The mechanical keyboard market responded quickly to overwhelming demand. Companies released entire lines with special switches, RGB lighting, and “gamer” profiles to satisfy any player, yet the most hardcore enthusiasts still prefer the DIY route. So, how do you build a mechanical keyboard from scratch? Some steps are daunting, but once you understand the theory, progress becomes much easier.
Why Build Your Own Mechanical Keyboard?
One of the most appealing reasons to build a mechanical keyboard from scratch is the ability to reuse parts from keyboards that aren’t fully compatible with modern computers. For example, old Wyse terminal keyboards come with Cherry MX Black switches and a sturdy backplate that you can cut and modify in various ways. At the same time, terminal keyboards can be converted to USB with something like an Arduino Micro (or its clones) while keeping their original layout, but that quickly gets boring. So... DIY mechanical keyboard. Where do we start?
The web is full of guides, and one of the best was written by Armno Prommarak. His design is based on the GH60 Satan PCB, which you can buy via Aliexpress or Amazon. Some sellers offer the complete kit with PCB, switches, and stabilizers. The choice of switch is entirely optional. Alternatives to Cherry are often cheaper (you need 65 switches on average), but you’ll want to explore dedicated forums and test switches live to find what you like.
Armno’s guide covers the type of stabilizers, how to install them on the PCB, lubrication, and common mistakes to avoid. Surprisingly, the hardest part of building a keyboard isn’t soldering the switches—it’s preparing the firmware. Armno points to another enthusiast named Dion Munk, who explains the ins and outs of GH60 Satan firmware, including layer programming. Be patient; this will likely take several attempts.
The final phase is finding a keycap set and a case. This is where your budget tends to blow up, but building a mechanical keyboard isn’t about money. Inevitably, the entire process will be much more expensive compared to a regular mechanical keyboard. On the other hand, the end result is something the general market can’t offer. In other words, a unique keyboard.
