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Custom Mechanical Keyboards: The Ultimate Guide

Custom Mechanical Keyboards: The Ultimate Guide

Here are the parts you’ll need to get started making your own mechanical keyboard custom creation.

Creating a custom keyboard is no small task, but there may be no more rewarding way to immerse yourself in the hobby. The best way to get started is by learning what each piece of the keyboard is for and how they fit together, beyond the familiar mechanical keyboard switches and keycaps.

This guide will introduce you to the basic components you’ll need to gather to make a custom mechanical keyboard. Just be aware: By the time you’ve finished assembling all the parts for your first dream keyboard, you’ll probably already have a shopping list put together for your next one.

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Did You Know? The HHKB Snow Collection brings a new, sophisticated design to one of the most-beloved keyboard lines in computer history.

Mechanical keyboard kits: Get a headstart on your build

Want to spend less time worrying about compatibility and more time picking out the perfect look and feel for your keyboard? Kicking off your mechanical keyboard custom creation with a pre-made kit will give you everything you need to get started minus the switches and keycaps.

What’s typically included in a mechanical keyboard kit?

  • A PCB, the brain of your board.
  • A case to hold and protect your board.
  • Stabilizers to help larger keys actuate smoothly.
A 3D rendering of clusters of red and white computer keys arranged in neat rows and columns on a pink background.

The best keyboard lubes to start with

Drop Ctrl Barebones

This tenkeyless keyboard kit is minimalist and low profile at first glance, but its per-key RGB lighting and underlit case bring it to vibrant life. Get it in black or space grey for $150.

NovelKeys NK87 Entry Edition

Another tenkeyless option, the NK87 has a much more standout look at first blush thanks to its injection-molded plastic frame that’s available in a variety of colors. Options start at $135.

EPOMAKER GK61XS

This 60% keyboard kit’s Bluetooth/wired option is available for just $89, making it a very accessible inroad to wireless typing. It also includes a split spacebar module if you prefer to get more use out of the biggest key on your board.

Read more about mechanical keyboard kits in our guide, “The 5 Best DIY Custom Mechanical Keyboard Kits for Beginners.” 

Mechanical keyboard cases: Build on the best

The case is the foundation for custom keyboards, with different designs and materials lending themselves to different kinds of typing experiences. Here’s how to find the perfect case before you get started.

Common keyboard case materials

  • Plastic cases tend to be cheapest, and polycarbonate’s best for more resonant keystrokes.
  • Aluminum cases feel weighty and solid and make for a higher-pitched typing sound.
  • Wooden cases are more expensive and require some upkeep, but their warmth and weight make them a favorite.
Closeup of a person using a desktop computer, focused on a keyboard with colorful RGB underlighting.

3 of the best keyboard cases

KBDFans 60% Plastic Case

There’s nothing fancy about this PCB plastic case, but it’s available in a range of colors and it only costs $19.
 

KBD75 V2 75% Anodized Aluminum Case

If you’re looking for a durable case that will likely outlive the rest of your setup, this case fits the bill. It comes in five color options and even features an acrylic side strip for RGB lighting, all for $125.

Royal Glam 60% Wooden Case

Made of black walnut, this compact case is a classy way to house your next build. It isn’t cheap, but its price tag of $94 won’t blow out your budget either.

Read more about keyboard cases in our guide, “Custom Mechanical Keyboard Cases: What To Look For.”

Did You Know? Topre switches are a favorite among many enthusiasts, but you won’t find them on most custom mechanical keyboard builds. Here’s why.

Mechanical keyboard plates: Lock down your sound

Resting atop the PCB in most mid-to-high-end custom keyboards is a plate, a piece of stiff, protective material with cutouts for each of the switches on your board. It may not sound like much, but your choice of plate can have a big impact on your typing experience.

