Places to Buy Keycaps, Switches, and Keyboards
A. Online Retailers
- MechanicalKeyboards.com
- Website: https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/
- Description: Offers a wide variety of mechanical keyboards, keycaps, switches, and accessories from multiple brands.
- KBDfans
- Website: https://kbdfans.com/
- Description: Specializes in custom keyboard kits, keycaps, switches, and DIY components. Great for both beginners and advanced builders.
- NovelKeys
- Website: https://novelkeys.com/
- Description: Known for a vast selection of switches, keycaps, desk mats, and exclusive collaborations.
- 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.
- The Key Company
- Website: https://thekey.company/
- Description: Offers custom keyboards, keycaps, and accessories, often hosting group buys for unique items.
- CannonKeys
- Website: https://cannonkeys.com/
- Description: Sells custom keyboard kits, switches, keycaps, and accessories, catering to both newcomers and veterans.
- Zeal PC
- Website: https://zealpc.net/
- Description: Provides premium switches like Zealios and Tealios, as well as other keyboard components.
- SwitchMod
- Website: https://www.switchmod.net/
- Description: Offers a variety of switches, lubes, and modding accessories.
- Keychron
- Website: https://www.keychron.com/
- Description: Known for wireless mechanical keyboards that are both Mac and Windows compatible.
- Pimp My Keyboard
- Website: https://pimpmykeyboard.com/
- Description: Run by Signature Plastics, offering keycaps in various profiles like DSA, SA, and more.
- 1upkeyboards
- Website: https://1upkeyboards.com/
- Description: Provides DIY keyboard kits, parts, and accessories.
- 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.
- CandyKeys
B. Specialty Keycap Vendors
- GMK Keycaps
- Available Through: Vendors like Drop, NovelKeys, and group buys.
- Description: High-quality ABS doubleshot keycaps in Cherry profile.
- ePBT (EnjoyPBT)
- Available Through: KBDfans, CannonKeys, group buys.
- Description: Known for PBT keycaps with dye-sublimated legends.
- DSA and SA Profile Keycaps
- Signature Plastics (Pimp My Keyboard): https://pimpmykeyboard.com/
- Description: Offers unique keycap profiles and custom sets.
- Artisan Keycaps
- PrimeCaps: https://primecaps.ca/
- Dwarf Factory: https://www.dwarf-factory.com/
- Description: Handcrafted, unique keycaps to personalize keyboards.
C. Switch Suppliers
- Gateron Official
- Website: https://gateron.com/
- Description: Provides a variety of Gateron switches directly.
- Kailh Switches
- Available Through: NovelKeys, KBDfans.
- Description: Offers popular switches like BOX switches and low-profile options.
- TX Keyboards
- Website: https://txkeyboards.com/
- Description: Sells premium springs, stabilizers, and switches.
Useful Tools and Resources
A. Compatibility Checkers and Layout Designers
- Keyboard Layout Editor
- Website: http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/
- Description: Design custom keyboard layouts and visualize them with various keycap profiles and colors.
- 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.
- Via Configurator
- Website: https://usevia.app/
- Description: Enables real-time key remapping on compatible keyboards without reflashing firmware.
- Switch and Keycap Database
- Website: https://keyboard.university/
- Description: Provides detailed information on various switches and keycaps.
B. Sound and Feel Testers
- Switch and Click
- Website: https://switchandclick.com/
- Description: Offers reviews, sound tests, and comparisons of different switches and keyboards.
- 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
- QMK Firmware
- Website: https://qmk.fm/
- Description: Open-source firmware for mechanical keyboards, enabling advanced customization.
- 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
- Builder Directory
- KeebMap: https://keebmap.xyz/
- Description: A community-driven map to find keyboard enthusiasts and builders worldwide.
- 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.
- Mechboards UK (For UK/EU residents)
- 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.
- Clackeys
B. Keyboard Modification Services
- Switch Lubing and Modding
- SwitchMod
- Website: https://www.switchmod.net/
- Description: Provides lubing services and sells modding supplies.
- SwitchMod
- Stabilizer Tuning and Keyboard Optimization
- Local Technicians
- Recommendation: Check community forums or local groups for individuals offering these services.
- Local Technicians
Tutorials and Guides
A. Build Guides
- r/MechanicalKeyboards Wiki
- Website: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/wiki/index
- Description: Comprehensive guides on building, modding, and maintaining mechanical keyboards.
- 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
- TaeKeyboards’ Guides
- YouTube Playlist: Switch Lubing Tutorials
- Description: Detailed tutorials on how to lube and mod switches.
- 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
- Geekhack
- Website: https://geekhack.org/
- Description: One of the oldest mechanical keyboard forums with discussions, group buys, and resources.
- Deskthority
- Website: https://deskthority.net/
- Description: European-focused forum for keyboard enthusiasts.
B. Subreddits
- r/MechanicalKeyboards
- Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/
- Description: A large community for sharing builds, asking questions, and discussing all things mechanical keyboards.
- r/mechmarket
- Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/mechmarket/
- Description: A marketplace for buying, selling, and trading keyboard-related items.
- r/MechanicalKeyboardsUK
- Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboardsUK/
- Description: Focused on the UK mechanical keyboard community.
C. Discord Servers
- Mechanical Keyboards Discord
- Invite Link: https://discord.gg/mechkeys
- Description: A place for real-time chat with other enthusiasts.
- 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
- Geekhack Group Buys
- Link: https://geekhack.org/index.php?board=70.0
- Description: Active group buys and interest checks.
- r/mechgroupbuys
- Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/mechgroupbuys/
- Description: Subreddit dedicated to sharing ongoing and upcoming group buys.
- Vendor Websites
- NovelKeys GBs: https://novelkeys.com/collections/group-buy
- CannonKeys GBs: https://cannonkeys.com/collections/group-buy
Keyboard Wikis and Databases
- Mechanical Keyboard Guide
- Website: https://www.mechanicalkeyboards.com/learn.php
- Description: Educational articles covering basics to advanced topics.
- QMK Documentation
- Website: https://docs.qmk.fm/
- Description: Official documentation for QMK firmware, essential for custom keyboard programming.
- Keyboard University
- Website: https://keyboard.university/
- Description: Educational resource covering various aspects of mechanical keyboards.
Additional Resources
A. Accessories
- 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.
- Tools and Supplies
- Switch Pullers, Keycap Pullers, Lubing Stations
- KBDfans: https://kbdfans.com/collections/accessories
- Description: Essential tools for keyboard assembly and maintenance.
- Switch Pullers, Keycap Pullers, Lubing Stations
B. Content Creators and Influencers
- 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.
- Alexotos
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Alexotos
- Description: Keyboard build streams, reviews, and photography tips.