Building a Customizable Mechanical Keyboard

Building a custom mechanical keyboard can be a fun and rewarding project. It is a way to get creative and learn about circuitry. Building a custom keyboard can also help you create a keyboard that fits your needs like the size and layout of the keyboard, the way the keyboard types which can improve writing code, essays or even just browsing the internet.

Tools and supplies that will be needed are

• mechanical keyboard PCB
• Mechanical switches
• Keycaps

The first step of building your very own mechanical keyboard is choosing the right case and PCB. There are many different types to choose from all the way from the layout of the keyboard and size, to the material of the case like brass , steel these all affect the way the keyboard will sound and feel. You can either buy a hot-swappable keyboard case which allows you to change the mechanical keyboard switches without the use of soldering or you can buy just the pcb and do the soldering yourself.

Next step is choosing the mechanical switches. This is a very important process in building your custom keyboard. Mechanical switches come in many varieties and are often categorized by their actuation force, tactile feedback, and noise level. There are three different types of switches tactile, linear, and clicky. Your choice of switch will determine your typing experience.

The third step is getting to choose your keycaps. This is the process where you can get creative. Keycaps come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. Lots of keycaps include designs and colors so that you can get the desired look that you want your keyboard to look. Or you can even customize your own keycaps and paint them.

Installing your mechanical switches into your case is very easy. You will want to align the pins on the switches to the keyboard and press down firmly. You do not want to force it as you may cause damage to the board. If the switch does not go in the the pins may not be aligned properly.

Now that the switches are installed you can insert the keycaps. Attaching the keycaps is also easy. All you have to do is gently press the keycap down onto the switch. And make sure the keycaps are installed correctly and in the right position.

You have successfully built your own customizable mechanical keyboard! Now that you have the right size and design of your keyboard you can enjoy your customized keyboard!