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Compare Mechboards Lily58 vs KEEBD Sofle V2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two popular, similarly priced split ergonomic keyboard DIY kits. Both the Lily58 and Sofle V2 are column-staggered, 58-key designs with hotswap sockets, RGB, and OLED screens. The decision is difficult because they share a core layout and feature set, but differ significantly in what components are included in the base kit and the available build options from the vendor.

82
Lily58 Kit
Sofle v2.1 RGB Keyboard Kit

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  • Released in 2021
  • Includes a Yes, OLED display
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Supports VIAL configuration
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Made with a Steel, Plastic case
  • Features ABS keycaps
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Tactile switch options
  • Includes a Yes display
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Supports Wired, Wired only, connectivity
  • Made with a Acrylic, Plastic case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 60.6
  • Build Quality: 79.7
  • Productivity: 65.1
  • Customizability: 87.8
  • Portability: 66.9
Scores
  • Performance: 44.4
  • Build Quality: 43.9
  • Productivity: 56.6
  • Customizability: 79.3
  • Portability: 67.3
Name
Mechboards Lily58
Name
KEEBD Sofle V2
Release year
2021
Release year
2022
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Tactile
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
Other
Layout Size
Other
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Split
Layout Ergonomics
Split
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
OLED
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Wired, Wired only,
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
-
Mount Style
-
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Steel, Plastic
Case Material
Acrylic, Plastic
Keycaps Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Weight
-
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice hinges on kit completeness and specific features. The Mechboards Lily58 is the better option for a first-time builder or someone wanting a wireless split keyboard, as it includes critical components like controllers. The KEEBD Sofle V2 is a viable choice if you already have preferred microcontrollers to use or if rotary encoder support is a mandatory feature for your workflow. Be prepared for more sourcing and soldering with the Sofle V2 kit.

Mechboards Lily58

  • +Offers both wired and wireless kit versions with appropriate controllers (RP2040 or nRF52840) included.
  • +Kit is more complete, including diodes, reset buttons, and RP2040 controllers for the wired version.
  • +Provides multiple purchase tiers: solder kit, pre-soldered R2G PCB, and fully pre-built options.
  • +Explicitly supports both MX and Choc low-profile switches across different kit versions.
  • +Includes Mill Max socket pins for controller socketing, aiding repairability.
  • −The base hotswap kit requires soldering of diodes, sockets, and controllers.
  • −Vendor description notes that the R2G version's MCUs are baked onto the PCB and cannot be upgraded.
  • −Does not mention native support for rotary encoders in its kit description.

KEEBD Sofle V2

  • +PCB has native support for adding rotary encoders, a feature highlighted in the kit description.
  • +Offers a choice between FR4 or acrylic switch plates, with acrylic plates supporting a tenting configuration.
  • +Kit listing includes SMD diodes and hotswap sockets, though controllers must be sourced separately.
  • −Does not include microcontrollers (Pro Micros) in the base kit; they are listed as 'Required to Complete'.
  • −Only a wired configuration is mentioned in the available listing.
  • −A customer review notes that the 3mm acrylic switch plate may be too thick for switches to clip in securely.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Lily58 and Sofle V2 are tied for core typing use cases like office work, programming, and gaming, as their fundamental split layouts are identical. The primary differentiators are in their kits. The Lily58 pulls ahead for modders due to more kit options and for travelers due to its available wireless version. The Sofle V2 has a slight edge for content creation because its PCB supports rotary encoders out of the box, a feature not mentioned for the Lily58.

GamingTie
  • •Both are wired-only split keyboards with hotswap sockets for switch experimentation.
  • •Both feature per-key RGB lighting.
  • •Neither listing specifies gaming-oriented features like high polling rates.
OfficeTie
  • •Both use a split, ergonomic layout designed to reduce strain.
  • •Both kits support Mac and Windows, according to their listings.
  • •The quietness depends on user-selected switches, not the kit itself.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both offer fully programmable firmware via QMK/VIA, as indicated by vendor links.
  • •The 58-key layout requires layers for full functionality, which is identical on both.
  • •OLED screens on both can display layer or system status.
TravelMechboards Lily58
  • •The Mechboards Lily58 explicitly offers a wireless kit variant with BLE controllers and batteries.
  • •The KEEBD Sofle V2 listing only mentions a wired configuration.
  • •Both would require a carrying case, which is not included with either kit.
ModdingMechboards Lily58
  • •Mechboards offers multiple kit tiers (solder, R2G pre-soldered, pre-built) and explicit support for both MX and Choc switches.
  • •The Lily58 kit includes Mill Max socket pins for controller socketing, a modder-friendly feature.
  • •Both are hotswap and support aftermarket cases, but Mechboards provides more structured upgrade paths.
Content CreationKEEBD Sofle V2
  • •The KEEBD Sofle V2 PCB has native support for rotary encoders, which can be mapped to scrubbing or brush size.
  • •The Mechboards Lily58 listing does not mention encoder support.
  • •Both have programmable layers suitable for macro keys.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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