Tired of typing on your off the shelf membrane or gaming keyboard? Want something a bit more personal to you? You should build your very own custom mechanical keyboard! Building your first custom mechanical keyboard might seem overwhelming, but it’s much more approachable than it looks.
With the right parts, tools, and a bit of guidance, you can create a keyboard that looks, sounds, and feels exactly how you want. In this guide, I’ll walk through everything you need, from core components to step-by-step assembly, so you can confidently complete your first build.
Why Build a Custom Mechanical Keyboard?
Custom keyboards let you control every part of the experience:
- Sound profile (thocky, clacky, muted, clicky, creamy, poppy, etc)
- Typing feel (smooth, tactile, firm, bouncy, flexy, etc)
- Aesthetics (colors, materials, layout, overall design theme)
What You’ll Need
Before you start, here’s a breakdown of all the essential components:
Core Parts
Keyboard Kit (Case)
- The foundation of your build. Choose a design that stands out to you and fits your aesthetic
- Often includes the case, plate, hardware, and most times a PCB
PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
- The brain of your keyboard
- Choose between:
- Hot-swap (no soldering required, can change switches anytime you want. Best for if you want to try loads of options)
- Soldered (more permanent, typically more flexible layout support)
Plate
- Holds your switches in place
- Affects typing feel and sound (aluminum, polycarbonate, etc.)
Switches
- Determine how your keyboard feels and sounds
- Linear, tactile, silent or clicky options
- Should be lubed before installation. Read our switch lube guide here.
Keycaps
- The visible part of your keyboard. This is your chance to add some personality to your build.
- Affects both aesthetics and sound
Stabilizers
-
- Used for larger keys (spacebar, Enter, Shift)
- Should be lubed and tuned before installation. Read our stabilizer lube guide here.
Tools
- Keycap puller
- Switch puller (for hot-swap builds)
- Screwdriver (for stabilizer installation)
- Lube Pens (for lubing your stabilizers/switches)
- Tweezers (for placing tiny parts and fixing bent switch pins)
- Switch pusher (your fingers will thank you later I promise)
If you’re building a soldered board, you’ll also need:
- Soldering iron
- Solder
- Desoldering tools (optional, but helpful)
For today's guide I will be building a hot-swap keyboard with you since it is the most common.
Before You Start
Take your time with your build as rushing can lead to mistakes.
If you ever get stuck or want feedback, you can join the Omnitype Discord to get help from experienced builders and the Omnitype team.
Step 1: Prepare Your Stabilizers
Before installing anything, start with your stabilizers:
- Lube the housings and stems
- Apply lubricant to the wires to prevent rattle
- Install them onto your PCB
Tip: This step has a huge impact on your final sound. A rattly stabilizer is the difference between a good and bad keyboard build. Follow our guide here to ensure you nail this step! For a more in-depth walkthrough, follow our stab lubing guide.
Step 2: Install Switches into the Plate and PCB Assembly
If your keyboard uses a plate:
- Install any foams you may want (if you don't want a foamy sound, skip this)
- Place plate on top of PCB
- Insert switches into the plate
- Make sure pins are straight and aligned with hot-swap socket holes
Tips: If you notice a bent switch pin you can use some household tweezers to straighten it!
We highly recommend using lubed switches. If your switches are not pre-lube from the factory, you can follow our switch lubing guide to lube them yourself before installing.
For hot-swap PCBs:
- Carefully press switches into the sockets straight down, don't go in at an angle or you may bend the pins
- Ensure PCB is flat on your desk to support the hot-swap sockets
For solder builds:
- Insert switches, then solder them to the PCB
Tip: I recommend adding the 4 corner switches first. Then, follow up by adding switches to all outer edges of the PCB/plate assembly. After this use your plate fork and switch pusher to install all of the center switches.
Step 3: Prepare your Case
Now it’s time to install the keyboard kit hardware:
- Install feet
- Install gaskets (or whatever mounting style your keyboard kit uses)
- Secure daughter board
Step 4: Test Your Keyboard
Before calling it done:
- Plug in your keyboard
- Test every key using Via or Vial rocks (if keys aren't registering remove the switch and see if the pins are bent)
- Listen for inconsistencies (especially stabilizers and switch ticking)
If anything needs fixing run through a few diagnostics to see what is causing it. It's best to try to fix things now before assembling the case. If everything is working, let's assemble your board!
Step 5: Place Everything Into the Case
Now it’s time to bring it all together:
- Mount the PCB + plate assembly into the case
- Screw or secure it based on the mounting style (tray mount, gasket mount, etc.)
Tip: Take care to ensure everything is properly aligned. If something isn't seated perfectly it can cause case interference with keycaps or lead to unwanted sounds and a sharp typing experience.
Step 6: Install Keycaps
Press your keycaps onto the switches:
- Match your keycaps to your layout (ANSI, ISO, etc.)
- Ensure all keys are seated evenly by pressing them firmly
- Be sure to press straight down and avoid pressing at an angle to avoid damaging your keycap stems or switch stems
Tip: This is where your keyboard really comes to life visually. Choose something you enjoy like your favorite color or a cool theme that resonates with you, like your favorite childhood gaming console.
Step 7: Enjoy your Keyboard!
More Tips & Tricks for Beginners:
Start with Hot-Swap
It’s the easiest and most beginner-friendly option, no soldering required. This also allows you to rebuild your board easier every time you get a new switch. In the beginning you'll typically try tons of things before landing on what you love most.
Don’t Skip Stabilizer Tuning
This is one of the biggest upgrades you can make to sound and feel. As I said a rattly stabilizer can ruin the sound of your keyboard build.
Take Your Time
A careful build always turns out better than a rushed one.
Expect Some Trial and Error
Even experienced builders tweak their setups, it’s part of the process. I've built hundreds of boards and usually there is always something I need to adjust before it's good to go.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Bent switch pins during installation (this can damage hot-swap sockets and cause switches not to register when actuated)
- Forgetting to test the PCB before full assembly (not the end of the world but taking apart a keyboard is always a bit of a chore)
- Over-lubing stabilizers or switches (this can lead to sluggish returns on your keys and an unsatisfying wet sound)
- Rushing the build process (you may miss an important step like missing a gasket or not plugging in your board properly)
Final Thoughts
Building a custom mechanical keyboard is one of the most rewarding projects you can take on. It’s a mix of creativity, precision, and personal preference, and no two builds are exactly the same. For me I find I feel more productive and I enjoy going to work just to interact with my boards.
Need More Help?
If this guide helped, consider sharing it with a friend who’s thinking about building their first keyboard.
Still have questions or want feedback on your build? Join the Omnitype Discord to connect with our team and community, we’re always happy to help.
