Rating 4.5 (152,524) Free AndroidAbout this app You can customize a beautiful keyboard with photos, designs, GIFs, and color themes. (Puppies, kittens, sensitivity, beautiful background,
Consider Buying A Kit
If all of this sounds like a bit much, you’re not alone.
Many new builders find all of these considerations overwhelming, which is why I always recommend purchasing a kit for your first build.
DIY keyboard kits always include a matching PCB and case but often include extras like stabilizers, sound dampening foa and the carrying case.
Sites like Dro.
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Keycaps
Keycaps are a rabbit hole all their own; however, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
First is the type of plastic used.
ABS is common on both very high-end and very low-end keycaps and can vary widely in quality.
High quality ABS keycaps can be expensive but offer more vivid colors than the other popular choice, PBT.
PBT is a denser plas.
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Optional But Helpful Extras
Keycap and switch puller
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PCB and Case
With that out of the way, you’ll want to choose a matching PCB and case.
These are difficult to find on sites like Amazon but are plentiful on dedicated keyboard building storefronts like KPRepublic and KBDFans.
You can also find an array of options on AliExpress and Banggood.
Be sure that your PCB matches your case.
That means making sure all moun.
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Stabilizers
Next, you’ll need a set of stabilizers to support the larger keys on the keyboard.
Most keyboards require five stabilizers total, but some compact layouts require less.
Be sure to note whether your PCB and case use stabilizers that mount directly to the PCB via clips or screws or snap onto the plate.
Enthusiasts tend to prefer screw in PCB-mounted .
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Switch Mounting Plate
If you’re a new builder, you don’t need to get too hung up on the switch mounting plate.
The mounting plate is what your mechanical switches snap into to hold them in place when plugged into the PCB.
You don’t want switches losing connection because they’re wobbling around in those hot-swap sockets! Switch plates come in a variety of different mate.
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Switches
Finally, we come to switches.
Do you prefer linear, tactile, or clicky.
Your choice of switch will be the most impactful to your typing experience, so spend some time considering what you like most.
The world of key switches extends far beyond Cherry MX, so don’t feel locked into buying pricey Cherries because they’re popular in production keyboard.
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Things to Consider Before Buying
Before purchasing any of the items above, it’s wise to go over some basic considerations to make sure everything goes smoothly, and you wind up with a keyboard you’re happy with.
Take the time to consider the following, and you’ll ensure a much smoother build process.
Layout The first thing to consider is layout.
Do you want a small 60% keyboard or.
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What You Need to Build A Custom Mechanical Keyboard
To build your own mechanical keyboard, you'll need a selection of key components and accessories:.
1) Keyboard case.
2) PCB compatible with that case.
3) Switch mounting plate.
4) Mechanical switches.
5) Stabilizers.
6) Keycaps.
7) USB cable.
8) Screwdriver.
9) Tweezers 10. Soldering iron and solder(not required for hot-swap keyboards) There are many sites .