This page is your go-to for figuring out everything you need to build your own custom mechanical keyboard.
We have done the research and tested all of these products that we recommend.
Whether you are modifying your current mechanical keyboard, finding the tools to build your first custom, or just looking for a few more tools to add to your arsenal, this list will provide you will all of the essentials and then some items that are nice to have.
Download the Cheat Sheet Below:
We included the parts for a custom 60% mechanical keyboard for under $200 that will look, sound, and feel absolutely fantastic.
Full disclosure: Switch and Click participates in the Amazon Associates program, and we’ll earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through the links on this page (at no extra cost to you). Despite this, we recommend only products that we love and have tested ourselves.
Recommended Starter Build (Under $200):
60% Keyboard Case
Aluminum case available in a variety of different colors. Comes with matching aluminum feet, 4 rubber bumpons, and screws.
60% Plate
Plate that supports multiple different layouts such as split space bar, split backspace, ISO/ANSI, and switch top removal. Also supports a variety of bottom rows too.
60% PCB: DZ60 RGB
Has RGB underglow, and fully programmable via QMK firmware. Supports 5-pin switches and a variety of different layouts.
Uses a Mini-B USB port to connect.
All-Around Favorite Switches: Gateron Yellow
Gateron Yellows are extremely smooth linears that are a little bit heavier than reds. With lubricant, they are smoother than even the most premium stock switches.
Cherry PCB Stabilizers
Comes in a pack to support 60% keyboards with 4 2u stabilizers and 1 6.25u stabilizer. Also has the option to pick a 7u stabilizer for the space bar. Authentic Cherry stabilizers with high-quality, be sure to lube them.
USB Cable
Most custom kits don’t come with a cable, so you’ll need to pick one up to make it work. This one is compatible with USB-C, micro-USB, and mini-USB ports, so it’s super versatile and looks cool too.
Keycap Recommendations
Keycaps for Shine-Through
A great affordable option with thick double-shot PBT keycaps and available with all 104 keys to fit 60%, TKL, and full-sized layouts.
Keycaps Without Shine-Through
A Cherry-profile PBT keycap set with dye sublimated legends that won’t wear off. Great for those that want a lower profile keycap and don’t like RGB shining through.
Essential Tools – You NEED These
Adjustable Soldering Iron: TS100
The TS100 is great for soldering switches on as well as helping you desolder switches in case mistakes are made. This is essential unless you have a hot-swappable board. It’s extremely portable and has a temperature reading screen.
Solder Sucker: Engineer SS-02
The Engineer SS-02 is easy to use, easy to maintain, doesn’t break the bank, and helps in those moments when you know you messed up.
Solder Wire: Kester 63/37 SN/PB
Solder is essential. Having lead solder makes it much easier to desolder switches. It’s a good size and easy to store when not in use.
Switch Puller: Antistatic Extractor Tool
Much easier to use than the metal switch pullers you get with hot-swappable boards. And it comes in a pack or two, so you can do keyboard-related work in more than one place. Also don’t worry about misplacing one.
Precision Screwdriver Kit
Having a screwdriver kit with different bit varieties will come in handy when opening up cases, opening up switches without a switch opener, and putting your keyboard together.
Wire Keycap Puller
A wire keycap puller won’t scratch your keycaps and will let you change keycaps quickly without trying to manhandle them with your fingers.
Solder Fume Exhaust Fan
Definitely a must have if you’re doing any soldering indoors. If you’re outside, you can go into a well-ventilated area and be fine.
Nice Tools to Have (Makes Life a LOT Easier)
Soldering Stand
Keeps you safe when your soldering iron is not in use, highly recommended despite not being essential. Also comes with a place to clean your soldering iron’s tip.
Heat Insulated Mat
If you’re working on a surface that can be burned or unprotected, this mat is highly recommended. The soldering iron’s temperature usually exceeds 300 degrees Celsius. It also keeps all of your screws and small materials in an easily accessible space.
USB Cables
Having a USB cable that can fit multiple different ports is extra convenient, especially one that is stylish and matches your setup.
Magnetic Holding Trays
This might seem a little extra, but when you’re dealing with small little screws that could roll around and get lost in the cracks, this will be a lifesaver.
Tools for Lubing & Filming Switches
Switch Opener
Having a switch opener makes your life a million times easier and saves time too. Rather than breaking your nails trying to open each one, just press each switch and then separate them. Easy peasy.
Switch Films
Switch films help tighten up your switches and prevent switch wobble, which makes them sound and feel crispy and thocc-y.
Switch Lube for Switches
Having the right switch lube makes the job much easier. For the type of lube, 205g0 is a great all-around lube for linear and tactile switches. This is usually a more viscous lube.
Lube for Bag Lubing Springs
Springs are much easier to lube via throwing them in a bag with a few drops of lube in it. Then shake it all around. You need a thin lube for this.
Ziploc Bags (for Bag Lubing Springs)
To bag lube, you need bags. These bags fasten to a close and let you shake all of the springs around without worrying about any blowouts, because that could get messy real fast.
Paintbrushes
Size 00 is perfect for reaching all of the crevices to lube your switches. There’s enough to lube switches for many years, and they are reusable if you wash them thoroughly enough.
Antistatic Tweezers
Having a nice pair of tweezers lets you pick up the springs easier without lubing up your fingers in the process. Tweezers are always handy when dealing with tiny objects.
Pronged Pick-up Tool
If you got clumsy fingers, this tool makes lubing the switch stems much easier. Pick them up, then spin the stem as you lube it without worrying about your fingers or dropping it.
Tools for Modding Stabilizers
Fabric Bandaids
These are great for the bandaid mod and to protect your fingers in case you get cuts, I suppose.
Flush Cutters
Great for clipping the small feet of your stabilizers as well as serve as a wire cutter for adding LEDs onto your keyboard or working on through-hole builds.
Stabilizers Lube
Stabilizers need a thicker lubricant, usually Krytox 205g0 is used. Adds extra smoothness to your stabs, making them sound and feel much better.
Scissors
A reliable pair of scissors to cut your fabric and to open boxes and packages.
Tools for Sound Dampening
Neoeprene Sponge
A thin layer of sponge material that can fit inside your keyboard case to reduce reverb.
Desk Mat
A quick and easy fix, just place the deskmat underneath your keyboard to look cool and reduce noise echo against your desk.
Sorbothane
A rubbery material that is well-known for sound dampening and reduction.