Mechboards PocketType vs TIDBITMacro Pad vs Numpad Kit Comparison

The PocketType is a 48-key ortholinear micro-keyboard designed for portability or use as a macro pad. The TIDBIT is a 19-key numpad kit with support for rotary encoders, a display, and RGB underglow, intended as a functional desktop peripheral.

Both are DIY kits requiring soldering. The PocketType kit includes a main PCB, RP2040 controller, diodes, LEDs, acrylic plates, switches, and keycaps. The TIDBIT kit includes a main PCB, RP2040 controller, diodes, reset switch, TRRS jacks, underglow LEDs, FR4 bottom plate, switch plate, acrylic middle, a rotary encoder with knob, but requires separate keycaps and switches.

Both are marketed as accessible projects. The TIDBIT may be slightly easier for absolute beginners as its vendor description notes the pre-made controller saves assembly time and avoids soldering difficult components like the USB connector. User reviews for the PocketType mentioned a lack of clear build instructions.

User reviews strongly advise against it. One reviewer stated the buttons are so tiny that your finger covers two, making touch-typing impossible. The consensus is that the PocketType is better suited as a macro pad or a display piece rather than a daily driver keyboard.

According to the vendor description, the TIDBIT supports OLED and LED displays, which can be programmed to show system information, layer status, or numpad output. The included rotary encoder can be mapped to volume control, scrolling, zooming, or any other adjustable parameter in supported software.

Yes. Both kits use controllers compatible with QMK or similar open-source firmware. The PocketType's vendor page mentions a linked build guide with firmware, and user reviews discuss using QMK Toolbox. The TIDBIT's programmability is a key feature highlighted in its description.

The TIDBIT kit does not include switches or keycaps. A user review specifically recommends using 5-pin switches for the 2u keys because the kit does not include stabilizers. You will need to purchase 19 switches and a matching set of keycaps, including a 2u keycap, separately.

Yes. The vendor description lists its dimensions as 135mm x 60mm x 17.5mm and explicitly states it can fit in your pocket. This makes it one of the smallest functional keyboard kits available.

Only the TIDBIT has RGB lighting, specifically RGB underglow as listed in its features and kit contents. The PocketType includes standard LEDs in its component list but does not have RGB lighting support.

No. Both the PocketType and TIDBIT kits require soldering the switches directly to the PCB. They are not hot-swappable, so switch changes would require desoldering.

Both kits include a wired RP2040 controller in their contents. The TIDBIT vendor description also notes compatibility with a Pro Micro or equivalent controllers.

Yes. As a dedicated numpad with its own controller and USB connection, the TIDBIT operates as a separate USB input device. It can be used alongside any keyboard for data entry, macros, or controlling specific applications.