Do you love the satisfying click and clack of a mechanical keyboard? Maybe you’ve heard about them and want to build your own. It sounds exciting, but choosing the right mechanical keyboard kit can feel overwhelming. There are so many parts and choices! It’s like trying to pick out all the right LEGO bricks for a giant castle, and you don’t want to end up with a wobbly tower.
This is where our guide comes in! We know how tricky it can be to figure out which kit is best for you. You might be wondering about switches, keycaps, or even how it all fits together. Don’t worry, we’ll break it down. By reading on, you’ll learn what makes a great kit and what to look for so you can build a keyboard that feels perfect for gaming, typing, or whatever you do.
Get ready to discover the secrets to a fantastic mechanical keyboard build. We’ll walk you through the essential components and help you make smart choices. Let’s dive in and find the perfect kit for your dream keyboard!
Our Top 5 Mechanical Keybooard Kit Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Mechanical Keybooard Kit Detailed Reviews
1. ZMX GMK104 Mechanical Keyboard Kit with Screen&Knob
Rating: 9.5/10
The ZMX GMK104 Mechanical Keyboard Kit is a customizable, full-size barebones keyboard designed for gamers and office users who love to build their own setups. It features a unique screen and a handy volume knob, offering a fresh way to interact with your keyboard. You can personalize its look and function to make it truly yours.
What We Like:
- The smart display and metal volume knob add a cool, interactive element.
- Full 104-key layout with Numpad is great for both work and play.
- VIA programmability lets you customize every key and create shortcuts.
- Connect wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.0 or 2.4GHz, or use a USB-C cable.
- The gasket mount design provides a comfortable and quiet typing feel.
- Hot-swappable sockets make it easy to change switches without soldering.
- South-facing RGB backlights look awesome, and it works with both Windows and Mac.
- A large 4000mAh battery means you can use it wirelessly for a long time.
What Could Be Improved:
- As a barebones kit, you need to buy switches and keycaps separately.
- The screen’s functionality might require a bit of learning for beginners.
This GMK104 kit is a fantastic option for anyone wanting a personalized keyboard experience. It offers a blend of modern features and classic functionality for a truly unique build.
2. GMK104 Barebones Keyboard Kit with Screen&Knob
Rating: 8.9/10
The GMK104 Barebones Keyboard Kit is a fantastic way to build your dream mechanical keyboard. You can make it look and feel exactly how you want. It’s a full-size keyboard with a numpad, arrow keys, and function keys. This means you won’t miss any keys for gaming or typing.
What We Like:
- You can customize everything to make it your own.
- It has a cool smart screen and a metal knob for volume control.
- It’s programmable with QMK/VIA, so you can set up custom shortcuts and lighting.
- You can connect it using Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, or a USB-C cable.
- The battery lasts a long time (4000mAh).
- It’s a hot-swappable keyboard, meaning you can change the switches without soldering.
- The gasket mount design makes typing feel comfortable and quiet.
- It has south-facing RGB backlighting for a cool look.
- It works with both Windows and Mac computers.
What Could Be Improved:
- As a barebones kit, you need to buy switches and keycaps separately, which adds to the cost.
- The instructions for setting up the screen might be a bit tricky for beginners.
This keyboard kit is a great choice for anyone who loves to personalize their tech. It offers a lot of flexibility for a truly unique typing experience.
3. GTSP 75% Custom Barebones Keyboard kit Gasket Mouted，Blank DIY Silent TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard PCB Hot Swappable 3pin/5pin Switch with South-Facing RGB for Win/Mac (M87 Kit-Black)
Rating: 9.1/10
The GTSP M87 Kit-Black is a cool mechanical keyboard kit that lets you build your dream keyboard. It’s a TKL (Tenkeyless) size, which means it’s smaller and saves desk space. This kit is perfect if you want to try making your own keyboard and love that satisfying mechanical feel.
What We Like:
- It’s a fun way to build your own keyboard.
- It comes with foam and a silicon pad to make typing super quiet.
- You can easily swap out switches without soldering.
- It works with most 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.
- You can change the RGB lights and even create your own lighting effects with software.
