Compare Mechboards Lily58 vs Sofle V2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two popular DIY split keyboard kits from Mechboards. Both are wired, hot-swappable, and share a similar price point, making the choice difficult. The decision hinges on layout preferences, the need for RGB lighting, and whether you value a rotary encoder over a slightly smaller form factor.

Model
	82	64	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Includes a Yes, OLED display Supports VIA configuration Supports VIAL configuration Made with a Steel, Plastic case Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting	Features a low-profile design Comes with a knob Includes a Yes display Made with a Acrylic, Plastic case Offers No RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 60.6 Build Quality: 79.7 Productivity: 65.1 Customizability: 87.8 Portability: 66.9	Scores Performance: 45.9 Build Quality: 59.9 Productivity: 58.5 Customizability: 66.5 Portability: 67
Name	Name Mechboards Lily58	Name Mechboards Sofle V2
Release year	Release year 2021	Release year 2021
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Low Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size Other	Layout Size Other
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Split	Layout Ergonomics Split
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support OLED	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 Wired, Wired only	Connection Wired, Wired only
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 Rgb	Backlight
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Steel, Plastic	Case Material Acrylic, Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS	Keycaps Material ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight -

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want lighting effects and a slightly more compact split, the Lily58 is the clear pick. If you prioritize having a physical encoder for media control or creative work and prefer a low-profile design, the Sofle V2 is the better option. Both are excellent entry points into ergonomic split keyboards.

Mechboards Lily58

+Includes per-key and underglow RGB lighting.
+Compact 4-key thumb cluster design.
+Kit includes components for RGB and OLED screens.
+Available in both wired and wireless kit configurations.
+Steel case material option noted in metadata.

−Lacks dedicated encoder support mentioned for the Sofle V2.
−Requires soldering for the standard hotswap kit (though R2G version exists).

Mechboards Sofle V2

+Includes dedicated encoder and knob support.
+Described as a low-profile layout in its metadata.
+Acrylic case material, as per metadata.
+Available in both wired and wireless kit configurations.
+Kit includes encoders and knobs in the parts list.

−No RGB lighting according to its metadata.
−Requires soldering for the standard hotswap kit.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Sofle V2 takes a slight edge for productivity-focused tasks like office work and content creation due to its encoder. The Lily58 is favored for gaming and travel, benefiting from its RGB and slightly more compact layout. For programming and modding, the keyboards are closely matched, offering similar core ergonomic and customization features.

GamingMechboards Lily58

•The Lily58 includes per-key and underglow RGB lighting.
•Its slightly more compact layout may allow for more mouse space.
•Both share the same hot-swap capability for switch experimentation.

OfficeMechboards Sofle V2

•The Sofle V2 includes dedicated encoder support for volume or scrolling.
•Its layout includes more keys, potentially reducing layer usage for common shortcuts.
•Both feature OLED screens for displaying layer or system status.

ProgrammingTie

•Both are split, column-staggered layouts designed for ergonomic typing.
•Both are hot-swappable and support QMK/VIA firmware for extensive key remapping.
•Both kits include OLED screens for displaying layer information.

TravelMechboards Lily58

•The Lily58 has a slightly smaller footprint with a 4-key thumb cluster.
•Both share similar portability scores and kit-based designs.
•The vendor offers a wireless kit option for both, enhancing portability.

ModdingMechboards Lily58

•The Lily58 kit explicitly lists components for underglow and per-key RGB.
•Both support controller and OLED socketing for easy part replacement.
•Both use FR4 plates and frosted acrylic bottom plates for a consistent starting point.

Content CreationMechboards Sofle V2

•The Sofle V2's included encoder and knobs are useful for timeline scrubbing or brush adjustments.
•Its layout offers more immediate keys for macro assignments.
•The vendor's description highlights the Sofle's encoder support as a key feature.