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Compare Mechboards Ferris Sweep vs Lily58 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users deciding between two popular split keyboard kits from Mechboards. The choice is difficult because both are hot-swappable, DIY-friendly, and share a split ergonomic design, but they target different user philosophies. The Ferris Sweep is an aggressively minimal 34-key board, while the Lily58 offers a more conventional 58-key layout with additional features. Your decision hinges on how many keys you need, your tolerance for layers, and your desire for extras like RGB lighting and a display.

72
The Ferris Sweep
82
Lily58 Kit

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  • Released in 2022
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Features a low-profile design
  • Available in a Unknown layout
  • Offers Normal ergonomics
  • Includes a No display
  • Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
  • Made with a Plastic, Metal case
  • Offers No RGB lighting
  • Released in 2021
  • Available in a Other layout
  • Offers Split ergonomics
  • Includes a Yes, OLED display
  • Made with a Steel, Plastic case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 49.2
  • Build Quality: 73.8
  • Productivity: 58.7
  • Customizability: 78.9
  • Portability: 43.6
Scores
  • Performance: 60.6
  • Build Quality: 79.8
  • Productivity: 65.1
  • Customizability: 87.9
  • Portability: 66.8
Name
Mechboards Ferris Sweep
Name
Mechboards Lily58
Release year
2022
Release year
2021
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Switch Options
-
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
Unknown
Layout Size
Other
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Split
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
OLED
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Wired, Wired only
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
PCB Mount
Mount Style
-
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, Metal
Case Material
Steel, Plastic
Keycaps Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary choice is between minimalism and features. The Ferris Sweep is for those who want the most straightforward, portable entry into split keyboards and are comfortable living on layers. The Lily58 is the better investment if you want a more gradual transition from a standard keyboard, with the bonus of RGB and OLED screens for customization and feedback. Consider your budget and willingness to adapt to a layer-heavy workflow.

Mechboards Ferris Sweep

  • +Extremely minimalist 34-key design for a compact footprint.
  • +Low-profile form factor and Choc switch compatibility.
  • +Simplified build process with fewer components, as noted in the vendor description.
  • +Generally more affordable than the Lily58.
  • +Hot-swappable sockets for easy switch changes.
  • −Very few keys, requiring heavy reliance on layers for all functions.
  • −Lacks features like RGB lighting or a display.
  • −Limited to wired connectivity only.
  • −May feel too sparse for users transitioning from a traditional keyboard.

Mechboards Lily58

  • +More keys (58) reduce immediate layer dependence.
  • +Includes per-key and underglow RGB lighting.
  • +Wired kit includes two OLED screens with acrylic covers.
  • +Offers both wired and wireless kit variants.
  • +Vendor listing mentions pre-flashed VIA firmware for easier configuration.
  • −More complex build with more components to solder.
  • −Larger and likely heavier than the Ferris Sweep.
  • −Higher price point than the Ferris Sweep.
  • −The R2G (Ready2Go) version has controllers baked into the PCB and cannot be upgraded.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Lily58 is the more versatile choice for productivity-focused tasks like office work and programming, thanks to its higher key count and OLED screens. The Ferris Sweep wins for portability due to its low-profile, minimalist design. For gaming and content creation, both present a steep learning curve with their split layouts, making the decision more about personal preference for key count versus compactness.

GamingTie
  • •Both are wired-only, eliminating wireless latency concerns.
  • •Both require significant layer usage for gaming keybinds due to their non-standard layouts.
  • •The Lily58's additional keys may offer more direct bindings without layers.
OfficeMechboards Lily58
  • •The Lily58 has more physical keys (58 vs 34), reducing reliance on layers for numbers and punctuation.
  • •The Lily58's optional OLED screens can display layer status or active modifiers.
  • •The Lily58's listing mentions pre-flashed VIA firmware for easier keymap changes.
ProgrammingMechboards Lily58
  • •The Lily58 provides dedicated number and symbol keys, which are frequently used in coding.
  • •The OLED screens can be useful for displaying layer information or macros.
  • •The Lily58's listing includes links to QMK and VIA configurators for extensive firmware customization.
TravelMechboards Ferris Sweep
  • •The Ferris Sweep is a low-profile design, making it inherently slimmer.
  • •With only 34 keys, the Ferris Sweep has a smaller physical footprint.
  • •The vendor description for the Ferris Sweep highlights its incredibly simple build with fewer components, suggesting a lighter overall package.
ModdingMechboards Lily58
  • •The Lily58 kit includes per-key and underglow RGB lighting, the Ferris Sweep has none.
  • •The Lily58 includes OLED screens and sockets in its wired kit.
  • •The Lily58 offers both wired and wireless kit variants, according to its product page.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both require heavy use of layers for media keys and shortcuts, a significant adjustment.
  • •The Lily58's extra keys could be mapped directly to macros.
  • •The Ferris Sweep's low-profile design may be more comfortable for long typing sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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