The Click and Clack of Custom Keyboards: A Mechanical Keeb Guide for Beginners

When I first came across product websites showing features and specifications for mechanical keyboards, I found myself in Alice’s Wonderland. I had no idea what any of these features meant. Since then, I learned a lot and decided to compile all of this into a guide article. I hope it will help many of you and share it with others if you feel like it taught you anything. For some, a keyboard is just a tool for typing, an unsung hero of the digital age. For others, it’s a canvas for customization, an expression of personal style, and a companion in countless keystrokes.

The mechanical keyboard, a hallowed relic from the past, has experienced a remarkable revival in the present day. No longer the esoteric domain of typists and engineers, the mechanical keyboard has found a vibrant community in today’s tech and gaming niches. Whether you’re just starting your quest for the perfect keystroke or are an aspiring artisan, this comprehensive guide is a blueprint of your odyssey through modern mechanical keyboards. Build your setup the way you like, and start by knowing your keyboards.

The withered past and blossoming present of keyboards

Like turning the pages of history, we begin our exploration with the humble typewriter, the forebearer of the modern desktop keyboard. Early input devices, rudimentary in design, paved the way for innovation. With the advent of the digital era, the mechanical keyboard was overshadowed by rubber domes and membrane switches due to their cost and complexity.

Also interesting: Mechanical Keyboards – The Unexpected Bibliophile Find

Fast forward to the digital renaissance, a resurgence sparked by the quest for quality in both design and experience. Enthusiasts and gamers, clamoring for tactility, customization, and performance, embraced mechanical keyboards. Today, artisan crafts, bespoke designs, and cutting-edge functionality define the modern mechanical marvel.

Unleashing the keystroke kingdom

Keys are just keys? Oh really? I suppose you know better if you made it to this article. Let’s explore some of the most common options and features in this aspect.

The core of the craft: Understanding mechanical keyboards

A mechanical keyboard is distinguished by individual mechanical switches beneath each key, offering satisfying tactile feedback and, often, audible clicks. This tactile indulgence results from a spring-loaded mechanism that registers every keystroke with a dedicated switch, eliminating the need for a full key depression.

Looking for a glossary? Scroll all the way down. 

Numerous paths unfold within the key switch realm for the burgeoning enthusiast. Brands such as Cherry MX, Gateron, and Kailh have birthed many switch types, from the linear and silent to the clicky and resounding. Each has its actuation force, travel distance, and life expectancy, catering to various preferences.

The art of the type: Material and custom profile keycaps

Keycaps might appear to be a mere cosmetic flourish to the untrained eye. In truth, they are the very checkpoints of touch and the first line of defense against wear. ABS, a common plastic used for keycaps, is budget-friendly but prone to shine over time. Conversely, PBT keycaps offer durability and a more textured touch, often set at a premium.

Beyond the material, the aficionado will encounter an array of keycap profiles. From the towering peaks of SA to the understated curves of DSA, each profile influences the typing experience and aesthetics of the keeb. Understanding these profiles is crucial for any hardware design company looking to create a unique typing experience.

Navigating the complicated circuitry of customization

Soldered keys as the arch-enemy of the custom keeb scene? What is all that about, really?

Soldered to your vision: The role of PCBs and hot-swappability

The core structure of a mechanical keyboard lies within its Printed Circuit Board (PCB). This canvas dictates the possibilities for customization and comfort. Soldered PCBs, while rigid, offer a robust foundation for a keyboard build. Conversely, hot-swappable PCBs provide the flexibility to change switches without the need for soldering, allowing for on-the-fly adjustments to one’s typing preference.

Lighting the path: RGB and customization options galore

In the realm of modern keyboards, aesthetics intertwine seamlessly with function. RGB lighting and backlighting are eye-catching and serve as visual cues for key mappings and functions. Customizable through software, these lighting elements elevate the keyboard as a personal statement, from mesmerizing color waves to specific key highlightings in gameplay — truly, the keyboard becomes an extension of one’s digital persona.

The unsung heroes of Union: Ghosting, NKRO, and Anti-Ghosting

To type or not to type. That is the question. But how does a peripheral gadget know what you meant to type and what not?

Invisible glitches: Ghosting explained

Ghosting is the bane of any frantic typist or gamer. It manifests as unintended keystrokes or the failure to record a keystroke. Most commonly occurring in multi-keystroke combinations, ghosting can be a source of great irritation. Understanding and mitigating ghosting is paramount to an optimal typing and gaming experience.

Ensuring every keystroke counts

Enter N-Key Rollover (NKRO), the unsung hero that guarantees every keystroke is registered. With NKRO, a keyboard can handle any number of simultaneous keystrokes without ghosting, offering peace of mind in precision-critical moments.

