How to Build a Custom Keyboard: A Guide to Performance, Comfort, and Creativity

23. April 2025

In a world where we spend hours typing daily, the standard off-the-shelf keyboard doesn’t always cut it. Whether you're a developer, gamer, designer, or remote worker, building a custom keyboard lets you tailor every detail to your personal preferences — from switch feel and sound to layout, lighting, and ergonomics.

But this isn't just about looks or typing aesthetics. Customized keyboards can reduce muscle strain, improve typing speed and accuracy, and even help lower environmental impact through modular and sustainable design. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to build a custom keyboard.

What You Need to Build a Custom Mechanical Keyboard

The heart of every custom keyboard is its modular design. Unlike traditional keyboards, each part can be chosen or upgraded individually.

Core Components:

PCB (Printed Circuit Board): Connects the switches and sends inputs to your computer.
Switches: Mechanical (tactile, linear, or clicky) switches that affect feedback, sound, and force.
Keycaps: The visual and tactile layer — made of ABS or PBT plastic, available in hundreds of styles.
Case and Plate: The structural shell. Aluminum is sturdy and premium-feeling; plastic is lightweight and affordable; acrylic adds visual flair.
Stabilizers: Prevent large keys (e.g., spacebar) from wobbling.
Microcontroller: Often ATmega32u4-based, running firmware like QMK or VIA.
Wiring/Battery: Determines whether your keyboard is wired or wireless.

Advanced builds may include hot-swappable PCBs or 3D-printed parts to reduce assembly complexity or add unique flair (Greenspan et al., 2022).

How Switches and Keycaps Influence Your Typing

Your switch choice will have the greatest impact on how your keyboard feels to use.

Tactile switches offer a soft bump when pressed, helping users feel each key activation. These switches reduce forearm muscle strain and were preferred in user tests for typing comfort and speed (Miller et al., 2018).
Linear switches glide smoothly without tactile bumps. While popular for gaming, studies found they increased muscle activity and led to lower net typing speed.
Clicky switches provide audible feedback and a sharp tactile bump. They are satisfying but not ideal for shared spaces due to noise.

Keycap materials also matter:

PBT keycaps are thicker, textured, and more durable.
ABS keycaps are smooth, more common, but prone to wear and shine.

A fascinating study found that custom-shaped keycaps not only improved typing speed by 12% but also reduced eye movement by 35%, enhancing ergonomic efficiency (Platte et al., 2022).

Keyboard Layouts, Materials, and Ergonomics

Layouts:

60% keyboards are compact and travel-friendly, but omit function rows.
TKL (Tenkeyless) keyboards remove the numpad, keeping essentials while saving space.
Ortholinear or split keyboards are rising in popularity for ergonomic benefits.

Materials:

Aluminum is premium and durable with a crisp typing sound.
Plastic is light and affordable, but less solid.
Acrylic and wood offer aesthetics but may not suit heavy daily use.

Ergonomic:

Ergonomic benefits of customized keyboard layouts: Research on layout optimization using a cyber swarm algorithm found that personalized layouts improve comfort and speed, especially for users with unique motor needs (Yin & Su, 2011).
Split and ergonomic keyboards reduce discomfort: Subjective assessments show improved posture and lower discomfort levels with ergonomic keyboard designs compared to traditional layouts (Keller et al., 2000).
Finger length affects ergonomic efficiency: Custom split layouts with curved designs improved typing performance in users with shorter fingers, highlighting the value of personalized keyboard geometry (Qiu et al., 2024).

Ergonomically, custom layouts and materials give you control over wrist angle, finger travel, and strain—key for reducing long-term fatigue.

Why More People Are Building Their Own Keyboards

What Motivates Keyboard Builders:

Comfort: Custom ergonomics reduce fatigue and wrist strain.
Personalization: Total control over design, switches, layout, and lighting.
Functionality: Layered keys, macros, and switch choices for efficiency.
Sustainability: Modular builds last longer and reduce e-waste.

Builders often start for fun and stay for the benefits. Communities like the Indonesia Mechanical Keyboard Group are helping new users navigate these options with decision-making tools (Handayani & Wardoyo, 2021).

Sustainability Perks:

Modular keyboards are easier to repair or upgrade, reducing disposal.
Innovations like self-powered keyboards using piezoelectric energy are on the horizon (Perf et al., 2024).
Ergonomic design also supports business sustainability by reducing strain-related injuries (Genaidy et al., 2009).

Final Thoughts: Why Go Custom?

Custom keyboards aren’t just trendy—they’re an evidence-backed upgrade in comfort, function, and sustainability. Backed by ergonomic research and supported by open-source tools, they give you the power to build a keyboard that fits your hands, your needs, and your vision. Whether you're looking to improve wrist health, boost efficiency, or just want a keyboard that truly feels yours, there's never been a better time to go custom.

References:

Genaidy, A., Sequeira, R., Rinder, M., & A-Rehim, A. (2009). Determinants of business sustainability: An ergonomics perspective. Ergonomics, 52, 273 - 301.
Greenspan, B., Gallo, E., & Danielescu, A. (2022). Rapidly Customizable 3D Printed Tactile Input Devices with No Assembly Required. ArXiv, abs/2203.00757.
Handayani, A., & Wardoyo, R. (2021). DSS for Keyboard Mechanical Selection Using AHP and Profile Matching Method. IJCCS (Indonesian Journal of Computing and Cybernetics Systems).
Keller, E., Fleischer, R., & Strasser, H. (2000). Subjective Assessment of the Ergonomic Quality of a Keyboard for Vdu-Workplaces. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 44, 6-344 - 6-347.
Miller, C., Barr, A., Riemer, R., & Harris, C. (2018). The Effect of 5 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Key Switch Profiles on Typing and Gaming Muscle Activity, Performance and Preferences. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 62, 1552 - 1556.
P, G., R, C., B, M., Jenelle, N., & G, L. (2024). Self-Powered Keyboards: Utilizing Piezoelectric Technology and Hybrid Energy for Sustainable Innovation. International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Research and Studies.
Platte, B., Ritter, M., Roschke, C., Thomanek, R., Hösel, C., & Baumgart, M. (2022). How a Few Custom Keycaps Make Keyboards More Ergonomic and Reduce Eye Movement by 35%. Industrial Cognitive Ergonomics and Engineering Psychology.
Qiu, Y., Zheng, R., Wei, B., & Chen, Y. (2024). Optimization and Evaluation of Tablet Keyboard Layout in the Unsupported Case. , 187-194.
Yin, P., & Su, E. (2011). Cyber Swarm optimization for general keyboard arrangement problem. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 41, 43-52.