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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 12, 2026

KEEBD Contra vs Zerodate K61Kit or Hall Effect

Get the KEEBD Contra for its DIY kit and tactile switches, or choose the Zerodate K61 for its pre-built Hall Effect design, hot-swap support, and RGB lighting.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

KEEBD Contra

Build quality in the bottom 5% of 40% boards under $150.

If you want

  • DIY kit includes an FR4 switch plate and acrylic bottom plate.
  • Tactile switches are listed for the board.

Rules this board out

  • Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
  • Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.

Get the

Zerodate K61

Hall effect

Build quality in the top 20% of 60% boards under $50.

If you want

  • Hall Effect magnetic switches with hot-swap support.
  • QMK and VIA support, plus N-Key Rollover.
  • RGB lighting and a listed weight of 480g.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
  • Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.

Bottom line

Choose the KEEBD Contra if you want a tactile-switch DIY kit with an FR4 plate and acrylic bottom plate. Choose the Zerodate K61 if you want a pre-built Hall Effect keyboard with hot-swappable magnetic switches, RGB, and QMK and VIA support.

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.

KEEBD Contra

Zerodate K61

  • Layout size

    40%

    60%

  • Hall effect (magnetic)

    No

    Yes

    Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing

  • Hot-swappable

    No

    Yes

    Switch changes without soldering

  • Case material

    Acrylic, Plastic

    ABS

  • Switch options

    Tactile

    Linear, Magnetic

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • KEEBD Contra
  • Zerodate K61
Performance
55
84
Build quality
41
74
Productivity
48
66
Customizability
52
86
Portability
60
66
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The K61 leads in most listed use cases because it arrives pre-built and combines Hall Effect switches, RGB, hot-swap support, and QMK and VIA support. Its 60% layout also provides a little more room than the Contra's 40% layout, while neither board has dedicated arrow keys, a function row, or a numpad. The Contra is the more direct fit for someone who specifically wants a kit to assemble and tactile switches. For travel, the K61's listed weight and dimensions offer concrete reference points.

For gaming

Pick the Zerodate K61

  • Hall Effect magnetic switches are listed for the K61.
  • The K61 includes N-Key Rollover and RGB lighting.

Full specs

KEEBD Contra vs Zerodate K61 specs

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

11 of 19 specs differ

KEEBD Contra

Zerodate K61

Typing & switches

Switch options

Tactile
Linear, Magnetic

Hall effect (magnetic)

No
Yes

Hot-swappable

No
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

40%
60%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

—
Wired

Build & materials

Case material

Acrylic, Plastic
ABS

Plate material

FR4
—

Keycaps

—
ABS

Weight

—
480 g

Dimensions

—
40 x 290 x 101 mm

Backlight

None
RGB

Firmware & software

QMK

No
Yes

VIA

No
Yes

N-key rollover

No
Yes

Extras

Released

2021
2025

Where to buy

Compare prices

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

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

KEEBD Contra2 stores
Zerodate K612 stores

FAQ

KEEBD Contra vs Zerodate K61: your questions

The Zerodate K61 is the more gaming-oriented pick based on its listed Hall Effect magnetic switches, N-Key Rollover, and RGB lighting. The Contra instead offers tactile switches in a DIY kit.

Yes, the K61 is listed as hot-swappable and uses magnetic switches. Its compatibility rule specifies that standard MX switches will not fit.

The Contra's switches are soldered, so replacing them requires soldering. Its vendor description lists MX switches as required for completion, but the product metadata specifies soldered switch sockets.

No, it is listed as a DIY kit or barebones board. The vendor describes kit components including an FR4 switch plate and an acrylic bottom plate.

Yes, QMK support and VIA support are listed for the K61. The Contra's listed extra features do not include either one.

The Zerodate K61 is listed with RGB lighting. The KEEBD Contra is listed without RGB.

The Contra is a 40% keyboard, while the K61 is a 60% keyboard. Both have compact layouts without a function row, dedicated arrow keys, or a numpad.

No, the K61 is specified for magnetic switches, and standard MX switches will not fit. Its hot-swap support is for its magnetic switch type.

The K61 is listed at 480g and measures 40 x 290 x 101 mm, which gives buyers concrete size and weight figures to consider. It is wired-only, so it is not a wireless option.

The K61 has listed QMK and VIA support, and its 60% layout is larger than the Contra's 40% layout. Neither board includes dedicated arrow keys, a function row, or a numpad.

Yes, tactile switches are listed for the Contra. The K61 is listed with linear magnetic switches, so the switch types differ.

Choose the Contra if you want a DIY kit with an FR4 switch plate and acrylic bottom plate, and are comfortable with soldered switches. Choose the K61 for hot-swappable magnetic switches and its listed QMK and VIA support.

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