MMD KM40 vs Mechboards Plaid KitReady-Built or DIY
Choose the MMD KM40 for a finished, hot-swappable wireless keyboard, or the Plaid Kit if you specifically want to build an ortholinear board and are prepared to solder.
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5.0 · 4 reviews
from$84at MonacoKeys
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from$55at Mechboards
Which one should you get?
Get the
MMD KM40
Hot-swappable
Build quality in the top 10% of 40% boards under $150.
- CNC aluminum case with a gasket mount and polycarbonate plate.
- Hot-swappable switches, with QMK and VIA support.
- Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C connectivity, plus a 2000mAh battery.
Get the
Mechboards Plaid Kit
Build quality in the bottom 40% of 40% boards under $150.
- 4×12 ortholinear layout.
- QMK firmware support, with keymap files listed by the vendor.
- Through-hole components and an Atmega328p pre-flashed with a bootloader.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
For a complete 40% keyboard with wireless connectivity, RGB, VIA, and hot-swap switches, choose the MMD KM40. Choose the Mechboards Plaid Kit if an ortholinear 4×12 layout and DIY assembly are priorities, and you are comfortable soldering and sourcing 50 switches separately.
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.
MMD KM40
Mechboards Plaid Kit
Hot-swappable
Yes
No
Switch changes without soldering
Ergonomics
Standard
Ortholinear
VIA
Yes
No
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
Sound dampening
Yes
No
Backlight
RGB
None
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
- MMD KM40
- Mechboards Plaid Kit
- Performance
- 6142
- Build quality
- 8358
- Productivity
- 6947
- Customizability
- 8454
- Portability
- 8460
- Layout size: 40%
- QMK
What will you mostly use it for?
The KM40 is the more ready-to-use choice across these categories, particularly when wireless connections, VIA, or switch swapping matter. It also suits travel better based on its listed wireless options and compact format. The Plaid Kit’s clearest distinction is its ortholinear DIY design, which may appeal to buyers who want a hands-on build. Buyers should account for its assembly and soldering requirements.
Pick the MMD KM40
- The KM40 offers wired USB-C and 2.4 GHz wireless connections; the Plaid Kit description does not list connectivity options.
- The KM40 includes switches and keycaps pre-installed, while the Plaid requires assembly and separately purchased switches.
MMD KM40 vs Mechboards Plaid Kit specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
7 of 19 specs differ
MMD KM40
Mechboards Plaid Kit
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Backlight
QMK
VIA
Released
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MMD KM40 vs Mechboards Plaid Kit: your questions
The MMD KM40 is listed as pre-built, with switches and keycaps installed. The Plaid is a kit that requires assembly, and its vendor says you need to purchase 50 switches separately.
The MMD KM40 has a hot-swap PCB, so switches can be changed without soldering. The Plaid Kit has soldered switches, and switching them requires soldering.
Yes, the Plaid Kit uses through-hole components, and its switches are soldered. The vendor describes it as a DIY kit, so it is not a ready-built alternative to the KM40.
The KM40 supports wired USB-C, 2.4 GHz wireless, and Bluetooth. Its listed battery capacity is 2000mAh.
The Plaid Kit product description does not list Bluetooth or other wireless connectivity. The KM40 explicitly lists Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C.
The MMD KM40 lists both QMK and VIA support. The Plaid Kit description lists QMK firmware and keymap files, but does not list VIA.
Both are listed as 40% keyboards with ANSI layout standard. The Plaid Kit is further described as a 4×12 ortholinear keyboard.
The KM40 is listed as a normal-ergonomics 40% ANSI board. The Plaid Kit is a 4×12 ortholinear design, with keys arranged in aligned rows and columns according to its product description.
Yes, the KM40 is described as fully built with switches and keycaps already installed. The Plaid Kit requires buyers to purchase 50 switches separately.
The Plaid Kit is listed as having no RGB. The MMD KM40 has RGB lighting and its vendor describes 22 lighting effects.
The KM40 is pre-built, weighs 620g, and offers Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connections. The Plaid Kit is a DIY build, and its listing does not specify a weight or wireless options.
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