
The added strength that aluminum provides might feel more premium but is seldom a requirement. Plastic cases offer the best bang for the buck. Some people prefer this, but it’s something to bear in mind. Typing on a keyboard with an aluminum case can be much louder and provide a more metallic and hollow sound. Other than cost, the main downside is the effect on acoustics. It also provides a premium look and feel that you won’t find in plastic cases. The added weight can help keep your keyboard in place during those heavy work or play sessions. Cases are usually available in one of 4 different materials.Īluminum is the most expensive option but offers the strongest platform for your keyboard. This typically comes down to budget and doesn’t impact the functionality of the keyboard. Once your have decided on the size of your keyboard, you need to decide on which material you want your case to be made from.
PCB KEYBOARD FULL
The size you choose will narrow down your case options but each size or layout, whether it’s 40 percent, 60 percent or full size, will have multiple cases to choose from. Choosing Components for Your Mechanical Keyboard Casesīefore choosing your case, you need to decide what size of keyboard you want to build. Now, before you go spending money on anything and everything, we’ll go into more detail for each part so you can see how it comes together. If you're not willing to wait and you're prepared to spend whatever it takes, Originative offers a wide variety of keysets from high quality brands like GMK and Signature Plastics. Massdrop is a great way to get more expensive and limited run keysets at significant savings if you're willing to wait for them to drop and ship. If, however, you are looking for something a bit more unique and with a wider range of compatibility, you'll need to look elsewhere. If you're looking for basic keysets to get your board up and running, either of these stores will have you covered. Their case selection isn't as robust as KBDfans but if you live in the US, you can save on shipping by ordering from them.

1UP Keyboards is another one stop shopping destination for mechanical keyboard parts. It's entirely possible to get everything you'll need from them, but their keycap selection leaves much to be desired.

KBDfans has a huge selection of components and they carry more cases and PCBs than any retailer I've seen. There are a few different stores I like to buy my parts from. You can find some good options this way but it's much easier if you can get multiple parts from the same source. Your first instinct might be to hop onto Amazon and start searching for parts. There are six components you’ll need to put together a functioning keyboard along with a USB cable:Īll of these parts have a wide range of options to personalize your keyboard and many options for one part can determine or limit your options for another.Ĭhoosing the right places to buy your parts from can be pretty difficult if you've never built a keyboard before. The last thing you want is to sit down with your soldering iron only to realize your missing an important piece. When you’re starting any DIY project you need to know what parts you need to buy. If you’re not one for making compromises, it may be time to build your own. If you want a programmable keyboard in a 60 percent format with dedicated arrow keys but it is only available without the programmability, then you will need to make compromises and choose the features that are most important to you. With pre-built boards you don’t get to choose the size or the layout. This goes far beyond the aesthetics of buying the latest keyset from Massdrop or swapping in a braided cable. Choose your design, choose your switch-that’s it.īut what if I told you that every part of a keyboard can be customized. When you compare your available options, you’ll soon realize that outward design is the only differentiator.

While the popular gaming brands have pushed the awareness and adoption of mechanical keyboards into the mainstream, compromises on quality are almost always made in order to lower prices. The majority of these brands claim to offer the best in terms of quality and functionality, but that's not always the case. In the world of mechanical keyboards, brand names like Corsair, Razer, HyperX, etc., take the bulk of the limelight.
