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Compare Mechboards Ferris Sweep vs KEEBD Paintbrush V5 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for builders deciding between two distinct low-profile DIY kits. The Ferris Sweep is a complete 34-key split keyboard, while the Paintbrush V5 is an 8-key macro pad with an OLED screen. The choice is difficult because both are hot-swappable, support low-profile switches, and cater to niche, hands-on users, but they serve fundamentally different primary functions.

72
The Ferris Sweep
Paintbrush Keyboard Kit

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  • Released in 2022
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a Unknown layout
  • Includes a No display
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Supports VIAL configuration
  • Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Made with a Plastic, Metal case
  • Features ABS keycaps
  • Released in 2021
  • Includes a Yes, OLED display
  • Made with a Acrylic case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 49.2
  • Build Quality: 73.8
  • Productivity: 58.7
  • Customizability: 78.9
  • Portability: 43.6
Scores
  • Performance: 38.4
  • Build Quality: 47.3
  • Productivity: 43.7
  • Customizability: 69
  • Portability: 42.2
Name
Mechboards Ferris Sweep
Name
KEEBD Paintbrush V5
Release year
2022
Release year
2021
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Switch Options
-
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
Unknown
Layout Size
Unknown
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
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
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
 
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, Metal
Case Material
Acrylic
Keycaps Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Mechboards Ferris Sweep

  • +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.
  • +Available in pre-built options with Gateron switches and DSA keycaps.
  • +Supports both Choc V1 and MX switch variants in different kit versions.
  • −Very minimal 34-key layout requires heavy reliance on layers, which may not suit all users.
  • −User reviews note the out-of-the-box weight is very light, lacking stability.
  • −Does not support Choc V2 switches according to the vendor description.
  • −Limited to wired connectivity only.

KEEBD Paintbrush V5

  • +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.
  • +Explicitly designed for customizable systems like ARTSEY.IO.
  • +Optional hot-swap sockets for the controller and display are available.
  • −Extremely limited 8-key layout is not a standalone typing solution.
  • −User reviews cite challenges with firmware configuration and minimal build guides.
  • −Hot-swap sockets included in the kit are noted in reviews as being fragile.
  • −Acrylic case material may show marks, as mentioned in a review about burnt marks on the plate.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingTie
  • •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.
OfficeMechboards Ferris Sweep
  • •The Ferris Sweep is a full, albeit minimal, split keyboard capable of handling all typing tasks.
  • •Its split, low-profile ergonomic design may reduce strain during long typing sessions.
  • •The Paintbrush V5's 8-key layout is insufficient for general office typing.
ProgrammingMechboards Ferris Sweep
  • •The Ferris Sweep provides enough keys for a dedicated programming layer, as mentioned in user reviews discussing layout flexibility.
  • •Its split design can improve comfort during long coding sessions.
  • •The Paintbrush V5 lacks the key count for efficient standalone coding.
TravelMechboards Ferris Sweep
  • •The Ferris Sweep's split halves are inherently more portable and packable than a standard keyboard.
  • •Its kit includes a case and is described as very light by a user review.
  • •The Paintbrush V5 is a single, small unit but serves a complementary, not primary, typing function.
ModdingKEEBD Paintbrush V5
  • •The Paintbrush V5 kit includes an OLED display and a slide power switch, offering more hardware features to modify.
  • •Its listing mentions optional EZ-Solder Headers for controller hot-swapping and header sockets for display hot-swapping.
  • •The Ferris Sweep's design is praised for its simplicity, with a build that uses minimal components like TRRS jacks and a controller.
Content CreationKEEBD Paintbrush V5
  • •The Paintbrush V5 is explicitly marketed for use with systems like ARTSEY.IO, making it suitable for one-handed input or shortcut macros for creative software.
  • •The included OLED screen can display layer or macro status.
  • •The Ferris Sweep is a typing-focused board without these dedicated macro pad features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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