The Best Custom Mechanical Keyboards (2024) buyer’s guide

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In recent years, best custom mechanical keyboards have become very popular, especially among people who like to do things themselves and make their own things. The fact that these keyboards can be customized makes them more special and appealing to each person. Who wants a keyboard that is the same as everyone else’s? There are so many mechanical keyboards on the market that it can be hard to choose one.

This guide will look at the pros and cons of some keyboards that can be changed a lot. This will help you find the best keyboard for your needs. No matter what style or layout you like, there is a keyboard that will fit your needs. In contrast to other parts of a PC that are often hidden, gamers use the keyboard every day. Because of this, getting the right keyboard is very important. Choosing the right keyboard can be hard when there are so many choices. There are a few key things you should ask yourself to help you narrow down your search.

Benefits of Custom Mechanical Keyboards

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, there are many reasons to choose a custom-built model. Some of the best reasons to use special mechanical keyboards are:

• Personalization: Custom mechanical keyboards let you make the keyboard fit your needs, giving you a typing experience that is truly unique and your own. You can choose from many different switches, keycaps, and layouts to meet your wants and style preferences.
• Better Experience Typing: Custom mechanical keyboards often have high-quality switches that make it easier to type. You can choose switches with the tactile input, activation force, and sound profile you want to make typing as comfortable and fast as possible.
• Durability and longevity: Custom mechanical keyboards are made with high-quality parts, like strong frames and keycaps that don’t break easily. This makes sure that the keyboard can handle a lot of use and will last a long time, making it a good purchase.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Custom Mechanical Keyboard

When choosing a custom mechanical keyboard, you need to think about a few things to make sure you pick the right one. Here are the main things to think about:

• Switches: The type of switches in a mechanical keyboard has a big effect on how it feels to type. Think about things like the type of switch (for example, tactile, linear, or clicky), the activation force, the distance the switch moves, and the sound profile. Choose options that fit your typing needs and how you like to type.
• Layout: There are different types of layouts for mechanical keyboards, such as full-size, tenkeyless (TKL), small, and ergonomic. Think about the layout that works best for you, including whether you need specific arrow keys, function keys, and how the keys are set up.
• Customization Options: One of the most important things about homemade mechanical keyboards is that they can be changed. Look for keyboards with a lot of ways to change them, such as keycap compatibility, customizable macros, RGB lighting effects, and software changes. This lets you change the keys to suit your needs.

Best Custom Mechanical Keyboards Comparison Table

Depending on the switch type and design, mechanical keyboards can make different amounts of noise. Think about your surroundings and what you like when it comes to typing noise. Switches that are silent or make little noise may be a good choice for places that are shared or where noise is a problem.

Product	Keychron Q1/Q1 Pro	Nuphy Air 75	Keychron Q3	Asus ROG Azoth	Keychron K10
Switches	Customizable Hot-swappable	Hot-swappable	Customizable	Mechanical	Hot-swappable
Connectivity	Wired and wireless (Bluetooth)	Wired	Wired and wireless (Bluetooth)	Wired and wireless (Bluetooth)	Wired and wireless (Bluetooth)
Backlighting	RGB	RGB	RGB	RGB	White LED
Aluminum Frame	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Programmable Macros	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux

List of the Best Custom Mechanical Keyboards

Read several reviews, and think about the reputation of the company that makes or brands the keyboard. Check out the reviews left by other people who have used the keyboard to see what they have to say about its performance, build quality, customer support, and general satisfaction.

Best Overall: Keychron Q1 Pro #Top3

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Feature	Keychron Q1 Pro
Switches	Hot-swappable
Connectivity	Wired and wireless (Bluetooth)
Backlighting	RGB
Aluminum Frame	Yes
Programmable Macros	Yes
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Linux

This is without a doubt the most highly recommended option available right now for anyone who are new to the world of custom keyboards. You’ve probably heard of some strange things that you have to do to your keyboard in order to make it better, such as lubricate your switches (which takes hours, by the way), and calibrate your stabilizers. You won’t ever have to get your hands dirty again thanks to the Keychron Q1 and Q1 Pro.

There is no lubricant used in this process. There are no screwdriver marks or oil spots. Right out of the box, the keyboard has a pleasant feel to it and produces a pleasant sound. There are hardly any keyboards that may be used as-is without any adjustments. And the ones that do exist out there for sale have prices that are more than twice as much as the Q1 and the Q1 Pro.

