How to Build a Custom Mechanical Keyboard

I built a 60% mechanical gaming keyboard. The choices made based on your specific needs are the most important aspect of building a keyboard that fits your activities. This ranges from the technical parts to order, to how to implement customized keycaps. Below is a snapshot of a keyboard I researched for and built! There are 6 parts/components:

'OPEN KEYBOARD' DIAGRAM

Below is a drawing I made to help visualize how the above components relate to each other. It really is like a labyrinth inside of an iceberg when you're searching for what you want, how you want it, and whether it's possible/compatible with the other parts. This is very important for your experience. There is a cascading compatibility between each component, beginning with the PCB (printable circuit board) and it's required case.

ADVENTURE MAP

I've also included the following chart with the main steps and more in depth info about the components and when to implement them etc. I hope you find success!

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO GET STARTED

	Choices	Building from Choices
1. Purpose	Which activities/projects is the keyboard for? This defines keyboard size. Consider all the possible (or a few) uses you need. The most common sizes are Full size (100%), Tenkeyless (TKL, 87, 80%), and 65, 60%. There are even macropads, need to program mine soon.	Be sure you know exactly what size you want, especially if you find more things to use your keyboard with during the building process. Multiple layers of key binding / programming are possible, depending on the keyboard size & model.
2. Platform	Which device(s) is the keyboard connecting to? Are they cross compatible? Mine connects to PC and Mac, but is smoother on PC. Check tech specs and reviews on every keyboard component and part before choosing!	The physical platform a keyboard requires to operate is the Case. The Printable Circuit Board (PCB) is mounted onto the case, a case is required. The Plate isn't required but gives worthwhile stability to the keyboard.
3. Port	Wired connection to your computer or wirelessly? Also, is it going to be something you change in the future? If you want to re-customize, make sure it is Hot-Swappable, meaning you can swap out out keycaps and their switches at any time for updates.	Switches connect and mount the Keycaps to the PCB. Stabilizers support larger keys like the space bar, and aren't required but very recommended. Who wants a wobbly space bar? Consider stabilizers especially if you get a hot-swappable keyboard.
4. Power	Custom designed keycaps make your keycaps stand out, as lovely artwork and practical semantics. Just be sure to research the crafting materials that you or someone you buy custom made keycaps from. Storytime below.	All components should be compatible with each other, or the keyboard most likely won't work. Keycaps must be compatible with the switches and stabilizers, and those switches and stabilizers need to be compatible with the PCB and case and plate.

STORY TIME

I love that I was able to build and customize my own keyboard. However...

I used permanent marker to 'make something cute' on keys I used more frequently than I realized, so they are fading (duh). But the monster eyeball (from Terraria) that I painted and mounted with super glue on my ESC key has been rock solid. This inspired me to look into making custom keycaps from scratch and I found some great resources (below). I learned that you can make your own set with silicone molds or UV-Curable resin. I want to start with those and see where it takes me!

MORE INFO

Below are helpful links:

In Depth Guide to Keyboard Sizes

Decorative Resin Keycaps