Mechboards MBUK vs NIBBLE: Macro Pad vs 65% DIY Kit Comparison

Compare Mechboards MBUK Macro Pad Kit vs NIBBLE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for hobbyists deciding between two DIY keyboard kits from Mechboards. The choice is difficult because both support QMK firmware but serve fundamentally different purposes. The MBUK is a minimal, ultra-affordable macro pad for learning soldering, while the NIBBLE is a complete 65% keyboard kit with more features and a higher part count. Your decision hinges on whether you want a practice project or a primary typing device.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Available in a Macropad layout Built with the ANSI layout standard Offers Ortholinear ergonomics Offers No RGB lighting	Available in a 65% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard Offers Normal ergonomics Comes with a knob Includes screw-in stabilizers Uses a PCB Mount mounting style Made with a Acrylic, Plastic case Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 43.9 Build Quality: 63.3 Productivity: 49.1 Customizability: 57 Portability: 59.8	Scores Performance: 53.1 Build Quality: 70.7 Productivity: 53.5 Customizability: 77.9 Portability: 59.2
Name	Name Mechboards MBUK Macro Pad Kit	Name Mechboards NIBBLE
Release year	Release year 2021	Release year 2021
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size Macropad	Layout Size 65%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO
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 PCB Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material -	Case Material Acrylic, Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material -
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight -

Select a keyboard to compare

0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Available in a Macropad layout
Built with the ANSI layout standard
Offers Ortholinear ergonomics
Offers No RGB lighting

Available in a 65% layout
Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard
Offers Normal ergonomics
Comes with a knob
Includes screw-in stabilizers
Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
Made with a Acrylic, Plastic case
Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 43.9
Build Quality: 63.3
Productivity: 49.1
Customizability: 57
Portability: 59.8

Scores

Performance: 53.1
Build Quality: 70.7
Productivity: 53.5
Customizability: 77.9
Portability: 59.2

Name

Mechboards MBUK Macro Pad Kit

Name

Mechboards NIBBLE

Release year

2021

Release year

2021

Switch Options

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

Macropad

Layout Size

65%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI, ISO

Layout Ergonomics

Ortholinear

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

PCB Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb

Case Colors

Case Material

Acrylic, Plastic

Keycaps Material

Dimensions

Weight

Pros and Trade-offs

Your goal dictates the choice. For an absolute beginner wanting to learn soldering with minimal risk and cost, the MBUK Macro Pad Kit is a purposeful practice tool. If you are ready to build a fully functional, customizable 65% keyboard that can serve as your daily driver, the NIBBLE kit offers significantly more features, layout options, and expansion potential for the higher price.

Mechboards MBUK Macro Pad Kit

+Extremely low-cost entry point for learning soldering and QMK.
+Simple kit includes PCB, diodes, and four random switches.
+Vendor description notes they will send extra parts if you make mistakes during assembly.
+Ortholinear layout on a small scale is straightforward to build.

−Only a four-key macropad, not a functional standalone keyboard.
−Requires sourcing your own microcontroller (like a Pro Micro) which is not included.
−Lacks features like RGB, rotary encoder, or case options found in more advanced kits.
−Assembly instructions are noted by a reviewer as not being super clear.

Mechboards NIBBLE

+Complete 65% keyboard kit with support for ANSI and ISO layouts.
+Includes a wired RP2040 controller, rotary encoder with knob, and underglow RGB LEDs.
+Explicitly supports adding an OLED screen and uses screw-in stabilizers.
+Comes with FR4 plates and acrylic case layers for a layered aesthetic.

−Requires purchasing 72 switches, keycaps, stabilizers, and a USB cable separately.
−Higher part count and complexity compared to a simple macropad kit.
−One reviewer reported an issue with the board shorting.
−More expensive than the MBUK, reflecting its greater scope.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The NIBBLE is the clear choice for any use case requiring a primary keyboard, winning in Gaming, Office, Programming, Modding, and Content Creation due to its full 65% layout, encoder, and customization options. The MBUK only wins for Travel due to its minimal size, and it serves best as a low-cost soldering learning tool or a supplemental macro pad rather than a standalone typing device.

GamingMechboards NIBBLE

•The NIBBLE is a full 65% layout with arrow keys and more programmable keys for game macros.
•It includes support for a rotary encoder, which can be mapped to volume or other in-game controls.
•The MBUK's four-key ortholinear layout is too limited for gaming as a primary input device.

OfficeMechboards NIBBLE

•The NIBBLE's 65% layout provides essential keys for office work while saving desk space.
•Its rotary encoder support is useful for quickly adjusting volume or scrolling documents.
•The MBUK macro pad can only supplement a full keyboard, not replace it for typing tasks.

ProgrammingMechboards NIBBLE

•The NIBBLE offers a dedicated arrow cluster and more keys for layer-based programming shortcuts.
•Its QMK support allows for deep customization of layers and macros specific to coding workflows.
•The MBUK's four keys are insufficient for primary programming input but could be used for supplemental macros.

TravelMechboards MBUK Macro Pad Kit

•The MBUK's tiny macropad size is inherently more portable than a 65% keyboard.
•Its simpler construction with fewer components makes it less fragile for transport.
•The NIBBLE, while a compact 65%, is still a full-sized keyboard and bulkier to carry.

ModdingMechboards NIBBLE

•The NIBBLE explicitly supports an OLED screen add-on and includes underglow RGB LEDs.
•It uses screw-in stabilizers for a more stable and moddable typing experience.
•It offers multiple layout options (ANSI/ISO) and includes FR4 plates and acrylic case layers for customization.

Content CreationMechboards NIBBLE

•The NIBBLE's rotary encoder is ideal for scrubbing timelines or adjusting brush sizes in creative software.
•Its larger key count allows for more application-specific shortcut layers.
•The MBUK could serve as a dedicated macro pad for a few commands but lacks the encoder and key count for comprehensive control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)