While you could get a pre-built keyboard from trusted brands like Logitech, Razer, HyperX, or Wooting, and it would serve you well, there is something else about building a keyboard that you like. From choosing which layout you want and the switches, to picking out the color theme and finding the keycaps, the entire process is super fun.

Custom keyboards are often seen as this very difficult hobby to get into, but it’s really not. Sure, you might have a bit of trouble in the beginning, but the process itself is quite simple. This article will dive deep into everything you need to know to build a gaming keyboard from scratch.

Related: I’ve Tested Many Gaming Mice — Here’s What Actually Matters

Things You Need to Know

Before you go out and buy parts for your keyboard. Let’s go through everything you need to know about what parts you need for a custom gaming keyboard.

Layout

The first thing you need to decide on is the layout. The layout is simpler in terms of the size of the keyboard and how many keys it has. Here are the popular sizes that you normally see.

• Full-sized: Your standard keyboard with the numpad and everything
• TKL (Ten-keyless): Full keyboard minus the numpad.
• 75%: Take a full-sized keyboard and cut the arrow keys, and you have a 75% keyboard.
• 60 or 65%: Even smaller, no arrow keys or function keys.

Smaller keyboards are the fashion today, as they save a lot of desk space. Of course, this means you have to sacrifice some keys. Fret not, as small keyboards come with macros that allow you to use those keys. Much like a lot in this guide, size is completely personal preference.

Switches

Switches are the most fun part of a custom keyboard. In fact, it’s almost 50% of the hobby of custom keyboards. And, once you get into this hobby, you will not stop trying new switches; it’s just fun.

But, for beginners, finding the right switches can be tough, especially with the numerous options available. But most switches can be loosely categorized into the following categories.

• Clicky Switches: When pressed, they produce a click sound. A lot of the old gaming keyboards usually came with clicky switches, so there is a chance you might have used them already. They are good but very noisy.
• Tactile Switches: You will feel a small tactile bump at the end when you press these switches. It’s like bubble wrap. One of the best if you do a lot of typing, the feeling is phenomenal.
• Linear Switches: There is no click or tactile feedback on press. They are also considered to be more responsive, but that’s not always the case. Linear Switches are the go-to choice for gaming.

Before deciding on any switch, first try all three of these to figure out what type you like. The best way to do this is to go to your local store that has keyboards on display and try them out. Try to find all three types of switches and test them to see which you like. Only after that, start looking for the switches of that type.

As for which switch to choose, go to subreddits and Discord channels. These are filled with passionate custom keyboard hobbyists who will help you out. Whenever you like a switch, go to YouTube to take the typing test to see if you like the sound. Reviews are the best tool you can use to narrow down your choices. Whatever you choose, just make sure to get the pre-lubed version (more on that later).

Keycaps

Once you have chosen your switches, you can move on to finding your ideal keycaps. Keycaps can really bring out the look of your keyboard. They come in different profiles. These profiles basically dictate how the layout of the keycaps is and how they are shaped and angled. Here are the most popular ones.

• Cherry Profile: Medium-low sculpted profile, comfortable for both gaming and typing; very popular in custom keyboards (e.g., GMK keycap sets).
• OEM Profile: Slightly taller than Cherry, sculpted, and the most common profile found in mainstream mechanical keyboards (e.g., Razer, Corsair).
• SA Profile: Very tall, sculpted, with spherical tops; has a retro typewriter look and deep “clacky” sound (e.g., Signature Plastics SA sets).
• DSA Profile: Low, uniform profile with spherical tops; all rows are the same height, making it ideal for custom or ortholinear layouts.
• XDA Profile: Similar to DSA but slightly taller and with a larger surface area, often used in artistic/custom keycap sets.

There are various other profiles, but these are the most common ones you will see. Just choose the ones you like. Keycaps are generally quite cheap, and you will probably change them after a few months.

How to Get Started

Once you know what you are looking for, there are two routes you can go with building a custom keyboard. You can buy every part, like the case, the PCB, all the dampening, and put it all together yourself, or buy a keyboard kit and build it from there. I’d recommend the latter; keyboard kits have gotten so good that you don’t really need to build it from scratch.

Keyboard kits usually include everything except the switches and keycaps. It’s basically a barebones version of a normal keyboard. Many brands make keyboard kits. KBD Fans is a popular brand among enthusiasts, but there are many more.

You should mainly focus on how the case looks, the color scheme, and the features like Wireless Connectivity. Also, make sure to choose a kit that supports hot-swappable switches. This allows you to just put in the switches without the need to solder them.

The next thing you need to look for is the socket for the switches on the PCB. Go for the 5-pin as it supports the most switches and you won’t have compatibility issues.

Once you have found a keyboard kit. The next step is to get the switches and keycaps.

Building Your Keyboard

The great thing about using a keyboard kit is that it usually comes with the tools you need, like the switch and keycap remover. At most, the thing you will need is a good screwdriver.

There will be instructions in the kit box that will guide you on how to put everything together. Every kit works differently, but the process itself is quite straightforward. These kits also come with foam pads that you can use to customize the feel of your keyboard even more.

These pads dampen the switch stroke, which gives that “thocc” a lot of enthusiasts love. Play with these foams and see what you like.

The main things you need to do are put in the switches and keycaps. Since we chose a hot-swappable keyboard, the switches should just fit in.

Lubing

Lubing is used to prevent metal-to-metal contact with the switch and PCB. This contact can make an unpleasant sound. You can lube your switches yourself, but for beginners, I’d recommend buying pre-lubed switches. It’s something you should explore later as you start enjoying this hobby more.

Plus, you also need things like a switch opener, a brush, and of course, a lube. Then, you pull apart the switches and lube them from the inside. The process takes a lot of time, which is why I don’t recommend it for beginners. Just get pre-lubed switches and call it a day.

Future Steps

You might have made your first keyboard, but the hobby is just getting started. There are so many things you can do to improve the feel of your keyboard. There are mods people have come up with in the community that make your keyboard even better. For example, Tape mod is a very popular DIY mod where you put Duct or Electrical tape on the back of your PCB. This dampens it, making it sound better.

You can try out different keycaps and switches. People have even 3D printed their own cases just for the sake of customization. There are a lot of things you can do moving forward.