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)
  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
  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
  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
  4. Artisan Keycaps

C. Switch Suppliers

  1. Gateron Official
  2. Kailh Switches
    • Available Through: NovelKeys, KBDfans.
    • Description: Offers popular switches like BOX switches and low-profile options.
  3. TX Keyboards

Useful Tools and Resources

A. Compatibility Checkers and Layout Designers

  1. Keyboard Layout Editor
  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

B. Sound and Feel Testers

  1. Switch and Click
  2. YouTube Channels

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

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
  3. Artisan Keycap Makers

B. Keyboard Modification Services

  1. Switch Lubing and Modding
  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
  2. YouTube Tutorials

B. Switch Modding Tutorials

  1. TaeKeyboards’ Guides
  2. Articles and Blogs

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

B. Subreddits

  1. r/MechanicalKeyboards
  2. r/mechmarket
  3. r/MechanicalKeyboardsUK

C. Discord Servers

  1. Mechanical Keyboards Discord
  2. KeebTalk

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
  2. r/mechgroupbuys
  3. Vendor Websites

Keyboard Wikis and Databases

  1. Mechanical Keyboard Guide
  2. QMK Documentation
    • Website: https://docs.qmk.fm/
    • Description: Official documentation for QMK firmware, essential for custom keyboard programming.
  3. Keyboard University

Additional Resources

A. Accessories

  1. Desk Mats and Wrist Rests
  2. Tools and Supplies

B. Content Creators and Influencers

  1. Nathan Kim (TaeKeyboards)
  2. Alexotos