Building a custom mechanical keyboard involves selecting individual components, assembling them with care, and tuning for performance and aesthetics. It's a rewarding hobby that blends engineering, design, and personal expression.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the process:
Key Components You’ll Need
To build a custom mechanical keyboard, you’ll need to source and select the following parts:
Keyboard Case: The outer shell that holds everything together. Available in materials like plastic, aluminum, or acrylic.
PCB (Printed Circuit Board): The heart of the keyboard that connects switches to the computer.
Plate: Sits between the PCB and switches, providing structure and affecting typing feel.
Switches: Mechanical switches come in various types (linear, tactile, clicky) and brands (Cherry MX, Gateron, etc.).
Stabilizers: Used for larger keys like spacebar and shift to prevent wobbling.
Keycaps: The visible part of the keyboard, available in different profiles (e.g., SA, DSA, Cherry) and materials (ABS, PBT).
Microcontroller (optional): For custom firmware and programmability, like QMK or VIA.
Steps to Build Your Keyboard
Plan Your Build Decide on layout (e.g., 60%, TKL, full-size), aesthetic preferences, and budget. Beginners often start with a 60% layout for simplicity.
Gather Tools You’ll need a soldering iron (if not using hot-swappable PCB), keycap puller, switch puller, screwdriver, and lube for switches/stabilizers.
Install Stabilizers Clip and lube stabilizers for smoother keypresses, then mount them onto the PCB.
Mount Switches If using a hot-swappable PCB, press switches into the plate and PCB. If soldering, insert switches and solder each pin carefully.
Assemble the Case Place the PCB and plate assembly into the case, securing it with screws.
Install Keycaps Press keycaps onto the switches, ensuring correct placement for each row.
Flash Firmware (if needed) Use tools like QMK Toolbox or VIA to customize key mappings and lighting effects.
Test and Tune Use software to test each key. Adjust stabilizers, re-lube switches, or tweak firmware as needed.
Customization Options
Sound dampening: Add foam or silicone to reduce noise.
RGB lighting: Choose PCBs with LED support for visual flair.
Artisan keycaps: Unique, handcrafted caps for personal touch.
Tips for Beginners
Start with a hot-swappable kit to avoid soldering.
Watch build videos for visual guidance.
Join keyboard communities (e.g., Reddit’s r/MechanicalKeyboards) for advice and inspiration.
1.Glorious Gaming GMMK PRO 75% - Modular Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, TKL Size, 1.5kg Frame, Glorious Fox Switches, Fully Customizable, Coiled Cable, Wrist Rest, White PBT Keycaps, RGB, QWERTY - Black
The Glorious GMMK PRO 75% is a premium, modular mechanical keyboard designed for enthusiasts who want deep customization, solid build quality, and a compact layout.
Here’s a detailed look at its features and performance:
Build & Design
Form Factor: 75% layout, which retains function keys and arrow keys while saving desk space.
Frame: Aluminum body weighing 1.5kg, giving it a sturdy, high-end feel.
Color: Available in Black Slate and other finishes, with a sleek matte look.
Customization & Modularity
Hot-swappable PCB: Easily change switches without soldering.
Switches: Comes with Glorious Fox linear switches, known for smooth keystrokes and fast actuation.
Keycaps: White PBT keycaps resist shine and wear, offering a crisp typing experience.
Rotary Encoder: Programmable knob for volume, scrolling, or custom macros.
Coiled Cable: Stylish and detachable for easy transport or upgrades.
Wrist Rest: Included for ergonomic comfort during long sessions.
Performance & Features
RGB Lighting: Per-key customizable RGB with underglow effects.
QMK/VIA Support: Fully programmable firmware for advanced key mapping and macros.
Gasket Mount Design: Improves typing feel and sound dampening.
Stabilizers: Pre-lubed plate-mounted stabilizers reduce rattle on larger keys.
Use Cases
Gaming: Fast switches and NKRO (N-Key Rollover) make it ideal for competitive play.
Typing & Programming: Comfortable layout and tactile feedback support long typing sessions.
Aesthetic Builds: Popular among custom keyboard builders for its visual appeal and modding potential.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Excellent build quality and weight
Hot-swappable and highly customizable
Smooth switches and quality keycaps
VIA/QMK support for advanced users
Cons
RGB brightness is slightly dim compared to competitors
Premium price may not suit casual users
The Logitech MX Mechanical Wireless Keyboard is a sleek, low-profile mechanical keyboard designed for productivity across multiple platforms, featuring tactile quiet switches and seamless wireless connectivity.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of its features and performance:
Build & Design
Form Factor: Available in full-size (100%) and tenkeyless (TKL) versions.
Material: Graphite-colored metal top plate for durability and a premium feel.
Keycaps: Low-profile with smart backlighting that adjusts to ambient light.
Switches & Typing Experience
Switch Type: Tactile Quiet (Brown) switches offer a soft bump without loud clicks—ideal for office environments.
Other Options: Also available with Clicky (Blue) and Linear (Red) switches.
Typing Feel: Smooth and responsive with minimal noise, praised for comfort during long typing sessions.
Connectivity & Compatibility
Wireless Options: Connect via Bluetooth or Logitech’s Bolt USB receiver.
Multi-Device Support: Seamlessly switch between up to three devices using Easy-Switch keys.
Compatibility: Works with macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Power & Charging
Battery Life: Up to 15 days with backlighting on, or 10 months with it off.
Charging: USB-C port for fast and convenient recharging.
Software & Customization
Logi Options+ Software: Customize key functions, backlighting, and device switching.
Limitations: No macro programming and limited key remapping.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Quiet, comfortable typing
Excellent multi-device support
Sleek, professional design
Long battery life
Cons
No wrist rest included
Limited customization for advanced users
No wired mode
3.Cherry MX Board 3.0 S Wired Gamer Mechanical Keyboard with Aluminum Housing - MX Red Switches (Slight Clicky) for Gaming and Office - Customizable RGB Backlighting - Full Size - Black
The Cherry MX Board 3.0 S is a full-size mechanical keyboard built for gamers and professionals, featuring MX Red switches, customizable RGB lighting, and a sleek aluminum housing.
Here’s a detailed look at its design, performance, and user feedback:
Build & Design
Frame: Full aluminum housing gives it a premium, durable feel.
Layout: Full-size keyboard with dedicated media keys and a numeric pad.
Color: Matte black finish with a minimalist aesthetic.
Keycaps: Doubleshot ABS with a clean look, though some users find the font unattractive.
Switches & Typing Experience
Switch Type: Cherry MX Red—linear switches with no tactile bump and low actuation force, ideal for gaming.
Sound Profile: Quieter than most mechanical keyboards, but some users report a noticeable ping noise during typing.
Feel: Smooth keystrokes, though some reviewers found the switches slightly mushy compared to other Cherry boards.
Lighting & Features
RGB Backlighting: Fully customizable with software, offering vibrant effects.
Cable: Detachable USB cable, but compatibility may be limited depending on the setup.
Software Support: Includes a key configuration tool for remapping and lighting control.
Performance & Use Cases
Gaming: Fast actuation and anti-ghosting make it suitable for competitive play.
Office Work: Quiet operation and solid build are appreciated in professional settings.
Typing: While functional, some users felt the typing experience lacked refinement compared to other Cherry models.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Solid aluminum build
Customizable RGB lighting
Quiet operation
Detachable cable
Cons
Audible ping noise
Mushy switch feel for some users
Limited cable compatibility
Keycap font may not appeal to everyone