A custom mechanical keyboard is a great way to upgrade your gaming experience. However, it can be quite expensive to build your own. The cost of building a mechanical keyboard varies based on your chosen components and layout. But the average price range is anywhere from $200-$420 per board, with tools included.
- Switches
Switches are a crucial part of a mechanical keyboard. They determine how each key will feel and act when pressed, so choosing the right ones is important. There are many different types of switches, so it’s best to research them before buying them. Some are more suited to gaming than others, while others might be better suited to typing. It would help if you also considered whether you want a hot-swap board, which allows you to change switches without purchasing another keyboard. This can be a huge time-saver.
Cherry MX switches are the most popular ones, but you can find many other ones to suit your needs. For example, if you’re interested in a tactile keyboard, look for Gateron switches that feature a ‘touch feel’ and are becoming increasingly popular in the community. Some switches are more expensive than others, so it’s best to do your homework before choosing the ones that will fit your budget. Some switches can cost as much as $200, while others may only be a few dollars.
- Case
One of the most important parts of a keyboard is the case. It can affect how each keystroke feels and sounds when typing, and it can also change a board’s overall performance and longevity. Plastic is the most common material used in keyboard cases, but other options are also available. These include aluminum and steel. These materials can be much heavier and sturdier than plastic but cost more. Choosing the right material for your case will affect your typing feel in several ways. For example, a metal case can make the keys feel stiffer and less bouncy.
You can also improve the sound of your keyboard by adding a dampening material to the inside. This can significantly improve the sound of your mechanical keyboard. Your mounting style will also impact how your keyboard works and feels. There are many different styles, including tray mount, top mount, bottom mount, sandwich mount, and plate less mount. Custom keyboard cases are a great way to express your creativity and individuality. They can come in various colors and designs, adding a personal touch to your keyboard. They are often used by gamers and typists who want to customize their keyboards and have a unique experience.
- PCB
A keyboard is a device that converts keystrokes into electrical signals that are sent to your computer. Each key has a switch that tells your computer which key you have pressed. A standard mechanical keyboard has a printed circuit board (PCB), the computer part of the device. PCBs vary in size, layout, and materials, which affect the overall cost of building a mechanical keyboard.
The PCBs used in mechanical keyboards have been designed specifically for them, so the costs are higher than those of a conventional keyboard. This is because custom circuit boards must be engineered and prototyped for each design, which can take time. This process also requires extensive testing and assembly, which can add to the total cost. Many people opt for pre-manufactured mechanical keyboards instead of custom-built ones. A mechanical keyboard is a great way to improve your gaming and typing experience, and it’s worth the investment. But you have to know what you’re getting into before deciding.
- Keycaps
Keycaps are the pieces that cover all of the switches on a keyboard. These caps can be made from different materials and have various shapes and profiles. The most common keycap material is ABS, a type of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. This is a cheap and easy-to-produce polymer found on most inexpensive keyboards. Another common keycap material is PBT, a polybutylene Terephthalate type. This type of plastic can also be produced at a lower cost than ABS.
There are many different types of keycaps on the market, including Cherry profile, XDA, DSA, and SA profiles. Choosing the best profile for you is ultimately a matter of personal preference, but these styles are very popular and can greatly improve your typing experience. There are also a few other options for keycaps, such as novelty keys that are crafted to look like animals or characters. These can make your keyboard stand out and help you customize it even further.
- Stabilizers
Stabilizers are the key to a smooth and stable keypress on a mechanical keyboard. They prevent keys from wobbling and making noise when pressed, especially at the spacebar, enter/return, and backspace. They are also a great way to improve the performance of pre-built keyboards. This includes reducing the rattle created by the wire contacting the plastic housing and softening the bottom-outs made when you press a key. The most common stabilizers are plate-mounted stabilizers, which attach to the plate on a standard keyboard. These tend to be less expensive than screw-in or clip-in stabilizers.
You can get plate-mounted stabilizers in various styles, from cheap and simple to expensive and fancy. We usually order them from Novel Keys because they stock them more often than other stores. GMK makes some genuine Cherry-style stabilizers if you need a higher-quality stabilizer. They are very simple to install and come in various colors, materials, and styles. These are one of the most common stabilizers on the market and are popular choices for many people. They are easily adapted for plate-mounted, screw-in, and snap-in mounting styles.
- Switch Plate
Switches are one of the most important parts of a mechanical keyboard. These tiny devices lie beneath each keycap and are responsible for registering and actuating keys. There are a few different switches, each with its properties and benefits. For instance, some switches are more durable and allow longer lifespans. Other switches offer a more tactile feel for users. Another thing to remember when choosing switches is how they are mounted. You can choose between plate-mounted and Printed Circuit Board (PCB)-mounted switches.
With plate-mounted switches, you install the three-pin switches to a metal plate above the keyboard’s PCB. Once placed on the plate, you snap the switches to the board for hot-swappable keyboards or solder them to a printed circuit board for standard mechanical keyboards. The metal plate adds extra support for the switches, which can help stabilize the keyboard. This is helpful for heavy-handed typists and those who prefer stable keyboards. However, the costs of this configuration can be higher than those of a keyboard with PCB-mounted switches.
Conclusion
One of the most important decisions when buying a mechanical keyboard is what type of switches you want. Choosing the wrong switch can negatively impact your typing experience.
