Everything you need to build your own keyboard
So you bought your first mechanical keyboard, started modding it, and realized that you’d like to take the next step of your mechanical keyboard journey: building your own custom keyboard.
First of all, congratulations! Now, you’ll need some tools, knowledge, and time to build one, but don’t worry. Building a custom keyboard is much more accessible than it was just a few years ago because the hobby has exploded in popularity. These days the internet is teeming with storefronts selling DIY keyboard kits, along with every part you’ll need to build your own keyboard.
If this is your first DIY keyboard, I recommend getting a DIY keyboard kit
Getting a DIY keyboard kit is by far the best direction to take when building your first keyboard. You can customize most DIY keyboards to your liking by using different plates, case colors and materials, and more. You can also select any switches and keycaps you want, as well as stabilizers.
Furthermore, you won’t get a finished product; you’ll be able to assemble the keyboard yourself, allowing you to tweak and mod it to your heart’s content until you’re satisfied with the end result.
Many keyboard kits offer extensive customization. You can mix and match foam layers and swap out different plates to create that perfect sound signature (just make sure to order multiple plates), try out different key layouts if the printed circuit board (PCB) supports that feature, even change the mount type if the keyboard supports it (many DIY kits do).
Add keycaps and switches, and you can transform most DIY keyboard kits into unique designs that have their own visual identity and sound signature.
Take the Athena 1800, one of the best recently released DIY keyboards, which features a compact full-sized form factor (also known as 1800), as an example.
When ordering the board, you can select between 11 different case colors and three different finishes, pick between three different cover plate materials that can alter the sound, select either a solder PCB if you’re really into DIY, or a regular hot-swap PCB, and choose one of five plates, each with its own sound signature and typing feel.
The good news is that, aside from offering plenty of choice in case and plate colors and materials, most DIY kits include most of the components you need to build the keyboard, such as the case, PCB, plate, and dampening foam. Some kits also include stabilizers and a cable, but in most cases, you’ll have to provide those yourself.
Barebone keyboards are also a great choice for your first custom keyboard
Another way you can build your own keyboard is by getting a barebone mechanical keyboard, slapping switches and keycaps onto it (or getting one that includes switches and keycaps), and then modding it.
Barebone mechanical keyboards differ from DIY kits in that they come fully assembled. You don’t need to spend time putting the keyboard together; just install the switches and keycaps, and you’re good to go.
That said, you can open and mod the keyboard by removing dampening foam, trying out different dampening materials and sound-altering mods such as the tape mod, and more. If you’re into tinkering, you can even paint the case or switch between different plate mounts.
- Form factor
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TKL
- Switch options
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Red, Brown
Switches and keycaps are not included
No matter whether you get a DIY or a barebone keyboard, you’ll likely need to provide switches and keycaps. Until a few years ago, lubing the switches yourself was par for the course, but the current keyboard market offers dozens of excellent pre-lubed switches that aren’t much pricier than unlubed ones. There’s enough choice out there to find your perfect pre-lubed switch, no matter your preferences regarding the sound and actuation force.
Regarding keycaps, the number of options out there is kind of daunting. You can pick between a bunch of different profiles and hundreds of designs. If you already own a mechanical keyboard or two and are interested in building one yourself, you probably already have your favorite profiles, so all that’s left is to find a cool-looking keycap set.
- Colorways
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Brown/gray
- Keycaps
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PBT
But if you’re new to the hobby, I recommend watching and reading some guides to learn about different switches and keycaps, maybe grabbing a switch tester or two, and finding your favorites on your own.
- Brand
-
Akko
- 3 or 5 Pin
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Both
We’ve got a handy guide to keycap profiles, a great starting point for anyone who wants to go down that particular rabbit hole. When it comes to switches, the Click and Thock YouTube channel has tons of switch reviews, including sound tests.
If you want to explore DIY and barebone keyboard releases, I recommend subscribing to the alexotos and Keybored YouTube channels.
Don’t forget that many DIY kits don’t include stabilizers. This shouldn’t be an issue because you can get a set of decent screw-in stabs (virtually every DIY kit should support screw-in stabilizers) for about $20 on most online storefronts.
Lastly, you’ll also need some tools for this endeavor. Those who don’t plan to lube their switches will need:
Where to purchase DIY kits, barebone keyboards, switches, and keycaps
Aside from the usual suspects, such as Amazon, Newegg, AliExpress, Temu, and Keychron, there are dozens of smaller online stores that sell everything you need for building your own keyboard, from keyboard kits, switches, and keycaps, to prebuilt keyboards, to tools, individual components, and spare parts.
