How to Build a Custom Mechanical Keyboard Step by Step

How to Build a Custom Mechanical Keyboard Step by Step

Building your own custom mechanical keyboard is a rewarding process that allows you to create a keyboard tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for a better typing experience, custom aesthetics, or improved gaming performance, a DIY mechanical keyboard gives you full control over every component. In this guide, we will walk you through the entire process step by step. This guide is perfect whether you are building a gaming keyboard or a professional setup.

We used the following main components for demonstrating purpose:

Barebone keyboard: LUMINKEY LX60 Copper Edition HHKB custom mechanical keyboard kit

Switches: Neo Studio Azure linear switches

Keycaps: Echokeys Eternity keycaps set

What You Will Need

Before starting, you will need to gather all the necessary components and tools:

Components:

• Keyboard case – The outer shell that holds all the parts together.
• Printed Circuit Board (PCB) – The brain of your keyboard, which connects all the switches.
• Plate (optional) – Adds stability to the switches and improves the overall feel.
• Stabilisers – Prevent large keys like the spacebar and shift from wobbling.
• Daughter board – A small board that connects to the PCB for better cable routing.
• Foams – Sound dampening foams to significantly improve acoustics and typing feel.
• Gaskets or Silicone O-Ring – The main components for eliminating vibration of keyboard parts when typing, depending on your preferred mounting style.
• Mechanical switches – Choose from tactile, linear, or clicky depending on your preference.
• Keycaps – The visible part of the keyboard where you press your fingers. Custom keycaps allow for unique designs and better typing feel.

Tools:

• Screwdrivers – To assemble the case and secure components.
• Soldering iron and solder (if required) – Necessary for solderable PCBs.
• Switch puller – Helps in installing and removing keyboard switches.
• Keycap puller – Used for installing and removing keycaps.
• Lubricant and brush – For lubricating stabilisers and switches.
• Tweezers – Helpful for small components and wires.
• Switch opener – Helps open switches for lubrication and modification.
• Switch holder – Holds switches in place while lubing or modifying.
• Cleaning tool set (optional) – Useful for keeping your keyboard and components dust-free.

Get Everything Prepared

Once you have all your materials, the next step is preparation:

1. Organize your workspace – Ensure you have enough space and good lighting.
2. Inspect all parts – Check for any damaged components.

Lubricate and Install Stabilisers

Stabilisers play a crucial role in how large keys feel and sound. Lubricating them can make your keyboard quieter and smoother.

Steps:

1. Disassemble the stabilisers – If they are clip-in or screw-in, separate the parts.
2. Apply lubricant – Use a brush to apply a thin layer of lubricant to the stabiliser stems and housings, as well as the both ends of the steel wires.
3. Reassemble and install – Snap or screw the stabilisers into the PCB where required (e.g., spacebar, enter, shift, and backspace keys). Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws if your stabilisers are screw-in type.

Insert Foam for Sound Dampening

To improve acoustics and reduce unwanted noise, inserting foam between the PCB and plate, and between the PCB and the bottom case, can enhance the feel and sound of your keyboard.

Steps:

1. Cut the foam – If your keyboard kit does not include pre-cut foam, cut it to fit between the PCB and plate and between the PCB and the bottom case. The LX60 barebone keyboard comes with cutout foams so this step is not necessary in our case.
2. Place the foam – Carefully position the foam between the layers to ensure it does not interfere with switches or stabilisers.
3. Check alignment – Make sure the foam is evenly spread and does not obstruct screw holes or ports.

Install Switches

Once the above steps are all complete, it is time to install the keyboard switches.

Steps:

1. Align the switches – If using a plate, insert the switches through the plate into the PCB.
2. Press firmly – Ensure each switch snaps into place and is properly seated.
3. Soldering (if applicable) – If using a solderable PCB, solder each switch’s pins carefully.

Connect PCB with Daughter Board

If your custom keyboard includes a daughter board, you will need to connect it to the main PCB.

Steps:

1. Locate the connector – Find the port on the PCB and daughter board.
2. Use the provided cable – Attach the two boards together carefully using the ribbon cable.
3. Secure the connection – Ensure it is firmly attached to avoid disconnection issues.
4. Test each switch – Use a switch tester tool or keyboard software to ensure all switches register correctly. This step can be done now or later when you do a final keyboard test as described in the “Test the Keyboard” section below.

Assemble the Keyboard Case

Now that the main components are installed, it is time to put everything into the case.

Steps:

1. Fit the PCB and plate into the bottom case – Ensure proper alignment.
2. Attach the top case – If your case has multiple parts, secure them together. If your keyboard is equipped with a ball-catch quick assembly mechanism, you can complete this step simply by pressing the top case down and ignore the next step.
3. Secure with screws – Use a screwdriver to fix the PCB and other components.

Install Keycaps

Adding keycaps is the final customization step.

Steps:

1. Identify the layout – Refer to a layout diagram if needed (usually included in the package of the keyboard kit).
2. Press keycaps onto switches – Ensure each keycap is fully seated.
3. Adjust as needed – Double-check that everything is aligned correctly. If you are looking for unique keycap designs, many options are available from different custom keyboard shops, including mechanical keyboard Australia retailers like us.

Test the Keyboard

Before using your mechanical keyboard, perform a final test.

Steps:

1. Connect the keyboard to your computer – Use the USB cable.
2. Open a key tester tool – Websites like “Keyboard Tester” can help.
3. Press each key – Ensure all keys register properly.

Once testing is complete, your custom mechanical keyboard is ready to use! Enjoy the enhanced typing experience and personalization that comes with building your own keyboard. Whether you are in the market for a gaming keyboard or a professional typing setup, a custom build ensures the best performance and aesthetics to your like.

Typing Sound Test

Now let us enjoy the typing sound test of the LUMINKEY LX60 Copper Edition HHKB barebone keyboard, equipped with Azure switches and Eternity keycaps.