A Complete Guide to Build Custom Keyboard​ for Better Typing Comfort

Fed up with the same cramped keyboard layout or constantly adjusting keyboard settings that never feel right? If you're a content creator, a gamer, or someone who types for hours every day and uses a desktop, laptop or even a keyboard for iPad, the answer is simple. Switch to customized keyboard. It's a game-changer for your typing speed, comfort, and style. 

This keyboard guide will cover everything you need to know to build custom keyboard that fits your hands, habits, and hustle.

Why Customized Keyboard Matters?

Building a custom keyboard can help reduce muscle strain, boost your typing speed and performance, and be kinder to the environment by focusing on modular design and sustainability.

Components of Customizable Keyboard

A customizable Keyboard typically consists of a case, a PCB, a plate, switches, stabilizers and keycaps, crafted for comfort and style. Optional components like foam, dampeners, and custom cables can further enhance the keyboard's aesthetics and functionality. The components to make custom keyboard are as follows: 

Keyboard Case

A custom keyboard’s case can be made from plastic, aluminum or wood, giving it a unique look and comfortable design for your hands. It affects the keyboard’s style, weight, strength and price. The case also protects important components like the PCB, plate, switches, and stabilizers from dust, moisture, and damage, while helping keep your wrists comfortable during long use.

Key Switches of Custom Keyboard

When designing a keyboard, the core focus is often on the main switches because they directly impact the typing feel and sound of typing. They come in different types, each balancing ease of use, speed and proprioception, which are all important factors for typing performance and personal preference style.

Mechanical Switches 

Mechanical switches are a top choice for building a keyboard because they use a spring mechanism per key, giving consistent feedback with every press. You can adjust their feel and force, making them comfortable for long typing or gaming sessions. They come in many colors, sounds, and designs that combine ease with style. 

Built to last, they can handle 50 -100 million presses, making them a reliable choice for gamers, programmers, writersand anyone who values precision. There are three sub-types of mechanical switches. 

• Linear Switches: Provide smooth, consistent keystroke.
• Tactile switches: Offer tactile bump for user feedback.
• Clicky switches: Combine tactile bump with an audible click for physical and auditory feedback.

Membrane Switches

Membrane switches, with rubber or silicone layer under keys, provide a quieter, softer typing experience with fewer customization options. They have a sleek, minimalist look and are suitable for light or moderate use, making them ideal for offices or casual users who need a  budget-friendly custom build keyboard. They are of three types:

• Flat Panel Membrane Switches: Keys printed on a flat, flexible surface. They are used in microwaves, printers and calculators.
• Dome-Switch Membranes: Rubber or metal dome over contact point. They are used in many budget desktop keyboards and TV remotes.
• Scissor-Switch Membranes: A scissor- like mechanism under each key for stability and quietness. They are used in laptop keyboards and slim desktop keyboards.

Keycaps

Keycap is the cover of a keyboard switch, which is pressed. Customized keyboards consider factors like comfort, typing speed, noise, durability, and RGB lighting. When you design a keyboard, the material, profile and printing process of keycaps are crucial for creating an ideal typing experience that suits your requirements.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) Keycaps

ABS Keycaps are affordable, smooth, and portable but can easily wear due to finger oils, making them shiny and potentially causing wear. While not suitable for serious use, they are sufficient for low budget keyboard building.

PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) Keycap

PBT keycaps are longer-lasting than ABS and are preferred by gamers and typists for keyboard creation due to their durability and high-quality keys.

POM (Polyoxymethylene) Keycaps

POM (Polyoxymethylene) Keycaps are smooth and feel strong; they cannot be worn out easily. They are not as prevalent as ABS or PBT, but they are renowned for having a solid feel and a long lifetime.

Double-Shot Keycaps

The legends are dyed into the plastic, making them resistant to fading. They usually work best with PBT material and have a softer, vintage look.

Sculpted Profile Keycaps

To build a keyboard with a custom keyboard kit, Sculpted Profile Keycaps are shaped in such a way that all the rows of keys have different angles at which one can type comfortably. Popular profiles are Cherry, OEM, SA and DSA. They will help reduce finger strain from typing for a long time.

Uniform Profile Keycaps

These keycaps have a unique design where every key is the same height and shape. This creates a completely flat typing surface, which some people prefer, especially for certain gaming styles or anyone who likes a consistent feel across all keys.

Backlit (Shine-Through) Keycaps

These are transparent/translucent-legged so that RGB or LED light may traverse. Ideal with colorful set ups and night keyboard use.

PCB (Printed Circuit Board)

The PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is the key component of a keyboard, connecting all components and transmitting electrical signals from each key to the computer. A good PCB is really important in designing a keyboard because it affects how quickly the keys respond and even if your keyboard can support extras like special lighting or different layouts.

Stabilizers

Stabilizers are small components placed beneath large keys, such as the spacebar, Shift, and Enter, to help keep them stable. They prevent these keys from wobbling or tilting, ensuring each press is smooth and consistent, which ultimately improves the typing experience.

If you're someone who enjoys using emojis or symbols while typing, learn how to quickly insert a heart emoji or heart symbol using your keyboard here.

