Mechboards Ferris Sweep vs NIBBLESplit vs 65% DIY Kit Choice
Choose the Ferris Sweep for a minimalist split typing experience or the NIBBLE for a more traditional, feature-rich 65% layout with RGB and a knob.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Mechboards Ferris Sweep
Split
- Unique split, low-profile design for ergonomic typing posture.
- Extremely simple build with minimal components, according to the vendor description.
- Available as a pre-built option with Gateron switches and blank keycaps.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Get the
Mechboards NIBBLE
65% DIY Kit Choice
Build quality in the top 40% of 65% boards under $100.
- Versatile 65% layout with support for both ANSI and ISO standards.
- Includes underglow RGB LEDs and support for a rotary encoder.
- Explicitly supports screw-in PCB mount stabilizers for better modding.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
Your choice fundamentally comes down to layout philosophy. Opt for the Mechboards Ferris Sweep if you want to explore ergonomic split typing with a minimalist, lightweight kit. Choose the Mechboards NIBBLE if you prefer a traditional 65% keyboard and value added features like RGB, an encoder, and deeper hardware modding support straight from the kit. Consider your willingness to rely on layers versus having more immediate keys.
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 NIBBLE
Hot-swappable
Yes
No
Switch changes without soldering
Low profile
Yes
No
Case material
Metal, Plastic
Acrylic, Plastic
Knob
No
Yes
QMK
No
Yes
The deep option when you want to remap every key
- Mechboards Ferris Sweep
- Mechboards NIBBLE
- Performance
- 4453
- Build quality
- 5971
- Productivity
- 4853
- Customizability
- 5577
- Portability
- 4459
- Mount style: PCB Mount
- Plate material: FR4
What will you mostly use it for?
The NIBBLE wins in more categories, particularly where a standard layout, extra features like a knob and RGB, or more physical keys are beneficial, such as for gaming, office use, and content creation. The Ferris Sweep's primary advantage is for travel due to its split, low-profile form factor, and it ties for programming where ergonomics and custom firmware are equally valued. For modding, the NIBBLE's explicit support for premium stabilizers and provided design files gives it the edge.
Pick the Mechboards NIBBLE
- The NIBBLE's 65% layout provides dedicated arrow keys, which are commonly used in gaming.
- It includes support for a rotary encoder, which can be mapped to in-game functions.
- The NIBBLE features underglow RGB lighting.
Mechboards Ferris Sweep vs NIBBLE specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 18 specs differ
Mechboards Ferris Sweep
Mechboards NIBBLE
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Low profile
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Backlight
QMK
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Mechboards Ferris Sweep
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Mechboards NIBBLE
Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Mechboards Ferris Sweep vs NIBBLE: your questions
Yes, the product metadata lists the Ferris Sweep as having a hot-swappable feature. This allows for easy switch changes without soldering.
No, according to the vendor description, the NIBBLE kit does not include switches, keycaps, or a USB cable. You will need to source 72 switches and a keycap set separately.
Yes, but you must select the correct variant. The vendor description specifies a 'Choc V1 & MX' variant that supports MX switches and keycaps, while the 'Choc V1' variant is for Choc switches only and is not suitable for MX.
The Ferris Sweep may be simpler for a first build. Its vendor description calls it an 'incredibly simple build' with minimal components. The NIBBLE requires soldering more discrete components like diodes and capacitors.
The NIBBLE explicitly lists QMK support in its metadata and vendor description. For the Ferris Sweep, a user review mentions successfully using VIAL, and the open-source nature of the design suggests strong QMK compatibility, though it's not explicitly stated in the provided specs.
The Ferris Sweep uses an FR4 plate case, as listed in the kit contents. The NIBBLE uses a combination of an FR4 bottom plate, an FR4 switch plate, and acrylic pieces for the top and middle layers.
The Ferris Sweep requires 34 switches. The NIBBLE requires 72 switches, indicating it has significantly more keys in its 65% layout.
No, the vendor description for the NIBBLE explicitly states that screw-in PCB mount stabilizers are required and are not included in the kit.
The Ferris Sweep kit includes two RP2040 wired controllers. The NIBBLE kit includes a single wired RP2040 controller, according to their respective vendor descriptions.
Yes, the vendor description mentions a 'Pre-Build' option for the Ferris Sweep MX kit, which comes assembled with Gateron switches and blank keycaps, requiring only a USB-C cable.
Only the Mechboards NIBBLE has RGB lighting. Its metadata lists 'RGB: Yes', and the vendor description confirms it includes underglow LEDs.
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