Mechboards Ferris Sweep vs Lily58Minimalist vs Feature-Rich Split
Choose the Ferris Sweep for a minimalist, low-profile entry into split keyboards, or the Lily58 for a more featured build with extra keys and an OLED screen.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Mechboards Ferris Sweep
Minimalist
- 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.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
Get the
Mechboards Lily58
Feature-Rich Split
- More keys (58) reduce immediate layer dependence.
- Includes per-key and underglow RGB lighting.
- Wired kit includes two OLED screens with acrylic covers.
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.
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 Ferris Sweep
Mechboards Lily58
Low profile
Yes
No
Ergonomics
Standard
Split
Case material
Metal, Plastic
Plastic, Steel
Display
None
OLED
A case display rather than a typing feature
Backlight
None
RGB
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
- Mechboards Ferris Sweep
- Mechboards Lily58
- Performance
- 4457
- Build quality
- 5965
- Productivity
- 4853
- Customizability
- 5574
- Portability
- 4469
- Connection: Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
- Plate material: FR4
- Keycaps: ABS
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
It's a tie
- 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.
Mechboards Ferris Sweep vs Lily58 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
6 of 14 specs differ
Mechboards Ferris Sweep
Mechboards Lily58
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Backlight
Released
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Mechboards Ferris Sweep vs Lily58: your questions
The Lily58 has 58 keys, while the Ferris Sweep has only 34 keys. This makes the Lily58 less reliant on keyboard layers for accessing numbers, symbols, and function keys directly.
No. The Ferris Sweep kit does not include RGB lighting or a display. The Lily58 kit includes both per-key RGB, underglow RGB, and two OLED screens in its wired version.
Yes, both keyboards offer variants compatible with Choc V1 switches. The Ferris Sweep description specifies a Choc variant, and the Lily58 listing includes a Choc V1 Hotswap option.
The standard kits are wired, using a TRRS cable to connect the halves. However, the Lily58 product page lists a specific wireless kit variant that uses nRF52840 BLE controllers and batteries.
The Ferris Sweep is described as having an incredibly simple build with fewer components. The Lily58 build involves soldering more items like diodes, hotswap sockets, and screen sockets, making it more complex.
No, both the Ferris Sweep and Lily58 kits are sold as barebones or DIY kits. You must purchase 34 switches for the Ferris Sweep or 58 switches for the Lily58 separately, along with a compatible keycap set.
Both keyboards support QMK firmware. The Lily58 product page specifically mentions pre-flashed VIA-compatible firmware for its R2G and Pre-Build versions, allowing for graphical keymap editing.
Both use FR4 material for the plate. The Ferris Sweep uses an FR4 plate case, while the Lily58 combines an FR4 switch plate with a frosted acrylic bottom plate.
For the standard DIY kits, yes, controllers are socketed. However, the Lily58 FAQ states that its R2G (Ready2Go) version has controllers baked onto the PCB and cannot be removed or upgraded.
The Ferris Sweep is more portable. It is a low-profile design with only 34 keys, giving it a smaller and slimmer footprint compared to the larger 58-key Lily58.
Yes. The Lily58 kit listed is a hotswap solder kit, meaning it includes Kailh hotswap sockets that you solder onto the PCB, allowing for tool-free switch changes afterward.
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