Compare NextTime NT19 Numpad vs Mechboards TIDBIT Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users seeking a standalone mechanical numpad, a decision complicated by two distinct approaches. The NextTime NT19 prioritizes connectivity with triple-mode wireless, while the Mechboards TIDBIT focuses on a unique ortholinear layout and extensive hardware modding potential. Both are DIY kits, requiring you to supply switches and keycaps, but they cater to different primary needs, making the choice dependent on whether you value portability or personalization more.

Model
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Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2023 Offers Normal ergonomics Includes a No display Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Offers No RGB lighting	Released in 2022 Offers Ortholinear ergonomics Comes with a knob Includes a Yes display Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 39.7 Build Quality: 48.5 Productivity: 44.9 Customizability: 49.6 Portability: 79	Scores Performance: 52.2 Build Quality: 60.7 Productivity: 49.2 Customizability: 74.5 Portability: 60.3
Name	Name NextTime NT19 Numpad	Name Mechboards TIDBIT
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size Numpad	Layout Size Numpad
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
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 Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	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 Gasket Mount	Mount Style -
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material -	Case Material -
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material -
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight -

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your priority dictates the choice. If you need a numpad to use wirelessly across devices at a desk or on the move, the NextTime NT19 is the practical option. If you enjoy tinkering and want a unique, highly customizable input device for macros, media control, or a specialized workflow, the Mechboards TIDBIT offers far greater potential. Consider your willingness to adapt to an ortholinear layout if choosing the TIDBIT.

NextTime NT19 Numpad

+Triple-mode connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired.
+Standard ANSI numpad layout for immediate familiarity.
+Gasket mount design, which may offer a softer typing feel.
+Includes a battery for wireless operation.

−No RGB lighting or screen, limiting visual customization.
−Lacks explicit support for rotary encoders or displays.
−Vendor description does not detail included plates or case materials.

Mechboards TIDBIT

+Ortholinear layout with 19 keys, offering more programmable keys than a standard numpad.
+Extensive modding support: multiple rotary encoders, OLED/LED displays, and RGB underglow.
+Uses a socketed RP2040 or Pro Micro controller for easier assembly.
+Kit includes FR4 plates, an acrylic middle layer, and case hardware.

−Wired-only connectivity, with no wireless option mentioned.
−Ortholinear layout requires adjustment for users used to staggered keys.
−Requires 5-pin switches for 2u keys as it lacks stabilizers, according to a customer review.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The NextTime NT19 is the clear choice for office and travel use due to its wireless connectivity and standard layout. The Mechboards TIDBIT dominates for programming, modding, and content creation, leveraging its ortholinear design, programmable keys, and hardware expansion like encoders and screens. For gaming, neither kit has a distinct advantage as performance hinges on the builder's component choices.

GamingTie

•Both are barebones kits, so final performance depends on user-selected switches.
•Neither product listing specifies gaming-oriented features like high polling rates or anti-ghosting.

OfficeNextTime NT19 Numpad

•The NextTime NT19 offers Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless, allowing easy switching between multiple devices.
•Its standard ANSI layout is more familiar for data entry compared to the TIDBIT's ortholinear layout.
•The vendor description includes clear tutorials for connecting via different wireless modes.

ProgrammingMechboards TIDBIT

•The Mechboards TIDBIT's ortholinear layout may appeal to users accustomed to grid-based key arrangements.
•It has more programmable keys than a standard numpad, according to its description.
•Support for multiple rotary encoders can be mapped to macros or functions useful in development environments.

TravelNextTime NT19 Numpad

•The NextTime NT19 supports wireless operation via Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz, eliminating the need for a cable on the go.
•Its vendor description confirms it includes a battery, essential for wireless portability.

ModdingMechboards TIDBIT

•The Mechboards TIDBIT explicitly supports multiple rotary encoders, OLED/LED displays, and RGB underglow.
•It uses a socketed Pro Micro or RP2040 controller, which the vendor states saves assembly time and is easier than soldering a USB connector.
•The kit includes an acrylic middle layer and FR4 plates, offering a transparent case aesthetic.

Content CreationMechboards TIDBIT

•The TIDBIT's support for rotary encoders is ideal for mapping to scrubbing timelines or adjusting brush sizes.
•The inclusion of an OLED screen, as noted in its features, can display custom information or layer status.
•RGB underglow allows for aesthetic customization to match a setup.