Help With Building First Custom Keyboard

[Ehrix]

I don't know if this is the right section for this post, but I am planning on building my first custom keyboard. I have my budget set to around $300 USD (It can be flexible). I'm in between a 65% and 75% keyboard (whatever comes with Function keys and arrow keys). I plan mainly on using it for gaming and coding (If those topics even effect the keyboard). I also want to aim for a more thocking sounding keyboard. I'm going to ask a couple questions down below:

 

I've done some research about how to make custom keyboards but I don't know about how to buy the components. Is it better to buy a keyboard that comes with the frame stuff and pcb or should I buy each separately? 

Continuing the last question, I would want some sort of aluminum framed case so any recommendations on brands would be nice.

Do y'all have any recommendations on good tactile or linear switches? I don't know which ones I want just yet. (I currently have razor's green tactile and clicky switches on the black widow chroma v2).

 

Does the rgb come from the pcb or the switches? Also what of whichever ones has some of the best RGB?

 

Thanks for any help.

 

 

[Nuzicx]

2 hours ago, Ehrix said:

I've done some research about how to make custom keyboards but I don't know about how to buy the components. Is it better to buy a keyboard that comes with the frame stuff and pcb or should I buy each separately? 

I'm not biased on ether, but if you choose a PCB you'll need to check compatibility, generally the PCBs are standardized in screw hole positioning so a 60% PCB will fit a 60% case, many websites tell you compatibility and will tell you if you need a particular case. They also sell a 'kit' or barebones which includes case, PCB, foam, frame, gaskets if so, screws and rubber feet, less the switches and keycaps. Generally frames and foam are universal or fit to the keyboards layout 

2 hours ago, Ehrix said:

Continuing the last question, I would want some sort of aluminum framed case so any recommendations on brands would be nice.

Nice premiums to have are a weight for stability and a metal case. Gasket mounts increase flexibility for a lighter typing experience with a lower bottom out. Different types of frames also have different effects POM, FR4, aluminum, etc. I don't recommend a particular brand but checkout the websites below and look for youtube reviews of the keyboard. https://www.youtube.com/c/hipyotech & https://www.youtube.com/@SwitchandClickOfficial review alot of keyboards, especially new ones. New keyboards are popping up all the time.

2 hours ago, Ehrix said:

Do y'all have any recommendations on good tactile or linear switches? I don't know which ones I want just yet. (I currently have razor's green tactile and clicky switches on the black widow chroma v2).

Best bet would be try a switch tester kit so you get a feel, I started with a heavy switch and progressed to lighter switches as my typing improved however that was just my preference.

https://clstech.com.au/products/switch-tester-sample-pack
https://keychron.com.au/products/gateron-switch-tester
https://www.temu.com/au/kailh-24-switch-switches-tester-with-acrylic-base-blank-keycaps-for-mechanical-keyboard-kailh-box-heavy-pro-purple--yellow-box-white-box-red-box-black-jade-light-green-burent--box-brown-box-pale-blue-navy-age-burgundy-plum-bronze-copper-g-601099529741365.html

 

2 hours ago, Ehrix said:

Does the rgb come from the pcb or the switches? Also what of whichever ones has some of the best RGB?

Generally they are on the PCB but can they can be on the switches. I can't recommend a particular for best RGB but find the RGB diode number and a comparison guide, heres some more info on types of RGB 

 

International Sites

https://drop.com/
https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/
https://idobao.net/
https://epomaker.com/
https://kineticlabs.com/
https://keebsforall.com/
https://www.melgeek.com/
https://www.play-keyboard.store/
https://smkeyboards.com/
https://1upkeyboards.com/
https://www.aliexpress.com/

 

Australian Sites

https://www.switchkeys.com.au/pages/updates
https://keyhub.com.au/
https://www.keebzncables.com/
https://dailyclack.com/
https://clstech.com.au/

 

The Australian sites are worth a checkout as these are keyboard enthusiast sites and the maker of the keyboard they have for sale likely has another store in your country or an international store.

 

Some things you didn't ask.

 

Programmability: QMK/VIA are good options. You'll want to be able to create custom keyboard maps and change the keys around, especially if your keyboard isn't a full one.

