Mechboards Gherkin Kit vs LeleDesign LeleLab LelePad Numpad/MacropadSoldered or Hot-Swap?
Choose the Gherkin Kit for an ortholinear build with included case and PCB, or the LelePad for hot-swappable sockets, an OLED screen, and included switches and stabilizers.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Mechboards Gherkin Kit
Build quality in the bottom 35% of Numpad boards under $50.
- Ortholinear layout for a different key arrangement.
- DIY kit includes a PCB, case, standoffs, screws, diodes, and IC pins.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
Get the
LeleDesign LeleLab LelePad Numpad/Macropad
Hot-swappable
Build quality in the top 35% of Numpad boards under $50.
- Hot-swap sockets allow switch changes without soldering.
- Includes an OLED screen, HMX switches, and plate-mounted stabilizers.
- Vendor describes a customizable OLED display and configurable key values.
Get the Mechboards Gherkin Kit if you want an ortholinear DIY build with the PCB, case, and small assembly parts included. Get the LelePad if you want hot-swappable switches, an OLED display, and included switches and stabilizers. Its configurable key values also make it the more directly feature-supported pick for macropad tasks.
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 Gherkin Kit
LeleDesign LeleLab LelePad Numpad/Macropad
Hot-swappable
No
Yes
Switch changes without soldering
Ergonomics
Ortholinear
Standard
Display
None
OLED
A case display rather than a typing feature
Screw-in stabilizers
No
Yes
Easier to tune than the plate-mount stabs you get prebuilt
Released
2021
2025
- Mechboards Gherkin Kit
- LeleDesign LeleLab LelePad Numpad/Macropad
- Performance
- 4245
- Build quality
- 5167
- Productivity
- 4454
- Customizability
- 4658
- Portability
- 6065
- Layout size: Numpad
What will you mostly use it for?
The LelePad is the more feature-rich choice for customization and general numpad tasks, with hot-swap sockets, an OLED screen, and included switches. The Gherkin Kit's distinct appeal is its ortholinear layout and DIY format, which suit buyers who specifically want that build experience. Travel is a close call based on the available descriptions, which characterize both as compact numpad-style boards. Neither listing provides specific gaming performance features that clearly separate them for play.
Pick the LeleDesign LeleLab LelePad Numpad/Macropad
- The LelePad has hot-swappable sockets, making switch replacement possible without soldering.
- Its vendor description lists included HMX switches and an OLED screen.
Mechboards Gherkin Kit vs LeleDesign LeleLab LelePad Numpad/Macropad specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
5 of 9 specs differ
Mechboards Gherkin Kit
LeleDesign LeleLab LelePad Numpad/Macropad
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Backlight
Released
Compare prices
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Mechboards Gherkin Kit vs LeleDesign LeleLab LelePad Numpad/Macropad: your questions
No. Its switches are soldered, so replacing them requires soldering.
Yes, the LelePad is listed with hot-swap sockets. Its vendor description also identifies the current version as hot-swappable.
The vendor says you need to purchase 30 switches separately to complete the kit. It also says a controller must be purchased separately.
The vendor lists a Gherkin PCB, case, standoffs and screws, diodes, and IC pins. The listing says switches and a controller are needed separately.
The vendor's listed contents include 20 HMX switches. It also lists three plate-mounted stabilizers.
Yes, the LelePad is listed with an OLED screen. Its vendor describes the display as customizable.
The vendor describes the LelePad as having configurable key values. It also directs buyers to LeleConsole, but the listing does not specify further software behavior.
The Mechboards Gherkin Kit is listed as ortholinear. The LelePad is listed with a normal ergonomics layout.
Both product listings say RGB is absent. The LelePad vendor description mentions per-switch RGB lighting, but the product metadata lists RGB as no.
It is listed as a DIY kit and barebones product. The vendor says buyers need to add 30 switches and a controller to complete it.
It is listed as a numpad and macropad. Its vendor describes it as a pocket calculator or macropad with configurable key values.
The LelePad is the suitable option for switch changes without soldering because it has hot-swap sockets. The Gherkin Kit's switches are soldered, and swapping them requires soldering.
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