QMK.
The Mysterium kit includes an FR4 switch plate. FR4 is a fiberglass material commonly used for PCB substrates, which provides a firm mounting surface for switches.
No. The vendor description for the Discipline V1 explicitly states it 'does NOT come with a switch plate'. Switches are soldered directly to the PCB, which also acts as the bottom plate.
Both the Mechboards Mysterium and Discipline kits use acrylic for their case pieces. The listings mention acrylic pieces or an acrylic cover as part of the included components.
No. The product metadata specifies the Discipline has wired-only connectivity. The Mysterium's connectivity is not detailed, but as a DIY kit with a USB-C component listed, it is designed as a wired keyboard.
Based on the listed prices, the Discipline V1 kit is available at a lower cost than the Mysterium V1 kit.
According to the vendor page, the Discipline uses an Atmega328A microcontroller. The listing notes this controller is preflashed with a bootloader, ready for you to load your QMK keymap.
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