Custom Mechanical Keyboard Infographic

Overview

At the time when computers were introduced, keyboards were large and heavy devices with a price somewhere around 100 USD. They came along with a sturdy printed circuit, which was mounted to a metal plate. The mechanical switches most commonly used gave out an audible or tactile feedback when pressed. As a result, people who used these keyboards were able to know whether they successfully pressed on a specific character or not.

However, the prices of computers and components dropped significantly along the years. But the price of a mechanical keyboard remained mostly unchanged and some people did not want to spend that much money on a single device when the entire computer cost kept reducing. This gave life to the rubber dome membrane keyboard. In rubber dome membrane keyboards, the circuit was printed in a collection of flexible membranes; the springs, which used to support the keys, were replaced by rubber domes. However, these keyboards were not as durable as the mechanical ones. External factors such as humidity and temperature could create a visible impact on the functionality and performance. As a consequence, this made people reconsider about going mechanical instead.

Mechanical keyboards are associated with a variety of benefits as well as advantages. Durability and consistency over time are the most prominent. Ok, you will have to spend a considerable amount of money in order to purchase a good and reliable device. However, you will get the opportunity to use that keyboard for a long period of time. To do not mention the “sensorial” benefits: sound and feel are just better in a well-chosen MKB.

Concept

Depending on who you ask, you might get different motivation for switching to mechanical keyboards. Some people like how their tactile feedback makes them easier to use, some others appreciate customizability. You can buy different keycaps, change their mechanical switches, and go full custom by choosing basically every single component for a tailored experience.

Let’s get to the point: the world of custom mechanical keyboards can be pretty intimidating at first. It’s like going down the rabbit hole. The process to build a keyboard from scratch requires some study, and above all preparation before jumping into action.

And that’s where we hope that this infographic will come in handy. The scope is to provide an initial idea of the array of options you will experience, even if it would be impossible to try to list them all here. These are the most common choices out there, along with some general rules.

This is our Custom Mechanical Keyboard Infographic, version 4.0. We will update it regularly to expand the content and add more details. You can download the high-res for free in the section down below, print it as a wallpaper or even as a mouse pad / desk mat. Furthermore, you can search “desk mat” manufacturers near you with our search engine.

Details

Latest version: 4.0 (main), and 3.1 (alternative)
Source: r/MechanicalKeyboards; Cherry
Designer: Lorenzo (Italy)

Download

Conclusion

Here you have it, the last version of our Custom Mechanical Keyboard Infographic. Make sure to join our newsletter as we will notify you when we release a new version.

Our Guides section provides several other guides that can inspire you. Lastly, if you want to learn more about digital manufacturing, you can visit Wikipedia.