KEEBD Narfpad vs sam Sesame KitMacropad vs Alice DIY Keyboard
Choose the KEEBD Narfpad for a simple, affordable macropad project, or the sam Sesame for a full, ergonomic Alice-layout keyboard build.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
KEEBD Narfpad
Macropad
- Includes a rotary encoder for knob functionality.
- Kit comes with Kailh Choc sockets for low-profile switches.
- Very affordable entry point for a DIY macropad project.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
Get the
sam Sesame Kit
Alice DIY Keyboard
- Builds into a complete ergonomic Alice-layout keyboard with a split spacebar.
- Kit includes FR4 switch and bottom plates for a firm typing feel.
- Controller comes pre-flashed with a USBaspLoader bootloader.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
Select the KEEBD Narfpad if you want an inexpensive, fun project to create a dedicated macro controller for gaming or creative software. Opt for the sam Sesame Kit if your goal is to build a unique, ergonomic primary keyboard from the ground up. The core decision is between a supplementary tool and a main keyboard.
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.
KEEBD Narfpad
sam Sesame Kit
Ergonomics
Standard
Alice
Case material
Acrylic
Acrylic, Plastic
Knob
Yes
No
Released
2024
2021
- KEEBD Narfpad
- sam Sesame Kit
- Performance
- 3942
- Build quality
- 4051
- Productivity
- 4544
- Customizability
- 5345
- Portability
- 6258
What will you mostly use it for?
The Sesame Kit is the clear choice for any use requiring a full, ergonomic typing keyboard, such as office work or programming. The Narfpad excels as a specialized, portable tool for gaming macros or content creation controls. For modding, both offer a soldering project, but with different end goals. Your primary need dictates the winner.
Pick the KEEBD Narfpad
- The Narfpad's 3x3 layout with rotary encoder is designed for assigning macros and quick commands.
- Its smaller footprint leaves more desk space for mouse movement.
- The Sesame is a full keyboard, not optimized for dedicated gaming macros.
KEEBD Narfpad vs sam Sesame Kit specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
4 of 9 specs differ
KEEBD Narfpad
sam Sesame Kit
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Case material
Plate material
Backlight
Released
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KEEBD Narfpad vs sam Sesame Kit: your questions
The Narfpad is a 3x3 macropad kit designed for adding extra programmable keys and a rotary knob to your setup. The Sesame Kit is for building a full-sized, ergonomic Alice-layout keyboard, which is a complete primary typing device.
According to the vendor listing, you need to supply a XIAO microcontroller, an encoder knob, Choc switches, and Choc keycaps. The kit provides the PCB, acrylic plate, sockets, encoder, diodes, and hardware.
Yes, the Sesame Kit includes a controller. The vendor description states it is pre-flashed with a USBaspLoader bootloader.
Both require soldering. A Sesame Kit reviewer called it a great kit for a first-time builder. A Narfpad reviewer also found the hardware easy to solder but noted firmware setup was challenging. The Sesame may have a slight edge due to included build guides and VIA software support mentioned in a review.
A customer review for the Narfpad states the firmware is not part of the main QMK GitHub branch, which prevented them from using the online QMK configurator. Customization required adding the firmware locally.
A customer review for the Sesame Kit mentions that it is very easy to remap keys using VIA software.
The kit includes an FR4 switch plate. The product description does not specify hot-swap sockets, so it likely requires soldering switches directly to the PCB, supporting any standard MX-style switch.
The Narfpad kit includes Kailh Choc sockets, meaning it is designed specifically for soldering in low-profile Kailh Choc mechanical switches.
The Sesame Kit uses a combination of materials. It has an acrylic cover, and the bottom plate and switch plate are made from FR4, which is a PCB-like material.
No. The kit includes Kailh Choc sockets, which must be soldered onto the PCB. This is not a hot-swap design.
The sam Sesame Kit is built with an Alice ergonomic layout, which features a split spacebar and a gently angled key arrangement. The KEEBD Narfpad has a standard, normal macropad layout.
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