Nuphy Air 75 #Top3

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Feature	Nuphy Air 75
Switches	Optical
Connectivity	Wired
Backlighting	RGB
Aluminum Frame	Yes
Programmable Macros	Yes
Compatibility	Windows, macOS

Some people might not like the fun poppy colours, but it’s nice to see a gaming keyboard that isn’t just black with RGB lighting. This keyboard was made with players on the go and portability in mind. It is only 16mm thick, so you can easily put it in your backpack and be ready to game anywhere. The Air75 can be used on a desk, but it can also be used to replace the keyboard on a laptop. It has little rubber feet on the bottom that fit around the current keyboard so it doesn’t move around while you type.

Unlike the Keychron, this keyboard can only be bought already put together, but all of the buttons can be changed on the fly. Any new switches will also have to be low-profile, because putting regular-sized switches in this keyboard would make it look silly and take away its main selling point. The Air75 comes with some of the best low-profile mechanical switches, but it’s still fun to type on.

Keychron Q3 #Top3

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Feature	Keychron Q3
Switches	Hot-swappable
Connectivity	Wired and wireless (Bluetooth)
Backlighting	RGB
Aluminum Frame	No
Programmable Macros	Yes
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Linux

Even though Keychron is a relatively new company compared to Logitech and Asus, it has become a go-to brand for many keyboard fans. The Keychron Q3 is a great example of why the company has such a good name. The frame is made of aluminium all the way around, there is a lot of soundproofing, and the pre-lubricated Gateron G Pro switches are a joy to use.

Depending on how much DIY you want to do, you can buy this keyboard already put together or as a bare-bones kit. No matter what style is picked, the PCB will be completely swappable while it is still hot. The Q3 also comes in different colours, like a cool transparent black special version that is worth the extra money just for how it looks, but it will look good on any desk.

Best Custom Mechanical Keyboards Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux

Custom mechanical keyboards have many benefits, such as being able to be personalized, making typing easier, being durable, having layouts that can be changed, improving game performance, making typing faster, looking nice, and having a community of people who are willing to help. Custom mechanical keyboards are a good choice for people who want to type or play games in a way that fits their needs.

Asus ROG Azoth

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Feature	Asus ROG Azoth
Switches	Optical
Connectivity	Wired and wireless (2.4GHz)
Backlighting	RGB
Aluminum Frame	Yes
Programmable Macros	Yes
Compatibility	Windows, macOS

The ROG series from Asus is a fan favourite among the several pieces of PC gear that the company produces. With the release of the ROG Azoth Wireless Keyboard, Asus has officially entered the market for high-end mechanical keyboards. Although Asus was not the first major brand of PC components to enter the market for enthusiast keyboards, they were one of the first to provide this level of personalization in their products.

Not only can the PCB be hot-swapped in its entirety, but the packaging also included a switch lubrication kit for your convenience. Although the Azoth keyboard arrives fully assembled out of the box, forthcoming do-it-yourself projects can simply be constructed using the tools that are included in the package. In addition to this, there is a little OLED screen located on the top that may be used for monitoring the system as well as displaying animations.

Keychron K10

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Feature	Keychron K10
Switches	Hot-swappable
Connectivity	Wired and wireless (Bluetooth)
Backlighting	White LED
Aluminum Frame	Yes
Programmable Macros	No
Compatibility	Windows, macOS, Linux

Keychron K10 outperforms inexpensive keyboards. This keyboard has several configurations. We tried one with full RGB lights and an aluminium shell, however cheaper models have white-only illumination and a plastic case. This keyboard has pre-lubricated Gateron G Pro switches in your choice of configuration. This keyboard excels in system compatibility and wireless networking.

The keyboard’s modifier keycaps are system-specific, and the top toggle switches between Windows and macOS. With the lights off, this keyboard can last over 200 hours on a single charge and connect to three devices by Bluetooth or cable. Keychron’s K Series has alternative keyboards if you don’t need a Numpad. The TenKeyLess (80%) Keychron K8 or compact (65%) Keychron K6 are smaller and cheaper.

Tips for Maintaining and Caring for Your Custom Mechanical Keyboard

It’s important to take care of and maintain your custom mechanical keyboard properly if you want to keep it in good shape and make it last longer. Here are some helpful tips on how to keep your keyboard in good shape:

• Dust, dirt, and other particles can build up between the keycaps and buttons over time. Use compressed air, a keyboard cleaning brush, or a keycap puller to clean your keyboard regularly and get rid of any dust or dirt. Be careful so that you don’t break the switches or keycaps.
• Cleaning the Keycaps: You can take off the keycaps to clean them better. Soak them in warm soapy water and then clean them with a soft brush or cloth. Don’t use harsh or abrasive cleaners on the keycaps because they could hurt them. Before putting the keycaps back on, they should be completely dry.
• Proper Storage: If you plan to store your keyboard for a long time, keep it in a clean, dry place to keep dust and wetness away. You might want to use a keyboard case or cover to protect it from damage.

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