KEEBD Sofle V1 vs Sofle V2
Choose the Sofle V2 for its RGB lighting, included screen, and tenting hardware, or the V1 for a simpler, more basic split keyboard build.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
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.
Get the
KEEBD Sofle V2
Mac & Windows
- Includes per-key RGB support with SK6812mini LEDs.
- Offers a tenting hardware option for improved ergonomics.
- Product listing explicitly states Mac/Win support.
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.
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 Sofle V1
KEEBD Sofle V2
Display
None
Yes
A case display rather than a typing feature
Backlight
None
RGB
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
Mac & Windows
No
Yes
- KEEBD Sofle V1
- KEEBD Sofle V2
- Performance
- 3745
- Build quality
- 4144
- Productivity
- 4656
- Customizability
- 5379
- Portability
- 6467
- Hot-swappable
- Ergonomics: Split
- Switch options: Tactile
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
It's a tie
- 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.
KEEBD Sofle V1 vs Sofle V2 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
3 of 12 specs differ
KEEBD Sofle V1
KEEBD Sofle V2
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Backlight
Mac & Windows
Released
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KEEBD Sofle V1 vs Sofle V2: your questions
The primary difference is that the Sofle V2 kit adds per-key RGB lighting support, includes optional tenting hardware, and explicitly offers Mac/Windows compatibility. The V1 kit lacks these specific features according to the vendor descriptions.
No, both the Sofle V1 and V2 are sold as DIY kits. They require the builder to solder components like hot-swap sockets and diodes, and to source separate Pro Micro controllers, switches, and keycaps to complete the build.
No, neither kit includes keycaps or MX switches. Both listings state these are 'Required to Complete' items that the buyer must purchase separately.
Yes, both the V1 and V2 kits support the installation of rotary encoders. They are listed as optional items in the kit descriptions for both models.
The Sofle V2 description mentions 'Tenting Hardware (if chosen)' is included. A customer review details this includes bolts and a limited number of plastic nuts and 'feet' (hand nuts), noting you may need extra hardware for finer adjustment or to protect your desk.
Yes, both kits include 58 Kailh hotswap sockets according to their respective parts lists, allowing for tool-free switch changes after assembly.
Both kits require you to purchase two Pro Micro controllers separately. The vendor also sells optional EZ-Solder Headers to enable controller hot-swapping after the initial build.
Yes, both the Sofle V1 and V2 kits include two OLED displays and two acrylic OLED covers as part of the package.
The Sofle V2 offers a choice: it includes two FR4 switch plates for a normal build, or two acrylic switch plates if the tenting option is selected. A review notes the acrylic plate is 3mm thick.
If you value RGB lighting, plan to use the tenting feature, or want explicit Mac/Windows support, the V2 is worth the potential extra cost. If you want a basic split keyboard and do not need those features, the V1 may be sufficient.
The Sofle V2 product description mentions that precompiled firmware can be found via a link. The V1 description does not mention firmware, but as open-source designs, both typically run QMK or compatible firmware like KMK, as noted in a V2 review.
A customer review for the V2 mentions that the 3mm acrylic switch plate can be too thick for switches to clip in securely, and that the diode markings on the PCB can be faint, requiring careful soldering and a multimeter for troubleshooting.
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