Custom keyboard kits are a popular choice for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a personalized typing experience. These kits allow users to build their own keyboard, selecting every component from the switches to the keycaps. Custom keyboard kits are a great way to create a unique keyboard that fits your specific needs and preferences.
When shopping for a custom keyboard kit, it’s important to pay attention to the type of switches the kit supports. Switches are the mechanical components that register keystrokes, and different switches have different characteristics, such as tactile feedback and actuation force. It’s also important to consider the size and layout of the keyboard, as well as the type of keycaps included in the kit.
At our website, we spent countless hours researching and testing several custom keyboard kits to identify the ones that offer the best combination of quality, customization options, and value. Whether you’re a gamer, programmer, or just looking for a unique typing experience, we’ve got you covered.
Best Custom Keyboard Kits
We know how important it is for keyboard enthusiasts to have a personalized typing experience. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best custom keyboard kits on the market. Whether you’re looking for a sleek, minimalist design or a colorful, eye-catching keyboard, we’ve got you covered. Our team has researched and tested each kit to ensure that they meet our standards for quality and performance. Without further ado, here are our top picks for custom keyboard kits.
BOYI GMK67-65% Keyboard Kit
We highly recommend the BOYI GMK67-65% Keyboard Kit for anyone looking to build their own customized mechanical keyboard. With its hot-swappable mechanical switch, triple mode connection, and customizable RGB presets, this keyboard kit is perfect for those who want to try something new and define how their keyboard looks, clicks, and sounds.
Pros
- The hot-swappable terminals allow for easy installation of switches without soldering, making it compatible with Cherry MX, Kailh, Gateron, and other 3 pin or 5 pin switches.
- The triple mode connection, including Bluetooth 5.0/2.4G/Wired Type-C Tri-Mode, offers more choice for connectivity.
- The gasket-mounted keyboard kit uses a gasket material on the keyboard plate’s top that reduces the occurrence of vibrations within the keyboard case, offering a very satisfying typing experience.
Cons
- The price may be considered a bit high for some, but it is worth it for the quality and features.
- The keyboard may take some time to assemble, but the process is straightforward and the end result is worth it.
- The keyboard layout may not be suitable for everyone, as it is a 65% layout.
Overall, the BOYI GMK67-65% Keyboard Kit is a really solid custom keyboard. The kit includes ample foam preinstalled, and they even include a polycarbonate plate that you can easily install yourself. The RGB SMD light is fully customizable with more than 16.8 million lights available, and you can also remap your kit by your willing. The multifunction knob ergonomic keyboard design is fully programmable and easy to control multimedia. The keyboard is compatible with Linux, Windows 2000, Mac, Android, and laptops. The BOYI GMK67-65% Keyboard Kit is definitely a great choice for anyone looking to build their own customized mechanical keyboard.
Womier 75% Custom Keyboard Kit
If you’re looking for a customizable keyboard kit, the Womier 75% Custom Keyboard Kit is a great option.
Pros
- The gasket-mounted design improves the overall typing sound.
- The hot-swappable PCB allows for easy switch replacement and customization.
- The RGB lighting is customizable with over 16.8 million colors to choose from.
Cons
- The included switches may not be the best quality.
- The keyboard does not have a number pad.
- The keycaps are not the highest quality.
We recently had the opportunity to try out the Womier 75% Custom Keyboard Kit and were impressed with its features. The gasket-mounted design, which includes silicone spacers, a sandwich silicone silencer, a custom stabilizer, and a silicone pad at the bottom, makes for a satisfying typing experience. The hot-swappable PCB is a great feature for those who like to customize their keyboard switches, and the compatibility with most 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches makes it easy to find replacements.
The RGB lighting is also a standout feature of this keyboard kit. The customizable lighting options allow for over 16.8 million colors to choose from, and the software customization options allow for even more customization with up to 15 factory-set lights and music rhythm modes to choose from.
While the included switches may not be the best quality, they are still functional and provide a decent typing experience. Additionally, the lack of a number pad may be a downside for some users, but the compact size of the keyboard makes it more portable and easier to use in small spaces.
