Alright folks, gather ’round! Today I’m spillin’ the beans on my latest obsession: a custom keyboard build kit. Let me tell ya, it’s been a journey!
It all started when I got sick and tired of my mushy, off-the-shelf keyboard. You know the kind, where you gotta bottom out every key just to make sure it registers? Ugh. I wanted something with a bit more… personality. Plus, I spend like, half my life typing, so I figured I deserved a decent typing experience.
First things first, I did a deep dive into the world of mechanical keyboards. Watched a ton of YouTube videos, read countless forum threads (geekhack, you’re a rabbit hole!), and generally overloaded my brain with terminology like “tactile,” “linear,” “plate mount,” and “keycap profile.” It was a bit overwhelming, to be honest.
Then came the fun part: choosing the kit! After way too much agonizing, I settled on a 65% layout kit. I liked the compact size, but still wanted dedicated arrow keys. The kit I picked came with a barebones case, PCB, and plate. It was up to me to provide the switches, stabilizers, and keycaps. Decisions, decisions!
Switches were next. I wanted something tactile, but not too clicky (didn’t want to annoy the wife). I ended up going with some tactile switches. Heard good things about them, and the price was right. I ordered a pack of 70, just to be safe.
Stabilizers are the unsung heroes of any good keyboard build. They keep the larger keys (like spacebar, shift, and enter) from wobbling and rattling. I went with screw-in stabilizers, as they’re supposed to be more secure. I also grabbed some dielectric grease to lube them up. Lube is key, people! Seriously, it makes a HUGE difference.
Keycaps were where I really got to express myself. I spent ages browsing different sets online. There are so many awesome options out there! Ultimately, I decided on a double-shot PBT keycap set with a clean, minimalist design. They look and feel great.
Alright, so I had all the parts. Time to get buildin’! I started by lubing the stabilizers. This is a tedious process, but trust me, it’s worth it. I carefully applied a thin layer of dielectric grease to the wires and stems. Made a world of difference in reducing rattle.
Next, I mounted the stabilizers onto the PCB. Then, I popped the switches into the plate and carefully aligned them with the PCB before pressing them in. This took some time and patience. Make sure everything is lined up correctly, or you could bend the pins on the switches.
With the switches installed, I screwed the plate onto the case. Then, the satisfying part: putting on the keycaps! This is where the keyboard really comes to life. I carefully placed each keycap onto its corresponding switch, making sure they were all seated properly.
Finally, I plugged the keyboard into my computer and… it worked! Well, mostly. A few of the keys weren’t registering properly. Turns out I hadn’t pressed the switches in all the way. A little extra pressure, and they were good to go.
So there you have it. My first custom keyboard build. It wasn’t without its challenges, but it was a fun and rewarding experience. Now I have a keyboard that looks, feels, and sounds exactly how I want it. And let me tell you, typing on it is a dream!
If you’re thinkin’ about building your own keyboard, I say go for it! Do your research, be patient, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The mechanical keyboard community is super supportive. You might just end up with your new favorite toy.
Tips for newbies:
- Watch lots of build videos!
- Don’t skimp on the stabilizers.
- Lube everything!
- Take your time.
- Have fun!
That’s all for now, folks. Happy clacking!