Mechanical keyboards have seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years among tech enthusiasts and gamers. Unlike generic membrane keyboards, mechanical keyboards utilize physical switches under each key, providing superior tactile feedback and a satisfying typing experience. While off-the-shelf mechanical keyboards from major brands offer various switch types and feature sets, many keyboard aficionados are choosing to go the custom route and build their own customized mechanical keyboard from the ground up. Constructing a bespoke keyboard allows for total personalization and the ability to cherry-pick your preferred components. In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of custom mechanical keyboards and the process of sourcing parts and constructing your own ideal input device.
Why Go Custom?
Building a custom mechanical keyboard lets you tailor every facet of the board to your exact preferences. You can choose the layout and size, from compact 75% keyboards to full-sized 104-key setups. Switch selection is up to you, letting you pick optimal switches for gaming, typing, or a mix of both. You can select the perfect keycap material and color scheme. Even the keyboard case and enclosure can be chosen for maximum aesthetic appeal. It’s an involved process, but the end result is a keyboard that is uniquely suited to your needs and style.
Other motivations for building a custom board include quality and customizability. When you source each component yourself, you can ensure higher quality parts are used. Premium materials like thick metal plates and high-grade PCBs result in a robust, durable keyboard constructed to last. Populating the board with your ideal switches and keycaps also provides customization options not found on pre-built boards. For keyboard enthusiasts interested in fine-tuning the ultimate typing and gaming instrument, custom is the way to go.
Choosing Your Parts
The first step in piecing together your own keyboard is selecting compatible components that fit your intended layout. You’ll need to source the essential parts to build the core of the keyboard:
- Case: The case or enclosure houses all the keyboard components. Look for CNC machined aluminum for maximum sturdiness.
- PCB (printed circuit board): The PCB is the keyboard’s nervous system, housing the circuits that connect the switches to the device it’s paired with. PCBs designed for custom builds allow switch hot-swapping and full programming.
- Plate: The metal keyboard plate supports the switches and adds rigidity to the board. Materials like brass or polycarbonate lend unique sound and feel.
- Switches: Mechanical switches provide the keyboard’s clicking and tactile feedback. Popular options include Cherry MX, Kailh, and Zealios switches, available in various actuation types.
- Stabilizers: Stabilizers on larger keys prevent tilting and wobble. Screw-in stabilizers offer the most stability.
- Keycaps: Keycaps come in various profile, material, font, and color choices for customizing your typing feel and look. Doubleshot PBT and SA profile keycaps are popular enthusiast choices.
You’ll also need a cable to connect your keyboard and some tools like a soldering iron to assemble components. Once your parts are sourced, you’re ready to start constructing your board.
Assembling Your Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Building your own keyboard requires careful assembly of all your chosen components. Excellent soldering skills are a must. Here are the general steps to construct a custom mechanical keyboard:
- Install stabilizers into the PCB and plate. Clip and lube stabilizers to reduce rattle and noise.
- Insert switches into the plate, then solder them onto the PCB. Ensure switches are fully seated and aligned.
- Snap assembled PCB into case top and screw together case. Case foam can be added for sound dampening.
- Snap on the keycaps of your choice, customizing your keyboard’s look and feel.
- Use keyboard firmware like QMK to fully program your keyboard, customize RGB lighting, tweaks macros, etc.
- Connect to computer via USB-C and enjoy your unique custom mechanical board!
The process requires time and care, but is very rewarding. Building your own keyboard deepens understanding of how these input devices work and lets you show off your soldering and construction skills. It also results in a completely personalized typing and gaming experience tailored exactly how you want it.
Why Go Custom?
For keyboard enthusiasts, building a custom mechanical board offers something a pre-built board never can – complete control over the end product. Assembling a keyboard from parts allows you to hand-pick premium components to enhance durability, sound, feel, and aesthetics. The ability to meticulously customize the typing and gaming experience is the biggest draw of custom keyboards. From choosing the perfect switch type for your needs to flashing the firmware to match your style, making your keyboard your own is the name of the game. While the process requires research and care, the ability to craft your ideal input device makes building a custom mechanical keyboard a uniquely rewarding experience.
