Want a keyboard with smooth keystrokes and great sound, but overwhelmed by the terminology in the custom keyboard community? This article will help you understand keyboard customization from scratch and find the right entry path for you.

Beginner's Guide to Keyboard Customization: Switch and Layout Selection

1. Custom Keyboards vs. Pre-built Keyboards

Key Differences

Aspect	Pre-built Keyboards	Custom Keyboards
Purchase Method	Buy directly	Group buy / Self-build / Retail pre-built
Customization Level	Fixed configuration	Case / PCB / Switch / Keycaps fully interchangeable
Price Range	Tens to hundreds of dollars	Hundreds to thousands of dollars
Sound / Feel	Factory-tuned, limited personal input	Highly customizable, huge variation
Modding Potential	Low	Extremely high

2. Layout (Key Arrangement)

Mainstream Layout Comparison

Layout	Number of Keys	Features	Target Users
Full-size (100%)	~104 keys	Includes numpad and arrow keys	Finance / data workers needing a numpad
1800	~96-98 keys	All keys merged, more compact	Want full functionality with a smaller footprint
TKL (87-key / 80%)	~87 keys	Removes numpad	Most balanced mainstream choice
75%	~80 keys	Compact but retains arrow keys	Laptop users, portable needs
65%	~68 keys	Removes F-row, retains arrow keys	Compact without sacrificing practicality
60%	~61 keys	Only basic alphanumeric area	Minimalists, requires adjustment period
40%	~40 keys	Ultra-small, heavy reliance on layers	Enthusiast toy

Recommended entry layout: TKL (87-key) or 75%, full functionality with a moderate size.

3. Switches Explained

Switch Types

Linear Switches:

No tactile bump during actuation, smooth press from top to bottom
Smooth feel, suitable for rapid double-taps
Examples: Red, Yellow, Silver

Tactile Switches:

Noticeable tactile feedback (bump) when pressed
Silent or minimal sound
Examples: Brown, Silent Tactile (e.g., Boba U4)

Clicky Switches:

Tactile bump + crisp click sound
Loudest type, not suitable for offices / quiet environments
Examples: Blue, Green

Switch Parameters

Parameter	Meaning
Actuation Force (g)	Force required to trigger the key; lighter = easier to accidentally press
Pre-travel (mm)	Distance the key must be pressed before actuation; shorter = faster response
Total Travel (mm)	Total distance from keycap top to bottom
Tactile Force (g)	Peak resistance of a tactile switch

Common Switch Comparison:

Switch	Type	Actuation Force	Features
Red	Linear	45g	Light feel, smooth
Yellow	Linear	35g	Lightest
Silver (Speed)	Linear	45g	Shortest travel, fastest response
Brown	Tactile	45g	Mild tactile bump
Blue	Clicky	50g	Audible tactile
Black	Linear	60g	Heavier feel, prevents accidental presses

4. Switch Lubrication

One of the rituals in the custom keyboard community, significantly affecting feel and sound:

Why Lubricate

Reduces internal metal friction for smoother keystrokes
Eliminates "scratchy" leaf spring noise during switch movement
Makes linear switches smoother, reduces friction noise in tactile switches

Lubricant Selection

Lubricant	Recommended Use
205g0	Common for linear switches, slightly thick, smooth feel
3203/3204	Thinner, suitable for tactile switches (do not lube leaf springs, or you'll lose tactility)
GPL105 (Switch Oil)	Spring lubrication, reduces spring ping
Krytox Series	High-end lubrication choice

Note: Do not lubricate the leaf springs of tactile or clicky switches (this will eliminate the tactile bump). Only lubricate the switch housing and the sides of the stem.

5. Keycap Selection

Materials

Material	Features
ABS	Low cost, smooth feel, becomes shiny and greasy over time ("shines")
PBT	Durable, resists shine, drier texture, more durable legends

Recommendation: Prioritize PBT keycaps for better durability and long-lasting feel.

Printing Methods

Method	Durability	Appearance
Laser Engraving	Low, legends wear off	Average
Pad Printing	Medium	Rich colors
Double-shot Injection	Extremely high, legends never wear off	Strong 3D effect
Dye-sublimation	High, legends won't peel	Flat, even colors

First choice: Double-shot injection (if budget allows) or dye-sublimation keycaps for legends that won't wear off.

Keycap Profiles

Profile	Features	Examples
OEM	Most common, different row heights	Default on most pre-built keyboards
Cherry	Slightly shorter than OEM, similar feel	Mainstream custom choice
SA	High, domed keycaps, retro feel	Specific style preference
DSA	Uniform height, all rows the same	Specialized use
XDA	Uniform height, slightly larger than DSA	Some Chinese keycaps

6. Cases and PCBs

Case Materials

Material	Sound Characteristics	Weight	Price
Plastic (PC/ABS)	Hollow, bouncy	Light	Low
Aluminum	Solid, deep	Heavy	Mid to High
Brass	Heaviest, deepest sound	Extremely heavy	High
Polycarbonate (Clear PC)	Bouncy, visually transparent	Light	Mid

Mounting Styles (Affects Typing Feel)

Mounting Style	Feel Characteristics
Tray Mount	Solid, stiff, no flex
Top Mount	Stiffer
Bottom Mount	Slight flex
Gasket Mount	Soft, flexible, "jelly-like" typing feel

Currently most popular: Gasket Mount, provides a soft typing feel, reduces bottom-out shock, highly sought after by enthusiasts.

7. Entry Path Recommendations

Path 1: Modify a Pre-built Keyboard

Buy a pre-built mechanical keyboard that supports hot-swap
Swap switches yourself (hot-swap requires no soldering)
Low cost, allows you to experience different switch types

Path 2: Build from a Kit

Buy a custom keyboard kit (case + PCB + stabilizers)
Choose your own switches and keycaps
Assemble yourself, experience the full customization process

Path 3: Buy a Pre-built Custom Keyboard

Buy a factory-assembled custom keyboard
No assembly required, enjoy the custom feel immediately
Mid-range price, suitable for beginners who don't want to build

📌 Advice for beginners: First, try different switches on a pre-built keyboard to find your preferred feel, then move into the custom keyboard space to avoid blind spending.