Keyboard Builders' Digest / Tips & Tricks
Custom Mechanical Keyboards: The Complete Beginner's Guide
Everything you need to know before buying or building your first custom keyboard: form factors, mounting styles, switches, prices.
Published January 1, 2018
The custom mechanical keyboard hobby has grown from a small enthusiast community into one of the most exciting corners of the PC world. What was once limited to hobbyists soldering switches onto obscure circuit boards has become an accessible pastime with countless keyboard kits, hot-swappable PCBs, artisan keycaps, and enthusiast-grade switches available for every budget.
But if you're new to custom keyboards, the terminology alone can feel overwhelming. What is a PCB? Why do people lubricate switches? What's the difference between gasket mount and tray mount? Do you really need to spend hundreds of dollars on a keyboard?
This beginner's guide explains everything you need to know before building or buying your first custom mechanical keyboard.
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What is a custom keyboard?
A custom keyboard is a mechanical keyboard assembled from individual components rather than purchased as a prebuilt product.
Unlike mass-produced gaming keyboards, custom keyboards allow you to choose or customize nearly every part, including:
- Keyboard layout
- Case material
- Mounting style
- PCB
- Plate
- Switches
- Stabilizers
- Keycaps
- Cable
- Firmware
- Lighting
The result is a keyboard tailored to your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, appearance, and functionality.
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Why build a custom keyboard?
People enter the hobby for different reasons.
Some want a quieter typing experience. Others chase the perfect "thock," while gamers may prioritize responsiveness and aesthetics. Many simply enjoy the building process.
Some of the biggest advantages include:
Better typing feel
Custom keyboards often feel smoother and more refined than mass-market gaming keyboards.
Small improvements – such as nicer keycaps, premium switches, better stabilizers, and thoughtful mounting systems – combine to create a noticeably more enjoyable typing experience.
Better sound
Sound is one of the defining characteristics of custom keyboards.
Depending on your components, your keyboard can sound:
- Deep
- Marbly
- Creamy
- Clacky
- Poppy
- Muted
- Quiet
No single sound is objectively "best" - it's entirely a matter of personal taste.
Complete customization
Every component can be selected to match your preferences.
Want a compact 65% aluminum keyboard with silent tactile switches and retro keycaps? You can build exactly that.
Prefer a colorful plastic keyboard with linear switches for gaming? That's equally possible.
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Anatomy of a custom keyboard
Understanding the individual parts makes the hobby much less intimidating.
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Case
The case is the outer shell of the keyboard.
It determines:
- Appearance
- Weight
- Rigidity
- Acoustics
- Mount compatibility
Common materials include:
Plastic (ABS or Polycarbonate)
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Softer sound
- Great for beginners
Aluminum
- Premium feel
- Excellent durability
- Heavier
- Most popular choice
Acrylic
- Often used for RGB-heavy builds
- Transparent appearance
- Unique acoustics
Other materials
Premium keyboards may use:
- Brass
- Stainless steel
- Copper
- Carbon fiber
- Wood
- Magnesium
- Titanium
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PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
The PCB is the electronic heart of the keyboard.
Every key press is detected here before being sent to your computer.
Modern PCBs often include:
- USB-C connectivity
- RGB lighting
- Hot-swap sockets
- VIA or QMK compatibility
- NKRO (N-Key Rollover)
Hot-swap vs soldered
This is one of the first decisions beginners face, but for a first build, hot-swap is usually the better choice.
Hot-swap
Switches simply push into sockets.
Pros:
- No soldering
- Easy to experiment
- Beginner friendly
Cons:
- Slightly fewer layout options
- Sockets can wear over time
Soldered
Each switch is permanently soldered to the PCB.
Pros:
- Maximum stability
- More layout flexibility
- Preferred by many enthusiasts
Cons:
- Replacing switches requires soldering equipment
- Harder to replace switches
For a first build, hot-swap is usually the easiest choice.
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Plate
The plate sits between the switches and the PCB.
It affects:
- Flex
- Typing feel
- Sound
- Stability
Common materials include:
- Aluminum
- Polycarbonate
- FR4
- Brass
- Steel
- Carbon fiber
- POM
Each produces a different typing experience.
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Mechanical switches
Switches define how the keyboard feels.
They are the single biggest contributor to typing experience.
There are three primary categories.
Linear
- Smooth travel
- No tactile bump
- Quietest by default
- Popular with gamers
Examples include Cherry MX Red-inspired designs and many modern enthusiast switches.
Tactile
- Noticeable bump
- Better feedback
- Excellent for typing
Many office users prefer tactile switches.
Clicky
- Audible click
- Strong feedback
- Classic mechanical sound
They are satisfying to many users but can be too loud for shared workspaces.
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Stabilizers
Larger keys require stabilizers.
These include:
- Spacebar
- Enter
- Shift
- Backspace
- Larger Numpad keys
Poor stabilizers create rattling noises.
Most enthusiasts:
- Lubricate stabilizers
- Tune wire balance
- Replace stock stabilizers with higher-quality options
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Keycaps
Keycaps are far more than decoration.
They influence:
- Texture
- Sound
- Durability
- Appearance
ABS
- Smooth texture
- Bright colors
- Can become shiny over time
PBT
- More textured
- Highly durable
- Resistant to shine
Both materials have loyal fans.
