Compare Mechboards MBUK Macro Pad Kit vs kingly keys RoMac Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for hobbyists looking to build their first or next DIY macro pad. Both are ortholinear, QMK-compatible kits from Mechboards, making the choice difficult. The decision hinges on whether you value the advanced features of the RoMac or the straightforward simplicity and lower cost of the MBUK for learning soldering fundamentals.

Model
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Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Includes a No display Supports QMK firmware	Comes with a knob Includes a Yes, OLED display Uses a PCB Mount mounting style Made with a Acrylic case
Score	Scores Performance: 43.9 Build Quality: 63.3 Productivity: 49.1 Customizability: 57 Portability: 59.8	Scores Performance: 43.7 Build Quality: 65.5 Productivity: 48.9 Customizability: 56.8 Portability: 59.7
Name	Name Mechboards MBUK Macro Pad Kit	Name Mechboards kingly keys RoMac
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 Macropad
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Ortholinear	Layout Ergonomics Ortholinear
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support OLED
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
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 RoMac if you want a fully-featured macro pad with an OLED screen and rotary encoder for practical daily use. Opt for the MBUK Macro Pad Kit if your primary goal is to learn soldering with a minimal, low-cost project where the build process itself is the main reward. Your budget and desired feature set are the deciding factors.

Mechboards MBUK Macro Pad Kit

+Extremely affordable entry point for soldering practice.
+Simple 4-key design reduces complexity for first-time builders.
+Includes PCB, diodes, and four random switches in the kit.
+Vendor offers support and extras if mistakes are made during assembly.
+QMK firmware support allows for basic programmability.

−Only a 4-key layout, offering very limited macro functionality.
−Kit does not include a controller (like a Pro Micro), which must be sourced separately.
−Lacks features like a rotary encoder, OLED screen, or case middle layer.
−Customer reviews note build instructions could be clearer.

Mechboards kingly keys RoMac

+'Fauxmac' version includes an OLED screen for displaying information.
+Supports a rotary encoder and includes a knob for tactile control.
+Larger 20-key layout provides more utility and programming space.
+Acrylic middle layer and underglow LEDs included for aesthetic customization.
+Kit includes a wired RP2040 controller, so no separate MCU purchase is needed.

−More expensive than the basic MBUK kit.
−The standard 'RoMac' version lacks a switch plate, requiring 5-pin switches for stability.
−Requires purchasing 20 switches separately to complete the build.
−Assembly is more complex due to the OLED and encoder components.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The RoMac is the more versatile choice for users who need functional utility, winning in office, programming, modding, and content creation due to its OLED, encoder, and larger layout. The MBUK's primary advantage is its extreme portability and role as a focused learning tool. For gaming, both serve equally as programmable pads, though both require significant user assembly and additional parts to function.

GamingTie

•Both are QMK programmable, allowing for custom key bindings.
•Neither kit includes switches or keycaps in the base package, requiring separate purchase for use.
•Both are wired-only, desktop-bound devices.

OfficeMechboards kingly keys RoMac

•The RoMac's optional OLED screen can display layer information or system stats.
•The RoMac's rotary encoder support allows for volume scrolling or document zoom control.
•The RoMac 'Fauxmac' version includes a switch plate for more stable typing.

ProgrammingMechboards kingly keys RoMac

•The OLED screen is useful for displaying active layers or macro functions.
•The rotary encoder can be programmed for scrolling through code.
•The larger 20-key layout of the RoMac offers more potential shortcuts than the MBUK's 4-key layout.

TravelMechboards MBUK Macro Pad Kit

•The MBUK is a smaller 4-key pad, taking up less bag space.
•Its simpler construction with fewer components may be less prone to damage.
•The vendor description mentions it's a good first kit, implying a straightforward build that's easy to transport unfinished.

ModdingMechboards kingly keys RoMac

•The RoMac 'Fauxmac' version explicitly includes underglow LEDs.
•It features an acrylic middle layer in its case construction for aesthetic customization.
•It supports both MX and Choc V1 PCB mount switches, offering more switch compatibility.

Content CreationMechboards kingly keys RoMac

•The rotary encoder provides tactile control for timeline scrubbing or brush size adjustment.
•The OLED can show active tool assignments or shortcut sets.
•The larger key count allows for more dedicated media editing macros.