Compare Mechboards Gherkin Kit vs Lelelab LelePad Numpad/Macropad Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users deciding between a minimalist DIY keyboard project and a more feature-complete, pre-assembled macropad. Both are compact numpad-sized devices, but they cater to vastly different user needs and skill levels. The decision hinges on whether you want the hands-on experience of building from a kit or the immediate utility of a programmable accessory with visual feedback.

Model
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Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2021 Offers Ortholinear ergonomics Includes a No display	Released in 2025 Supports hot-swappable switches Offers Normal ergonomics Includes a Yes, OLED display Includes screw-in stabilizers Uses a Plate Mount mounting style
Score	Scores Performance: 42.4 Build Quality: 52.9 Productivity: 44.5 Customizability: 49.1 Portability: 62.4	Scores Performance: 44 Build Quality: 66.3 Productivity: 52.7 Customizability: 57.9 Portability: 65
Name	Name Mechboards Gherkin Kit	Name Lelelab LelePad Numpad/Macropad
Release year	Release year 2021	Release year 2025
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size Numpad	Layout Size Numpad
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Ortholinear	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support OLED
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection	Connection
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style -	Mount Style Plate Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight	Backlight
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material -	Case Material -
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material -
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight -

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice fundamentally depends on the experience you want. Opt for the Mechboards Gherkin Kit if you desire a challenging, educational soldering project with an ortholinear layout. Choose the Lelelab LelePad if you want a functional, customizable macropad that works out of the box with hot-swap convenience and an OLED display. Both are similarly priced, making the decision about utility versus project value.

Mechboards Gherkin Kit

+Ultra-compact 30-key ortholinear layout, ideal for a minimalist setup or travel.
+Soldering kit format provides a complete first project for learning keyboard assembly.
+Open-source design based on the 40percent.club project allows for community firmware support.
+Includes all core components like PCB, plate case, diodes, and an RP2040 controller.

−Requires significant additional purchases: switches, keycaps, USB cable, and soldering tools.
−No hot-swap capability; switches are permanently soldered.
−Lacks any built-in features like a screen, lighting, or stabilizers.

Lelelab LelePad Numpad/Macropad

+Hot-swappable sockets enable easy switch changes without soldering.
+Includes key components: 20 HMX switches, stabilizers, and an OLED screen.
+Pre-built with SMT components for reliability, requiring only simple assembly.
+Offers multiple color case options and matching keycap sets for customization.

−Not a soldering project, offering less hands-on building experience for hobbyists.
−Uses a standard staggered layout, not the ortholinear layout some enthusiasts prefer.
−The vendor description does not mention if the USB cable is included.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The LelePad is the more practical choice for most ready-to-use scenarios like office work, modding, and content creation, thanks to its hot-swap sockets, OLED, and included components. The Gherkin wins for specific niches: travel due to its ultra-compact kit form, and programming for users seeking an ortholinear project. For gaming, both serve only as macro peripherals.

GamingTie

•Both are 30-key and 20-key layouts primarily designed for macros, not full gaming.
•Neither product listing specifies low-latency or high-polling-rate features for gaming.
•Both can be programmed for game-specific macros via their respective firmware.

OfficeLelelab LelePad Numpad/Macropad

•The LelePad includes pre-installed screw-in stabilizers for a more stable typing feel on larger keys.
•Its pre-built nature and included switches mean it's ready to use immediately as a numpad.
•The OLED screen can display useful information like calculator output or system stats.

ProgrammingMechboards Gherkin Kit

•The Gherkin's ortholinear layout is favored by some programmers for ergonomic key placement.
•Its open-source design, noted by the manufacturer, allows for deep firmware customization.
•As a soldering kit, it offers a foundation for a highly personalized command layer for coding shortcuts.

TravelMechboards Gherkin Kit

•The Gherkin is explicitly mentioned by the vendor as being great for travel.
•Its 30-key plate case design is extremely compact and lightweight.
•The kit form allows you to build it with lightweight components if desired.

ModdingLelelab LelePad Numpad/Macropad

•The LelePad is hot-swappable, allowing easy switch testing without soldering.
•It includes an OLED screen and per-switch RGB lighting for visual customization.
•It comes with multiple color options and matching keycap sets available for aesthetic mods.

Content CreationLelelab LelePad Numpad/Macropad

•The LelePad's OLED screen can be configured to show layer status or macro assignments.
•Hot-swappable sockets make it easy to tailor switch types for different editing software actions.
•Pre-installed stabilizers provide a consistent feel for frequently used macro keys.