Little by little, without my realizing it, the need to tinker and customize my keyboard crept in. I think at one point I thought it was a stupid attempt. Why should you spend money on changing the sound of your keyboard or worry about how the keys feel when you press them? Well, if you’re like me and spend all day on a keyboard, both for work and for fun, I’ve found it makes a big difference.
This is not a guide on how to mod your keyboard. There are already very good guides. How to calibrate a mechanical keyboard. This article details how to get started, the items you need to customize your Keeb, and some suggestions for specific products to get you on the right track without breaking the bank. But be careful, this hobby can be addicting. very Jumping headfirst into the rabbit hole is expensive.
where do i start?
Where do you start? What inspired you to consider modding or updating your mechanical keyboard? Well, let me tell you about how it all started. It started in a galaxy far, far away… wait, that’s another story. It all started when I spilled coffee on my keyboard. I cleaned it as best I could, took it apart and let it dry, but when I plugged it back in, part of the keyboard stopped working. It’s time to look for a replacement.
Well, up until this point I’d only bought a full-sized gamification keyboard with RGB and extra keys for macro and media control. These boards can be used for work and my serious PC gaming hobby. To be honest, I didn’t know anything about the sound or feel. Normally, I would stop by a store to buy it or order it online, it had a few features I wanted, and it wasn’t very expensive, so that was it.
Thanks to my friends who were already hooked on customizing their keys and the many articles and YouTube videos on recommended keyboards (maybe). I started thinking about what kind of sound I wanted, thump, thump, clatter, or ping, and what kind of feedback I wanted from the switches. Tactile or smooth? There are definitely many options to consider.
Please select a size
Start by choosing your preferred keyboard size, from the popular 60% mini keyboard to 80% TKL tenkeyless (no numpad) to 100% full size keyboard. There are many other keyboard sizes, so figure out what works best for you. Don’t spend all your cash on expensive options right away. Try modifying a cheap keyboard first, and then move up the scale as you get used to the modding technique.
Some good starting keyboard options include:
You can also purchase a ready-made kit with all the parts you need to build your own keyboard and customize it to your specifications by changing a few types of switches and keycaps used. If possible, choose a hot-swappable keyboard that allows you to easily change switch types without using a soldering iron.
Please select a switch
Switch feel can vary greatly depending on the actuation height, the type of smoothness for linear switches, the type of tactile feedback for bump switches, and whether you want a clicky sound. Gamers typically prefer a smoother, more linear approach, while typists often prefer the feel of tactile or clicky switches. This really depends on personal preference. For example, I both prefer silent linear switches. You don’t want to wake up at night to a super-chattering keyboard, but yes, the Silent Switch still makes noise.
To choose a switch, you really have to try it yourself. Many manufacturers offer small test kits for trying out different switches. It will cost you a few bucks, but I recommend using a test kit before emptying your wallet by buying every switch. Another option is to try Amazon’s small test kit with a variety of switches and keycaps.
Many of our editors prefer clicky switches, especially Kailh’s. Editor-in-Chief Abram Pilch swears: Kailh Box Glaze Green Switch.
lubrication up
If you choose a linear switch, you will need to add lubrication. This affects the feel as well as the noise. Without over-lubricating a tactile switch, it serves no purpose. You can buy lubricated keyboards and switches, but doing it yourself is part of the experience, and you’ll need some equipment to do it.
To make your job easier, be sure to get a switch opener. Your nails will thank you, too. Other items you’ll need if you don’t have them already include a good lubricant such as Krytox 205g0, a small brush for application, and a key and switch puller.
caveat
Be mindful of your spending, set a budget, and be aware that this hobby, like anything else, can quickly become addictive, spiral out of control, and fall into very expensive territory. When lubricating 104+ switches, this hobby can be very rewarding and almost comforting, but be sure to have fun. Good luck finding the most comfortable Keeb sound and feel.
more: best gaming keyboard
more: How to choose keycaps for a mechanical keyboard
more: How to build a custom mechanical keyboard