Techniques to Build a Custom Keyboard

Building a custom keyboard with a custom keyboard kit means selecting and assembling keyboard parts like the case, PCB, plate, switches, and keycaps, allowing for customization in feel, sound, and aesthetics. Whether you want to build a keyboard from scratch or make your own keyboard by upgrading parts, there are many useful techniques to customize your mechanical keyboard!

Switch Modifications in Custom Keyboard

When you build a custom keyboard, one of the key steps is switch modification. This involves making small adjustments to the switches to make your typing smoother, quieter, or more personalized. Here’s what to focus on:

• Lubricating Switches: A common approach when you make your own computer keyboard is to lubricate the switches. The switch is filled with a special lubricant to reduce friction. This results in smoother key presses and less noise.
• You disconnect the switch and apply a small amount of lubricant to the stem and slider, then reconnect.
• Many people find that using lubricants like Krytox or TriboSys yields the best results.
• Switch Films Addition: Switch films are very thin sheets (plastic or mylar) placed between the top and bottom of the switch. These films help when building a mechanical keyboard:
• Reduce switch wobble.
• Eliminate rattling and improve sound quality.
• This simple modification makes the keyboard more secure and premium.
• Spring Swaps: Each key switch has a spring that determines how much force is needed to press a key. Changing the spring affects this feel if you are customizing your keyboard.
• Using light springs  =  Pressing keys with less force
• Using heavy springs = More resistance 

This allows you to tailor your typing experience to your preferences.

• Installing Stabilizers: Stabilizers keep larger keys like spacebar, Enter and Shift steady. Clip or screw them into the PCB and lube them for smooth typing.
• Mounting Switches: Place switches onto the plate to align them correctly.  If the PCB isn't hot-swappable, solder each switch for a strong connection.
• Installing the Plate and Case: Fit the plate with switches into the case and secure it with screws.
• Adding Keycaps: Place keycaps onto switches and press them down firmly.
• Firmware Flashing and Testing: Flash firmware like QMK or VIA to remap keys, set macros or adjust lighting. Test every key to ensure the custom keyboard works perfectly.

Keycap Replacement in Custom Keyboard

When building a keyboard, keycap replacement is a simple and enjoyable customization process. It involves taking off old keycaps, cleaning the keyboard and switches, and replacing them with new ones. Some people also add mini mods like lubing or O-rings for more comfortable typing. This process is common among keyboard enthusiasts and beginners. The tools and materials you need:

• Keycap Puller: A mini device that unmounts keycaps safely.
• Lubricant: lubricates switches and stabilizers to make them feel smoother.
• Compressed Air or Cleaning Brush: In case of dust and dirt, provide a cleaning brush to remove it before placing new keycaps.
• O-rings (optional): Small rubber rings that quiet and soften typing.
• Artisan Keycaps (Optional): Special decorative keycaps to make your keyboard look very specific.

Keyboard Modding to Build a Custom Keyboard

To make a custom keyboard, you typically start by picking out the case, PCB, stabilizers, switches and keycaps. Once you have those, you can always make it even more personal with some simple modding tricks. 

• Tempest Tape Mod: Put tape under the PCB to alter sound.
• Lubrication: The lube switches and stabilizers and helps make typing buttery.
• Sound Dampening: To reduce noise with some foam or silicone.
• Keycap & Switch Swapping: Experiment with keycaps and switches.
• Artisan Keycaps & Engravings: Add unique designs.
• Software Customization: Reassign keys and set lighting.

Switch Selection in Building Custom Keyboard

Switch selection is a crucial aspect of creating a custom keyboard. There are three main types: linear, tactile, and clicky, each with its own typing feel. Linear switches provide a smooth, even stroke, tactile switches have a bump, and clicky switches add a click.

Types of Switches Make Custom Keyboard

Three types of switches needed to make your own keyboard are as follows:

• Linear Switches: Linear switches offer a smooth, uninterrupted keypress from top to bottom without any bumps or clicks. They're super popular for gaming because they're fast and consistent.
• Tactile Switches: Tactile switches have a subtle bump right in the middle of the press, giving you a little feedback to let you know the key's been activated. They're great for typing since you don't have to press all the way down on every key.
• Clicky Switches: Clicky switches give you both a tactile bump and a clear audible click sound. They feel really satisfying to type on, but the clicking noise might bother the people around you.

Other Key Factors to Consider when Choosing Switches

The main characteristics to consider when choosing switches to build custom keyboard include:

• Actuation Force: This is simply how much pressure you need to apply to a key to make it register a press.
• Pre-travel: The distance the key moves down before it actually 'clicks' or registers. It's the initial travel before activation.
• Total Travel: This measures the full distance a key travels from the top down to the very bottom before it stops.
• Switch Housing Material: The material the switch casing is made from impacts both the sound the switch makes and the overall feel when you press it.
• Lubrication: Applying lube to switches can make them feel smoother to press and can also change the sound they produce.
• Keycap Material: The material used for the keycaps (like ABS or PBT plastic) affects how the keyboard sounds when you type on it.