- It’s compatible with both Windows and Mac computers.
- It has anti-ghosting for smooth gaming.
- The USB-C cable is detachable, making it easy to take with you.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “blank” aspect means you’ll need to buy keycaps separately if you want legends.
- “Barebones” means you need to purchase switches and keycaps to complete the build.
This GTSP M87 Kit is a fantastic starting point for anyone wanting a custom, quiet mechanical keyboard. It offers a lot of freedom to make it uniquely yours.
4. ZMX GMK104 Mechanical Keyboard Kit with Screen&Knob
Rating: 9.0/10
The ZMX GMK104 Mechanical Keyboard Kit is a white, full-size barebones keyboard that lets you build your dream setup. It comes with a cool screen and a knob for easy control, plus it connects wirelessly or with a wire. This kit is perfect for gamers and anyone who loves to customize their gear.
What We Like:
- The interactive screen lets you show off your custom images and easily control your music and lights.
- The metal knob makes adjusting your volume super simple.
- It’s a full 104-key keyboard, so you get all the keys you need for gaming and work, and they all work at once.
- You can program every single key using VIA software, which is awesome for creating shortcuts and custom setups.
- It connects in three ways: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, or wired via USB-C, and it has a huge 4000mAh battery for long use.
- The gasket mount design makes typing feel soft and quiet, and you can easily swap out switches without soldering.
- South-facing RGB lights look great, and it works with both Windows and Mac computers.
- It’s a fantastic kit for anyone who wants to build their own unique keyboard.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the screen is neat, it might take some time to figure out how to customize it.
- For absolute beginners, the “barebones” aspect means you need to buy switches and keycaps separately.
This ZMX GMK104 kit offers a lot of fun and flexibility for keyboard enthusiasts. It’s a great starting point for building a personalized and high-performing keyboard.
5. BOYI GMK67-65% Aluminum Alloy Keyboard Kit
Rating: 9.4/10
The BOYI GMK67-65% Aluminum Alloy Keyboard Kit is a customizable barebones mechanical keyboard that lets you build your dream setup. Its premium aluminum body and gasket mount design offer a fantastic typing feel and sound. You can easily swap out switches without soldering, and it connects wirelessly via Bluetooth or 2.4G, or wired with USB-C. Plus, it has cool RGB lighting and a handy control knob.
What We Like:
- Solid aluminum CNC body feels very premium and durable.
- Gasket mount design with extra foam provides a satisfying and quiet typing experience, reducing hollow sounds.
- Hot-swappable switch sockets make it super easy to try different mechanical switches without soldering.
- Triple-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4G, Type-C) offers great flexibility for different devices.
- The multi-function knob is a convenient addition for controlling volume and media.
- South-facing LEDs are a nice touch, preventing interference with many keycap profiles.
- Includes a polycarbonate plate for further customization options.
- The 65% layout is compact and saves desk space.
What Could Be Improved:
- This kit is for mechanical switches only; optical switches are not supported.
- While it’s a barebones kit, some users might want more included accessories beyond the basic components.
This BOYI GMK67 kit empowers you to create a truly unique keyboard that looks, feels, and sounds exactly how you want it. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to dive into the world of custom mechanical keyboards.
Your Guide to Building Your Dream Mechanical Keyboard
Are you tired of mushy, uninspiring keyboards? Do you want a typing experience that feels as good as it sounds? Then a mechanical keyboard kit might be your next favorite project! Building your own keyboard might seem tricky, but it’s a rewarding way to get exactly what you want. This guide will help you choose the right kit for you.
Why Build a Mechanical Keyboard Kit?
Mechanical keyboard kits let you customize everything. You pick the case, the switches, the keycaps – all the parts that make a keyboard unique. This means you get a keyboard that fits your style and your needs perfectly. It’s more than just a keyboard; it’s a personal tool.
Key Features to Look For
1. Layout and Size
- Full-size: These have a number pad and all the function keys. They are great for gaming and lots of typing.
- Tenkeyless (TKL): These are like full-size but without the number pad. They save desk space.
- 60% / 65%: These are much smaller. They remove even more keys and often use a function layer to access missing keys. They are super portable.
