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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 11, 2026

Zuoya GMK21 Numpad vs KEEBD MiniNova V2

Choose the GMK21 for hot-swappable switches and QMK/VIA support, or the MiniNova V2 if you specifically want its acrylic kit and do not mind soldering switches.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Zuoya GMK21 Numpad

Hot-swappable

Build quality in the top 10% of Numpad boards under $50.

If you want

  • 5-pin hot-swappable sockets make switch changes possible without soldering.
  • Listed as compatible with both QMK and VIA.
  • Includes a knob and 20 keys, according to the vendor description.

Get the

KEEBD MiniNova V2

Build quality in the bottom 5% of Numpad boards under $50.

If you want

  • Acrylic case material is listed, and the kit includes an acrylic bottom plate.
  • Kit includes brass standoffs, screws, a power switch, and through-hole diodes.
  • An optional EZ-Solder Header is described as enabling controller hot swap.

Rules this board out

  • Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.

Bottom line

For easy switch changes and firmware customization, choose the Zuoya GMK21, which combines hot-swap sockets with QMK/VIA support and a knob. Choose the KEEBD MiniNova V2 if its acrylic bottom plate and included DIY components suit your project, and you are prepared for soldered switches or the optional EZ-Solder Header.

What actually differs

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.

Zuoya GMK21 Numpad

KEEBD MiniNova V2

  • Hot-swappable

    Yes

    No

    Switch changes without soldering

  • Knob

    Yes

    No

  • QMK

    Yes

    No

    The deep option when you want to remap every key

  • VIA

    Yes

    No

    GUI remapping without compiling firmware

  • Backlight

    RGB

    None

    RGB for looks and low light rather than speed

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Zuoya GMK21 Numpad
  • KEEBD MiniNova V2
Performance
61
37
Build quality
79
39
Productivity
65
41
Customizability
94
48
Portability
65
61

What they share

  • Layout size: Numpad
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The GMK21 is the more feature-rich choice for office input, programming, modding, and workflows that can use a knob. Gaming is a tie because neither listing establishes a gaming advantage. Travel is also difficult to distinguish: both are numpad kits, but neither has listed dimensions or weight. The MiniNova V2's clearest distinction is its acrylic bottom plate, alongside a build that requires switch soldering unless its optional header is used.

For gaming

It's a tie

  • Both are ANSI numpads, and neither product description identifies gaming-specific features.
  • The GMK21 adds a knob and multicolor backlight, while the MiniNova V2 is listed without RGB.

Full specs

Zuoya GMK21 Numpad vs KEEBD MiniNova V2 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

6 of 11 specs differ

Zuoya GMK21 Numpad

KEEBD MiniNova V2

Typing & switches

Hot-swappable

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

Numpad
Numpad

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
No

Display

None
None

Build & materials

Case material

—
Acrylic

Backlight

RGB
None

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
No

VIA

Yes
No

Extras

Released

2026
2022

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

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FAQ

Zuoya GMK21 Numpad vs KEEBD MiniNova V2: your questions

Yes. Its vendor listing specifies 5-pin hot-swappable sockets, so switches can be changed without soldering.

The MiniNova V2's switches are soldered, and swapping them requires soldering. Its vendor listing says the optional EZ-Solder Header enables controller hot swap, which is distinct from the listed switch-soldering compatibility rule.

Yes, the GMK21 is listed as QMK- and VIA-compatible. The MiniNova V2 product description does not list either feature.

Yes. The vendor describes the GMK21 as having 20 keys with a knob, and the product metadata also lists knob support.

The MiniNova V2 is listed without RGB. The GMK21, by comparison, is listed with RGB, and its vendor description specifies multicolor backlighting.

The vendor lists a MiniNova PCB, an acrylic bottom plate, brass standoffs, screws, a power switch, and through-hole diodes. The listing separately says a Pro Micro controller, MX switches, and MX keycaps are required to complete it.

Its case material is listed as acrylic, and the kit contents specifically include an acrylic bottom plate. The GMK21 listing does not specify a case material.

The GMK21 has hot-swappable sockets and QMK/VIA compatibility, providing explicit switch and firmware customization features. The MiniNova V2 has soldered switches, with an optional EZ-Solder Header listed for controller hot swap.

Yes. Both are listed as numpads with an ANSI layout standard.

The GMK21 is a more straightforward fit if you want hot-swappable switches and QMK/VIA support. The MiniNova V2 includes an acrylic bottom plate and other assembly parts, but its listing says a Pro Micro controller, MX switches, and MX keycaps are required to complete it.

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