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Compare KEEBD Contra vs Rhymestone Split Ortholinear Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for builders deciding between two 40% ortholinear DIY kits from KEEBD. The choice is difficult because both offer a compact, non-standard typing experience but diverge sharply in layout, included features, and price. The Contra is a minimal, single-piece board for those on a tight budget, while the Rhymestone is a split keyboard with modern conveniences like hotswap sockets and displays, demanding a higher investment.

Contra 40% Keyboard Kit
Rhymestone 40% Split Keyboard Kit

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  • Released in 2021
  • Offers Normal ergonomics
  • Includes a No display
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Offers No RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Supports hot-swappable switches
  • Offers Split ergonomics
  • Includes a Yes display
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 54.6
  • Build Quality: 40.8
  • Productivity: 46.6
  • Customizability: 52.4
  • Portability: 60.1
Scores
  • Performance: 41.8
  • Build Quality: 43.9
  • Productivity: 51.1
  • Customizability: 74.3
  • Portability: 63.6
Name
KEEBD Contra
Name
KEEBD Rhymestone Split Ortholinear
Release year
2021
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Tactile
Switch Options
Tactile
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
40%
Layout Size
40%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Split
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Connection
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
-
Mount Style
-
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Acrylic, Plastic
Case Material
Acrylic, Plastic
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
-
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Weight
-
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and desire for ergonomics dictate this choice. If you want the most affordable entry into 40% ortholinear keyboards and don't mind soldering, the KEEBD Contra is a compelling kit. If you are willing to pay more for a split layout, hotswap convenience, and OLED screens, and you accept the associated soldering complexity, the KEEBD Rhymestone is the better investment for a customized typing experience.

KEEBD Contra

  • +Extremely low cost for a complete DIY keyboard kit.
  • +Includes a 2u PCB mount stabilizer for a spacebar option.
  • +Simple, single-piece 40% ortholinear design is straightforward to build and use.
  • −Requires soldering of all components, including a Pro Micro controller and diodes.
  • −Very basic kit with no hotswap, RGB, or display features.
  • −Layout is a flat grid, lacking ergonomic splits or angles.

KEEBD Rhymestone Split Ortholinear

  • +Split ortholinear layout promotes ergonomic hand positioning.
  • +Includes Kailh hotswap sockets for easy switch changes.
  • +Comes with two OLED displays and RGB LED compatibility.
  • +Kit includes a TRS cable and sockets for connecting the halves.
  • −Significantly more expensive than the Contra.
  • −Requires soldering of SMD diodes and other components despite having hotswap sockets.
  • −Build guide is noted in a customer review as being primarily in Japanese.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

Neither keyboard is a clear winner for traditional use cases like gaming, office work, or programming due to their demanding 40% ortholinear layouts. The primary differentiators are cost and form factor. The Contra wins for simple portability due to its unified design and lower price. The Rhymestone is the definitive choice for modding, thanks to its included hotswap sockets and extensive customization options. For ergonomic typing, the Rhymestone's split design is its key advantage.

GamingTie
  • •Both are 40% layouts requiring extensive layers for gaming keys.
  • •Neither vendor description mentions gaming-specific features like high polling rates.
  • •The split design of the Rhymestone may offer ergonomic benefits for long sessions, but requires adaptation.
OfficeTie
  • •Both 40% layouts lack dedicated number rows and navigation clusters, hindering standard office work.
  • •The split and ortholinear design of the Rhymestone may reduce strain, according to its vendor description.
  • •The Contra's lower cost makes it a less risky experiment for a secondary office board.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both require heavy layer usage for symbols, numbers, and brackets essential for coding.
  • •The Rhymestone's OLED screens could display layer information, potentially aiding workflow.
  • •The ortholinear layout on both may appeal to programmers seeking a different key arrangement.
TravelKEEBD Contra
  • •The Contra is a single, solid unit which is simpler to pack and set up.
  • •It is significantly less expensive, reducing worry about loss or damage during travel.
  • •The Rhymestone requires a TRS cable to connect its two halves, adding a cable management step.
ModdingKEEBD Rhymestone Split Ortholinear
  • •The Rhymestone includes Kailh hotswap sockets, allowing switch changes without soldering.
  • •Its kit includes SK6812MINI RGB LED compatibility and sockets for hot-swapping displays and controllers.
  • •The split design offers more physical modding opportunities like tenting, as mentioned in its vendor review.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both lack dedicated media keys or macros out of the box, requiring layer configuration.
  • •The Rhymestone's OLEDs could be programmed to show media info, but this is not guaranteed by the vendor.
  • •The ergonomic split of the Rhymestone may be beneficial during long editing sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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