- Ergonomic: These keyboards split into two parts or have curved shapes to help your wrists.
2. Connectivity
- Wired: USB-C is common and reliable.
- Wireless: Bluetooth is handy for connecting to multiple devices.
3. Hot-swappable Sockets
This is a big one! Hot-swappable means you can change the switches without soldering. This makes it easy to try different switch types later on.
4. Programmability
Some kits let you reprogram keys. You can set up custom shortcuts or macros for games or work.
Important Materials
1. Case Material
- Plastic (ABS, Polycarbonate): These are lighter and cheaper. They can sound a bit hollow sometimes.
- Aluminum: These cases are strong and feel premium. They often sound deeper and more solid.
- Wood: These offer a unique, warm aesthetic and sound.
2. Plate Material
The plate sits between the switches and the PCB. It affects the typing feel and sound.
- Aluminum: Offers a firm feel and a sharper sound.
- Brass: Provides a very solid feel and a deep sound.
- Polycarbonate: This plate is more flexible and creates a softer typing feel with a more muted sound.
3. Keycaps
These are the covers you press. They are made from different plastics and come in many profiles (shapes).
- ABS: Common and can get shiny over time.
- PBT: More durable and resistant to shine. They feel more textured.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Kit Better?
- Sturdy Construction: A well-built case and plate reduce flex and wobble.
- Good Sound Dampening: Foam inside the case helps absorb unwanted noise.
- High-Quality PCB: A reliable Printed Circuit Board is the brain of your keyboard.
- Precise Manufacturing: Parts fit together well without gaps or issues.
What Can Make a Kit Worse?
- Cheap Plastic: Thin, flimsy plastic can feel cheap and sound bad.
- Poorly Fitted Parts: Gaps or misalignments make the keyboard feel less premium.
- No Sound Dampening: A hollow sound can be distracting.
- Difficult Assembly: Kits that are hard to put together without clear instructions can be frustrating.
User Experience and Use Cases
Building a mechanical keyboard kit is a journey. It’s for gamers who want faster response times, writers who crave a satisfying typing feel, and anyone who wants a keyboard that looks and feels like *theirs*. You can choose switches that are clicky and loud, or smooth and quiet. You can pick keycaps that are colorful and fun, or sleek and professional.
The experience is about personalization. You can swap out keycaps to match your mood or theme. You can experiment with different switches to find your perfect typing feel. It’s a hobby that lets you create something truly unique.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is a mechanical keyboard kit?
A1: A mechanical keyboard kit is a set of parts you buy to build your own mechanical keyboard. It usually includes the case, PCB, plate, stabilizers, and sometimes keycaps.
Q2: Do I need to solder to build a kit?
A2: Not always! Many kits are “hot-swappable,” meaning you can plug in the switches without soldering. This makes building much easier.
Q3: What are “switches”?
A3: Switches are the mechanisms under each keycap. They determine how a key feels when you press it, how loud it is, and how much force it needs.
Q4: What’s the difference between Cherry MX Red and Blue switches?
A4: Red switches are linear and smooth. Blue switches are clicky and tactile, meaning you feel a bump when the key is activated.
Q5: How do I choose the right size keyboard?
A5: Think about how much desk space you have and what keys you use most often. A full-size is best for lots of keys, while a 60% is great for portability.
Q6: Can I use any keycaps with any kit?
A6: Most kits use a standard stem for keycaps, so many different sets will fit. However, always check the kit’s specifications.
Q7: Will building a keyboard save me money?
A7: Not always. High-end kits and parts can be expensive. The main benefit is customization and the building experience.
Q8: How long does it take to build a keyboard kit?
A8: For a beginner with a hot-swappable kit, it can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. Soldering can add more time.
Q9: What tools do I need to build a kit?
A9: You’ll typically need a screwdriver, and maybe some tweezers. If it’s a hot-swappable kit, that’s usually it. Soldering kits require more tools.
Q10: Where can I buy mechanical keyboard kits?
A10: You can find them on online marketplaces like Amazon, specialized keyboard stores, and manufacturer websites.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.