Why keyboard plates are important

  • They protect your PCB from the stress of keystrokes.
  • They can significantly alter the sound of your keyboard.
  • Note that certain case mount styles don’t require a plate.
A top-down rendering of dark computer keyboard on a dark background, the board only partially depicted n the lower right corner.

How to find the ideal keyboard plate

  

Metal plates

Metal plates tend to be rigid and lightweight, making a keyboard feel stiffer to type on and also lending a higher-pitched “ping” to the sound of keystrokes. This makes them unpopular with some enthusiasts, but they are both durable and aesthetically pleasing.

FR4 plates

FR4 plates are made from the same base material used for many PCBs. When used to create a plate, FR4 is well suited to delivering a more quiet, light, and flexible keyboard feel.

Polycarbonate plates

Polycarbonate plates are made with a type of soft and light plastic. This less-dense material lends a lower-pitched character to the sound of each keystroke.

Find out more about keyboard plates in “Mechanical Keyboard Plates: How to Choose the Right Material for Your Next Build.”

Mechanical keyboard stabilizers: Consistency is key

Keyboard stabilizers prevent wider keys, such as the spacebar and shift keys, from wobbling up and down during operation. They create a consistent feel and motion regardless of where you press down on each key. Stabilizers are simple in concept and operation, but if you want each key on your board to feel great, you’ll need to find the right set.

How to find the right keyboard stabilizers

  • Determine the type of stabilizer your PCB and plate are meant to support.
  • Find the length of your spacebar and other stabilized keys, and count out how many of each length you have.
  • Compare brands and manufacturers that meet the specs above.
An oblique close-up of a keyboard with a white case and blue keycaps. The enter key is in focus and the rest of the board is progressively more blurry.

Common types of stabilizers

Screw-in stabilizers

Screw-in stabilizers are secured directly to a keyboard’s PCB with its eponymous screw. This solid connection minimizes rattle and unwanted movement.

Clip-in stabilizers

Clip-in stabilizers are also mounted right on the PCB, but they use clips instead of screws to attach. They’re easier to install and replace, but they also tend to be noisier.

Costar stabilizers

Costar stabilizers are hooks and wires that travel the length of a keycap, rather than the movable stem and housing design found in Cherry stabilizers.

Read more about keyboard stabilizers in our guide, “Mechanical Keyboard Stabilizers: Everything You Need to Know.”

Mechanical keyboard lubes: Make your board a smooth operator

Even the smallest mechanical keyboard is made of dozens of individual parts that move against one another. If you want to augment the sound and feel of your board while ensuring its effective operation for years to come, it’s time to invest some time and money into lubricating your custom mechanical keyboard.

Mechanical keyboard parts to lubricate

  • The interior parts of linear and tactile switches benefit from lube, but clicky switches may be better off without.
  • Stabilizers that make an unpleasantly scratchy sound during operation can often be quelled through lubrication.
Close-up view of the left half of a mechanical keyboard, with the body of the board and keycaps in black and various accent pieces in yellow, red, and teal.

The best keyboard lubes to start with

205g0

205g0 lubricant is a popular choice for linear switches and general-purpose applications. It can also be used for tactile switches as long as you’re careful to apply a thin enough layer.

TriboSys 3203

TriboSys 3203 is a great pick if you plan to lubricate a good number of tactile switches, since its medium-thin consistency makes it less likely to accidentally “de-bump” them.

XHT-BDZ G.5

XHT-BDZ G.5 is too thick to use on internal switch components, but that high viscosity makes it a great match for even the scratchiest stabilizers.

Read more about keyboard lubes in our guide, “The 3 Best Mechanical Keyboard Lubes on the Market.”

Note: Information and external links are provided for your convenience and for educational purposes only. PFU America, Inc. makes no representations about the contents, features, or specifications on such third-party sites, software, and/or offerings (collectively “Third-Party Offerings”) and shall not be responsible for any loss or damage that may arise from your use of such Third-Party Offerings.

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Designed for those who type to live.

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