Some common tactile switches that you’ve seen used in mainstream keyboards include the Cherry MX Brown. It helps them “balance” due to the fact that they are longer than most other keys on your keyboard. They function exactly as their name implies, keeping certain keys like your shifts and space bar from wobbling around when you press them. One of the more common mechanical keyboards that adopts the 75% layout is the Vortex Race 3. Starting with the keycaps is a great way to begin the customization process. That’s why this primer only focuses on the custom keyboard components that are typically needed to build your own custom mechanical keyboard. Some enthusiasts might prefer certain brands over others, but if you’re looking to build your first mechanical keyboard, you can’t really go wrong with Cherry stabilizers. When you’re starting any DIY project you need to know what parts you need to buy. Like we said, stabilizers are used to balance out longer keys. Just because there is a switch that is currently trending doesn’t mean that it is for you. If you’ve gone with a non-standard layout, you’re options are greatly diminished. Typically, keyboards tend to be sold with an accompanying PCB, but there are certain form factors like the 60% keyboard that have been popularized by the likes of the Vortex Pok3r that many case designs have been created around the PCB design, meaning that there will be several options for you to choose from when it comes to picking a PCB for a 60% keyboard. France demands digital services tax from Big Tech on revenue generated in 2020. In this step, you want to examine the PCB for signs of shorts or other bizarre marks. No specialty stores are required here, Amazon has everything you need, but you do need to buy the right tools for the job and there are certain features that you may want to pay extra for. Stabilizers: These are used for longer keys like your Shift key, spacebar, Enter key, and so on. This is definitely not limited to adding arrow keys but it is one of the most common non-standard layouts offered in the 60 percent format. The problem with custom mechanical keyboards is that it is a rather niche hobby. Some switches even have the option of being silent in case you want to use it in an office environment and don’t want to disturb your co-workers. 60/65% and TKLs tend to be the more popular form factors around, making it easier to source for keycaps and variety. The PCB is the heart of your keyboard. If there is one thing this hobby requires, it is a great deal of patience. There are certain form factors that tend to be more popular than others. If you’re not one for making compromises, it may be time to build your own. Join thousands of tech enthusiasts and participate. The majority of PCBs also include RGB lighting options, or at the very least, the option to solder in switch mounted backlights. Be sure to pick up a solder fume extractor. There are a few different stores I like to buy my parts from. This results in a much more compact design, where the main difference is that the 65% model usually comes with dedicated arrow keys and page navigation keys. These cases provide all the advantages of a plastic case plus they allow light to shine through which creates a really neat effect if your PCB provides RGB lighting. It is considerably more compact than a TKL but still maintains its function row. Aluminum is the most expensive option but offers the strongest platform for your keyboard. Choosing the right places to buy your parts from can be pretty difficult if you've never built a keyboard before. Most off the shelf keyboards don’t offer the ability to reprogram each key’s function and with the ones that do, your remaining components are limited to whatever choices the manufacturer has made for you. Take note that not all PCBs will fit your keyboard, so you will need to do some research to check for compatibility. Clicky – These switches can be technically considered tactile, but they do come with an additional piece inside the switch that creates the “clicking” sound when you type with them. Massdrop is a great way to get more expensive and limited run keysets at significant savings if you're willing to wait for them to drop and ship. There are six components you’ll need to put together a functioning keyboard along with a USB cable: All of these parts have a wide range of options to personalize your keyboard and many options for one part can determine or limit your options for another. Switches: This determines the “feel” of your keyboard, like whether you prefer a “clicky” keyboard, a tactile keyboard, or a linear keyboard. Not all projects necessarily come to fruition and it can also take months from a project’s inception to its group buy stage, and then anywhere from half a year to a year before the actual product ships out. 40% – The 40% form factor is typically for more hardcore keyboard enthusiasts who value size above all else. Many companies sell switch testers that you can buy. It also provides a premium look and feel that you won’t find in plastic cases. If you enjoy both the physical and auditory feedback when typing, then clicky switches might be for you. You can find some good options this way but it's much easier if you can get multiple parts from the same source. Sound quality can also be affected by the keycap profile and its material, where taller keycaps like “SA” or keycaps made with PBT might sound deeper or “thockier” compared to GMK/ABS keycaps. Modding a stabilizer has also become a standard practice when building a mechanical keyboard. The added strength that aluminum provides might feel more premium but is seldom a requirement. This means you will never have to touch a soldering iron to assemble your keyboard and it gives you the ability to change your switches on a whim. Every switch, whether it’s from Cherry, Gateron, or Khail, is color coded to indicate these differences. In fact, many custom mechanical keyboards actually do not adopt the full-sized layout. If you excel at touch typing, there is another much more cost effective method—blanks. They are also dirt cheap and significantly reduce the overall cost of your keyboard. If you enjoy our content, please consider subscribing... You need to be a member to leave a comment. When you are building your own keyboard, your switch choice is entirely independent from any of the other components you choose to go with. Choosing the correct PCB might seem like a daunting task but it provides some of the most interesting customization options for your keyboard. Let's have a personal and meaningful conversation. When it comes to custom mechanical keyboards, there are various form factors to choose from. Polycarbonate is also another popular option we’re seeing these days, where there are some who believe that it offers up a better sound. The mechanical keyboard community has grown over the years where there are many other brands by Kailh, Gateron, and Durock (just to name a few) that have created their own lineup of switches that are viewed “superior” to the more mainstream Cherry switches. The reason we mention Cherry is because they are brand you might be familiar with and are typically used in mainstream keyboards made by companies.
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