Compare Mechboards Gherkin Kit vs KEEBD MiniNova V2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for builders deciding between two of the most affordable 30% DIY keyboard kits. The choice is difficult because both are soldering projects with similar footprints and price points, but they offer fundamentally different typing experiences. The Gherkin uses an ortholinear grid layout, while the MiniNova V2 uses a standard staggered layout. Your preference for these layouts is the primary deciding factor, as both require significant commitment to layers and a soldering iron.

Model
			Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2021 Offers Ortholinear ergonomics	Released in 2022 Offers Normal ergonomics Made with a Acrylic case
Score	Scores Performance: 42.4 Build Quality: 52.9 Productivity: 44.5 Customizability: 49.1 Portability: 62.4	Scores Performance: 37 Build Quality: 38.8 Productivity: 40.2 Customizability: 48 Portability: 61.1
Name	Name Mechboards Gherkin Kit	Name KEEBD MiniNova V2
Release year	Release year 2021	Release year 2022
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
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 -
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 Acrylic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material -
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight -

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Pros and Trade-offs

Select the Mechboards Gherkin if you are specifically curious about or prefer ortholinear keyboards and appreciate that it includes the RP2040 controller. Choose the KEEBD MiniNova V2 if you want to stick with a traditional key arrangement in a tiny package and value the mentioned modding options like the optional hot-swap header. Both are projects first and keyboards second, suited for tinkerers, not those seeking a ready-to-use daily driver.

Mechboards Gherkin Kit

+Ortholinear grid layout for a distinct, aligned typing experience.
+Kit includes an RP2040 controller, a capable modern microcontroller.
+Open-source design from 40percent.club, documented on GitHub.
+Explicitly marketed as a good first soldering project.

−Requires soldering for diodes, controller, and switches (not hot-swap).
−Ortholinear layout has a steep learning curve for most typists.
−Kit does not include a power switch or mention stabilizer support.

KEEBD MiniNova V2

+Traditional staggered layout in a 30% form factor.
+Acrylic case material, which is listed in the specifications.
+Kit includes a power switch and optional EZ-Solder Header for controller hot-swapping.
+Supports an optional 2u PCB mount stabilizer for a larger key.

−Requires a separate Pro Micro controller, which is not included in the kit.
−Requires soldering for diodes and switches (controller hot-swap is optional).
−The traditional layout is crammed into 30 keys, which may still feel unfamiliar.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

These kits are niche tools rather than general-purpose winners. For most practical use cases like office work, programming, or gaming, their 30% size is a significant limitation requiring adaptation. The MiniNova V2 has a slight edge for modders due to its mentioned optional hot-swap header and stabilizer support, and for travel due to its potentially lighter acrylic case and included power switch. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you want to learn an ortholinear layout or stick with a familiar, albeit miniaturized, staggered one.

GamingTie

•Both are 30% layouts requiring extensive layers for gaming keys, which is non-ideal.
•Neither kit includes switches or keycaps, so feel is entirely builder-dependent.
•No specific gaming features like high polling rates are mentioned for either.

OfficeTie

•Both have only 30 keys, making standard office typing inefficient without heavy layer use.
•They are soldering kits, not pre-built, requiring time and skill to assemble for work.
•No wireless connectivity is mentioned, limiting desk flexibility.

ProgrammingTie

•Extensive symbol and number layer programming is mandatory on both 30% boards.
•The vendor description for the Gherkin explicitly notes layers are required for numbers and symbols.
•Both lack dedicated keys, making frequent symbol access a layer-heavy task.

TravelKEEBD MiniNova V2

•The MiniNova V2's acrylic case material may be lighter than the Gherkin's unspecified plate case.
•Both are extremely compact numpad-sized layouts.
•The MiniNova V2 includes a power switch, according to its kit list, which could be useful for portable power management.

ModdingKEEBD MiniNova V2

•The MiniNova V2 kit includes an optional EZ-Solder Header for controller hot-swap, adding a modding avenue.
•Its listing mentions an optional 2u PCB mount stabilizer, indicating support for a larger key.
•Both are open-source soldering projects with high inherent moddability.

Content CreationTie

•Both lack dedicated media keys or macros without complex layer configuration.
•The 30% size offers no advantage for typical content creation shortcuts.
•Typing comfort for long sessions depends entirely on the builder's chosen switches and keycaps.