Making a custom gaming keyboard is not as hard as it might seem. With a few simple steps and a bit of elbow grease, creating your very own custom set up can be an entertaining, rewarding experience. In this article, we will walk through the process of sourcing the right components and putting it all together to make a top-notch gaming keyboard that you can enjoy and be proud of.
The first step in creating a custom gaming keyboard is to choose the switch. The popular choices usually come from either Cherry, Razer, and Kailh. Depending on your preference, Cherry MX is a good starting point for many gamers. Not only are they renowned for their reliable performance, but they bear the hallmark of being renowned for their clear, crisp response. However, if you’re looking for something with a bit more oomph and some added tactile feedback then consider looking into Razer Green or Kailh Speed switches.
Once you have chosen your switch, the next step is to select a case. Unlike mass-produced keyboards that come in one shape and size, you can have the freedom of making your custom gaming keyboard as big, or as small as you like. Furthermore, you can also pick a style that best suits your gaming environment. For instance, metal cases can offer a more solid and professional look, whereas acrylic cases could make your gaming keyboard stand out from the rest. It all depends on your preference.
Now that you have chosen both your switch and the case, it’s time to take a look at the keycaps. Most keycaps that come with mass-produced keyboards are usually made from cheaply-made plastic, but when you build your own custom gaming keyboard, you can obtain better quality materials for your keycaps to make sure that they’re comfortable, durable and ultra-responsive.
To make your custom gaming keyboard complete, the next step is to put in the electrical components. You will need things such as a PCB, diodes, stabilisers, and key switches. Then, you will need to solder them carefully and accurately to ensure that they are properly connected and securely in place. This could be a bit difficult and time consuming so if it seems too overwhelming, you may consider hiring a professional to do it for you.
Once you have put all the components together, you can plug your custom gaming keyboard into your PC and start using it right away. If necessary, you can also set up some software to make sure that it works properly with your system. And if you like, you could even customize your gaming keyboard’s look with a few RGB LEDs.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
When it comes to taking care of your custom gaming keyboard, it is important to keep it well-maintained in order to prolong its use. Make sure to routinely dust it off as dust and debris can accumulate around the switches and keycaps, and could lead to sticking keys or erratic behaviors. Additionally, if your keyboard is not being used for days or weeks at a time, it’s best to cover it to keep dirt and dust from collecting.
Besides the external parts, you should also make sure that your PCB and the electrical components stay clean. Using compressed air is a good way to make sure that your custom gaming keyboard is functioning properly. It can help to blow away any dust that’s built up and clogs up the internal parts.
Finally, if you spill something on your gaming keyboard, make sure to act fast! Wiping away the liquid with a asorbent cloth will help to prevent any further damage to your switch and keycap. While water and liquid spills may not always ruin your custom gaming keyboard, they still have the potential to cause permanent damage and should be avoided.
Tips for Selecting Keycaps
When selecting the keycaps for you custom gaming keyboard, it is important to select ones that will be comfortable for your fingers and hands. Keycaps that are too shallow or too deep usually won’t be as comfortable to use. Furthermore, the font size and weight of the lettering should also be considered in order to get optimal comfortability when typing or gaming.
Another key consideration is the material of the keycaps. Most custom gaming keyboards keycaps come in plastic, but you should be aware that many higher-end models are now offering metal keycaps, which are markedly more durable. Moreover, there are also some unique designs out there that have been sculptured specifically for gaming. These keycaps are often made from PBT and ABS materials and they can offer a nice, pleasant feel when gaming.
In terms of configuration, many modern gaming keyboards come in the ANSI layout, which is the standard across most keyboards. However, if you’re looking for a slightly more unique look and feel, you might opt for a more compact layout, such as a TKL or a 75% keyboard. This will give you more options when it comes to shapes and designs.
Finally, if you’re keen to put your own custom design on your keycaps, there are a number of services that allow you to do that. Printing services such as SPKM, Infinity, and Signature Plastics are some of the most popular names in the game. With these services, you can get high quality keycaps with your own design, logo or artwork printed onto them.
Using LEDs for Customization
RGB LEDs are a popular way to customize and add a nice touch to your custom gaming keyboard. With the vast array of RGB lighting options available, you can choose different colours and patterns, as well as sync them up with other gaming peripherals or devices in your system. To get the job done, you would need to install and connect an RGB controller, as well as power the LEDs.
Furthermore, with the advent of RGB software, users can now customize and configure their gaming keyboard’s lighting to their exact preferences. Programs such as Corsair’s iCue and Logitech’s G Hub can allow you to adjust brightness, colour, and even effects, giving you the power to customize your gaming experience and make it your own.
Finally, it is important to note that many gaming keyboards come with built-in RGB LED lightbars and LED backlighting. These can help you to add a bit of flair to your gaming keyboard, but be aware that they are not as bright, customizable, or reliable as those connected to an external controller.
Using Hotkeys & Software
One final thing you can do with your custom gaming keyboard is to get some extra utility from it by setting up custom hotkeys. Hotkeys are basically shortcuts that are used to quickly access commonly used applications or features. You can set up hotkeys for a variety of tasks, such as launching applications, controlling audio and video streaming, or opening specific websites. In short, hotkeys can cut down your time spent navigating to different menus and windows and allow you to get to the stuff you need faster.
Most gaming keyboards come with some built-in hotkeys, but with the help of dedicated software such as Razer Synapse or Logitech G Hub, you can have much more control over your custom hotkeys. These software enable you to create and configure hotkeys across multiple applications and windows and even customize its sensitivity if you like.
In addition to hotkeys, some software also allows you to customize the lighting and behaviour of your gaming keyboard. This can be especially useful for gaming purposes, as it can allow you to toggle certain settings or activate certain effects on the fly with a few easy clicks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Apart from following the steps highlighted above, there are some common mistakes that should also be avoided when making custom gaming keyboards. Firstly, it’s important to make sure that all the components, such as the PCB, diodes and switches, are properly connected and placed. If they are not, there is a high chance that it could cause poor performance or even damage your keyboard.
Another common mistake is to skimp on the switch choice. If you opt for inexpensive, poor quality switches, then there is a good chance that your gaming experience will not be as good as expected. On the other hand, spending a bit more on good quality ones can make a difference, as they can provide a more reliable and responsive experience.
Finally, when customizing your gaming keyboard, it is important to not go overboard. It’s easy to get carried away by all the options available and try to throw everything in at once. However, it is important to be mindful of space and portability and make sure that the layout and components used are necessary.
