# otf-kit vs Chakra UI — picking a UI library in 2026

> Chakra UI is a mature web-only component library with a beloved style-prop API. otf-kit ships the same prop ergonomics but on web AND React Native, plus full-stack kits with auth + Stripe wired.
> Source: https://otf-kit.dev/compare/otf-kit-vs-chakra-ui

- **Compared with:** Chakra UI (https://chakra-ui.com)
- **Verdict:** Pick Chakra UI if you only ship web React and love the style-prop API for rapid prototyping. Pick otf-kit if you need cross-platform reach (web + iOS + Android), or want a starter that includes auth, payments, and a database.
- **Best for:** React + React Native developers, Cross-platform startups, Teams comparing component libraries with style-prop APIs

## TL;DR

Chakra UI was the gold standard for "ergonomic React component libraries" for years — its style-prop API (`<Box bg="blue.500" p={4}>`) felt like a productivity cheat code. The downside: web-only, and an unopinionated runtime that costs CSS-in-JS bundle weight.

otf-kit is the cross-platform answer. The web side uses Tailwind under the hood (zero runtime CSS); the native side uses Tamagui, which gives you the same prop-based ergonomics on iOS/Android. If you've outgrown a CSS-in-JS runtime or you're shipping mobile, otf-kit is the upgrade path.

## Feature matrix

| | otf-kit | Chakra UI |
|---|---|---|
| **Platforms** | Web + iOS + Android | Web only |
| **Distribution** | npm (`@otfdashkit/ui`) | npm (`@chakra-ui/react`) |
| **Component count** | 198+ web · 80+ native | ~80 web |
| **Styling engine** | Tailwind v4 (web) · Tamagui (native) | Emotion (CSS-in-JS) |
| **Runtime cost** | Zero — Tailwind is build-time | Emotion runtime in every bundle |
| **Themes** | 17 designed themes shipped | Theme tokens + a single default |
| **Full-stack kits** | SaaS Dashboard ($99) · Fitness ($99) | None |
| **Style-prop ergonomics** | Available via Tamagui on native | Yes (Box / Flex / Stack with shorthand) |
| **TypeScript** | Strict, runtime-validated | Strict |
| **Pricing** | SDK free · Kits $99 each | Free, MIT |

## When Chakra UI wins

- You're **web-only** and the prop-based styling API matches your team's preferences.
- You like Chakra's responsive-array prop pattern (`p={[2, 4, 6]}`) for breakpoints.
- You've already invested in Chakra v3 and the migration cost outweighs the cross-platform upside.
- You don't need full-stack kits — components are enough.

## When otf-kit wins

- You're shipping **cross-platform** (Expo + Next.js). Chakra doesn't run on RN.
- You want **zero CSS-in-JS runtime** on the web. Tailwind is build-time; CSS-in-JS adds parse + serialize per render.
- You need a **full-stack starting point** — our paid kits include Hono + Drizzle + Better Auth + Stripe + demo data.
- You want **17 designed themes** picker-driven, not just a tokens object.

## Code comparison — same `Button`

```tsx
// Chakra UI
import { Button } from '@chakra-ui/react'

<Button colorScheme="blue" size="md">Click me</Button>
```

```tsx
// otf-kit
import { Button } from '@otfdashkit/ui'

<Button variant="default" size="md">Click me</Button>
```

The native side has the identical import shape:

```tsx
// otf-kit on React Native
import { Button } from '@otfdashkit/ui-native'

<Button variant="default" size="md">Click me</Button>
```

## Migrating from Chakra to otf-kit

The mental model is similar — both libraries lean on a token system and a small set of layout primitives. Migration steps:

1. `bun add @otfdashkit/ui @otfdashkit/tokens`
2. Map Chakra tokens (`gray.700`, `space.4`) to otf-kit's CSS-variable tokens (`--gray-700`, `--space-4`)
3. Replace `<Box>` with `<div>` (with Tailwind classes) on the web, or `<Stack>` from `@otfdashkit/ui-native` on native
4. Rebuild your design tokens from Chakra's theme via [Design Token Migrator →](/tools/design-token-migrator)

## FAQ

**Is otf-kit's web side as ergonomic as Chakra's Box API?**
Different model. Chakra's runtime style-prop is great for rapid prototyping; otf-kit leans on Tailwind for zero-runtime cost. Most teams find the trade worthwhile once bundle size or SSR latency starts mattering.

**Can I use Chakra and otf-kit together?**
You can, but the styling engines collide (Emotion vs Tailwind). Pick one design system per app — mixing them adds bundle weight without a real win.

## Try otf-kit

The free SDK works for unlimited components on web + native.

- [Free SDK on npm →](https://www.npmjs.com/package/@otfdashkit/ui)
- [Live component preview →](/components)
- [Compare otf-kit vs shadcn/ui →](/compare/otf-kit-vs-shadcn-ui)
- [Compare otf-kit vs Mantine →](/compare/otf-kit-vs-mantine)