KEEBD Narfpad vs Mechboards kingly keys RoMacOLED Screen vs Kit Completeness

The primary difference is the inclusion of an OLED screen on the Mechboards RoMac 'Fauxmac' version. Furthermore, the RoMac has a 20-key ortholinear layout, while the Narfpad is a standard 3x3 grid. The kits also differ in included components, with the Narfpad providing more mounting hardware.

The Mechboards RoMac kit includes a wired RP2040 controller. The KEEBD Narfpad kit does not include a microcontroller; its listing states an XIAO Micro Controller is required to complete the build.

The Mechboards RoMac is explicitly compatible with MX and Choc V1 PCB mount switches. The KEEBD Narfpad kit includes Kailh Choc sockets, suggesting it is designed specifically for Choc switches, and MX switch compatibility is not mentioned by the manufacturer.

The KEEBD Narfpad may be slightly more beginner-friendly as its kit includes standoffs, screws, and feet, and a reviewer found it easy to solder. However, a reviewer also called the RoMac a good first or intermediate project. The RoMac requires soldering more components like an OLED and potentially a controller.

Both support QMK firmware. A reviewer for the RoMac confirmed getting VIA working with extra steps. A reviewer for the Narfpad noted its QMK firmware is not part of the main branch, which prevented using the QMK Configurator site easily.

The Mechboards RoMac uses a standard ortholinear layout for its 20 keys. You will need 20 keycaps that match your chosen switches (MX or Choc V1). The kit does not include keycaps.

No. The KEEBD Narfpad kit includes a rotary encoder, but the vendor listing states an encoder knob is required to complete the build. The Mechboards RoMac 'Fauxmac' version includes a rotary encoder and knob.

Both macropads use acrylic for parts of their cases. The Narfpad uses an acrylic bottom plate. The RoMac 'Fauxmac' uses an FR4 bottom, an FR4 switch plate, and an acrylic middle piece for a layered design.

The KEEBD Narfpad is a 3x3 macropad, totaling 9 keys plus a rotary encoder position. The Mechboards RoMac is a 20-key ortholinear macropad, plus support for a rotary encoder in the 'Fauxmac' version.

No. According to the vendor description, the OLED screen is a feature of the 'Fauxmac' (RoMac+) version. The standard 'RoMac' version does not include an OLED screen, rotary encoder, or acrylic middle piece.

The KEEBD Narfpad kit includes more small mounting hardware like standoffs, screws, and rubber feet. However, it lacks a crucial microcontroller. The Mechboards RoMac includes its controller and more core PCB components but requires you to source all 20 switches separately.