Some of the best options for people in the US include Kinetic Labs, Novelkeys, Divinikey, Mechanical Keyboards, DROP, and Cannon Keys. For more options, a prominent keyboard YouTuber, alexotos, has created a fantastic keyboard vendor list he regulalry updates, which includes hundreds of online vendors covering every corner of the world. No matter where you live, you will find a number of vendors to order keyboards, switches, keycaps, and keyboard accessories from.
Here’s what you need to build a keyboard from scratch
If a DIY keyboard kit isn’t exciting enough, you can build your own keyboard from scratch. I don’t recommend this to people who are new to the hobby, but if you’re a DIY fan you might enjoy building a keyboard of your own more than assembling a DIY kit.
I’ll just list the parts you need to build one because I assume you’ve learned the ropes, already have your favorite layout, and know your way around different switches, keycaps, and stabilizers. If you don’t, my colleague Ismar has created an in-depth guide that covers every step you need to take to build a custom keyboard, which I recommend reading.
Before we start, the one thing you have to make sure of is that the case, PCB, and plate are compatible with each other. Even if all three have the same layout and dimensions, they might have different screw hole layouts, support different mounting styles, and so on, so make sure you can combine them into a keyboard before pulling the trigger.
Tools
Firstly, you’ll need some tools. If you’re fine with using a hot-swap PCB and pre-lubed switches, then all you’ll need are:
If you want to solder and lube the switches yourself, you’ll also need:
Case
Let’s start with the case, since it will dictate which layout you’ll use and which mount type your keyboard will have. You can use a case of a keyboard you already own as the base for your custom keyboard, along with the plate, or you can buy one.
The most important thing to look out for is the PCB and plate compatibility. You can also choose from different case materials and finishes, mounting styles, and more.
Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
While you can get a solder PCB that requires you to solder the switches yourself, the market is teeming with high-quality hot-swap PCBs. I recommend getting a hot-swap one unless you want to solder the switches yourself.
There are more than a few options for each layout. You can pick between non-lit, RGB and single-color backlighting, regular or flex-cut PCBs for a softer typing experience, different PCB thickness, different key layouts (ANSI or ISO), and more.
One thing every PCB should come with is support for open-source customization software such as QMK and VIA.
Plate
When it comes to the plate, get one that’s compatible with the case you plan to get. Plates are made from various materials, including POM, FR4, aluminum, carbon fiber, brass, and polycarbonate.
Plastic materials usually have a deeper, thocky sound signature, while metal plates have a brighter, clacky sound.
Stabilizers
Stabilizers are a crucial component of every custom keyboard. The good news is that most PCBs support screw-in stabs, which are superior to plate-mounted stabilizers. Screw-ins are more stable, don’t rattle if you don’t mess anything up during assembly and lubrication, and generally sound better.
Switches
There isn’t much to it when it comes to picking switches. Just pick ones you like, and don’t forget to overprovision, since you’ll likely break a few when installing them to the PCB, especially if you opt for a soldered PCB instead of a hot-swap one.
Keycaps
Again, just pick whichever set you like that’s compatible with the PCB layout you’ve picked.
- Brand
-
HyperX
- Color
-
Black and white
These ultra-durable PBT keycaps will let your RGB keyboard glow bright.
Cable
Every modern PCB comes with a USB-C port, so you can use any USB-C-to-USB-C or USB-C-to-USB-A cable you want.
You can get a plain rubber-coated one, a sleeved cable, or go all keyboard nerdy and get a coiled aviator cable.
- Brand
-
Attack Shark
- Cable Type
-
USB-A to USB-C
This custom ATTACK SHARK cable features a range of captivating colors that complement your keyboard. It also includes a gold-plated aviator connector, allowing you to quickly swap between keyboards. This budget-friendly coiled cable offers the quality and aesthetic appeal of much more expensive cables.
Optional components
There are other accessories and components you might need when building a custom keyboard. Most people like using wrist rests with their keyboards, and you might also need a carrying case if you plan to use the board with your laptop.
If you plan to build a keyboard without a foam layer between the PCB and plate, you might also need a plate fork to help prevent plate sag in builds based on softer plates, such as POM.
Lastly, I recommend getting extra gaskets and O-rings for gasket and O-ring-mounted builds.
There you have it. This is everything you need to build your own keyboard. Again, I recommend a DIY kit because you can choose from dozens of options, each with its own design, sound signature, and feature set. But if you really want to build a keyboard from scratch, you can do that too.
Don’t buy your first mechanical keyboard without reading this
Let’s go down that rabbit hole.
