Mechanical Keyboards 101

A Guide to Splurging on Rectangles and the Subtle Accusation of Your Buddy's $xxx Keyboard

Regardless of how you ended up here, we’re here to tell you that everyone has their peculiar preferences - whether it’s fashion, food, or romantic partners. Yet, there exists a unique community with an unwavering passion for crafting a keyboard that serves up an exquisite auditory and touch symphony with every keystroke.

Custom keyboards are, in essence, a form of functional art. Why settle for a mundane, flimsy board when 80% of you spend a good 7 hours sitting at your desk typing each day? Just imagine John Mayer recording Gravity with a guitar he got from Walmart. Your fingertips deserve more, my friend. 

Here at PantheonKeys, we often get a barrage of questions about the mystic art of building a custom keyboard and fret not, we’re here to demystify it. 

*SPOILER ALERT: It’s not as simple as throwing some cash at us and say “build me a tHoCcCkY board”. Now then, let us start from the beninging and who knows? Your plunge into the deep deep rabbit hole might just begin right here…

Chapter 1: QWERTY No More - Mastering the Art of Keyboard Layouts.

Like the diverse forms found in all living organisms (yes, you too), keyboards come in an array of shapes and sizes, and this is where your personal preferences come into play. Fear not, we won’t judge!

(Editor’s note: He will.)

100% Layout (104 Keys) 

For those who relish indulging in a hearty McDonald’s meal by demanding the LARGEST option available, the 100% layout keyboards are tailored just for you. This layout includes a convenient number pad, perfect for all you finbros that desperately need to count the big bucks you’re making. Or, just for the average pleb out there.

Tenkeyless (TKL) Layout (87 Keys)

For individuals who appreciate the simplicity of a standard meal, the TKL layout offers a streamlined keyboard experience. This layout encompasses all the essentials but omits the dedicated numpad. Don’t panic, you can still purchase an additional numpad to flex your wealth with yet another stylish addition to your desktop setup.

75% Layout (84 Keys)

For those who opt for the corn cup over fries, the 75% layout provides a slightly more compact keyboard experience. Unlike the TKL, this layout doesn’t feature dedicated media keys. Some even include a flashy knob, although let’s be honest - deep down, we know you might never use them, much like those gym clothes collecting dust after the ambitious ‘new year, new me’ goals are set.

65% Layout (67-68 Keys)

For the keyboard minimalists, the 65% layout is your lean, mean typing machine. It discards the function row much like your ex with your belongings. Who needs F1-F12 when you’re on a mission to up your WPM? With more desk space, you can finally do that 360 no scope you’ve been practicing for like a lifeless addict.

60% Layout (62 Keys) 

Calling out people who order salads at a fast-food joint (you know who you are). The 60% layout is compact and arrow key-less, perfect for people who’d prefer macro functionalities over expending a few extra calories reaching for a physical arrow key. 

For the Special Peeps (Alice) 

Ever heard of ErG0Nom1cs? The Alice layout is a unique option for individuals who, much like Moses parting the sea, appreciate their spacebars split into two. Questioning your straightness? These keys are subtly tilted at an angle to improve wrist positioning as you type.

For the REALLY Special Peeps (40% and Smaller)

??????????? You’re a special snowflake :)

Chapter 2: Unraveling the Monstrosity - Into the belly of the mechanical beast.

Keyboard Casing

Keyboard cases come in a diverse range of materials, spanning from ABS plastic to heavyweight options such as full aluminum and copper cases. 

Like vehicles, these cases have TONS of unique designs and distinctive features, including quirky additions like an LCD screen to showcase a collection of your favourite weeby gifs.

Keycaps

There are probably more keycap designs out there than undergarments and we are NOT exaggerating. Keycaps come in a variety of colors, designs, materials, profiles, and even shapes. Want a set with your favorite anime waifu? Done. What about a totally blank set? Say no more. 

Needless to say, if there’s a particular aesthetic you’re aiming for - there is definitely a keycap set out there waiting to be picked up by you.

Mechanical Switches

Picture a road in your mind.

Clicky switches resemble a bustling road full of potholes, with drivers incessantly blaring their horns and giving you the finger - noisy as hell. 

Tactile switches, in contrast, resemble roads with well-placed speed bumps, providing a gentle bump at your fingertips as you type.

Linear Switches can be likened to a freshly paved road, silky-smooth like butter. These switches ensures that you are as smooth as heck, helping you effortlessly slide into DMs.

Finally, akin to an empty road in the dead of night, silent variants exist for both tactile and linear switches - some so silent, your colleagues will think you are slacking off at the office. 

Keyboard Plates (Not for eating you dummy)

It’s time to grab your smarty pants cuz we are about to dive into some keyboard knowledge. One of the key influencers of a keyboard's sound and feel is the type of plate that is used. Different plate materials play a crucial role in determining the flexibility and pitch of the sound produced.

As a general guideline, the denser the material of the plate, the higher the pitch produced (sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Just like humans).

Ranking the stiffest to least stiff plate materials in order, we have Steel which is the stiffest aka your boss at work, followed by Brass, Aluminium, Carbon Fiber, FR4, Pom and finally Polycarbonate which is as flexible as some of you are with your deadlines.

PCB

Lastly, there are two primary types of pcb - Solder & Hotswap.

Hotswap PCBs are made for people who just can’t seem to decide on what to eat or wear, giving you the freedom to swap out switches at your convenience. This feature is particularly advantageous for newcomers navigating through the vast options of switches, sound profiles, and layouts, providing an opportunity to explore preferences without a lengthy commitment.

Solder PCBs are made for people to ‘full-send it’ (who know what they are doing, or pretend to know). Requiring items like solder equipment, solder PCBs locks in the switches to the PCB and often requires more time to be invested for assembly. With a broader range of layout options compared to hotswap, advanced users with finely-tuned preferences typically lean towards this PCB type.

Final Chapter: From A to ZZZ - Be the Keyboard Warrior you were meant to be. 

So now do you get it? A custom mechanical keyboard is MORE than just your grab-and-go membrane keyboards. It empowers you to handpick different parts and craft a personalized masterpiece that caters specifically to YOUR needs. Why settle for a generic board when you can construct a personal board that your grubby hands caress more than anything else daily?

Like tucking out your school uniform to be a gangsta - it’s time to screw uniformity and build your very own satisfying and functional keygasmic piece today.

Congratulations on making it this far! Your commitment deserves a limited time discount code. Happy shopping! (Code: intellectual3)

(PSST… it’s now your turn to pass this on to the next unsuspecting victim.)