Mechanical keyboard are becoming increasingly popular as people look for a more comfortable and customizable typing experience. Building your own mechanical keyboard provides a unique experience that allows you to customize it to fit your specific needs. But how much does it cost to build one? With the wide variety of components available, the cost of building a mechanical keyboard can vary considerably.

Building a custom keyboard is an exciting and rewarding experience. With the right tools and techniques, you can create a unique, personalized keyboard that looks, feels, and sounds like a million bucks. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll share our expertise on how to build a custom keyboard from scratch. 

We’ll cover everything from sourcing the right components to fine-tuning the keystrokes and sound. With our help, you’ll be able to create your own masterpiece in no time!

Description:

Building your own mechanical keyboard can provide a fun and rewarding experience. However, depending on the parts you select and the complexity of your build, the cost can vary significantly. In this post, we’ll discuss the various components you’ll need to create your own mechanical keyboard and how much each part costs.

How To Build A Custom Mechanical Keyboard?

Building a custom mechanical keyboard requires careful planning and selection of components.

1. Firstly, you should decide upon the type of keyboard you want to create.
2. Next, buy all the necessary parts for constructing it, followed by unpacking and testing your printed circuit board (PCB). 
3. Then proceed with installing your stabilizers (lubing/modifying them, if desired) and switches (film/lube them) in order to complete the project.
4. Before proceeding, the sound-dampening foam should add to the case.
5. After that, the printed circuit board (PCB) and plate must put together in the keyboard case. 
6. Following that, each keycap should then install on the board and then everything should test accordingly. 
7. Lastly, RGB/lighting and programming of the keyboard done.

The Costs Of Building Your Own Mechanical Keyboard

Custom mechanical keyboards have become increasingly popular due to the wide variety of options that are available. Not only can the look and feel tailored to individual preferences, but various features such as switches, LED lighting, and more upgraded for a cost. This means that the total cost for a custom mechanical keyboard can range wildly from $200-600 per board. It’s depending on how much you’re willing to invest in its features.

The cost of parts

The cost of building a mechanical keyboard can vary depending on the size and type of keyboard, the components used, and the labor involved. Generally speaking, the total cost of parts for a basic mechanical keyboard will be around $50 to $200.

Keycaps

The cost of building a mechanical keyboard can vary greatly depending on the type of keycaps, switches, and other components you choose. If you wish to elevate your keyboard’s aesthetic appeal, a customized keycap set is essential. The market offers an extensive variety of keycaps in varying profiles and materials.

Typically, budget keycap sets can range from $20 to $30, whereas the more expensive ones would cost anywhere between $100 and $400. Budget-friendly sets are effective and functional despite possible small defects.

GMKs are known for their thickness and unique designs, making them an enjoyable experience to type on. To find the right keycap set that fits your preferences, be sure to read our comprehensive guide on the Top 20 Keycap Sets available.

Switches

The switches you choose for your keyboard can drastically affect the overall look and feel. Would you prefer a switch that provides a smooth, linear feel? Or maybe you would like something that is clicky and loud? Custom keyboards give you the complete freedom to choose whatever type of switch best suits your needs.

Switch prices can vary significantly. Clones such as Gateron and Outemu are often accessible at a low rate of $0.30 while pricier ones like Cherry MX cost around $1 each. For your convenience, we have connected each switch to its respective product listing on Amazon.

Various types of switches such as Zealios or Hirose Orange switches may come with a heavier price tag, depending on your budget and personal preference. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the variety of switch types available, we have several guides to help you make an informed choice.

• Cherry MX vs Gateron vs Outemu vs Kailh vs Razer
• Gateron Switch Guide
• Cherry MX Switch Guide
• Outemu Switch Guide

PCB

Affordable PCBs are available for purchase on Amazon, and those who seek something more advanced can take advantage of the ongoing group buys at Mechgroupbuys.

What Parts Do You Need?

1. Keycaps
2. Switches
3. PCB and Plate
4. Building Process
5. Pre-assembly
6. Soldering
7. Post-assembly

The Benefits of Building Your Own Mechanical Keyboard

Building your own mechanical keyboard has many advantages. 

• First, it can be a great way to express yourself and show off your personal style. You can customize the look and feel of your keyboard by choosing the switches, keycaps, and cases that you like best. 
• Additionally, building your own mechanical keyboard can also be a great way to save money. You can buy parts individually and assemble them yourself, which can result in a lower overall cost than buying a pre-built keyboard. 
• Finally, building your own mechanical keyboard can be a very satisfying and rewarding project. It’s a great way to learn more about the intricacies of mechanical keyboards, and the experience of building a keyboard is generally very rewarding.

Conclusion

During our discussion, we found that the costs associated with constructing a mechanical keyboard can be variable, typically ranging between $200 and $600. Additionally, we considered the different elements necessary for building a successful keyboard as well as their associated average expenses.

Moreover, we discussed the scenarios where soldering is not need. For example when you are constructing your project from a kit or utilizing hot-swappable switches. It’s understandable if the notion of mastering a new skill such as soldering is daunting; in that case, those alternatives should consider.

It is hoped that the resources presented here are of assistance with your project. It would be advisable to research various designs available online in order to select an option that is most compatible with your preferences.

If you find a keyboard that appeals to you, do some research into the required components to assemble it. That’ll give you a good starting point; then, depending on your individual requirements, you can make modifications to customize the keyboard.