Since we have chosen Mixly as the software, we will select from products that support Mixly. Let’s take a look at the types of hardware supported by Mixly:

Officially provided extension libraries

ESP8266 is a third-party open-source WiFi module, which we will ignore. Shengsi (robot and box products), RuiLong, LuBot, etc. are only sold to B-end markets, and related products cannot be found on Taobao and JD, making them unusable, so we will exclude them.

mBot and MakeBlock are products from the same company, representing their independent car products, and most of the block functions provided by Mixly are repetitive, so we will merge them and represent them with MakeBlock.

Thus, we will limit the comparison to five kits: DFRobot, MakeBlock, Microduino, Nova, and SeeedStudio.

Participating Kits

DFRobot Mixly Starter Kit ￥659

MakeBlock Starter Kit ￥849

Note: DFRobot has actually launched another kit very similar to the original Arduino starter kit, but there are no corresponding Blocks in Mixly, so this one is used as the standard.

Microduino mCookie201 Starter Kit ￥1349

StarLab Nova Starter Kit ￥398

SeeedStudio Starter Kit ￥379

Note: This kit does not include an Arduino mainboard.

Since this is a competition, the standards must be as fair and just as possible. We will score from the following aspects, with a total of 50 points; the higher the score, the better.

1. Completeness of Mixly Support (Total 10 points)

The number of corresponding product blocks in the Mixly software directly determines whether graphical programming can be performed with the corresponding components (Note 1).

Criteria: Scoring based on the number of blocks, types of functions (wireless, power, etc. modules), and richness of pre-made functions.

Scoring Explanation:

i. There can be no harm without comparison;

ii. Microduino and Mixly collaborated to launch a Mixly version that includes complete blocks for their devices (which need to be downloaded separately from the official website), including complete power device drivers (including stepper motor driver blocks), complete Bluetooth device tuning, music modules, GPS positioning and timing, digital full-color dot matrix modules, etc., allowing users without any programming foundation to easily drive and use their products. In this scoring, it is unmatched, which shows the manufacturer’s dedication to design and emphasis on graphical programming.

Here is an example of a Microduino Bluetooth/WiFi tuning block:

It is truly a crushing advantage!

2. Product Usability (Total 5 points)

For users with no foundation who are unfamiliar with breadboards, high and low levels, VCC, and GND interfaces, the ability to lower the learning threshold and allow users to quickly understand programming design ideas determines the score value for this item. The criteria are as follows:

Criterion 1: Is the interface foolproof?

Criterion 2: Are the materials universal (substitutability for damaged or lost items)?

In this scoring, all families are on par.

Scoring Explanation:

i: DFRobot’s products closely resemble the original Arduino, using PH2.0’s 3Pin foolproof design, which can be connected to expansion boards via 3Pin to Dupont female port; the manufacturer has also launched a dedicated conversion line to reduce the possibility of user errors, scoring 4 points because the starter kit provides Dupont wires! The manufacturer shows us through practical actions that foolproof ports can be used with Dupont wires.

ii: MakeBlock uses a similar network cable connector, which is the most secure connection of all materials.

iii: Nova provides three types of materials corresponding to three different devices, which are not interchangeable.

3. Expandability and Compatibility (Total 15 points)

As users deepen their learning, they will inevitably purchase additional components or switch back to the original Arduino platform or even other open-source platforms (such as Raspberry Pi). Products should not only meet entry-level needs but also ensure good connection and transition between devices and components during the user’s learning progression. This reflects the depth of the manufacturer’s product line design. The main scoring criteria are as follows:

Criterion 1: The richness of the manufacturer’s product line (Total 5 points)

Criterion 2: Interface universality (Total 5 points)

Criterion 3: Component reusability (Total 5 points)

Criterion 1: Number of modules

Criterion 2: Types and fields of modules involved

Scoring Explanation:

i. DFRobot’s starter kit uses Dupont wires, so compatibility is naturally worry-free;

ii. SeeedStudio’s expansion board has a 4Pin interface, with corresponding port numbers clearly marked on the board; each foolproof port has its pins labeled as GND, VCC, NC, Signal, making it easy to connect with third-party open-source hardware products using Dupont wires;

iii. MakeBlock uses RJ25 interfaces, and third-party hardware needs to connect through their own conversion board;

iv. Nova has changed the numbering rules of the onboard interfaces, dividing the interfaces into three types: S/C/A based on power and type; even if it connects according to digital or analog devices, it cannot use Mixly’s input/output blocks for control. Although the official website marks the corresponding digital ports on the back, the reduced quantity and changed order make it impossible for users to form a clear understanding of the Arduino mainboard.

