Most people settle for the keyboard they’re given.
But customising your setup can transform your entire computing experience — whether you're a developer, gamer, writer,
or just someone who types a lot.
🔧 Why Customise?
A stock keyboard is like a stock car: it gets the job done, but you’re missing out on feel, function, and fun.
Customizing your board lets you:
- Improve typing comfort and ergonomics (no more cramped fingers or weird wrist angles)
- Create a satisfying sound and feel that actually makes typing enjoyable
- Boost durability with high-quality components that last
- Express your personality through colour, style, and layout choices
Whether it’s the silky smooth feel of linear switches or the crisp click of tactile ones — once you try a custom board, it’s hard to go back.
“Typing on a good board is like using a fine instrument. It just feels right.”
⚙️ What Can You Customise?
Here's where the fun begins. Mechanical keyboards are made of modular parts, and that means you can build yours from the ground up.
🧷 Switches
- Linear: Smooth keystrokes with no bump (e.g., Gateron Yellows, Oil Kings)
- Tactile: A small bump mid-press for feedback (e.g., Holy Pandas)
- Clicky: Tactile and loud (e.g., Cherry MX Blues)
Lube them if you want a smoother feel and less scratch.
🎨 Keycaps
- Choose between ABS (lighter, often shinier) and PBT (thicker, more durable).
- Profile matters too — SA, DSA, Cherry, XDA. Each has a different height and feel.
Want to get nerdy? Try dye-sub PBT caps or themed artisan caps for that extra flair.
🧱 Layout
Pick the form that suits your workflow:
- 60%: Minimal, portable, no arrow/function keys
- 65%: Compact but keeps arrows (my fave)
- 75%: Everything you need in a tight space
- TKL or Full-size: More keys = more control
Some even build Alice or split ergonomic layouts — they look odd but can help with strain.
🏗️ Case and Plate
- Acrylic = clean and light
- Aluminium = hefty and premium
- Gasket-mounted = softer typing experience
- Top/Bottom-mount = firmer and snappier
Every build affects how the board sounds and feels. That’s the beauty of it.
🧪 My Current Setup
Right now, I’m rocking a 65% gasket-mounted board:
- Switches: Lubed Gateron Oil Kings (super smooth and quiet)
- Keycaps: SA Profile PBT in a muted gray/pink colourway
- Case: Clear stacked acrylic with underglow
- Plate: FR4 — flexible, dampens harsh clacks
- Mods: Tape mod, PE foam, and silicone dampeners for that perfect “thock”
Typing on it feels like pressing little clouds.
🔊 Sound Profiles Matter
Yes, sound is part of the appeal too.
Want it deep and muted? Go for lubed linears with a soft plate and foam.
Want it loud and clicky? Tactiles or clicky switches on a metal plate will do the trick.
You can even tune stabilizers (for long keys like space bar) to avoid rattle.
🧠 The Learning Curve
Custom boards have a learning curve — especially when it comes to:
- Soldering (for non-hot-swappable PCBs)
- Switch lubing and filming
- Stabilizer tuning
- Layout programming (via QMK/VIA)
But the community is massive, and tutorials are everywhere.
Reddit, YouTube, Discord — you’ll always find someone willing to help.
💬 Final Thoughts
Custom keyboards aren't just a hobby — they’re an upgrade to your daily workflow and your joy while typing.
If you're going to type for hours a day, why not make every keystroke feel amazing?
Want a custom build of your own?
I offer keyboard building as a service — tailored to your preferences and use case.
Whether you want a soft, silent board for work or a clicky beast for gaming, I’ve got you covered.