Crossing the veil: Anti-ghosting technologies behind the curtains

Anti-ghosting technology carries the torch in the combat against ghosting and manifests resilience in design. Through various matrix arrangements and encoding methods, anti-ghosting ensures that only intended keystrokes bear fruit, providing a salient edge in performance and reliability.

Aesthetic ascendancy and ergonomic euphoria

Typing is live. Some love the silent keys, and others love the clickety-clack – but all love it when they feel nice.

The feel of form: Ergonomics and casing design in keeb culture

Amid the quest for bespoke aesthetics, one must not overlook the keyboard’s ergonomics. An ill-fitted keyboard can lead to discomfort and strain over extended use. With their angled profiles and split designs, ergonomic casings are crafted for the user’s physical well-being, ensuring comfort and longevity with every keystone moment.

Casting shadows and illuminating dreams

The intricacies of lighting within a mechanical keyboard are a subtle art. South-facing LEDs create a smooth, uninterrupted glow, enhancing the keycap’s legends, whereas north-facing LEDs provide sharp and clear illumination. The choice between the two lies in the delicate balance between visibility and ambiance. And if nothing else… it’s just awesome.

Personalizing the thrust

The beauty of mechanical keyboards is their capacity for personalization. Custom cables, artisan keycaps, and themed colorways are but a few of the myriad choices that allow enthusiasts to build not just a keyboard but an artifact that reflects their individuality. These tangential pursuits often define the extent of one’s involvement within the community.

The fellowship of the keystroke

Wait, what? Because there are no rings on a keyboard except maybe for a curly cable that it’s attached to – insert sad rimshot. What else is worth knowing about keyboards in the modern age?

What brands to start with?

Nobody knows them all, and forgive me if I forgot your preferred brand here, but to all who are only about to start their journey, this list will likely be a useful world-map-of-brands to begin their keeb cruise.

• AKKO
• AJAZZ
• Anne Pro
• ClickLab
• CoolKiller
• Corsair
• CIDOO
• Dareu
• DNA
• Ducky
• Epomaker
• Everglide
• Feker
• Filco
• FirstBlood
• Glorious
• Gopolar
• HyperX
• KBDfans
• Keychron
• KZZI
• Leopold
• Lofree
• Magicforce
• MechLands
• Melgeek
• MM Studio
• MXRSKEY
• NIZ
• NuPhy
• Qeekestudio
• Razer
• Royal Kludge
• RoyalAxe
• Skyloong
• SteelSeries
• Varmilo
• WASD Keyboards

These are merely starting points for your research and not a direct recommendation of any brand in particular. The order is alphabetical and does not imply that the top entries are better than the bottom or vice versa.

Engaging with the community

The path of the modern mechanical keyboard enthusiast is not one walked alone. Forums, meetups, and conventions are the hubs of community engagement, fostering a sharing of knowledge and passion. Social media and content creators serve as heralds, casting a wide net over the digital expanse and connecting fellow enthusiasts worldwide.

Cultivating a garden of resources

Many resources bloom like a spring garden for the neophyte navigating the mechanical keyboard landscape. Beginners’ guides and video tutorials stand as virtual field guides, acquainting the uninitiated with terminology, terminologies, and the craft itself. Recommendations from the seasoned traveler are akin to a nod from a trusted navigator, pointing the way forward to purveyors and products of quality.

The pinnacle of the journey

The odyssey from beginner to enthusiast is one marked with discovery and delight. Each customized keystroke, each backlit spectacle, and each personalized theme represents a step in the development of a keyboard aficionado. The modern mechanical keyboard is not just an instrument but an art form, embodying function, form, and the spirit of the community that brings it to life.

Appendix: A glossary of keyboard esoterica

This appendix serves as a pocket dictionary for those intrigued by the eccentric lexicon of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. From acronyms like ANSI to WPM and terminologies ranging from O-ring dampeners to Zealios, understanding the lingo is essential in complete immersion. What terms and acronyms are people asking about the most?