v. Microduino has reduced its size but has not changed the Arduino’s numbering sequence; the ports in the block still use standard numbers like 3, 4, 5, A0, A1;

Criteria: The universality of the manufacturer’s products on third-party open-source devices

Scoring Explanation:

DFRobot’s products are rich in quantity, solidly made, and have good universality;

MakeBlock’s product interfaces limit the universality of components; the reason it does not score 0 is that the servo interface in the kit is a universal 3Pin port!

Microduino probably never thought of using its products with others, but Dupont wires are universal!

Nova’s main control board has poor compatibility, but the components are still fine;

i. SeeedStudio’s expansion board is perfectly compatible with the original Arduino board, all components connect seamlessly, and if switching platforms, components can still be connected to new devices using Dupont wires.

4. Manufacturer Technical Support (Total 5 points)

Users will inevitably become curious about the working principles, circuit connections, and principles of the components during their learning process. Comprehensive manufacturer technical support can be a good way for users to enhance and progress.

A wealth of cases and examples can greatly reduce the entry threshold for users and enhance learning enjoyment, while also reflecting the manufacturer’s technical strength and product line expansion thinking.

Criterion 1: Is there a dedicated technical website and how in-depth is the explanation?

Criterion 2: The richness of cases and courses.

Scoring Explanation:

i. DFRobot has a comprehensive product wiki encyclopedia, all in Chinese, with principles and source code;

ii. MakeBlock also has its own product wiki encyclopedia, with a Chinese index, but when entering specific component introductions, it becomes purely English, which is indeed prepared for “advanced” users. The manufacturer provides a wealth of robot cases and tutorials (including source code), with a certain technical depth, which can be played and researched. MakeBlock has also developed cross-platform programming software and control software for laser cutting machines.

iii. Microduino’s official website does not have obvious course displays, and the links are hidden deeply. The wiki has a corresponding introduction for each block of the Mixly software.

iv. Nova’s official homepage is in English, with no courses or forums.

v. SeeedStudio has a complete wiki and also provides PCB board production and model production (3D printing, CNC cutting) services, which can be customized on their official website.

5. Player Popularity (Total 5 points)

The core of technology products is to stimulate users’ creativity. Products with a large user base and high popularity will continuously generate new ideas, increasing the playability and educational significance of the devices. Whether innovative products have lasting vitality also depends on their ability to attract innovative users.

Criterion 1: Forum activity level

Criterion 2: Number of player works

i. DFRobot’s forum is very technical, highly active, and has many posts, making it a great place for advanced users to recharge. The player popularity is good, and the works are not limited to Arduino, but also include Raspberry Pi, 3D printing, laser cutting, etc.;

ii. MakeBlock’s forum is quite quiet, but the official website showcases a wealth of works, especially when language types are not restricted;

iii. Microduino’s forum is not much more lively than MakeBlock’s, and the user showcase cases on the official website are also relatively rich;

iv. English speakers can visit SeeedStudio’s forum for a wealth of information, the official website supports 20 languages, yet there is no Chinese, so it scores 3 points, as the Chinese official website is used for introductions and link redirections.

6. Creativity (Total 5 points)

Scoring Explanation:

i. MakeBlock’s biggest highlight is its flexible structural components; this kit allows any component to be flexibly fixed on its structural components to quickly create complete works, with both texture and technological feel;

ii. Microduino cleverly hugs the leg of LEGO, using LEGO to achieve structure while its own products compensate for the shortcomings of LEGO graphical programming, which is very attractive for LEGO players. Giving it 4 points is only because it just “sticks” to LEGO; since LEGO’s sensors and motors support I2C protocol, why not design an expansion board to “utilize” it? Using LEGO structure to build a car while using third-party motors feels a bit odd.

iii. Nova’s sensors and board have slot designs that can conveniently combine with laser-cut boards; if the model design is reasonable, assembly can be done without screws or glue, making it easy to disassemble.

