{"id":56438,"date":"2021-10-28T10:30:06","date_gmt":"2021-10-28T02:30:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shopee.sg\/blog\/?p=56438"},"modified":"2024-10-30T11:11:09","modified_gmt":"2024-10-30T03:11:09","slug":"custom-keyboard-singapore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shopee.sg\/blog\/custom-keyboard-singapore\/","title":{"rendered":"Beginners\u2019 Guide To Building A Custom Mechanical Keyboard"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mechanical keyboards have been all the rage these days — not just for their aesthetics, but the oh-so-satisfying ASMR click-clack sounds you get while typing. Another huge appeal is how you can customise them or build them from scratch. The process may be tedious, but definitely a fun and exciting one — especially when your typing experience is refined with a keyboard that feels, sounds and looks bussin\u2019! If you\u2019re thinking about trying your hand at this hobby, here\u2019s a beginner\u2019s guide to take you through building a custom mechanical keyboard in Singapore!<\/span><\/p>\n

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\nOur Recommendations <\/span>\n<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\nTM680 RGB Mechanical Keyboard DIY Kit<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n60% Plastic Mechanical Keyboard Case<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Why build your own custom mechanical keyboard?<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"person
(Credit: bady abbass<\/a> \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Building a custom mechanical keyboard in Singapore can easily set you back by a few hundred bucks (about $200-$600, for starters), but that\u2019s not stopping enthusiasts from fuelling this hobby. Apart from the tactile feedback that membrane keyboards these days have abandoned, you get to tailor each component to your needs and preferences.<\/span><\/p>\n

For instance, you can choose the size and layout that best fits your workstation by picking out your preferred keyboard case. When it comes to keyboard switches and keycaps, there\u2019s a deluge of options that let you tailor it to your ideal feel and sound. Plus, the entire process is like honing a craft, and you get to enjoy your own masterpiece at the end!<\/span><\/p>\n

Essential components to build a custom keyboard in Singapore<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"custom
(Credit: Paul Esch-Laurent<\/a> \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There\u2019s a lot to learn when it comes to building a custom keyboard in Singapore. From choosing your layout to deciding what keycap profile to go for, we break down each essential component to ease you into your customising journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Printed Circuit Board (PCB)<\/span><\/h3>\n
\"printed
(Credit: pzhz4nan0t<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Printed Circuit Board (PCB) determines the size and features of your keyboard, so picking the right one is extremely important. <\/span>PCB<\/span><\/a> is the component that is placed inside the keyboard case and connects your switches to your computer. The three main types of PCBs you can get are standard, hot-swappable and through-hole. Here\u2019s a breakdown of their key attributes:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nPros<\/b><\/td>\nCons<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard PCB<\/b><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Offers the most flexibility for key placements<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
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    \n
  • Requires manual work — you\u2019ll need to solder switches onto standard PCBs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hot-swappable PCB<\/b><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Fast and convenient to set up<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Does not require any soldering, which makes it easy to change switches<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
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    \n
  • Does not offer flexibility in terms of layout<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Through-hole PCB<\/b><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Most technical and hence offers flexibility and the biggest sense of accomplishment when you complete your keyboard<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
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    \n
  • Hardest to assemble as it requires everything to be soldered, including USB ports and controllers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    For beginners, we recommend <\/span>hot-swappable PCBs<\/span><\/a> like the one included in the popular <\/span>TM680 RGB Mechanical Keyboard DIY Kit<\/span><\/a> (available on <\/span>DailyTech\u00b7Prime<\/span><\/a>). Check out the video below for an in-depth guide on how to build and mod it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n