KEEB Fan Resource Page

Places to Buy Keycaps, Switches, and Keyboards

A. Online Retailers

1. MechanicalKeyboards.com
   • Website: https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/
   • Description: Offers a wide variety of mechanical keyboards, keycaps, switches, and accessories from multiple brands.
2. KBDfans
   • Website: https://kbdfans.com/
   • Description: Specializes in custom keyboard kits, keycaps, switches, and DIY components. Great for both beginners and advanced builders.
3. NovelKeys
   • Website: https://novelkeys.com/
   • Description: Known for a vast selection of switches, keycaps, desk mats, and exclusive collaborations.
4. Drop (formerly Massdrop)
   • Website: [https://drop.com/](https://drop.com/mechanical-keyboards/drops](https://drop.com/mechanical-keyboards/drops)
   • Description: Provides group buys and exclusive mechanical keyboard products, including the popular Drop ALT and CTRL keyboards.
5. The Key Company
   • Website: https://thekey.company/
   • Description: Offers custom keyboards, keycaps, and accessories, often hosting group buys for unique items.
6. CannonKeys
   • Website: https://cannonkeys.com/
   • Description: Sells custom keyboard kits, switches, keycaps, and accessories, catering to both newcomers and veterans.
7. Zeal PC
   • Website: https://zealpc.net/
   • Description: Provides premium switches like Zealios and Tealios, as well as other keyboard components.
8. SwitchMod
   • Website: https://www.switchmod.net/
   • Description: Offers a variety of switches, lubes, and modding accessories.
9. Keychron
   • Website: https://www.keychron.com/
   • Description: Known for wireless mechanical keyboards that are both Mac and Windows compatible.
10. Pimp My Keyboard
    • Website: https://pimpmykeyboard.com/
    • Description: Run by Signature Plastics, offering keycaps in various profiles like DSA, SA, and more.
11. 1upkeyboards
    • Website: https://1upkeyboards.com/
    • Description: Provides DIY keyboard kits, parts, and accessories.
12. Mechanical Keyboards (EU)
    • CandyKeys
      • Website: https://candykeys.com/
      • Description: European vendor offering keyboards, keycaps, switches, and group buys.
    • MyKeyboard
      • Website: https://mykeyboard.eu/
      • Description: Based in the EU, offering a wide range of keyboard components and custom kits.

B. Specialty Keycap Vendors

1. GMK Keycaps
   • Available Through: Vendors like Drop, NovelKeys, and group buys.
   • Description: High-quality ABS doubleshot keycaps in Cherry profile.
2. ePBT (EnjoyPBT)
   • Available Through: KBDfans, CannonKeys, group buys.
   • Description: Known for PBT keycaps with dye-sublimated legends.
3. DSA and SA Profile Keycaps
   • Signature Plastics (Pimp My Keyboard): https://pimpmykeyboard.com/
   • Description: Offers unique keycap profiles and custom sets.
4. Artisan Keycaps
   • PrimeCaps: https://primecaps.ca/
   • Dwarf Factory: https://www.dwarf-factory.com/
   • Description: Handcrafted, unique keycaps to personalize keyboards.

C. Switch Suppliers

1. Gateron Official
   • Website: https://gateron.com/
   • Description: Provides a variety of Gateron switches directly.
2. Kailh Switches
   • Available Through: NovelKeys, KBDfans.
   • Description: Offers popular switches like BOX switches and low-profile options.
3. TX Keyboards
   • Website: https://txkeyboards.com/
   • Description: Sells premium springs, stabilizers, and switches.

Useful Tools and Resources

A. Compatibility Checkers and Layout Designers

1. Keyboard Layout Editor
   • Website: http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/
   • Description: Design custom keyboard layouts and visualize them with various keycap profiles and colors.
2. QMK Configurator
   • Website: https://config.qmk.fm/
   • Description: A graphical interface to configure QMK firmware for custom keyboards, allowing users to remap keys and layers.
3. Via Configurator
   • Website: https://usevia.app/
   • Description: Enables real-time key remapping on compatible keyboards without reflashing firmware.
4. Switch and Keycap Database
   • Website: https://keyboard.university/
   • Description: Provides detailed information on various switches and keycaps.

B. Sound and Feel Testers

1. Switch and Click
   • Website: https://switchandclick.com/
   • Description: Offers reviews, sound tests, and comparisons of different switches and keyboards.
2. YouTube Channels
   • TaeKeyboards: https://www.youtube.com/c/TaeKeyboards
   • Keybored: https://www.youtube.com/c/Keybored
   • Description: Content creators who provide in-depth reviews and sound tests.

C. Firmware and Programming Tools

1. QMK Firmware
   • Website: https://qmk.fm/
   • Description: Open-source firmware for mechanical keyboards, enabling advanced customization.
2. VIA Firmware
   • Website: https://caniusevia.com/
   • Description: Lists keyboards compatible with VIA for easy key remapping.

