Build Your Own Mechanical Keyboard: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Build Your Own Mechanical Keyboard: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Building your own mechanical keyboard might seem daunting at first glance, but the process is rewarding and more accessible than you might think. The custom keyboard community has grown exponentially over the past few years, with more resources, parts, and guides available than ever before. This guide will walk you through every step of building your first custom mechanical keyboard.

Why Build Your Own Mechanical Keyboard?

Before diving into the how, let's quickly cover the why:

• Complete customization - Choose every component to match your preferences
• Better typing experience - Tailor the feel and sound to your exact liking
• Higher quality - Often better built than mass-produced options
• Personal satisfaction - Few things beat typing on a keyboard you built yourself

Essential Components You'll Need

Every custom mechanical keyboard build requires these fundamental components:

1. PCB (Printed Circuit Board)

The PCB is the brain of your keyboard. When selecting one, consider:

• Layout - Standard (full-size, TKL, 60%), or more exotic options
• Hotswap vs. soldered - Hotswap sockets allow switch changes without soldering
• Features - RGB lighting, programmability, wireless options

For beginners, I recommend a hotswap PCB as it offers flexibility without requiring soldering skills.

2. Case

The case houses your PCB and determines much of your keyboard's:

• Aesthetics - Material (plastic, aluminum, wood), color, and design
• Sound profile - Different materials produce different sounds
• Typing feel - Case mounting style affects flex and feedback

Cases range from budget-friendly plastic options to premium CNC-machined aluminum or brass.

3. Plate

The plate sits between your switches and PCB, providing stability and affecting:

• Typing firmness - Aluminum offers a firm feel, while polycarbonate allows more flex
• Sound characteristics - Different materials produce different acoustic profiles
• Switch stability - Especially important for larger keys

Some builds are "plateless," but I recommend using a plate for your first build.

4. Switches

Switches are perhaps the most important component for typing feel and sound. You can explore our comprehensive guide to mechanical keyboard switches for detailed information.

Key considerations include:

• Switch type - Linear, tactile, or clicky (learn more about the three main types of mechanical switches)
• Spring weight - Determines how much force is needed to press a key
• Sound profile - From silent to loud and everything in between
• Factory lubed or not - Pre-lubed switches save time but may not be as consistent

Our switch database can help you compare options.

5. Keycaps

Keycaps have a major impact on:

• Aesthetics - Different profiles, colors, and themes
• Typing experience - Height, shape, and material affect how keys feel
• Sound - Materials like PBT and ABS produce different sounds

Popular profiles include Cherry, OEM, SA, and KAT. For UK-based enthusiasts, check out our guide to the best places to buy mechanical keyboard keycaps in the UK.

6. Stabilizers

Often overlooked but crucial for larger keys (spacebar, shift, enter), stabilizers prevent wobbling and improve sound. Options include:

• Screw-in - Most secure, recommended for custom builds
• Snap-in - Easier to install but less stable
• Plate-mount - Compatible with certain plate designs

7. Optional Components

• Foam - Case and plate foam for sound dampening
• Films - Switch films to reduce housing wobble
• Lube - For switches and stabilizers
• Custom cables - For aesthetics and durability

Tools You'll Need

Gather these tools before starting your build:

• Screwdriver set - For case assembly
• Keycap puller - For installing keycaps
• Switch puller - For hotswap builds
• Tweezers - For stabilizer assembly
• Soldering iron & solder - Only for non-hotswap builds
• Lube station & brushes - If lubing switches

Step-by-Step Building Process

Step 1: Prepare Your Stabilizers

1. Disassemble your stabilizers
2. Apply dielectric grease to the wire ends
3. Lube the stabilizer housing with a thin layer of lube
4. Reassemble and test for smooth movement

Properly tuned stabilizers eliminate the rattling sound that plagues many keyboards.

Step 2: Prepare Your Switches

If you're using factory switches without modification, you can skip this step. Otherwise:

1. Open each switch housing
2. Apply switch films if using them
3. Lube the springs, stems, and housing
4. Reassemble each switch

This process is time-consuming but dramatically improves the typing experience. For detailed guidance, check out our step-by-step guide to switch cleaning and lubing.

Step 3: Install Stabilizers on the PCB

1. Orient the stabilizers correctly (wire facing down)
2. Snap in or screw in depending on your stabilizer type
3. Test by moving the wire up and down - it should move smoothly

Step 4: Install Switches

For hotswap PCBs:

1. Align the plate over the PCB
2. Press switches firmly into the hotswap sockets through the plate
3. Ensure pins are straight and fully inserted

For solder PCBs:

1. Place the plate over the PCB
2. Insert switches through the plate into the PCB
3. Flip the assembly and solder each switch

Start with corner switches to secure the plate, then fill in the rest.

Step 5: Assemble the Case

1. Place any desired foam in the case
2. Carefully place the PCB/plate assembly into the case
3. Secure with screws according to your case design
4. Test all switches with a PCB tester or by plugging in the keyboard

Step 6: Install Keycaps

1. Start with larger keys (spacebar, shift, enter)
2. Press each keyc