Before you begin the process of building a custom mechanical keyboard, it is important to understand how the different components fit together. The parts include the Stabilizer, PCB, cable, and Acrylic case. Once you have the parts for your keyboard, you will need to mount them in the case. The first step is to custom mechanical keyboard secure the PCB assembly to the top or bottom of the keyboard case. You will also need to install the stabilizers. These stabilizers have cutouts for the housing and wire. Once you’ve got this figured out, you can press the housing into place.
Stabilizer
Stabilizers are used to support larger keycaps, thereby decreasing the friction between the keys and the PCB. These devices can also be snapped or screwed into the keyboard. If you don’t have the money to buy a high-quality keyboard stabilizer, buy one that fits your budget and does not make your work more difficult.
Depending on the size of your keyboard, you will need a different stabilizer for different keys. For example, if you have a standard spacebar, you will need a 6.25u-sized stabilizer. For non-standard layouts, you’ll need a 7u-sized stabilizer. Similarly, if your layout features any other large keys, you will need a 2u-size stabilizer. These sizes may differ, though, depending on the layout you’re using.
PCB
Using a PCB design software can help you to create the circuit board layout you need. EasyEDA is a great program to use that offers many features. You’ll want to find the switch symbol that has a CHERRY MX style PCB footprint, which is the gold standard for mechanical keyboard switches. After that, you can use EasyEDA to place switches for each of the keyboard’s buttons.
Then, using a PCB design software can help you design a better, more professional keyboard. Not only will it make the keyboard look more professional, but it will also add structural strength. After you have designed the PCB, you’ll need to route its traces and make electrical connections. You can use free, open-source software such as gEDA to design the board.
Cable
If you want a customized cable for your mechanical keyboard, you can choose from several different brands. Some of these brands have customizable options, and some don’t. There are a few websites that allow you to design your own cable, such as Mechcables. These cable manufacturers are based in Virginia, and they offer countless color options. They also make their cables by hand. Prices start at $18 for a straight cable with no connector. Mechcables’ turnaround time is about a week.
Cables are one of the final components of your custom mechanical keyboard, and almost every custom keyboard comes with a fancy cable. Cables can be simple or elaborate, and can make your desktop setup look more aesthetically pleasing. However, finding the right cable can be a challenge because there are so many different brands and quality levels.
Acrylic case
Acrylic keyboard cases are available in a variety of materials. Most are made of clear acrylic plastic, which is lightweight and durable. A few are made of wood, which is strong enough to protect your keyboard from damage. While acrylic keyboard cases tend to be expensive, they are a great choice for portable use.
If you’re not too concerned with the case’s look, you can always buy a cover for it. This adds a stylish look while preventing scratches and dents. However, these covers are usually only available on more expensive cases.
RGB lighting
When considering buying an RGB keyboard, the first thing to consider is whether it supports your preferred game. RGB keyboards are very helpful for gamers, as they provide additional illumination. Look for features like game-specific lighting effects and software, as well as a wide range of lighting options. Many RGB keyboards support up to 32 colors and three separate profiles. Some models can even be programmed without using software.
You can use RGB lighting to create different effects, such as a wave of colors or an individual color on each key. When customizing the lighting, it’s important to save your settings to a computer so you can change them later. To change the color of the keys individually, you’ll need to remove keycaps, which you’ll need to remove if you want to use different lighting profiles.