Mechboards Ferris Sweep vs KEEBD Paintbrush V5Split vs Macro Pad
Choose the Ferris Sweep for a portable, split typing experience, or the Paintbrush V5 for a highly customizable, single-handed macro pad.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Mechboards Ferris Sweep
Split
- Complete split keyboard kit with PCB, FR4 plate case, TRRS cable, and RP2040 controllers.
- Ergonomic split and low-profile design aimed at typing comfort.
- Simple build process requiring minimal components like just a controller and TRRS jacks.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
Get the
KEEBD Paintbrush V5
Macro Pad
- Includes an OLED display for custom status information.
- Highly adaptable 8-key design, reversible for left or right-hand use.
- Kit contains unique components like a slide power switch and tactile reset switch.
- Low-profile switches and keycaps only. Standard MX keycaps will not fit.
Your primary need dictates the choice. For a daily driver keyboard that prioritizes ergonomic typing in a portable, split form, the Mechboards Ferris Sweep is the clear option. If you want a specialized, hackable macro pad for shortcuts, art, or modding projects with an OLED screen, the KEEBD Paintbrush V5 is the more fitting and unique board.
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
KEEBD Paintbrush V5
Case material
Metal, Plastic
Acrylic
Display
None
OLED
A case display rather than a typing feature
Plate material
FR4
Acrylic
Keycaps
ABS
ABS, PBT
Released
2022
2021
- Mechboards Ferris Sweep
- KEEBD Paintbrush V5
- Performance
- 4439
- Build quality
- 5947
- Productivity
- 4845
- Customizability
- 5569
- Portability
- 4443
- Hot-swappable
- Low profile
What will you mostly use it for?
The Ferris Sweep wins for primary typing use cases like office work and programming due to its complete split layout. The Paintbrush V5 excels as a specialized tool for modding and content creation, thanks to its OLED screen and macro pad design. For gaming, both are unconventional choices, and travel favors the Ferris Sweep's portable split form factor.
It's a tie
- Neither is designed for traditional gaming; both lack dedicated gaming features like high polling rates.
- The Paintbrush V5 could be programmed as a macro pad for specific game commands.
- The Ferris Sweep's split design may offer ergonomic benefits for long sessions, but its 34-key layout requires heavy layer use.
Mechboards Ferris Sweep vs KEEBD Paintbrush V5 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
6 of 14 specs differ
Mechboards Ferris Sweep
KEEBD Paintbrush V5
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 KEEBD Paintbrush V5: your questions
Yes, the Ferris Sweep is a complete, though minimal, split keyboard with 34 keys. It is designed for full typing use but requires heavy layer usage due to its reduced key count, as noted in user experiences.
No, the Paintbrush V5 is an 8-key macro pad. It is not designed for traditional typing. The manufacturer states it is meant for systems like ARTSEY.IO, suggesting one-handed input or shortcut use.
The Mechboards Ferris Sweep is designed for ergonomics with its split layout and low-profile form factor. User reviews mention the aggressive stagger is very comfortable for typing, which the Paintbrush V5's single-unit macro pad design does not provide.
Both are sold primarily as DIY kits. The Ferris Sweep kit requires you to source 34 switches and keycaps separately, though a pre-built option is available. The Paintbrush V5 kit requires 8 switches and keycaps, plus a Pro Micro controller.
The KEEBD Paintbrush V5 offers unique hardware customizability, including an OLED screen, a slide power switch, and optional sockets for hot-swapping the controller and display. The Ferris Sweep focuses on a simpler, minimalist design.
Yes, both kits support hot-swappable switches. The Ferris Sweep listing mentions it as a feature, and the Paintbrush V5 kit includes 8 hot-swap sockets for the switches.
User reviews indicate the Ferris Sweep can use QMK and VIA/VIAL firmware. Reviews for the Paintbrush V5 discuss using ZMK firmware, with some users finding the configuration process challenging.
The Mechboards Ferris Sweep is likely more portable for a typing device due to its split design, allowing the two halves to be packed separately. A user review also mentions it is very light.
Yes, the Paintbrush V5 kit includes a 1 x OLED display, as stated in the kit contents list from the vendor description.
The Ferris Sweep uses an FR4 plate case, which is a composite material. The Paintbrush V5 uses an acrylic bottom plate and an acrylic switch plate.
No, both keyboards are wired only according to their connectivity specifications. The Paintbrush V5's description mentions a slide power switch and potential for a battery, but its primary connectivity is not stated as wireless.
The Mechboards Ferris Sweep may be simpler for a first-time builder. Its vendor description highlights an incredibly simple build using minimal components. Paintbrush V5 reviews mention the build guide is minimal and some found firmware configuration difficult.
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