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Keyboard mounting styles
The mounting system determines how the plate and PCB attach to the case. This affects the typing feel (flexibility, cushioned vs hard), sound (pitch and volume)
Tray mount
Simple and inexpensive.
Often found in entry-level keyboards.
Top mount
The plate is secured directly to the top case.
Produces a firm typing experience.
Gasket mount
Small foam or silicone gaskets isolate the plate.
Benefits include:
- Softer feel
- Reduced vibration
- Improved acoustics
This is currently one of the most popular mounting styles.
Burger Mount, O-Ring Mount, Leaf Spring and Others
The hobby continues to evolve, with manufacturers constantly experimenting to refine typing feel and sound.
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Firmware
Many enthusiast keyboards support programmable firmware.
The most common options are:
- QMK
- Vial/VIA (graphical interfaces for QMK)
- ZMK – wireless-first firmware
- Proprietary software – mostly for magnetic keyboards
These let you:
- Remap keys
- Create macros
- Program layers
- Customize lighting
- Build productivity shortcuts
While web-based software is very convenient to use, keep in mind that when the website or company disappears after a few years (or months), your keyboard is instantly rendered non-programmable.
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What are keyboard layers?
Compact keyboards remove certain physical keys.
Layers let one key perform multiple functions.
For example:
- Hold Fn + I = Up Arrow
- Hold Fn + J = Left Arrow
- Hold Fn + K = Down Arrow
- Hold Fn + L = Right Arrow
Once learned, layers become second nature.
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Keyboard form factors
Custom keyboards come in many sizes.
The most common include:
- 100% (Full-size)
- 96%
- TKL (80%)
- 75%
- 65%
- 60%
- 40%
Each balances desk space and functionality differently.
If you're unsure, a 75% or 65% layout is an excellent starting point.
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What tools do you need?
A hot-swap build requires surprisingly few tools.
Typically:
- Keycap puller
- Switch puller
- Small screwdriver
A cheap combined keycap/switch puller is often included in the bundle, just like a hex tool.
Optionally:
- Tweezers (optional)
- Lubricant (optional)
- Switch opener (optional)
- Brush (optional)
Soldered builds additionally require:
- Soldering iron
- Solder
- Flux
- Desoldering pump or wick
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Is lubing worth it?
Probably not anymore.
It made sense a few years ago, but most modern switches already come factory-lubricated and perform exceptionally well without additional work.
That said, lubricating older or unlubed switches can:
- Improve smoothness
- Reduce scratchiness
- Deepen sound
However, it is time-consuming.
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Common beginner mistakes
Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Buying keycaps that don't fit your layout
- Choosing switches based solely on online sound tests
- Forgetting stabilizers
- Mixing incompatible PCB layouts
- Ignoring plate compatibility
- Overspending on your first build
Your preferences will evolve as you gain experience: aim for an easily customizable 65-75% keyboard – MX-compatible, hot-swappable, with Vial/VIA support.
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How much does a custom keyboard cost?
The hobby accommodates nearly every budget.
Approximate costs:
| Budget | Typical Build | | -------- | -------------------------------- | | $80–150 | Entry-level hot-swap kit | | $150–300 | Mid-range enthusiast build | | $300–600 | Premium aluminum keyboard | | $600+ | High-end limited edition customs |
An expensive keyboard isn't automatically a better keyboard. Thoughtful component choices matter more than price alone. Spend some time with comparing features and specifications.
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Should you build or buy?
If you're curious about the hobby but not ready to assemble a keyboard yourself, many companies now offer prebuilt custom-style keyboards with enthusiast features such as hot-swap sockets, gasket mounts, and programmable firmware – available in various colors and themes.
Building your own keyboard, however, gives you complete control over every component and teaches you how the keyboard works, making future upgrades much easier.
And designing your own keyboard is the ultimate path to create a keyboard model tailored to your needs and hands.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is building a custom keyboard difficult?
Not anymore. A hot-swappable keyboard can often be assembled in half an hour with basic tools and no soldering experience.
Are custom keyboards better for gaming?
They can be. A custom keyboard lets you choose switches, layout, and key feel that suit your preferences, but it won't automatically improve gaming performance.
Can I change switches later?
If your keyboard uses a hot-swappable PCB, yes. You can replace switches without soldering. For soldered boards you'll need a soldering iron.
Do I need expensive switches?
No. Many affordable modern switches perform exceptionally well. Price is not always an indicator of typing quality.
Is the custom keyboard hobby expensive?
It can be, but it doesn't have to be. Many excellent beginner-friendly kits offer a premium typing experience without requiring a premium budget.
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Final thoughts
The custom keyboard hobby is about more than building a tool – it's about creating a keyboard that matches your own preferences, whether that means a quiet office companion, a colorful gaming setup, or a beautifully crafted centerpiece for your desk.
There's no universally perfect combination of switches, plates, or keycaps. Part of the fun is experimenting, learning what you enjoy, and refining your setup over time.
Start with a simple hot-swappable keyboard, choose components that fit your budget, and don't worry about getting everything perfect on your first build. Every enthusiast starts somewhere, and each keyboard teaches you something new.
Published on Mon 1st Jan 2018. Featured in KBD #0.
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