What is a customized keyboard?
Customized keyboard refers to a keyboard that is customized according to personal preferences and needs. Compared to traditional standard keyboards, customized keyboards provide more choices and flexibility, allowing users to create a unique keyboard experience based on their own habits, aesthetics, and work needs.
Custom keyboards are usually made by professional keyboard manufacturers or hobbyists, and users can choose different configurations on their website or platform, or customize their own keyboard. Its characteristics are mainly reflected in the following aspects:
Personalized customization
Users can customize according to their own needs, including key cap, shaft body, collocation, key number, etc., to choose the most suitable keyboard layout and feel.
Flexibility
The customized keyboard adopts hot swappable design, and the user can replace the shaft body and key cap at any time, which is very convenient. At the same time, it also supports a variety of columns, which can be flexibly adjusted according to different use scenarios.
High quality
The customized keyboard uses high-quality materials and manufacturing processes to ensure the durability and stability of the keyboard. The shaft body adopts hot-plug design for easy replacement and maintenance, and has better feel and durability.
What’s the difference between a custom keyboard and a regular keyboard?
There are obvious differences between custom keyboards and regular keyboards in terms of customization, key layout and material, extra features and special uses, and price. Users can choose the keyboard type that suits them according to their needs and budget.
Personalized customization
The biggest feature of customized keyboards is their personalized design. Users can choose different keyboard designs based on their preferences and needs, including keyboard shape, keycap color, keyboard material, etc., to make the keyboard more in line with their personalized needs. However, regular keyboards are usually standardized products and do not offer such customization options.
Key layout and material
Customized keyboards allow users to choose different key layouts to adapt to different keyboard habits and input methods. At the same time, users can also choose different button materials and strokes to meet their personal requirements for keyboard feel and feedback. However, regular keyboards typically use fixed button layouts and materials, which cannot provide this flexibility.
Additional features and special purposes
Some customized keyboards can also add additional custom function keys, such as macro keys, multimedia control keys, etc., to enhance the functionality and convenience of the keyboard. In addition, some customized keyboards are specifically designed for specific purposes, such as gaming keyboards, programmer keyboards, etc., to meet the needs of specific user groups. However, regular keyboards typically only have basic input functions and do not have these additional features and customization options.
price
Due to the fact that customized keyboards offer more customization options and advanced features, their prices are usually higher than regular keyboards. A regular keyboard is relatively economical and suitable for general users.
The core components of customized keyboards typically include:
Keycap
Users can choose keycaps with different materials (such as PBT, ABS), font styles, colors, and patterns.
Mechanical switches
The axis is a key component that determines the feel of keyboard typing. Users can choose different brands (such as Cherry MX, Gateron, Kailh, etc.) and types (such as red axis, tea axis, black axis, green axis, etc.) of axes according to their preferences.
Circuit board (PCB)
The circuit board determines the functionality of the keyboard, such as whether it has RGB lighting effects and whether it has a hot swappable hub.
Case
Customized keyboard casings come in various styles, including aluminum, plastic, wood, and other materials and design styles. They can be open, compact, or have special exterior designs.
Satellite axes
For large key positions such as spacebar, enter key, etc., users can choose different types of satellite axes to optimize the tactile feel of the large keys.
Base (Plate)
The metal or plastic base plate located between the shaft and the casing affects the overall stability and sound performance of the keyboard.
Other additional features: such as customizable QMK firmware for key mapping, OLED screen display, volume wheel, multimedia control keys, etc.
If you are interested in making your own keyboard and making it a unique product, please contact us, we are very experienced in making customized keyboards.
Frequently Asked Questions about Custom Keyboards
Can I make my own custom keyboard?
Absolutely! Making your own custom keyboard has become increasingly accessible. There are DIY kits available in the market that come with all the necessary components, such as the PCB (printed circuit board), switches, and keycaps. You can assemble them according to your preferences, choosing the type of switches that suit your typing style and keycaps that match your aesthetic. Online tutorials and communities also provide step-by-step guidance to help you through the process.
How do you customize your keyboard?
Customization options abound. You can start by programming the keys. Many keyboards allow you to assign macros or shortcuts to specific keys using software provided by the manufacturer. Physically, you can swap out keycaps for different colors, materials, or designs. Changing the switches underneath is another way to alter the typing feel. Some keyboards even offer modular designs, enabling you to add or remove features like a numpad or function keys.
Is there a 100% keyboard?
The term “100% keyboard” usually refers to a full-sized keyboard layout that includes all the standard keys, including the numpad. It’s a popular choice for those who need to input a lot of numerical data or are used to the traditional layout. However, in the context of custom keyboards, you can have a “100% custom” version where you can still modify aspects like keycap designs, switch types, and programmable functions, making it truly your own.
Are custom keyboards expensive?
The price of custom keyboards can vary widely. Entry-level DIY kits can be quite affordable, starting at around $50, which include basic components. However, if you go for high-end switches, premium keycaps, and advanced features like wireless connectivity or per-key RGB lighting, the price can soar to several hundred dollars. But it’s important to note that you’re often paying for the customization and quality, which can enhance your overall computing experience.
Why do people mod their keyboard?
People mod their keyboards for several reasons. Some seek to improve ergonomics, like adding wrist rests or adjusting the layout to reduce strain. Others are after a unique aesthetic, swapping out keycaps and adding custom lighting. Gamers mod to gain a competitive edge, optimizing key functions and response times. And enthusiasts simply enjoy the process of tinkering and creating a one-of-a-kind keyboard that reflects their personality.
Can I customize my keyboard keys?
Yes, you most certainly can. As mentioned before, you can program keys to perform specific functions or macros. You can also customize the physical appearance of the keys by changing the keycaps. Additionally, some keyboards allow you to adjust the sensitivity or actuation point of individual keys, further tailoring the typing experience to your liking.
Embarking on Your Custom Keyboard Journey
In conclusion, a custom keyboard is a personalized gateway to superior digital experiences. Be it for gaming conquests, creative pursuits, or simply a more comfortable computing life, delving into the realm of custom keyboards is a prudent choice. Stay tuned as we continue to unearth the hidden gems within this fascinating world in future posts.
