How to Build a Custom Mechanical Keyboard Step-By-Step

Do you want a perfect mechanical keyboard that fulfills all your requirements, a custom-made product that caters to all your aesthetic or operational needs? Custom mechanical keyboards are all the rage these days. However, building a custom mechanical keyboard requires skills and knowledge.

This article will take you through the step-by-step process of building your custom mechanical keyboard. We will explain the critical components of the mechanical keyboard and how they contribute to the product's performance. The base, PCB, mechanical switches, stabilizers, layout, keycaps, ergonomics, etc., will all be discussed in the upcoming sections. Let's start with the understanding of critical components:

Understanding Key Components: Building the Knowledge Base

We must build a solid knowledge base before diving into the deep customization of mechanical keyboards. We need to know the proposed components and their requirements for mechanical keyboards. Here are some central elements of mechanical keyboards:

Mechanical Switches

These are the most critical components of a keyboard. They directly affect your typing and gaming experience. There are mainly three types of mechanical switches: linear (red), tactile (brown), and clicky (blue). Each type has a distinct actuation force, actuation distance, audible sound, and tactility. Some of the top brands that produce mechanical switches are:

● Cherry MX (Premium)

● Outemu (High-End Affordable)

● Kailh (Long Lasting)

● Gateron (Smooth and Consistent)

Razer and Logitech also produce mechanical keyboard switches that are not customizable. They are proprietary switches available only with brand products. Selecting the right switch is critical. If you want to build a gaming keyboard, use the red or blue mechanical switch. On the other hand, if you want to develop an ultimate typing mechanical keyboard, then brown mechanical switches are for you.

Spacers

There are two types of spacers: PCB spacers and switch spacers. The primary intent of these spacers is to ensure that the distances between the PCB and mechanical keyboard case are constant and stable. They are vital to ensure that the whole assembly remains stable and well-aligned.

Silencers

These are for advanced users who want the ultimate quiet or isolated click sound from their mechanical keyboards. Typically, they are available in the form of noise-dampening O-rings. When the keycap stems hit the keyboard frame, they make a noise that O-rings can silence.

Stabilizers

Large keys such as the spacebar, backspace, or enter key require a stabilizer that keeps the keycap in line. Otherwise, the key would become wobbly. Selecting the suitable stabilizers for your assembly is vital for a pristine typing and gaming experience.

Padding

It is a foam or structure that dampens the sound from contacting the PCB and keyboard body. It keeps the PCB and all the assembly tightly held together. It further adds to the stability of the whole custom mechanical keyboard and reduces unnecessary rattling noises due to loose parts.

Keycaps

These are the visible parts of your mechanical keyboard. There are mainly two types: ABS and Double Shot PBT. Each has its advantages. Double Shot PBT is popular for its longevity and clear RGB pass-through. ABS is easy to manufacture and affordable, making it great for users who frequently change keycaps.

Planning Your Build

Now that we have the necessary knowledge base to build a mechanical keyboard, we can dive into the specifics. Before we start the building process, we need to plan our build and select the right parts accordingly:

Choosing the Right Layout

Depending on your requirements, you can go for Full-Size, TKL, 97%, 75%, 60%, and Smaller keyboard layouts. However, most gamers prefer TKL or 97% keyboard layout. Meanwhile, typists and data entry operators prefer the full-size keyboard. A full-size keyboard has 104 keys, including alphanumeric, numeric keypad, function row, and navigational keys. Some sections are omitted in some layouts, so that choice is up to the user.

Selecting Switches

As discussed earlier, choose a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your requirements. You can choose a linear, tactile, or clicky switch. For enthusiasts who want to go one step ahead, look for dust-proof, pre-lubricated, and hot-swappable switches. When selecting the switch, consider actuation force and distance.

Picking Keycaps

Select the right keycap. If you will not frequently change your keycaps, go for the PBT. ABS is great for affordability and frequent changes. They are also available in a wider variety of colors. Kecaps also come in different profiles, such as OEM, Cherry, SA, etc. The top of the keycap can be round or square or sometimes cater to the ergonomic positioning of the fingers. Study each type before making a choice.

Other Components to Consider

Gather equipment such as the PCB, Plate, Case, Stabilizers, Foam, etc. They will add value to the build and provide stability. One of the best options is to use a DIY Wireless Keyboard Kit like the MEETION BTK011. That comes with a high-quality PCB that is well-weighted to produce minimum rattle when pressing keys. Using a high-quality plate, case, stabilizers, and foam, all contribute to the overall satisfaction of the build.

Assembling Your Custom Mechanical Keyboard Step-by-step

Now, it's time to start assembling the keyboard. After gathering the right tools, we can

1. Gathering Your Tools and Materials

You will need a screwdriver set, switch puller, keycap puller, lube for keyboard switches, grease brush, keyboard switch, metal tweezers, soldering iron, and IC extractor.

2. Testing the PCB

Connect a mechanical switch temporarily to the PCB and check for a connection with the computer to see if the PCB is working. Then, we can move to the next step.

3. Install the Foam or Padding

First, get the base of your keyboard casing. If there aren't any spacers that come with the case, install them. Place the foam at the bottom, and then place the PCB on top, aligning with the spacers.

4. Mounting the PCB and Plate

Fastening secures the PCB in place. You will need some fasteners with your DIY kit to mount the PCB. If you use a plate, install it on top of the PCB and fasten it into place using a screwdriver.

5. Install the Switches

If your assembly supports hot-swappable mechanical switches, place the switches on your PCB. If they are soldered types, they contact the PCB using a soldering iron after placing the switch solder.

6. Installing Stabilizers

Expert builders use stabilizers for large keycaps such as the spacebar, backspace, enter, and shift. They also lubricate these keycaps using the lube that comes with the keyboard tool kit.

7. Fasten the Top Cover

After installing the base, PCB, foam, stabilizers, and switches, place the top cover onto the assembly. Check for misalignments and correct them if necessary. If your DIY keyboard kit is a wired mechanical keyboard, align the wire outlet accordingly.

8. Install the O-Rings

Now, it's time to install the silencers or o-rings on the stem of mechanical switches. Place them around the stem and make sure they are secure in place to avoid blocking switch actuation movement.

9. Attaching Keycaps

Attach your favorite keycaps, whether they are doubleshot PBT or ABS. Find the QWERTY keyboard layout online and align the keycap bottom with the switch stem. Press down on the keycap gently to secure them onto the switch.

10. Test Your Assembly

Finally, connect your keyboard and type with force on your keyboard to make sure your keyboard is working fine. If you hear a rattle or noise during usage, use foam, silencers, stabilizers, and lube to correct the issue.

Conclusion

Building your custom DIY mechanical keyboard is a satisfactory experience. You know your keyboard from the inside out and can fix and maintain it at home. Users can further customize their keyboards by adding unique colored keycaps and changing their hot-swappable mechanical switches.

We hope your new build is excellent and performs just as you intended. To start your custom keyboard journey, try the DIY keyboard kit from MEETION. It has pre-configured silicone spacers, a sandwich silicone silencer, a custom stabilizer, and a silicone pad at the bottom to improve the typing sound.