Compare Mechboards PocketType vs TIDBIT Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for hobbyists looking for an affordable, soldering-focused DIY keyboard kit from Mechboards. The decision is challenging because both kits are ortholinear, use RP2040 controllers, and are priced similarly, but serve fundamentally different purposes. The PocketType is an ultra-compact 48-key board designed for portability or macros, while the TIDBIT is a 19-key numpad with enhanced programmability and features. Your choice hinges on whether you need a novel micro-keyboard or a practical peripheral with more customization options.

Model
		63	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2021 Includes a No display Sized at 18 x 60 x 135 mm Offers No RGB lighting	Released in 2022 Available in a Numpad layout Comes with a knob Includes a Yes display Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 41.9 Build Quality: 50.1 Productivity: 42.7 Customizability: 44.8 Portability: 58	Scores Performance: 52.2 Build Quality: 60.7 Productivity: 49.2 Customizability: 74.5 Portability: 60.3
Name	Name Mechboards PocketType	Name Mechboards TIDBIT
Release year	Release year 2021	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 Unknown	Layout Size Numpad
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Ortholinear	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	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 -
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 18 x 60 x 135 mm	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight -

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Pros and Trade-offs

Select the Mechboards PocketType if your goal is a minimalist, ultra-portable soldering project or a unique macro pad. Opt for the Mechboards TIDBIT if you need a practical, customizable numpad with expandable features like a screen and rotary encoders for desktop productivity. The TIDBIT offers more long-term utility and modding potential for a marginally higher cost.

Mechboards PocketType

+Extremely compact dimensions (135mm x 60mm) for true pocketability.
+Complete kit includes switches and keycaps for the price.
+Based on the Planck layout, offering a familiar ortholinear design in micro form.
+Simple project with main PCB, acrylic plates, and basic components.

−User reviews note the tiny buttons make touch-typing impossible, limiting it to macro use.
−Lacks features like RGB, a screen, or encoder support found on other kits.
−Build guide was reportedly missing or hard to find, increasing difficulty for beginners.

Mechboards TIDBIT

+Designed as a functional 19-key numpad with more keys than a standard numpad.
+Supports multiple rotary encoders, an OLED/LED display, and RGB underglow.
+Uses a pre-made RP2040 controller, simplifying soldering of difficult components like USB ports.
+Includes FR4 bottom plate and acrylic middle for a more robust case structure.

−Larger footprint than the PocketType, making it less portable.
−Requires 5-pin switches for the 2u keys as it lacks stabilizers, according to a user review.
−Slightly higher starting price point compared to the PocketType.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The TIDBIT is the clear choice for practical, stationary tasks like office work, programming, and content creation due to its numpad layout and advanced features like a screen and encoder. The PocketType wins only for extreme portability, serving as a travel-friendly macro pad or soldering practice piece. For gaming or as a modding platform, the TIDBIT's greater customizability gives it an edge, though both can function as programmable macro devices.

GamingTie

•Neither is designed as a primary gaming keyboard.
•Both can be programmed as macro pads for game commands via QMK.
•The TIDBIT's rotary encoder could be mapped to scroll or zoom functions.

OfficeMechboards TIDBIT

•The TIDBIT is explicitly a 19-key numpad, a direct productivity tool for data entry.
•Its layout has more programmable keys than a standard numpad, according to the vendor.
•The PocketType's 48 tiny buttons are not suited for touch-typing text, as noted in user reviews.

ProgrammingMechboards TIDBIT

•The TIDBIT's screen support (OLED/LED) can display layer or system info.
•Multiple rotary encoders and 19 programmable keys offer more shortcuts for IDE commands.
•The PocketType's layout is too compact for practical code typing.

TravelMechboards PocketType

•The PocketType measures 135mm x 60mm, designed to fit in a pocket.
•Its smaller size and lighter acrylic construction are more portable.
•The TIDBIT, while still small, is a dedicated numpad with a larger footprint.

ModdingMechboards TIDBIT

•The TIDBIT supports multiple rotary encoders, an OLED/LED display, and RGB underglow.
•It offers more layout options and programmable keys.
•The kit includes an FR4 bottom plate and acrylic middle for case assembly variations.

Content CreationMechboards TIDBIT

•The TIDBIT's rotary encoder is ideal for scrubbing timelines or adjusting brush size.
•Its screen can display relevant application data.
•The 19 programmable keys provide ample shortcuts for editing software.