MakeX Starter Competition Kit vs MakeX Robot Kit: Which Competition Setup Fits Your Team?

Quick answer

For most school teams and classrooms entering MakeX, the Codey Rocky Class Pack offers the easiest start with no building and block-based coding. If your team already has mBot robots and wants to expand into competition tasks, the Servo Cat Add-on Pack is a low-cost way to add mechanical variety. For a full competition setup with advanced control modules, the MakerSpace Kits Electronic Modules 5 is the most capable option, but it costs significantly more and suits teams with existing hardware and experience.

Choosing a competition robot kit often comes down to how much building, coding, and budget your team can handle. MakeX offers several paths, from ready-to-run classroom packs to modular electronics kits that grow with your students. This comparison looks at three Makeblock options that fit different stages of competition readiness.

We will compare the Codey Rocky Class Pack, the Servo Cat Add-on Pack, and the MakerSpace Kits Electronic Modules 5 on the supplied facts. You will see where each one saves time, where it adds capability, and which trade-offs matter for a school team or club.

What each kit actually includes

The Codey Rocky Class Pack is built for groups: it engages 1-2 students per pack with one robot, and includes 10+ electronic modules for emotional expression. No building is needed, so students can start coding immediately with block-based or Python programming. The Servo Cat Add-on Pack transforms an existing mBot into a dancing, head-shaking, or light-emitting cat, with instructions to assemble in about 10 minutes. It does not include mBot.

The MakerSpace Kits Electronic Modules 5 is a collection of mechanical and electronic parts for schools creating a makerspace. It includes remote-control-related electronic modules and is designed for maker events or robotics competitions. Unlike the other two, it assumes you have compatible structural parts and a way to program the modules.

• Check whether your team already owns mBot or other Makeblock hardware before buying an add-on pack.
• For classrooms, count students per pack: Codey Rocky supports 1-2 students per robot.

Coding and control differences

Codey Rocky uses the mBlock platform for block-based and Python programming, which makes it a gentle entry into competition-style coding. The Servo Cat Add-on Pack is controlled via the free mBlock Blockly App, so students can learn graphical programming while customizing movements. The MakerSpace Kits Electronic Modules 5 focuses on remote-control modules, which suggests a different control approach suited to driver practice and hardware integration.

If your competition requires autonomous routines, Codey Rocky and mBot with add-ons give you a clear coding path. If your event emphasizes remote-controlled mechanisms or custom electronics, the MakerSpace kit provides the building blocks but expects more setup and troubleshooting from mentors.

• Match the kit’s programming environment to your team’s current skill level to avoid frustration.
• Remote-control modules are not a substitute for autonomous coding practice if your rules require it.

Scalability and cost trade-offs

The Codey Rocky Class Pack is priced at USD 78.00 (catalog comparison price USD 155.99) and offers bulk benefits like a Bluetooth remote controller when buying 6 pieces. That makes it affordable for a full classroom or multiple small teams. The Servo Cat Add-on Pack is USD 18.00 (catalog comparison price USD 35.99), a low-cost way to add variety to existing mBot robots. The MakerSpace Kits Electronic Modules 5 is USD 349.50 (catalog comparison price USD 699.00), a significant investment aimed at schools building a makerspace or supporting advanced competition teams.

The trade-off is clear: lower-cost kits limit mechanical complexity but get students coding fast. The higher-cost MakerSpace kit expands what you can build and control, but only pays off if you already have compatible parts and mentors who can guide open-ended projects.

• Start with a small number of kits to test student engagement before committing to a full makerspace.
• Remember that add-on packs like Servo Cat require an existing mBot, which is not included.

Trade-offs to weigh before you buy

• Assembly time vs. coding time: Codey Rocky requires no building, so students spend more time coding. Servo Cat and MakerSpace kits involve assembly and integration, which can eat into practice time. Choose no-build kits for beginners; choose build kits if mechanical skills are part of your goals.
• Upfront cost vs. long-term flexibility: Codey Rocky Class Pack is USD 78.00 and supports 1-2 students. Servo Cat is USD 18.00 but needs mBot. MakerSpace Kits Electronic Modules 5 is USD 349.50 and offers advanced modules for custom builds. Start with low-cost kits to gauge interest, then invest in MakerSpace only if you have compatible parts and mentors.
• Remote control vs. autonomous programming: MakerSpace kit includes remote-control modules, which suit driver practice. Codey Rocky and mBot add-ons focus on block-based and Python coding for autonomous behavior. Match the kit to your competition rules: if autonomous is required, prioritize coding-focused kits.

Product facts at a glance

• Makeblock Codey Rocky Coding Robot for Beginners Class Pack for Schools & Groups: Engage 1-2 students per pack with 1 robot. Interactive emo robot with 10+ electronic modules. No building needed, easy to use. Designed to help educators teach block-based and Python programming. Ideal for classrooms new to robotics; students can start coding immediately without assembly time.
• Servo Cat Robot 3-in-1 Add-on Pack for mBot: Transform your mBot to Dancing Cat, Head-Shaking Cat, Light-Emitting Cat, or anything you can imagine. Instruction included teaches assembly with mBot within 10 minutes. Free mBlock Blockly App for control and graphical programming. A cheap way to add mechanical creativity to existing mBot robots, but requires mBot (not included).
• MakerSpace Kits - Electronic Modules 5: Includes a wide range of Makeblock mechanical and electronic parts for schools to create a MakerSpace. Includes remote control-related electronic modules. Designed for maker events or robotics competitions. Best for schools with existing hardware and mentors ready to build custom competition setups; higher cost and complexity.

Which kit fits your team?

Best for

• Classrooms and new teams wanting a no-build, low-cost start with block-based and Python coding (Codey Rocky Class Pack).
• Teams that already own mBot and want to add mechanical variety and creative expression for under USD 20 (Servo Cat Add-on Pack).
• Schools with existing Makeblock hardware and experienced mentors building a makerspace or advanced competition setup (MakerSpace Kits Electronic Modules 5).

Not for

• Teams needing advanced remote-control modules out of the box (choose MakerSpace kit instead of Codey Rocky).
• Groups without an mBot (Servo Cat Add-on Pack requires mBot, not included).
• Beginners or tight budgets looking for a complete ready-to-run robot (MakerSpace kit requires additional parts and programming).

There is no single best MakeX kit for every team. Match the kit to your students’ experience, your competition rules, and your budget. Start with Codey Rocky for beginners, add Servo Cat for mBot owners, and consider MakerSpace Kits Electronic Modules 5 when you are ready for advanced, open-ended builds.