What is the Mechboards Gherkin keyboard?

The Mechboards Gherkin is a compact 30% mechanical keyboard kit that offers a minimalist approach to typing. It's perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate a small form factor and enjoy customizing their keyboard from the ground up.

How many keys does the Gherkin have?

The Gherkin features a 30-key layout, which is significantly smaller than standard keyboards. This ultra-compact design is ideal for those who want to maximize desk space or prefer a portable keyboard option.

What components are included in the Gherkin kit?

The Gherkin kit comes with a Gherkin PCB, a case, standoffs and screws, diodes, and IC pins. However, you'll need to purchase 30 switches and a compatible controller separately to complete the build.

Do I need any additional parts to build the Gherkin keyboard?

Yes, apart from the components included in the kit, you will need to buy 30 mechanical switches and a microcontroller, such as a Pro Micro, to assemble the Gherkin keyboard fully.

Is the Gherkin keyboard suitable for beginners?

While the Gherkin is a fun project, it requires some soldering skills and understanding of keyboard assembly. Beginners can certainly take on the challenge, but they might need to do a bit of research or seek guidance from more experienced builders.

Can I customize the Gherkin's layout?

Absolutely! The Gherkin's firmware can be customized to suit your typing preferences. You can reprogram the key layout using tools like QMK, making it a versatile choice for those who love to personalize their typing experience.

What makes the Gherkin keyboard unique?

The Gherkin stands out due to its ultra-compact size and the level of customization it offers. It's a fantastic choice for enthusiasts who enjoy building and programming their own keyboards, and its minimalist design is perfect for a clutter-free workspace.

Where can I find resources to help build the Gherkin?

The Gherkin was designed by 40percent.club and released on Github, where you can find comprehensive resources, guides, and community support to help you with your build.

What kind of switches can I use with the Gherkin?

The Gherkin is compatible with any standard MX-style mechanical switches. This allows you to choose from a wide range of switches based on your tactile preference, whether you prefer clicky, tactile, or linear switches.

Mechboards Gherkin Kit Starting at $26.99

Name: Mechboards Gherkin Kit
Brand: Mechboards
SKU: gherkin-kit

Vendor	Location	Coupon Code	In Stock	Price (USD)	Link*
Mechboards Gherkin Kit
	Global	-	Check vendor	Check vendor	Visit shop
Gherkin Kit
	Shipping to US			$27	Visit Shop

Vendor

Location

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In Stock

Price (USD)

Link*

Mechboards Gherkin Kit

Global

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Gherkin Kit

Shipping to US

$27

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Compare Mechboards Gherkin Kit vs Apos Preonic Rev 4 Ortholinear vs KBDFans TOFU PAD Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!

Model	Mechboards Gherkin Kit	Apos Preonic Rev 4 Ortholinear	KBDFans TOFU PAD
		66	83
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2021	Has Linear, Clicky, Tactile, Silent switch options Supports QMK firmware Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Made with a Aluminum case Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting	Offers Normal ergonomics Supports VIA configuration Supports VIAL configuration Has built-in sound dampening Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Supports Wired, Wireless, Bluetooth connectivity Equipped with a 1000 mAh battery Made with a Aluminum, Copper, Steel case
Score	Scores Performance: 42.6 Build Quality: 51.9 Productivity: 44 Customizability: 46.1 Portability: 60.5	Scores Performance: 60.7 Build Quality: 66.3 Productivity: 55.8 Customizability: 68.1 Portability: 65.7	Scores Performance: 52.4 Build Quality: 90.6 Productivity: 75.6 Customizability: 82.4 Portability: 80.7
Name	Name Mechboards Gherkin Kit	Name Apos Preonic Rev 4 Ortholinear	Name KBDFans TOFU PAD
Release year	Release year 2021	Release year 2026	Release year 2026
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options Linear, Clicky, Tactile, Silent	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size Numpad	Layout Size Numpad	Layout Size Numpad
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Ortholinear	Layout Ergonomics Ortholinear	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Wired, Wireless, Bluetooth
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 1000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style -	Mount Style -	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight	Backlight Rgb	Backlight
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material -	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum, Copper, Steel
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material -
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight -	Weight -

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Product Description

The Mechboards Gherkin is a 30% keyboard kit designed for hobbyists who enjoy building and customizing compact layouts. It provides the core hardware components needed to assemble a small, highly portable keyboard but requires users to supply switches and a controller separately. This kit suits users comfortable with DIY assembly and interested in a minimalist, space-saving design.

Key Features

Includes PCB, case, standoffs, screws, diodes, and IC pins, providing the essential hardware to build the keyboard.
Designed by 40percent.club and released under an open license, allowing for community-driven customization and firmware options.
30% layout offers a very compact footprint, saving desk space and increasing portability.

Build and Assembly

Kit format requires users to add their own switches and controller, offering flexibility in switch choice and firmware.
Case and mounting hardware included, but material details are unknown, which may affect durability and typing feel.

Compatibility and Customization

Open-source design supports custom firmware, enabling remapping and advanced key programming.
Layout is fixed at 30%, which limits key availability compared to larger keyboards, potentially requiring layer use for full functionality.

Trade-offs

Requires additional components and assembly skills, making it less suitable for users seeking a ready-to-use keyboard.
Very small layout may reduce typing efficiency for users who prefer standard key arrangements.
Unknown case material and acoustic properties may affect long-term durability and typing sound.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)