The PCB (brain)
See all →Pick this first: it dictates the compatibility of everything else (ISO/ANSI, switch type, hotswap).
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Where are you at with your keyboard?
Pick the scenario that matches you. We'll guide you to the right products.
What size is your keyboard?
Size determines the number of keys and keycap format.
Which layout do you use?
Layout means the arrangement of keys on your keyboard.
Hotswap or soldered?
It's the #1 criterion experts mention for a first custom keyboard. Hotswap = you change your switches in 2 minutes without soldering. Soldered = you have to re-solder every time (rare skill). Bonus: most hotswap PCBs are also VIA/QMK compatible (remap your keys without soldering, ideal for adding AZERTY to an ANSI keyboard for example).
What will you use your keyboard for?
Your use case determines the switch type (the actuator under each key) that suits you.
Your keycaps
3 points to check before buying:
- Mounting: is your keyboard MX standard or low-profile? Low-profile keycaps ONLY fit low-profile switches (and vice versa).
- Profile: Cherry / OEM / SA / XDA / DSA. Sculpted (Cherry, OEM, SA) or uniform (XDA, DSA). It changes ergonomics and look.
- Number of keys: check that the set covers every key size on your keyboard (6.25u spacebar, Shift, Enter, etc.).
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Looking for a specific profile?
Your keyboard kit
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Now choose your switches
Switches are the actuators under each key. They determine the feel and sound of every keystroke.
What's the use case?
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Finally, pick your keycaps
Keycaps are the visible keytops. We filtered on the layout you gave us.
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Your keyboard is ready to build!
Here's a recap of what you picked:
Building your cart recap...
To perfect the sound: add an XL acoustic deskmat
A thick deskmat under the keyboard directly improves the sound (the "thock" effect). Backed by expert keyboard builders.
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The finishing touch: a matching USB-C cable
A colourful cable transforms the whole look of your setup. Our simple models are the fastest sellers.
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Your keyboard checklist
6 checks before buying:
- Size: case + plate + PCB must be the same size (a 60% case won't fit a 65% plate).
- Mounting: how the plate attaches to the case (gasket, top-mount, tray-mount, sandwich). Plate and case must support the same system. Gasket-mount = the most popular in modern custom (soft sound, flex). Tray-mount = entry-level (harder sound).
- Plate material: a major sound criterion. Steel = sharp, dry, firm. Brass = full, "musical". Aluminium = balanced, neutral. FR4 / Polycarbonate = deep, soft, "thock". POM = highly damped, bassy. Pick based on the sound signature you want.
- Switch type ↔ PCB: a standard MX PCB takes MX switches. An HE (Hall Effect) PCB ONLY takes HE switches. A low-profile PCB only takes low-profile switches.
- Hotswap recommended: PCB with sockets, you change switches without soldering.
- Stabilisers: PCB-mount screw-in (more stable, screwed onto the PCB, modern custom standard) or plate-mount (clipped into the plate). Make sure your PCB and plate support the type you order.
AZERTY ISO FR: you need a PCB that supports the ISO layout + an ISO plate + an ISO FR keycap set. Specific physical keys: L-shaped 2-row Enter, extra key to the left of Z (for <), shorter left Shift.
The case
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The plate
See all →The plate material directly impacts keyboard sound. Steel = sharp/dry, alu = neutral, brass = full, FR4/polycarbonate = deep "thock", POM = highly damped. Pick based on the sound signature you want.
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The stabilisers
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The switches
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The keycaps
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Keyboard sizes explained
- 40%: ultra minimalist, letters only + numbers on a layer.
- 60%: compact, no arrows or F-row, very popular for gaming.
- 65%: 60% + dedicated arrow keys.
- 75%: 65% + F-row, the versatile format.
- TKL 80%: full size minus the numpad.
- 96%: almost 100%, tighter layout.
- 100%: full office layout.
Keycap profiles
The profile describes the shape and height of the keys. Two families:
- Sculpted (each row has a different shape/angle, more natural for the hands):
- Cherry: low, custom standard, ergonomic.
- OEM: medium height, the standard profile on pre-built keyboards, very versatile.
- SA: very tall, spherical top, retro look, « thocky » sound.
- KAT / MT3: tall, modern, enveloping.
- Uniform (every row identical):
- XDA: low, wide flat surface, clean look.
- DSA: very flat, interchangeable keys, minimalist.
For a beginner coming from a classic keyboard, Cherry or OEM are the most natural.
Linear, tactile, clicky, HE: the differences
- Linear: smooth travel end to end, no bump or click. Fast and predictable for gaming. Sound varies: depends on lube, stabs and plate. For silence, look for specific « Silent Red » switches. Examples: Cherry MX Red, Gateron Yellow, Oil King.
- Tactile: small bump at the actuation point. You feel each press. Handy for fast typing without missing a key. Examples: Cherry MX Brown, Boba U4T, Holy Panda.
- Clicky: bump + audible click. Typewriter feel. Very loud, not recommended in open offices. Examples: Cherry MX Blue, Cherry MX Green (stiffer), Kailh Box White.
- Magnetic (HE): Hall Effect. Software-adjustable actuation point (0.1 mm to 4 mm) + rapid trigger. Top for competitive esports. Requires a dedicated HE PCB: not compatible with a standard MX PCB.
