What makes the Mechboards Plaid keyboard unique?

The Mechboards Plaid is a compact 4×12 ortholinear keyboard that features through-hole components, making it a great choice for DIY enthusiasts who enjoy assembling their own keyboards. Its design emphasizes simplicity and functionality.

How does an ortholinear layout benefit typing?

An ortholinear layout, like the one on the Plaid keyboard, arranges keys in a grid pattern, which can reduce finger movement and increase typing efficiency. Many users find it more comfortable over time compared to staggered layouts.

Is there any software support for the Plaid keyboard?

Yes, the Plaid keyboard is supported by QMK firmware, which allows for extensive customization of keymaps and functions. You can easily modify the layout to suit your typing needs and preferences.

What components do I need to complete the Plaid kit?

To complete the Plaid keyboard kit, you will need to purchase 50 switches separately. The kit comes with a pre-flashed Atmega328p microcontroller, but you'll need to solder the components onto the PCB.

Can I use any type of switch with the Mechboards Plaid?

The Plaid keyboard is compatible with a wide range of MX-style mechanical switches, allowing you to choose based on your preferred tactile feedback and actuation force.

What color is the PCB of the Plaid keyboard?

The PCB for the Plaid keyboard is now available in black, offering a sleek and modern aesthetic that complements the overall design.

Where can I find resources to help build the Plaid keyboard?

A comprehensive build guide and bill of materials (BOM) list are available to assist you in assembling the Plaid keyboard. These resources provide step-by-step instructions to ensure a smooth building process.

Is the Plaid keyboard open-source?

Yes, the Plaid keyboard is open-source and sold under the MIT License. This allows enthusiasts to freely modify and share their builds, fostering a community of innovation and collaboration.

Mechboards Plaid Kit Starting at $54.99

Name: Mechboards Plaid Kit
Brand: Mechboards
SKU: plaid-kit

Vendor	Location	Coupon Code	In Stock	Price (USD)	Link*
Mechboards Plaid Kit
	Global	-	Check vendor	Check vendor	Visit shop
Plaid Kit
	Shipping to US			$55 Out of stock	Visit Shop

Vendor

Location

Coupon Code

In Stock

Price (USD)

Link*

Mechboards Plaid Kit

Global

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Plaid Kit

Shipping to US

$55

Out of stock

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Compare Mechboards Plaid Kit vs Epomaker Luma40 vs Keychron Q9 Specification

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

Model	Mechboards Plaid Kit	Epomaker Luma40	Keychron Q9
		87	95
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	5.0 stars (3 reviews)	4.6 stars (10 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2021 Offers No RGB lighting	Released in 2025 Has Clicky, Linear switch options Features a low-profile design Features N-key rollover Uses a Tray Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Equipped with a 1450 mAh battery Weighs about 410 g Sized at 21 x 240 x 87 mm Features PC keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting	Released in 2022 Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard Offers Split Spacebar ergonomics Comes with a knob Includes screw-in stabilizers Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Weighs about 1050 g Sized at 20 x 94 x 326 mm Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 42 Build Quality: 58.2 Productivity: 47.2 Customizability: 55.1 Portability: 60.6	Scores Performance: 74.7 Build Quality: 79.8 Productivity: 88.2 Customizability: 86.6 Portability: 86.7	Scores Performance: 65.8 Build Quality: 91 Productivity: 94.4 Customizability: 97.1 Portability: 70.3
Name	Name Mechboards Plaid Kit	Name Epomaker Luma40	Name Keychron Q9
Release year	Release year 2021	Release year 2025	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options Clicky, Linear	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Low Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 40%	Layout Size 40%	Layout Size 40%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Ortholinear	Layout Ergonomics Ortholinear	Layout Ergonomics Split Spacebar
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 Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 1450 mAh	Battery capacity -
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 Tray Mount	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, North-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material -	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material PC	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions 21 x 240 x 87 mm	Dimensions 20 x 94 x 326 mm
Weight	Weight -	Weight 410g	Weight 1050g

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Product Description

The Mechboards Plaid is a compact 4×12 ortholinear keyboard kit designed for hobbyists comfortable with soldering and building their own keyboard. It suits users who want a fully customizable layout through QMK firmware and prefer a straightforward, through-hole component assembly. This kit requires sourcing switches separately, making it ideal for those who want to select their own switch type and sound profile.

Key Features

Ortholinear 4×12 layout offers a grid-style key arrangement, which can improve typing efficiency for some users.
Pre-flashed Atmega328p microcontroller with bootloader simplifies initial setup and firmware updates.
Supports QMK firmware, allowing extensive customization of keymaps and layers.
Through-hole components enable easier soldering and repair compared to surface-mount designs.

Build Quality

PCB is now black, which may appeal to users preferring a darker aesthetic.
Kit form requires manual assembly, including soldering switches and components.
Sold under an open-source MIT license, providing transparency and community support.

Compatibility

Fully programmable via QMK, compatible with major operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Ortholinear layout may require adjustment for users accustomed to staggered keys.

Trade-offs

Requires purchasing and soldering 50 switches separately, which adds to build time and complexity.
No case or plate included, so additional parts may be needed for a complete build.
Lacks wireless connectivity options, limiting use to wired setups only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)