If you’re new to the world of keyboard customization, mechanical keyboard customization can initially seem a bit daunting. However, with a few helpful tips and guidances, you’ll soon be on your way to creating a completely personalized typing experience. From choosing the right switches to installing custom keycaps and programming custom functions, this guide will lay down some fundamental steps beginners should consider during the mechanical keyboard customization process.
Choosing Mechanical Switches
The very DNA of a mechanical keyboard lies within its switches. These switches dictate the overall feel, sound, and even the look of your keyboard. Essentially, there are three types of mechanical switches: linear switches, tactile switches, and clicky switches.
Linear switches provide a smooth keystroke from top to bottom, usually with lighter actuation force. Those who seek quiet and seamless keystrokes generally prefer this type. Popular options include Cherry MX Red, Gateron Red, and Kailh Speed Silver.
Tactile switches offer a ‘bump’ in the keystroke, providing physical feedback when the keystroke registers. Examples include Cherry MX Brown, Gateron Brown, and Zealios V2.
Clicky switches, as suggested by their name, produce a clicky sound and tactile bump when actuated. For users who enjoy audible feedback, switches like Cherry MX Blue, Gateron Blue, and Kailh Box White are ideal.
Custom Keycaps
Keycaps play a crucial role in keyboard aesthetics and are an easy way to inject personal flair. Standard keycaps are often made from ABS plastic, but custom keycaps usually use PBT plastic since it’s more durable and resistant to shine over time.
Keycaps come in an array of colours, fonts, textures, and profiles. When choosing, consider both aesthetics and how the typing feel may change. If you prefer a taller, more sculpted key, you might opt for an SA or MT3 profile. For a flatter, uniform profile, consider DSA or XDA.
Stabilizers
Mechanical keyboard stabilizers, or ‘stabs,’ prevent larger keys from wobbling or sounding uneven when pressed. Unfortunately, many manufacturers tend to skimp on quality in this department. Luckily, customization allows for stabilizer upgrades, significantly improving overall typing quality. Cherry and Durock are two popular stabilizer brands known for their quality.
Before installation, it’s advised to ‘clip’ and ‘lube’ your stabs to reduce rattle and improve the feel. Clipping involves cutting off the unnecessary stems on the bottom of the stabilizers, and lubing involves coating with a dielectric grease or stabilizer-specific lube such as Krytox.
Case and Plate Material
The keyboard case houses everything, and its material influences the sound and feel of typing significantly. Plastic cases are lighter and less resonant, while aluminum cases produce a more defined, ‘thockier’ noise. For an even denser and deeper sound, some opt for a brass or stainless steel case.
Similarly, the plate material, which holds your switches in place, can affect the typing feel and sound. Plates are typically made from aluminum, steel, brass, or plastic. Aluminum provides a stiffer typing feel, while plastic, such as polycarbonate, tends to soften the bottom-out.
Programming and Firmware
This aspect of customization lends to functionality. Many custom mechanical keyboards utilize open-source firmware such as QMK or VIA. These tools let you program and reprogram your layout, including complex macros and functions.
Understanding how to use firmware can make your keyboard infinitely adaptable to your needs. It’s a more technical aspect of customization but considerably beneficial. There are plenty of tutorials online to help beginners get started with these programming tools.
Soldering vs Hot-Swap
Not ready to commit to a single switch type? Hot-swappable keyboards may be for you. These allow you to remove and replace switches without any soldering.
Traditional soldering keyboards, while more permanent, offer broader compatibility with switches. They often require more work in building but provide a sturdy, long-lasting keyboard. Which type you choose depends on your comfort level with soldering and how variable you want your typing experience to be.
Lubrication
Applying lubricant, or ‘lubing,’ is a popular method to improve switch sound and feel dramatically. In general, it reduces friction, smooths out the keystroke, and can help to dampen louder switches.
Thin lubes like Krytox GPL 105 are good for switches that are already smooth and just need some noise reduction. Thicker lubes like Tribosys 3204 or Krytox GPL 205 are better for switches that could use a bit of smoothing out.
O-Ring Dampeners
O-rings are small rubber circles you can add underneath your keycaps to dampen the sound of your bottom-out (when the keycap hits the switch base). Different thicknesses and materials will result in various dampening effects. Though they can slightly alter the typing feel, they are a straightforward and affordable way to customize the sound of your mechanical keyboard.
Mechanical keyboard customization opens a world of possibilities in terms of aesthetics, sound, and feel. Starting this journey can initially seem overwhelming, but with the right knowledge, it can become an exciting and rewarding hobby. Remember that there isn’t a ‘best’ keyboard – just the one best suited for you.