Overall, we would recommend the Womier 75% Custom Keyboard Kit for those looking for a customizable and stylish keyboard. With its gasket-mounted design, hot-swappable PCB, and customizable RGB lighting, it’s a great option for those who want a unique and personalized typing experience.
ZMX 68 DIY Keyboard Kit
If you’re looking for a customizable keyboard kit, the ZMX 68 DIY Keyboard Kit might be a good option for you.
Pros
- The keyboard kit is hot-swappable, making it easy to change switches to meet your preferences.
- It has both 2.4G and Bluetooth dual modes, allowing you to connect to two devices at the same time.
- The compact design takes up less space on your desk and makes it easy to take with you on the go.
Cons
- The keyboard kit does not include keycaps or switches, which you will need to purchase separately.
- It does not support wired connection or USB interface.
- You will need to purchase AAA batteries separately as they are not included.
In our experience, the ZMX 68 DIY Keyboard Kit is a great option for those who want a customizable keyboard with a compact design. The hot-swappable feature makes it easy to change switches, and the dual modes allow for flexibility in connecting to devices. However, keep in mind that you will need to purchase keycaps, switches, and batteries separately.
The keyboard kit supports most 3/5 Pin switch bodies, and the American layout design is easy to use. It supports Windows XP/Vista/Win7/Win8/Win10/Mac in 2.4G mode, and Win8/Win10 in Bluetooth 5.0 mode. The product comes with a silicone silent mat for a more comfortable typing experience.
Overall, we recommend the ZMX 68 DIY Keyboard Kit for those who want a customizable and compact keyboard. If you have any questions or encounter any issues, the product comes with quality service and support.
ZMX GMK67 65% RGB DIY Mechanical Keyboard
We highly recommend the ZMX GMK67 65% RGB DIY Mechanical Keyboard for anyone who wants a customizable, compact, and wireless keyboard.
Pros
- The keyboard supports 3 modes of Bluetooth5.0/2.4G/Type-c wired connection and 18 cool backlight effects to make your desktop very cool!
- The hot-swappable design allows for easy DIY customization with 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical switches without any soldering required.
- The 67 keys mini size makes it compact, but it still has the functionality of a full-size keyboard while saving desktop space. The numerous FN+ key combinations allow for a variety of needs.
Cons
- The sponge pad and sponge switch pad between the PCB and the gasket board to reduce key noise can make the keyboard feel soft, but it may not be to everyone’s liking.
- The rotary knob for media control is versatile, but it may take some time to get used to.
- The charging time for the large capacity battery is 5 hours, which may be longer than some users prefer.
The ZMX GMK67 65% RGB DIY Mechanical Keyboard is a great choice for anyone who wants a customizable and compact keyboard. The hot-swappable design allows for easy customization without any soldering required. The 67 keys mini size makes it perfect for saving desktop space, and the numerous FN+ key combinations allow for a variety of needs. The keyboard supports 3 modes of Bluetooth5.0/2.4G/Type-c wired connection and 18 cool backlight effects to make your desktop very cool!
However, the sponge pad and sponge switch pad between the PCB and the gasket board to reduce key noise can make the keyboard feel soft, which may not be to everyone’s liking. The rotary knob for media control is versatile, but it may take some time to get used to. Additionally, the charging time for the large capacity battery is 5 hours, which may be longer than some users prefer. Overall, the ZMX GMK67 65% RGB DIY Mechanical Keyboard is a great choice for anyone who wants a customizable and compact wireless keyboard.
Guffercty kred GK61 GK61X PCB Plate Case 60% Keyboard Custom Hot Swappable RGB Keyboard DIY Kit Wired Tyce-C for 3/5 Pin Switch (GK61X White)
If you’re looking for a customizable keyboard kit that is easy to assemble and offers a fun typing experience, the Guffercty kred GK61X is a great option.
Pros
- The keyboard kit is compatible with a wide range of switches, including Cherry MX RGB switches, Kailh switches, and Gateron RGB switches.
- The RGB backlighting offers over 16.8 million colors, making it a fun toy in addition to a functional keyboard.
- The keyboard is fully programmable, allowing you to customize the RGB backlighting and under-lighting.