Customized Keyboard Layouts

When we talk about a keyboard layout, we mean how the keys are arranged, their size, their placement, and which keys are included. Selecting the right layout is a crucial step in building keyboard, as it impacts comfort, typing speed and how well your keycaps fit. Understanding these layouts will help you figure out what works best for you.

ANSI Layout

The ANSI layout is named after the American National Standards Institute and it's the most popular choice in the United States and many other countries. It features a wide left Shift key and a long, horizontal Enter key. Since most keycap sets and PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) are designed for ANSI, building a keyboard with this layout is often simpler. 

ISO Layout

The ISO layout is a standard from the International Organization for Standardization. You'll find it mostly used in Europe, like in the UK and Germany. Its main features are a tall, L-shaped Enter key and a slightly smaller left Shift key. This layout is handy if you often type symbols like £ or €. People who are building custom keyboards for European languages often go with the ISO standard because it easily accommodates those extra characters.

JIS Layout

The JIS layout, which stands for Japanese Industrial Standard, is the standard in Japan. It comes with some extra keys specifically for Japanese characters, a smaller spacebar, and special buttons to switch between languages. If you're planning on typing in Japanese, this layout really makes things much simpler.

Ergonomic Layouts

Ergonomic layouts are all about comfort and making typing for long periods easier. These keyboards are often designed to be split into two parts, curved, or angled in a way that helps reduce strain on your wrists. If you spend hours typing or gaming, choosing an ergonomic layout is a smart move because it prioritizes your health and comfort.

Assembly Process

Custom mechanical keyboard creation involves PCB testing, stabilizer and switch installation, soldering, keyboard mounting, and keycap addition. Post-assembly, customization activities like sound modifiers or custom painting can be added for added functionality.

• Preparing Workspace: Set up a clean desk with necessary tools for a smooth keyboard creation process.
• Installing Stabilizers: Stabilizers keep larger keys like spacebar, Enter, and Shift steady. Clip or screw them into the PCB and lube them for smooth typing.
• Mounting Switches: Place switches onto the plate to align them correctly. If the PCB isn't hot-swappable, solder each switch for a strong connection.
• Installing the Plate and Case: Fit the plate with switches into the case and secure it with screws.
• Adding Keycaps: Place keycaps onto switches and press them down firmly.
• Firmware Flashing and Testing: Flash firmware like QMK or VIA to remap keys, set macros, or adjust lighting. Test every key to ensure the custom keyboard works perfectly.

Accessory Upgrades to Make Custom Keyboard

Accessory upgrades can enhance keyboard work experience by adding stabilizers for easier typing and wrist rests for strain prevention. Custom cables add personality and refinement to your setup, making it distinctive and refined. These easy adjustments make typing more enjoyable and efficient.

Stabilizer Modifications

Mods involving stabilizers are specifically designed to tackle that. By installing, trimming, or swapping out these components, you can make your keyboard feel much smoother and just more satisfying to use overall.

Wrist Rest Addition

It's a great way to boost comfort, especially during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. It helps keep your hands in a natural, relaxed position and takes some of the strain off your wrists.

Cable Customization

Custom cables are a fantastic way to choose different styles like USB or coiled options, plus a variety of colors, materials and connectors to perfectly match your setup and give it a unique look.

Community Resources

Community resources are a great way to learn and connect with other keyboard enthusiasts. Online forums and guides are packed with useful tips for building and troubleshooting your keyboard setups, while vendors often have custom parts and unique designs up for grabs. These resources make it much easier for everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned pros, to upgrade and truly personalize their keyboards.

Enthusiast Forums

Check out enthusiast forums like Reddit’s r/MechanicalKeyboards or Geekhack! You'll find tons of helpful tips, reviews, and cool custom builds shared by other members. Hanging out in these communities is a great way to pick up tricks from seasoned keyboard builders.

Keyboard Building Guides

If you're new to keyboard building, there are plenty of step-by-step guides and YouTube tutorials available online. They'll walk you through the entire process, from building and modding to troubleshooting common issues.

Custom Keyboard Vendors

Many custom keyboard vendors sell specialized items like switches, plates, and keycaps. Shopping from these places gives you access to exclusive designs you just won't find at your average electronics store.

Best Customized Keyboards in 2025

In 2025, exotic mechanical keyboards like Keychron Q series, Wooting 80HE, Razer BlackWidow V4 75%, and SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL are attracting attention due to their ergonomics, customization options, magnetic switches, low latency, and excellent performance for gamers.

1. Keychron Q Series (Q6 HE):  High-quality mechanism with QMK/VIA code base for customization. It Offers a wide variety of switch choices and it is fully assembled and wireless.
2. Wooting 80HE: Expensive enthusiast model with magnetic Hall effect switches, low latency, and gasket mount.
3. Razer BlackWidow V4 75%: Ideal choice for gamers due to 75% small design, Razer mechanical switches, and customizable interface.
4. SteelSeries Rival 100: Offers customizable options with adjustable actuation points and a sleek design.
5. <ASUS ROG Azoth: Wireless device with original design for high-quality typing experience.
6. Keychart V1 Max: Affordable keyboard with Q series features.
7. NuPhy Air75 V2: Widely used low-profile mechanical keyboard due to its sleek appearance and attractive design.