The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Mechanical Keyboards

Mechanical keyboards have gained a lot of popularity among gamers, writers, and tech enthusiasts. Their durability, customizability, and satisfying typing feel set them apart from regular membrane keyboards. But if you’re new to mechanical keyboards, all the different terms, switch types, and form factors can be overwhelming. This guide will help you understand the basics, different components, and how you can customize your own keyboard.


1. What Is a Mechanical Keyboard?

A mechanical keyboard uses individual mechanical switches under each key, rather than the rubber dome system found in standard keyboards. This results in better tactile feedback, faster response times, and a longer lifespan.

Unlike membrane keyboards, which rely on pressure pads and conductive traces, mechanical keyboards activate with a physical switch mechanism. This makes them more reliable and gives users the ability to choose from different types of switches that affect how the keyboard feels and sounds.


2. Understanding Mechanical Switches

Switches are the heart of any mechanical keyboard. They determine the feel, actuation force, and sound profile of your keystrokes. The three main types of switches are:

- Linear Switches

  • Smooth keystrokes with no tactile bump.
  • No audible click.
  • Popular for gaming due to their fast actuation.
  • Examples: Cherry MX Red, Gateron Yellow, Kailh Speed Silver.

- Tactile Switches

  • Small bump when pressing a key.
  • No loud click, but still provides feedback.
  • Ideal for both typing and gaming.
  • Examples: Cherry MX Brown, Gateron Brown, Boba U4T.

- Clicky Switches

  • Noticeable bump with a loud “click” sound.
  • Great for typists who love audible feedback.
  • Can be distracting in shared environments.
  • Examples: Cherry MX Blue, Kailh Box White, Razer Green.

Each manufacturer has different variations, so it’s always a good idea to test switches before buying a keyboard.


3. Keyboard Sizes & Layouts

Mechanical keyboards come in different sizes, which affect portability and the number of keys available. Here are the most common formats:

- Full-Size (100%)

  • Includes all keys: function row, numpad, and arrow keys.
  • Best for productivity, accounting, or heavy number input.

- Tenkeyless (TKL - 80%)

  • Removes the numpad, making the keyboard more compact.
  • Great for gaming and general use while saving desk space.

- 75%

  • Compact design but keeps function row and arrow keys.
  • Popular among minimalists and enthusiasts.

- 65%

  • Removes the function row but keeps arrow keys.
  • A balance between compactness and usability.

- 60%

  • No function row, no arrow keys, no numpad.
  • Highly portable but requires key combinations for certain functions.

- Other Sizes (40%, Alice, Split Keyboards, etc.)

  • Ultra-compact keyboards or ergonomic split designs.
  • Mostly for advanced users or specific needs.

4. How to Customize Your Mechanical Keyboard

One of the best things about mechanical keyboards is how customizable they are. You can change almost every component to make your keyboard truly unique.

- Keycaps

  • Different profiles: OEM, Cherry, SA, DSA, etc.
  • Materials: ABS (cheaper, smooth) vs. PBT (durable, textured).
  • Custom keycap sets allow for unique colors and designs.

- Switches

  • Swap switches if you have a hot-swappable keyboard.
  • Lubing switches improves smoothness and reduces noise.
  • Filming switches can reduce wobble and improve sound.

- Stabilizers

  • Important for larger keys (spacebar, shift, enter).
  • Lubing and clipping stabilizers improve sound and feel.

- Sound Dampening Mods

  • O-rings: Reduce noise and soften bottom-out.
  • Foam Mods: Add foam inside the case for a deeper sound.
  • Tape Mod: Placing tape on the PCB enhances acoustics.

- Custom Cases & Plates

  • Aluminum cases feel premium and add weight.
  • Polycarbonate cases provide a softer typing feel.
  • Plates (brass, aluminum, FR4) change the sound and flex of the keyboard.

5. Popular Mechanical Keyboard Brands

If you’re looking for a good mechanical keyboard, here are some top brands to consider:

Pre-Built Keyboards (Plug & Play)

  • Keychron – Great wireless and budget options.
  • Ducky – High-quality pre-built keyboards with great switches.
  • Leopold – Excellent build quality, best for typing.
  • Razer, Corsair, Logitech – Popular gaming brands with RGB options.

Custom Keyboards (For Enthusiasts)

  • GMK / Drop / NovelKeys – Offer high-end keycaps and custom parts.
  • Keycult, Mode, Tofu (KBDfans) – Custom keyboard kits with premium materials.
  • Akko, Epomaker, Monsgeek – Budget-friendly entry-level customs.

6. Should You Build a Custom Keyboard?

If you’re serious about mechanical keyboards, building a custom one lets you create the perfect typing experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

- Components for a Custom Keyboard:

:white_check_mark: PCB – The circuit board that registers key presses.
:white_check_mark: Case – The outer shell of your keyboard.
:white_check_mark: Plate – Holds the switches in place.
:white_check_mark: Switches – Choose based on feel and sound preference.
:white_check_mark: Keycaps – Determines aesthetics and comfort.
:white_check_mark: Stabilizers – Improve larger key performance.
:white_check_mark: Foam (optional) – Can improve sound dampening.

- Tools Needed:

:hammer_and_wrench: Soldering kit (if not hot-swappable).
:hammer_and_wrench: Switch puller & keycap puller.
:hammer_and_wrench: Lube & brush (if customizing switches).

Custom keyboards require more effort and cost, but they provide an unmatched typing experience tailored to your preferences.


7. Final Thoughts – Is a Mechanical Keyboard Worth It?

If you spend a lot of time typing or gaming, investing in a mechanical keyboard is definitely worth it. They offer better durability, customization, and overall enjoyment compared to standard keyboards. Whether you go for a high-quality pre-built keyboard or dive into the world of custom builds, there’s a perfect keyboard out there for you.

If you’re unsure where to start, try out different switches first, consider the keyboard size that fits your workflow, and experiment with customizations along the way. Mechanical keyboards aren’t just tools—they’re a hobby and an experience.

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