Cons
- The software for programming the keyboard can be confusing to use.
- Some users may find the 60% keyboard layout to be too small.
- The keyboard case is made of black ABS plastic, which may not be as durable as other materials.
In our experience, the Guffercty kred GK61X keyboard kit is a solid choice for anyone looking to build a custom keyboard. The hot-swappable switch sockets make it easy to customize the keyboard without the need for soldering, and the RGB backlighting adds a fun touch to any typing session.
One potential downside to the keyboard is the software used for programming the RGB backlighting and under-lighting. While it is fully customizable, the software can be confusing to use and may take some time to master.
Another potential drawback is the small 60% keyboard layout, which may not be ideal for users who prefer a full-sized keyboard. Additionally, the black ABS plastic case may not be as durable as other materials, so users should take care not to damage it.
Overall, we recommend the Guffercty kred GK61X keyboard kit for anyone looking for a customizable and fun typing experience.
Redragon BBK530 Pro Custom Gaming Mechanical Keyboard Kit
If you are looking for a compact and customizable keyboard kit, the Redragon BBK530 Pro might be the one for you.
Pros
- The 16.8 million RGB colors and 18 RGB lighting modes make this keyboard a visual feast.
- The fully modular design allows for easy customization and hot-swapping of switches.
- The keyboard is compatible with most 3rd party mechanical keycaps, which means you can personalize it to your liking.
Cons
- The PCB is tight, making it hard to get switches into place and causing some switch pins to bend.
- The stabilizers are a little wobbly, which may affect typing experience for some users.
- The foam padding inside the keyboard may be ripped upon arrival, indicating that the manufacturing process could be improved.
We tried out the Redragon BBK530 Pro and found that it is a solid and visually stunning mechanical keyboard kit. The RGB backlighting is impressive, and the 18 RGB lighting modes and 6 adjustable settings for speed and brightness provide a wide range of customization options. The fully modular design makes it easy to switch out keys and hot-swap different switches, which is great for those who like to customize their keyboard layout.
However, we did encounter some issues with the PCB being too tight, which made it difficult to get the switches into place and caused some switch pins to bend. Additionally, the stabilizers are a little wobbly, which may affect typing experience for some users. Finally, the foam padding inside the keyboard may be ripped upon arrival, which suggests that the manufacturing process could be improved.
Overall, if you are looking for a customizable and visually stunning keyboard kit, the Redragon BBK530 Pro is definitely worth considering.
Womier G75 Gaming Keyboard Kit
We highly recommend the Womier G75 Gaming Keyboard Kit for anyone looking for a customizable and high-quality keyboard.
Pros
- The dual-mount design and pre-installed stabilizers provide a stable and satisfying typing experience with great sound feedback.
- The south-facing RGB backlight and customizable software allow for endless customization options to make your keyboard unique.
- The hot-swappable function and metal knob for volume control make this keyboard convenient and easy to use.
Cons
- The PBT pudding keycaps are decent, but some users may prefer different keycaps for a more personalized feel.
- The keyboard may be a bit loud for some users, especially with clicky switches.
- The price point may be a bit high for those on a budget.
The Womier G75 Gaming Keyboard Kit is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality and customizable keyboard. The dual-mount design and pre-installed stabilizers provide a stable and satisfying typing experience with great sound feedback, making it a great option for both typing and gaming. The south-facing RGB backlight and customizable software allow for endless customization options to make your keyboard unique and stand out from the crowd. Additionally, the hot-swappable function and metal knob for volume control make this keyboard convenient and easy to use.
One potential downside of this keyboard is that the PBT pudding keycaps are decent, but some users may prefer different keycaps for a more personalized feel. Additionally, the keyboard may be a bit loud for some users, especially with clicky switches. Finally, the price point may be a bit high for those on a budget. However, we believe that the quality and customization options of this keyboard make it worth the investment.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a high-quality and customizable keyboard, the Womier G75 Gaming Keyboard Kit is an excellent choice.
EasySMX Keyboard Kit
We tried the EasySMX Keyboard Kit and found it to be a great option for those looking for a customizable keyboard.
