Lily58 vs Sofle: Which 58-Key Split Keyboard Should You Choose?

If you've narrowed down your split keyboard search to 58 keys, you've almost certainly come across both the Lily58 and the Sofle. They're the two most popular layouts in this key count, and on paper they look nearly identical: both are columnar stagger, both have a number row, both support QMK firmware.

So what's actually different? And which one should you buy?

This comparison breaks down the real differences between the two layouts and helps you decide based on your specific priorities.

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The Basics: What They Have in Common

Before getting into the differences, it's worth acknowledging how similar these two keyboards are:

• Both have 58 keys total
• Both use a columnar stagger layout
• Both include a full number row
• Both support QMK, VIA, and VIAL firmware
• Both use MX-compatible switches
• Both are widely available as prebuilt keyboards

If you're choosing between them based purely on layout philosophy, you're splitting hairs. Both are excellent 58-key split keyboards. The differences come down to specific details that may or may not matter depending on how you type and what you want from the keyboard.

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Key Difference 1: Rotary Encoders

Sofle: Yes, one encoder per half (two total) Lily58: No encoders

This is the most significant practical difference between the two keyboards. The Sofle V2 includes a rotary encoder on each half — a physical knob you can turn and press. In VIAL, you assign separate actions to clockwise rotation, counterclockwise rotation, and pressing the encoder. Common uses include volume control, scrolling, zoom in/out, and undo/redo.

The Lily58 has no encoders. If physical knobs are important to your workflow — and many users find them genuinely useful once they have them — the Sofle is the clear choice.

If you've never used a keyboard with encoders and aren't sure whether you'd use them, this difference may not matter to you at first. But most users who try a keyboard with encoders end up missing them when they don't have them.

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Key Difference 2: Thumb Cluster Layout

Both keyboards have 4 thumb keys per half, but they're arranged differently.

Sofle V2 thumb cluster: The four keys are arranged in an arc that curves slightly inward toward the center. The two inner keys (closest to the center of the keyboard) are the most naturally positioned for most thumbs.

Lily58 thumb cluster: Slightly different arc geometry, with the keys positioned at a marginally different angle. Some users find the Lily58's thumb cluster more comfortable; others prefer the Sofle's. This is genuinely subjective and depends on your hand size and how you hold your thumbs at rest.

If you can, try to find photos or videos of both keyboards from the user's perspective to see which thumb cluster geometry looks more natural for your hands. In practice, both work well and the difference is subtle.

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Key Difference 3: Inner Column Keys

Sofle V2: Includes an extra column of keys on the inner edge of each half — typically used for keys like B, N, or additional modifiers. This gives the Sofle a slightly wider footprint but more key real estate.

Lily58: Has a similar inner column arrangement but with slightly different key positioning relative to the home row.

Both keyboards have 6 columns of keys per half (plus the thumb cluster). The exact position of the innermost column varies slightly between the two designs, which affects how comfortably you can reach those keys without moving your hand.

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Key Difference 4: Barebone Availability

The Lily58 is commonly available as a barebone kit — meaning you get the PCB, case, and electronics, but supply your own switches and keycaps. This makes it popular with users who already have preferred switches or keycaps, or who want to build out the keyboard exactly to their specifications.

The Sofle V2 is more commonly available as a complete prebuilt keyboard with switches and keycaps included, though barebone versions exist as well.

If you want to bring your own switches, the Lily58 barebone is a natural choice. If you want everything included and ready to use, the Sofle V2 prebuilt is the easier path.

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Key Difference 5: Community and Documentation

The Sofle has a slightly larger community presence in the ergonomic keyboard hobby, partly because the V2 revision addressed several issues from the original Sofle design and became very popular quickly. More build guides, keymaps, and community posts exist for the Sofle V2.

The Lily58 has a strong community as well and is a well-documented keyboard, but the Sofle has a slight edge in the volume of available resources if you need troubleshooting help or inspiration for custom keymaps.

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Side-by-Side Comparison

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Which Should You Choose?

Choose the Sofle V2 if:

• You want rotary encoders (volume, scroll, zoom)
• You want a complete prebuilt keyboard ready to use
• You're a beginner and want the most community resources available
• You're not sure about switches yet and want hot-swap flexibility

Choose the Lily58 if:

• You already have switches and keycaps you want to use
• You specifically want a barebone kit
• Encoders don't matter to you
• You prefer the Lily58's thumb cluster geometry after comparing the two

If you genuinely can't decide: Go with the Sofle V2. The rotary encoders add functionality that most users end up appreciating, and the slightly larger community makes it easier to find help and inspiration. The Lily58 is an excellent keyboard, but the Sofle V2 has more going for it as a first purchase.

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A Note on the Lily58 vs Lotus58

You may also encounter the Lotus58, which is sometimes confused with the Lily58. The Lotus58 is a separate design inspired by the Lily58 with some modifications to the case and PCB. It's less common as a prebuilt option and more of a DIY community build. If you see "Lotus 58" in search results, it's a different keyboard from the Lily58, though the layouts are similar.

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Both Keyboards at Artkeeb

Both the Sofle V2 and the Lily58 are available at Artkeeb:

• The Sofle V2 ships as a complete prebuilt keyboard with switches, keycaps, and encoders included. Available in wired (QMK VIA) and wireless (2.4G VIAL) versions.
• The Lily58 is available as a barebone wireless kit — PCB, case, and 2.4G electronics included. Bring your own MX switches and keycaps.

Shop Sofle V2 → Shop Lily58 →