Keyboard Builders and Custom Services

A. Custom Keyboard Builders

1. Builder Directory
   • KeebMap: https://keebmap.xyz/
   • Description: A community-driven map to find keyboard enthusiasts and builders worldwide.
2. Commission Services
   • Mechboards UK (For UK/EU residents)
     • Website: https://www.mechboards.co.uk/
     • Description: Offers custom build services and keyboard components.
   • Keyboard Builders on Reddit
     • Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/
     • Description: A marketplace where builders offer custom keyboard commission services.
3. Artisan Keycap Makers
   • Clackeys
     • Website: https://clackeys.com/
     • Description: Creates artisan keycaps and offers custom commissions.
   • Artkey Universe
     • Website: https://artkeyuniverse.com/
     • Description: Produces handcrafted artisan keycaps.

B. Keyboard Modification Services

1. Switch Lubing and Modding
   • SwitchMod
     • Website: https://www.switchmod.net/
     • Description: Provides lubing services and sells modding supplies.
2. Stabilizer Tuning and Keyboard Optimization
   • Local Technicians
     • Recommendation: Check community forums or local groups for individuals offering these services.

Tutorials and Guides

A. Build Guides

1. r/MechanicalKeyboards Wiki
   • Website: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/wiki/index
   • Description: Comprehensive guides on building, modding, and maintaining mechanical keyboards.
2. YouTube Tutorials
   • Brandon Taylor: https://www.youtube.com/c/BrandonTaylorYT
   • Hipyo Tech: https://www.youtube.com/c/HipyoTech
   • Description: Step-by-step build videos and tips for beginners.

B. Switch Modding Tutorials

1. TaeKeyboards’ Guides
   • YouTube Playlist: Switch Lubing Tutorials
   • Description: Detailed tutorials on how to lube and mod switches.
2. Articles and Blogs
   • ThereminGoat’s Switch Reviews: https://www.theremingoat.com/
   • Description: In-depth switch reviews and modding advice.

Communities and Forums

A. Online Forums

1. Geekhack
   • Website: https://geekhack.org/
   • Description: One of the oldest mechanical keyboard forums with discussions, group buys, and resources.
2. Deskthority
   • Website: https://deskthority.net/
   • Description: European-focused forum for keyboard enthusiasts.

B. Subreddits

1. r/MechanicalKeyboards
   • Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/
   • Description: A large community for sharing builds, asking questions, and discussing all things mechanical keyboards.
2. r/mechmarket
   • Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/
   • Description: A marketplace for buying, selling, and trading keyboard-related items.
3. r/MechanicalKeyboardsUK
   • Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboardsUK/
   • Description: Focused on the UK mechanical keyboard community.

C. Discord Servers

1. Mechanical Keyboards Discord
   • Invite Link: https://discord.gg/mechkeys
   • Description: A place for real-time chat with other enthusiasts.
2. KeebTalk
   • Website: https://www.keebtalk.com/
   • Description: A community forum for keyboard discussions.

Group Buys and Interest Checks

A. Understanding Group Buys

• Group buys are community-driven purchases where participants collectively buy products, often custom or limited edition, to meet minimum order quantities required by manufacturers.

B. Platforms Hosting Group Buys

1. Geekhack Group Buys
   • Link: https://geekhack.org/index.php?board=70.0
   • Description: Active group buys and interest checks.
2. r/mechgroupbuys
   • Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/mechgroupbuys/
   • Description: Subreddit dedicated to sharing ongoing and upcoming group buys.
3. Vendor Websites
   • NovelKeys GBs: https://novelkeys.com/collections/group-buy
   • CannonKeys GBs: https://cannonkeys.com/collections/group-buy

Keyboard Wikis and Databases

1. Mechanical Keyboard Guide
   • Website: https://www.mechanicalkeyboards.com/learn.php
   • Description: Educational articles covering basics to advanced topics.
2. QMK Documentation
   • Website: https://docs.qmk.fm/
   • Description: Official documentation for QMK firmware, essential for custom keyboard programming.
3. Keyboard University
   • Website: https://keyboard.university/
   • Description: Educational resource covering various aspects of mechanical keyboards.

Additional Resources

A. Accessories

1. Desk Mats and Wrist Rests
   • NovelKeys: https://novelkeys.com/collections/deskmats
   • Glorious PC Gaming Race: https://www.pcgamingrace.com/
     • Offers wrist rests and other accessories.
2. Tools and Supplies
   • Switch Pullers, Keycap Pullers, Lubing Stations
     • KBDfans: https://kbdfans.com/collections/accessories
     • Description: Essential tools for keyboard assembly and maintenance.

B. Content Creators and Influencers

1. Nathan Kim (TaeKeyboards)
   • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/teha99
   • Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/teha_types
   • Description: Streams keyboard builds and provides in-depth reviews.
2. Alexotos
   • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Alexotos
   • Description: Keyboard build streams, reviews, and photography tips.