Which MinimalPad Should You Buy?
The short answer:
Both versions use the same MinimalPad PCB, 4x4 layout, rotary encoder, and ZMK firmware. The kit is not cheaper because it uses worse parts. It costs less because you do the assembly yourself.
MinimalPad is a one-person project. I work on it from my home office in Amsterdam, where I pack every kit and hand-assemble every finished MinimalPad. There is no factory line or outsourced fulfillment behind it.
The DIY Kit
The DIY Kit is the most affordable way to get a MinimalPad because I send you the parts and you provide the tools, experience, and assembly time.
The Barebones Kit starts at $34.99. In the configurator, you choose your controller, switches, keycaps, and case, and then solder and assemble the macropad at home.
MinimalPad is a small and relatively straightforward keyboard project, but I recommend having some soldering experience before you begin. You should already be comfortable using a soldering iron, solder, and flux, and know how to recognize and fix a poor solder joint.
You will also need your own soldering tools and consumables. These are not included with the kit, and no MinimalPad ships with a battery.
I would recommend the kit if:
It can be a great first keyboard build, but I would not recommend it as the first time you have ever used a soldering iron.
If you run into trouble, you will not be left on your own. I have written a complete assembly guide, and I am happy to help you troubleshoot problems such as reversed diodes, poor solder joints, unresponsive switches, or firmware issues.
The Assembled MinimalPad
Choose the assembled version if you want to use your MinimalPad without turning it into a soldering project.
I assemble every finished MinimalPad myself in my home office. I solder the components, flash the firmware, test every key, check the rotary encoder, inspect the board, and package it myself.
The additional cost of the assembled version mainly covers the time it takes me to build and test your unit by hand. Because each one is built to order, it normally takes around one week before shipping.
Pricing starts at:
I would recommend the assembled version if:
Nice!Nano V2 or Clone?
Both controllers run ZMK and provide the same core wireless MinimalPad features.
The Clone controller is the best-value option. It is a sensible choice if you are building your first macropad, experimenting with ZMK, or simply want to keep the total cost down.
The Nice!Nano V2 is the premium option and the controller I would personally choose when build quality, community support, and long-term confidence matter more than the lowest possible price. It is the original board on which many wireless keyboard projects are based.
For most people, I recommend starting with the Clone. Choose the Nice!Nano V2 if you specifically want the original, better-supported controller.
A Note About Batteries
No MinimalPad ships with a battery. Lithium batteries are difficult and expensive to ship internationally, so you will need to source one locally for a wireless build.
You need a 3.7V LiPo battery with a JST 2.0 connector. The battery cutout inside the case is 76 mm wide, 46 mm tall, and 7 mm deep, so make sure the battery fits within all three dimensions.
Battery capacity can vary as long as the physical size fits the cutout. Check the connector polarity before connecting the battery.
My Honest Recommendation
If you already know how to solder and have the tools, get the DIY Kit. It gives you the complete MinimalPad experience for less money, and the build itself can be genuinely satisfying.
If you need to buy all the tools or would be learning to solder from zero, the assembled version will probably be the better value. I will do the bench work, test everything, and send you a MinimalPad that is ready to configure and use.
Whichever version you choose, it comes from the same place: my desk in Amsterdam.
