Welcome to the Custom Mechanical Keyboard Guide! This guide provides an overview of the components needed to build your own custom mechanical keyboard, as well as a list of stores and resources to find the parts and accessories you need.
- Case - The outer shell that houses all the components of the keyboard.
- PCB (Printed Circuit Board) - The electronic board that connects and controls all the switches on the keyboard.
- Plate - A metal or plastic layer that sits between the switches and the PCB.
- Keycaps - The individual plastic or resin caps that cover the switches.
- Switches - The mechanical components responsible for registering keypresses.
- Stabilizer - Small components that provide stability and support for larger keys.
- Case Foam - An optional layer of foam placed between the case and the PCB to dampen sound and vibrations.
- Switch Lube - A lubricant used to reduce friction between switch components.
- Keycap Puller - A tool used for safely removing keycaps from the switches.
- Switch Puller - A tool used for safely removing switches from the PCB (for hot-swappable PCBs only).
- Soldering Iron and Solder - Required for soldering switches to the PCB if not using a hot-swappable PCB.
- Cable - A custom or standard USB cable to connect your keyboard to your computer.
- kbdfans.com
- Keep in mind that you may have to pay customs if you are located in Europe.
- drop.com
- mechanicalkeyboards.com
- novelkeys.xyz
- Keep in mind that you may have to pay customs if you are located in Europe.
- keychron.com - Offers a range of barebone keyboards in various layouts and designs.
- keycapsets.com
- geekhack.org - A forum where you can find group buys and information on upcoming keycap sets.
- r/mechgroupbuys - A subreddit dedicated to sharing information about mechanical keyboard group buys, including keycap sets.