Compare KEEBD Narfpad vs Mechboards kingly keys RoMac Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for hobbyists choosing between two affordable, barebones macropad kits. The decision is difficult because both support rotary encoders and run on QMK/VIA, but they differ significantly in included components and layout philosophy. The RoMac offers an OLED screen and ortholinear keys, while the Narfpad's kit includes more essential hardware like standoffs and screws, potentially simplifying the first build.

Model
			Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2024 Offers Normal ergonomics Includes a No display	Released in 2021 Offers Ortholinear ergonomics Includes a Yes, OLED display Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
Score	Scores Performance: 38.5 Build Quality: 39.9 Productivity: 43.7 Customizability: 53.2 Portability: 61.3	Scores Performance: 43.7 Build Quality: 65.5 Productivity: 48.9 Customizability: 56.8 Portability: 59.7
Name	Name KEEBD Narfpad	Name Mechboards kingly keys RoMac
Release year	Release year 2024	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 Normal	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 Acrylic	Case Material Acrylic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material -
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight -

*Something incorrect or missing? Please

let me know

!

Pros and Trade-offs

For most users, the Mechboards RoMac is the more feature-rich choice due to its OLED screen, larger key count, and switch compatibility. Opt for the KEEBD Narfpad if you prefer a kit that bundles more of the small mounting hardware and are specifically building with Choc switches, valuing simplicity over advanced features. Your soldering confidence and desire for a visual display should guide the final decision.

KEEBD Narfpad

+Kit includes many small hardware parts like standoffs, screws, and rubber feet.
+Specifically designed for Kailh Choc switches and keycaps.
+The vendor description suggests a straightforward soldering process for beginners.

−Requires a separate XIAO microcontroller, which is not included.
−A user review notes its QMK firmware is not in the main branch, complicating setup.
−Only a 3x3 (9-key) layout, offering fewer programmable keys.

Mechboards kingly keys RoMac

+Includes an OLED screen for custom display information.
+The 'Fauxmac' version comes with an acrylic middle piece and underglow LEDs.
+Supports both MX and Choc V1 PCB mount switches for flexibility.
+Larger 20-key ortholinear layout provides more macro keys.

−The base 'RoMac' version lacks a switch plate, requiring 5-pin switches.
−Kit requires sourcing and soldering 20 switches separately.
−A user review mentions needing to solder a controller and that VIA requires extra steps.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Mechboards RoMac holds an edge in scenarios where visual feedback or a unique layout is beneficial, winning for Office, Programming, Modding, and Content Creation. Its OLED screen and larger 20-key ortholinear layout are the key differentiators. For Gaming and Travel, the kits are functionally equivalent as programmable macro pads. The KEEBD Narfpad's advantages lie more in its kit composition than in specific use-case performance.

GamingTie

•Both are 3x3 macropads capable of mapping game commands.
•Both support QMK/VIA firmware for key rebinding.
•Both kits include support for a rotary encoder, useful for scroll or volume control.

OfficeMechboards kingly keys RoMac

•The RoMac's OLED screen can display layer information or custom text.
•Its ortholinear layout may suit some users for quick numeric entry.
•Both can be programmed for media controls and shortcuts.

ProgrammingMechboards kingly keys RoMac

•The OLED screen is useful for displaying layer status or system info.
•The ortholinear layout can be mapped for symbol layers or IDE shortcuts.
•VIA/QMK support allows for complex macro programming on both.

TravelTie

•Both are compact macropads with similar footprints.
•Both require a wired connection via a microcontroller.
•Neither kit includes a protective case or cover for transport.

ModdingMechboards kingly keys RoMac

•The RoMac 'Fauxmac' version includes an acrylic middle piece for a layered case design.
•It features underglow LEDs according to its product description.
•It supports both MX and Choc V1 PCB mount switches.

Content CreationMechboards kingly keys RoMac

•The OLED screen can be customized to show timer or project status.
•The rotary encoder is ideal for timeline scrubbing or brush size adjustment.
•The 20-key layout of the RoMac provides more macro slots than the Narfpad's 9-key layout.