 

Keycaps: I don't have much information on hand but double shot PBT that are quite thick seem to produce the best sound, the higher the profile the better in regards to sound. Lower profile also has its use if your going for a slim style keyboard.

 

Angle of Keyboard and Keycap Profile: the angle of the keyboard has an effect on easily been able to find your baring when typing properly without looking at the keys, and the profile of the keycaps also helps https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=4bf4f10bfaa884c2&q=keycap+profiles I'd recommend MT3 or SA

[GarlicDeliverySystem]

5 hours ago, Ehrix said:

I've done some research about how to make custom keyboards but I don't know about how to buy the components. Is it better to buy a keyboard that comes with the frame stuff and pcb or should I buy each separately? 

Continuing the last question, I would want some sort of aluminum framed case so any recommendations on brands would be nice.

Do y'all have any recommendations on good tactile or linear switches? I don't know which ones I want just yet. (I currently have razor's green tactile and clicky switches on the black widow chroma v2).

 

Does the rgb come from the pcb or the switches? Also what of whichever ones has some of the best RGB?

 

Thanks for any help

I would recommend going with a barebones kit, meaning everything apart from the switches and keycaps is already included and should be assembled. Or buy a kit that still needs assembly, but for a first i would not go and buy everything separately. In theory there is some form of compatibility in all of these designs, but it is much easier nowadays to find good barebones kits.

 

There are tons getting into the smaller keyboard budget side of things:

• Keychron Q MAX series (Q and Q Pro are still around but the MAX is clearly superior, at least on paper. Personally I love my heavily modified Q6, but for the price difference get the MAX)
• Monsgeek M series
• Nuphy boards
• Cidoo V75 should be pretty good, only bought a numpad from them but that was brilliant for the price
• Rainy 75, apparently really good for the money
• Womier S-K71 or the Yunzii AL71, which appear to be identical. Probably a few more twins or families of boards out there.

In terms of switches, go with Gateron G Pro 3.0 yellows for now. The latest version of the G Pro was released a few months ago, so 2.0 or older versions are still around but the 3.0 is again another step up to where this is really a great switch. Especially since it costs only 25$-35$ for 110, depending on where you buy. Considering that premium switches can be 1$ per switch, the G Pro 3.0 are just unrivaled value.

https://www.gateron.co/products/gateron-g-pro-3-0-switch-set

 

Same with other switches: go for the not super cheap stuff, but the 20-30$ per 100 region. You will be able to test 2-3 sets of switches for the price of one premium switch.

Other good switches I tried in the past are:

• Gateron Oil Kings linear: still one of my favorite, the longs spring makes a huge difference, in that the force curve is much flatter and they feel "snappier" and somehow still smoother to me. Rather expensive at 65$ for 110 though.
• Cherry MX2A Black: some would call them not as smooth and slightly higher pitched than the Gaterons, but I still liked them. Much better than the predecessor MX switches imho
• WS Morandi: currently typing on them, they feel good maybe a bit wobbly, but sound great on the board and they are not too expensive either. Linear switch.
• Gazzew Boba U4T: tactile switch, good quality and i can see why people love them. I don't like tactile switches apparently, and unfortunately they are really expensive as well
• Gateron Kangaroo: Gateron's version of the U4T, same issue for me but otherwise a good switch

I don't have much first hand experience with Kailh switches, but they also have huge variety of switches at reasonable prices, so do other vendors like Akko. I think this is really the main thing you can try to look for variety over the months/years with your board: using the hotswap feature and trying out all the fancy stuff out there.

 

Regarding RGB: that comes from the PCB nowadays, there are small LEDs on the PCB. However, this means that the switches need to be able to either pass or diffuse the light that comes from below, so you will see "RGB switches" that are just made with transparent housings or have extra plastic pieces to pass or diffuse the light better. Think of the PCB as the light source and the switch as the lense; they work in tandem for great RGB.

 

Regarding best RGB you will want a switch that either has a great diffuser or is just completely transparent. From what I have seen online people were really blown away by the RGB performance of transparent switches like Gateron Northpole 2.0, though it really depends on what you want to use your RGB for. Are you going for full glow gamer RGB rainbow puke, or some subtle lighting for ambience? Are you planning to pair them with shine-through keycaps, or should they bleed around the edges of the switches?