• 2.4 GHz Wireless: A radio frequency for wireless keyboards, offering a stable connection with minimal lag.
• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): A type of plastic used for keycaps, known for its smooth texture but prone to shine over time with heavy use.
• Aluminum Alloy: A material used for keyboard frames, known for its durability and premium feel.
• ANSI Layout: The American National Standards Institute layout, common in the United States, characterized by a horizontal enter key.
• Assembled Keyboard: A fully built keyboard ready to use out of the box.
• Barebone Kit: This is a keyboard kit that includes the case, PCB, and stabilizers but no switches or keycaps, allowing for customization.
• Bluetooth: Maybe not new, but still important. Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances. It is used in keyboards for wireless connectivity.
• Cherry MX: A popular brand of mechanical switches known for their reliability and variety of switch types (e.g., Red, Blue, Brown).
• Clicky: A type of switch that provides tactile feedback and a distinct click sound when pressed.
• DSA: This is a uniform keycap profile with a flat, spherical top. It allows for easier customization, as keycaps can be swapped without worrying about varying heights.
• DIY (Do It Yourself): Refers to assembling or customizing keyboards by oneself, rather than purchasing pre-assembled models.
• EMDP Switch Cotton: A material used inside switches to dampen noise, providing a quieter typing experience.
• Gasket Structure: A mounting system that uses gaskets (elastic materials) to suspend the keyboard’s plate between the top and bottom case, enhancing the typing feel and sound.
• Gateron: A manufacturer of mechanical switches known for their smooth keystrokes and variety of switch options.
• Ghosting: A phenomenon where certain key combinations do not register correctly, often due to hardware limitations.
• Hot Swappable: A feature that allows switches to be replaced without soldering, facilitating easy customization.
• ISO Layout: The International Organization for Standardization layout, common in Europe, characterized by a vertical enter key and additional keys like the “£” or “€” symbol.
• Kailh: Another popular brand of mechanical switches, offering a wide range of switch types with different actuation points and feedback.
• Keycap Puller: A tool used to remove keycaps from switches safely without damaging them.
• LED (Light Emitting Diode): A semiconductor light source used in keyboards for backlighting or indicator lights.
• Linear: A type of switch that offers a smooth keystroke without tactile feedback or noise.
• Layout Size %: Refers to the size of the keyboard in relation to a full-size layout, indicating the presence or absence of certain key groups (e.g., 60%, 75%, TKL).
• mAh Battery Capacity: Milliampere-hour, a unit that measures the energy charge that a battery will hold and how long a device will run before it needs recharging.
• MDA (Melgeek Domikey SA): A keycap profile designed for ergonomic comfort, featuring a sculpted shape for a more natural typing position.
• Mechanical Keyboard: A keyboard that uses individual mechanical switches for each key, known for durability and customizable options.
• NKRO (N-Key Rollover): A feature that allows multiple keys to be pressed simultaneously with all keypresses being registered accurately.
• O-ring Dampeners: Small rings made from silicone or rubber placed on the stem of keyboard switches to reduce noise and soften the landing of keypresses.
• PCB (Printed Circuit Board): The board that holds the keyboard switches and electronics.
• PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate): A high-quality plastic used for keycaps, known for its durability and resistance to shine.
• PET Acoustic Pad or Bottom Pad: A material placed inside a keyboard to reduce hollow sounds and improve acoustic performance.
• PORON Material: A soft, durable, and flexible material used for gaskets in keyboards, enhancing the typing feel and reducing vibration.
• Profile: Refers to the shape and height of keycaps, affecting ergonomics and aesthetics (e.g., SA, DSA, MDA).
• RGB (Red, Green, Blue): LED backlighting capable of producing a spectrum of colors, used for aesthetic customization in keyboards.
• SA: A tall, sculpted keycap profile known for its vintage look and comfortable typing experience.
• Soldering: The process of permanently attaching components, such as switches, to a keyboard’s PCB.
• Stabilizers: Mechanisms used under larger keys (e.g., spacebar, enter) to ensure even and stable keypresses.
• Tactile: A type of switch that provides a noticeable bump during actuation, offering feedback without the noise of clicky switches.
• TKL (Tenkeyless): A keyboard layout that lacks the numpad, saving space while retaining most functionality. Some like it, some hate it, but that’s what they call it.
• USB (Universal Serial Bus): A standard type of connection used for plugging keyboards into computers and other devices.
• WPM (Words Per Minute): A measure of typing speed, indicating the number of words a person can type in a minute.
• Zealios: A brand of high-quality, enthusiast-grade tactile switches known for their smooth action and pronounced tactile bump.

In concluding this guide, the cradle-to-curation expedition through modern mechanical keyboards reveals a rich and diverse ecosystem. This guide, a beacon in the expanding universe of the keeb, seeks to empower readers with the knowledge and confidence to engage meaningfully with the hobby. Your mechanical keyboard awaits. It is a tale of expression and engineering, a testament to the endless exploration one can find within the frame of a few inches and the press of a key. Bon voyage.

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YouTube: Beginner’s Guide To Mechanical Keyboards (Brad Colbow)

Photo credit: The images shown are owned by Ducky and Epomaker. Each keyboard photo has been credited separately, indicating the model number or edition designation. The material has been provided for media usage through press releases.