7. Product Price (5 points)

The scoring here uses the method of: kit price/component quantity to approximate the average selling price of each component; although not precise, it reflects each family’s pricing strategy;

Scoring Explanation:

i. The types and quantities of components in each starter kit vary, making the prices of the kits incomparable.

ii. Even if all kits were supplemented to the same components, it would be difficult (Microduino and Nova have too few sensors), and all open-source hardware components are universal, so users may also choose third-party products;

iii. Cables and other items are not included in the price calculation.

iv. The average price is very close to the average selling price of various components on Taobao.

Combining all the above items, the scores and rankings are as follows:

Summary:

i. DFRobot, a solid “original” Arduino kit, and Microduino, a colorful and lively “alternative” Arduino kit, tie for first place;

ii. DFRobot pays great attention to the experience of domestic users and is deeply rooted in the domestic market, while SeeedStudio, Microduino, and MakeBlock focus more on the foreign market;

iii. SeeedStudio is an old PCB manufacturing company, and its component production and R&D capabilities are the strongest among several companies, although it has not invested much in user experience;

iv. MakeBlock and Microduino pay great attention to user experience and have made significant efforts in software development.

v. The Nova kit developed by StarLab scored below passing, and its sales on Taobao also reflect the market’s acceptance of its products.

DFRobot and SeeedStudio are solid and standard, focusing on the open-source hardware field, with DFRobot being the domestic general agent for Arduino and SparkFun products.

SeeedStudio has the richest hardware in open-source products among the companies, and its R&D capabilities are also the strongest. It ranks third globally in the open-source hardware market and is the only one among the companies to provide Propagate services (from PCB manufacturing, component soldering, material procurement, finished product testing, logistics, etc., developers only need to provide product ideas), providing developers and designers with a complete package solution.

SeeedStudio has invested in establishing the Shenzhen Chaihuo Maker Space.

Both companies’ forums are excellent places for learning.

The price of SeeedStudio’s kits is moderate, the interfaces are foolproof, and the Mixly software programming is convenient, making it very suitable for entry training and event use.

The interfaces of the expansion board are clearly marked and easy to connect. In addition to the foolproof ports, it also retains two rows of direct insert Dupont ports, allowing for the simultaneous use of third-party open-source components.

Microduino’s biggest feature is its compatibility with LEGO.

LEGO WeDo and EV3 can perform graphical programming, but due to software limitations, they cannot achieve complex functions and program logic, and the number of sensors in the kit is limited, which is the strength of the open-source Arduino platform.

LEGO’s snap-on components are numerous, flexible in assembly, and easy to disassemble, Microduino seamlessly integrates Arduino into LEGO, compensating for LEGO’s shortcomings and opening up a huge market space for itself.

Microduino’s collaboration with Mixly has developed a special version with powerful functions, allowing users without programming foundations to easily operate hardware without complex tuning to enjoy the fun brought by the Internet of Things, which is unmatched by the other companies.

MakeBlock is the only company among the few that provides complete structural and functional modules, and its Arduino products do not have highlights; its biggest highlight is the flexible structural components and complete power modules.

Similar to LEGO, it can be quickly assembled, but with better strength and suitable for building large-sized works, the introduction of open-source hardware gives its structure a soul, and combined with power, the product gains vitality.MakeBlock not only offers robots, cars, and robotic arms but also3D printers and laser cutting machines, ready to use, fun, and cool, making MakeBlock’s products suitable for robot and mechanical enthusiasts.

The manufacturer is very attentive to its products, providing complete software, mobile, and tablet programming clients for easy user access;

MakeBlock includes motors, servos, and stepper motors, which are three core power sources in the industry, making it suitable for users to learn and master the principles and controls of these three power sources.

For beginners, starting with mBot is a good option.

Note 1: Although there are no corresponding blocks, all input and output devices can also be controlled through digital and analog port reading and writing, but this is too similar to Arduino IDE coding, which deviates from the core of graphical programming and does not meet the needs of users with no foundation.

Links to previous articles

1. “When LEGO Meets Arduino: How to Control LEGO Components Externally”

2. “When LEGO Meets Arduino: LEGO PM2.5 Detector”

3. “When LEGO Meets Arduino: LEGO Invites You to Dinner~”

4. “When LEGO Meets Arduino: Infrared Control for Proximity”

5. “When LEGO Meets Arduino: Bluetooth Control for Proximity”

6. “To Listen to Christmas Vinyl Records, We DIYed a Turntable”

7. “Wearable and Washable Arduino–Lilypad & Flora”

8. “Mixly–A Powerful Arduino Graphical Programming Tool”

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