Keys, Switches, and Springs
A mechanical keyboard is composed of individual keys, which in turn are made up of keycaps, switches, and springs. The keycaps are the parts of the keyboard that you actually press on when you type. They are typically made of plastic and can be customized in a variety of ways, including different shapes, textures, and colors.
Switches are the mechanisms underneath the keycaps that register each keystroke. Different switches have different feels, sounds, and typing experiences. There are three main types you’ll encounter: linear (smooth and consistent), tactile (providing a bump mid-way to indicate a keystroke), and clicky (providing both a bump and a distinguishable clicking sound). Deciding which one to use depends purely on personal preference.
Springs provide the resistance against your fingers when you press a key. They influence the weight you feel when pressing a key, measured in grams of force (gf). Heavier springs need more force to actuate, implying greater resistance and slower typing. Lighter springs, however, offer less resistance, allowing for faster, more effortless typing.
PCBs and Cases
PCBs, or Printed Circuit Boards, are the heart of your keyboard. They’re the piece that’s responsible for sending the signal to your computer when a key is pressed. When researching PCBs, verify compatibility with planned switches and layout.
The case houses the delicate components of your mechanical keyboard, providing structural integrity and aesthetics. These are usually made of aluminum, steel, ABS plastic, or polycarbonate, and spray painted or anodized in various colors. Some aftermarket cases also sport cuts for underglow RGB LED lights that can make your DIY keyboard stand out.
Keycaps
Keycaps can be selected based on material, profile, and aesthetics. Molded plastic keycaps are quite common, with PBT and ABS being the most popular options. PBT keycaps are more durable and stay fresh for longer, while ABS keycaps provide a sleek, shiny aesthetic but wear out faster.
The profile of a keycap refers to its shape from the side. It greatly affects the typing feel and look of your keyboard. Popular profiles include OEM, Cherry, SA, and DSA, with each one offering a different typing experience.
Last but not least, colors, legends, and backlight capability influence aesthetics and user experience. Keycaps can either be “shine-through,” allowing for the backlight of the switch LED to glow through, or opaque for a more solid look. Legends are the characters printed on the keycaps.
Stabilizers
Stabilizers, or “stabs,” are crucial elements for larger keys that prevent shaking or undesirable movements when the key is pressed. They ensure the key goes down evenly no matter where it’s pressed. The most commonly used stabilizers come in “plate-mounted” and “screw-in” variants. Sounds and functionalities vary among different brands, and some users spend a lot of time, lubricating and tuning them to achieve the perfect amount of travel and sound.
Lubrication
Lubrication reduces friction between moving parts of the keyboard. It can glow up your keyboard’s acoustic properties, giving a deeper, smoother sound. On top of that, it also helps improve the consistency of the keys. There are different lubricants available, each with varying properties and optimal applications.
Software and Programmability
With a customizable mechanical keyboard, you have full control over what each key does. The keyboard’s firmware lets you assign macros (programming a combination of keys to perform a series of command with a single keystroke), change layouts, and even control LED lighting.
Visual Modifications
After getting your hands on the functional components comes the visual side of the customization. Underglow and backlighting can add visual interest to the keyboard. Custom keycap sets can add a unique flair. Even the cable that connects your keyboard to your computer can be customized to match the color theme.
Mechanical Keyboard Communities
Several online communities specialize in mechanical keyboard customization. They’re the perfect place to learn, get inspired, or show off your latest creation. Online platforms like Reddit’s r/mechanicalkeyboards, Deskthority, Geekhack, and KeebTalk are popular among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
In Conclusion
Customizing a mechanical keyboard is a multifaceted and intricate process. But it’s also a rewarding one. It not only allows you to express your style, personality, and preference in every detail but also deepens your typing experience and overall connection with your computer. And it can be a fun hobby or an exciting challenge for anyone who loves to tinker with things and create something unique.
