KEEBD Contra vs Rhymestone Split OrtholinearBudget 40% vs Split Ortho Kit
Choose the Contra for an ultra-budget 40% ortholinear introduction, or the Rhymestone for a split layout with hotswap sockets and OLED screens at a higher cost.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
KEEBD Contra
Budget 40%
Build quality in the bottom 5% of 40% boards under $150.
- 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.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
Get the
KEEBD Rhymestone Split Ortholinear
Split Ortho Kit
Build quality in the bottom 10% of 40% boards under $150.
- Split ortholinear layout promotes ergonomic hand positioning.
- Includes Kailh hotswap sockets for easy switch changes.
- Comes with two OLED displays and RGB LED compatibility.
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.
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
KEEBD Rhymestone Split Ortholinear
Hot-swappable
No
Yes
Switch changes without soldering
Ergonomics
Standard
Split, Ortholinear
Display
None
Yes
A case display rather than a typing feature
Screw-in stabilizers
Yes
No
Easier to tune than the plate-mount stabs you get prebuilt
Backlight
None
RGB
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
- KEEBD Contra
- KEEBD Rhymestone Split Ortholinear
- Performance
- 5542
- Build quality
- 4144
- Productivity
- 4851
- Customizability
- 5374
- Portability
- 6063
- Layout size: 40%
- Case material: Acrylic, Plastic
- Switch options: Tactile
- Plate material: FR4
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
It's a tie
- 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.
KEEBD Contra vs Rhymestone Split Ortholinear specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
6 of 11 specs differ
KEEBD Contra
KEEBD Rhymestone Split Ortholinear
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Case material
Plate material
Backlight
Released
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KEEBD Contra vs Rhymestone Split Ortholinear: your questions
The primary difference is the layout and feature set. The Contra is a single-piece, flat 40% ortholinear board focused on minimal cost. The Rhymestone is a split 40% ortholinear keyboard that includes hotswap sockets, two OLED displays, and RGB LED compatibility, but at a higher price.
Only the KEEBD Rhymestone is hotswappable. Its kit includes 40 Kailh hotswap sockets for the switches. The Contra requires all switches to be soldered directly to the PCB.
According to the vendor listing, you need a Pro Micro controller, MX switches, MX keycaps, and a 2u clip-in stabilizer for the spacebar. The kit includes the PCB, FR4 plate, acrylic bottom, and basic hardware.
The Rhymestone kit requires two Pro Micro controllers, 40 MX switches, and 40 MX keycaps to complete. Optional items listed include SK6812MINI RGB LEDs and EZ-Solder headers for controller hot-swapping.
No. Both the Contra and Rhymestone are barebones DIY kits. The Contra includes one tactile switch for testing, and the Rhymestone includes two tactile switches, but neither includes a full set of switches or keycaps needed for operation.
No. The vendor description for the Rhymestone does not mention wireless or Bluetooth functionality. It connects via a USB cable to a Pro Micro controller and uses a TRS cable to link its two halves.
The Contra might be slightly simpler due to its through-hole diodes and single PCB. However, a Rhymestone reviewer noted that soldering the SMD diodes and LEDs was challenging. Both require significant soldering, so neither is ideal for a complete beginner without practice.
Yes. The Contra vendor description states it supports a 47-key layout with a 2 key-wide spacebar, which requires a Cherry style 2u PCB mount stabilizer. A 2u clip-in stabilizer is listed as a required item to complete the build.
Both keyboards use QMK or compatible firmware. The vendor descriptions for both the Contra and Rhymestone provide links to precompiled firmware, and a Rhymestone reviewer mentioned successfully using VIAL for easier configuration.
The kit does not include dedicated tenting hardware. However, a customer review for the Rhymestone mentions that it is easy to mod, suggesting the use of phone stands on the bottom to tent the board as an option.
Only the KEEBD Rhymestone has RGB support. Its kit listing includes SK6812MINI RGB LEDs as an optional item, indicating the PCB has support for them. The Contra has no RGB capability mentioned in its specifications or description.
Not sold on either?
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