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Compare KEEBD Sofle V1 vs Sofle V2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for builders deciding between two generations of the popular Sofle split ortholinear DIY kit. Both are column-staggered, hot-swappable, and require assembly, making the choice hinge on specific feature upgrades. The decision is nuanced because the core layout and DIY nature are identical, but the V2 introduces several quality-of-life and aesthetic enhancements that may justify its potentially higher cost for some users.

Sofle v1.1 Keyboard Kit
Sofle v2.1 RGB Keyboard Kit

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0.0 (0)
0.0 (0)
  • Includes a No display
  • Offers No RGB lighting
  • Includes a Yes display
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Supports Wired, Wired only, connectivity
  • Made with a Acrylic, Plastic case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 37.4
  • Build Quality: 41.5
  • Productivity: 46.3
  • Customizability: 54
  • Portability: 64
Scores
  • Performance: 44.5
  • Build Quality: 43.9
  • Productivity: 56.7
  • Customizability: 79.4
  • Portability: 67.5
Name
KEEBD Sofle V1
Name
KEEBD Sofle V2
Release year
2022
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Tactile
Switch Options
Tactile
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
Other
Layout Size
Other
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Split
Layout Ergonomics
Split
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Connection
Wired, Wired only,
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
-
Mount Style
-
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
-
Case Material
Acrylic, Plastic
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Weight
-
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

For most builders, the Sofle V2 is the recommended choice due to its significant feature upgrades like RGB, better ergonomic support, and explicit system compatibility. Only choose the Sofle V1 if you specifically want the most basic version of this split keyboard and do not plan to use lighting or tenting. Be prepared for a full DIY assembly with either kit.

KEEBD Sofle V1

  • +Lower potential cost, starting at a single price point.
  • +Includes acrylic OLED covers and displays, providing basic screen functionality.
  • +Simpler kit may be less daunting for a first-time DIY builder.
  • −Lacks RGB lighting support entirely.
  • −No mention of Mac/Win support or tenting hardware in the kit description.
  • −Currently listed as sold out with no reviews available.

KEEBD Sofle V2

  • +Includes per-key RGB support with SK6812mini LEDs.
  • +Offers a tenting hardware option for improved ergonomics.
  • +Product listing explicitly states Mac/Win support.
  • +Includes a choice between FR4 or acrylic switch plates.
  • +Has customer reviews available to guide the build process.
  • −Price range is wider and can be more expensive than the V1.
  • −A customer review notes the 3mm acrylic switch plate may be too thick for switches to clip in securely.
  • −The tenting kit, according to a review, may require additional hardware for optimal use.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Sofle V2 is the more versatile kit, winning in office, programming, modding, and content creation due to its added features like screens, RGB, and tenting. For gaming and travel, both kits are equally matched (or mismatched) due to their shared wired-only, non-traditional split design. The V1 remains a viable choice for builders who want the core Sofle experience without the extra features and potential complexity.

GamingTie
  • •Both share the same split, ortholinear 58-key layout which is non-traditional for gaming.
  • •Both are wired-only and require the same Pro Micro controllers, offering no inherent latency advantage.
  • •Neither kit is pre-built or optimized for gaming out of the box.
OfficeKEEBD Sofle V2
  • •The V2's listing explicitly mentions Mac/Win support, while the V1's description does not.
  • •The V2 includes optional tenting hardware for improved ergonomics during long typing sessions.
  • •The V2's included OLED screens can display layer information or custom text, potentially aiding workflow.
ProgrammingKEEBD Sofle V2
  • •The V2's OLED screens are useful for monitoring active layers, which is critical for accessing symbols and functions on a layered layout.
  • •The split, ortholinear design of both reduces finger travel, but the V2's enhanced ergonomics with tenting may provide better long-term comfort.
  • •Both are hot-swappable, allowing for switch tuning to personal preference.
TravelTie
  • •Both are split designs that can be separated, potentially fitting into a bag more easily than a monolithic board.
  • •Neither offers wireless connectivity, requiring a wired connection to function.
  • •Both are DIY kits that must be assembled and are not pre-built portable units.
ModdingKEEBD Sofle V2
  • •The V2 supports per-key RGB lighting with SK6812mini LEDs, while the V1 has no RGB support mentioned.
  • •The V2 offers a choice between FR4 or acrylic switch plates and includes tenting hardware, providing more physical configuration options.
  • •Both are hot-swappable and support encoder installation, but the V2's PCB is designed for RGB integration.
Content CreationKEEBD Sofle V2
  • •The V2's RGB lighting and OLED screens offer more visual customization for streaming or video backgrounds.
  • •The optional encoders on the V2 can be mapped to media controls, zoom, or brush size adjustments.
  • •The split ergonomic design of both can help reduce strain during long editing sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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