Pros
- The compact 75% layout maximizes function while saving space, making it perfect for those who like a minimalist desk setup.
- The gasket-mounted structure provides a softer typing experience, reducing hand fatigue during long typing sessions.
- The triple mode Bluetooth 5.0/2.4GHz/Type-C wired connection allows for easy switching between devices, making it a versatile option for those who use multiple devices.
Cons
- The rotary knob control can be a bit finicky and might require some getting used to.
- The side RGB lights design might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
- The multimedia dial that rotates doesn’t fit that well and can be a bit wobbly.
The EasySMX Keyboard Kit is a great option for those looking for a customizable keyboard that doesn’t take up too much space. The compact 75% layout is perfect for those who like a minimalist desk setup, while the gasket-mounted structure provides a softer typing experience, reducing hand fatigue during long typing sessions. The triple mode Bluetooth 5.0/2.4GHz/Type-C wired connection allows for easy switching between devices, making it a versatile option for those who use multiple devices.
However, the rotary knob control can be a bit finicky and might require some getting used to, and the side RGB lights design might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Additionally, the multimedia dial that rotates doesn’t fit that well and can be a bit wobbly. Overall, if you’re looking for a customizable keyboard that’s easy to use and doesn’t take up too much space, the EasySMX Keyboard Kit is definitely worth checking out.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying custom keyboard kits, it’s important to consider a few key factors to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Layout
The first thing to consider is the layout of the keyboard. Do you want a standard layout or something more unique? Consider the size of the keyboard, the placement of keys, and any additional features you may want, such as hotkeys or media controls.
Switches
The switches are the most important part of any keyboard, as they determine the feel and sound of the keys. There are many different types of switches to choose from, each with their own unique characteristics. Consider factors such as actuation force, tactile feedback, and noise level when choosing your switches.
Keycaps
Keycaps are another important factor to consider when buying a custom keyboard kit. They not only affect the look of the keyboard but also the feel of the keys. Consider the material, profile, and design of the keycaps when making your decision.
Case
The case of the keyboard is also important to consider. Do you want a plastic or metal case? Do you want a low profile or a high profile case? Consider the durability, weight, and aesthetics of the case when making your decision.
PCB
Finally, the PCB (printed circuit board) is the backbone of the keyboard. It’s important to choose a high-quality PCB that is compatible with your chosen switches and keycaps. Consider factors such as programmability and RGB lighting when choosing your PCB.
By considering these factors, you can ensure that you choose the best custom keyboard kit for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular brands for custom keyboard kits?
Some of the popular brands for custom keyboard kits include Drop, KBDfans, and NovelKeys. These brands offer a wide range of kits for different preferences and budgets.
What are the benefits of building your own keyboard?
Building your own keyboard allows you to customize your typing experience according to your preferences. You can choose the type of switches, keycaps, and layout that works best for you. Additionally, building your own keyboard can be a fun and rewarding DIY project.
What are some key considerations when choosing a custom keyboard kit?
When choosing a custom keyboard kit, it’s important to consider the type of switches, layout, and size that you prefer. You should also consider your budget, as some kits can be more expensive than others. Additionally, you should make sure that the kit is compatible with your computer and operating system.
What are the differences between a full size and TKL keyboard kit?
A full size keyboard kit includes a number pad, while a TKL (Tenkeyless) keyboard kit does not. TKL keyboards are more compact and take up less desk space, while full size keyboards offer more keys and functionality. The choice between a full size and TKL keyboard kit ultimately comes down to personal preference and usage.
What are some recommended DIY keyboard kits for hot swapping?
Some recommended DIY keyboard kits for hot swapping include the Drop CTRL and ALT, the KBDfans DZ60RGB-ANSI, and the GMMK Pro. These kits allow you to easily switch out switches without soldering, making it easy to experiment with different switch types.
Is building your own keyboard cost-effective compared to buying a pre-built one?
Building your own keyboard can be more expensive than buying a pre-built one, especially if you choose high-end components. However, building your own keyboard allows you to customize your typing experience and create a keyboard that is tailored to your preferences. Additionally, building your own keyboard can be a fun and rewarding DIY project.
