Top Custom Mechanical Keyboards to Build for Every Typing Style

Looking to upgrade your typing experience? Custom mechanical keyboards offer a way to tailor your setup exactly how you want it. From clicky switches to sleek designs, there’s something for everyone. We’ve rounded up some of the best custom keyboards you can build, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. Let’s explore the options and find your perfect fit.

1. Wordrunner

We created theWordrunner to give writers a keyboard designed specifically for writing, with no distractions or unnecessary features. We knew that most keyboards out there are made for gaming or general use, so we wanted to build something that focuses on what really matters for writing: comfort, durability, and helping you keep your flow. 

This keyboard isn’t custom-built or customizable, but it’s still worth checking out for its writer-focused features. It comes packed with features like the Wordometer that tracks your word count in real time, and a built-in sprint timer that keeps you focused without needing to take your hands off the keys. It’s all about making your writing sessions smoother and more productive.

Check theWordrunner Kickstarter to get all the details and find out what comes with it.

Key Highlights:

• Mechanical Wordometer tracks your word count live, visible even when the keyboard is off

• Customizable sprint timer with subtle lights to keep you on task

• Function keys redesigned for writers, with Find, Replace, Print, and Undo

• Three programmable macro keys for your favorite shortcuts

• High-quality tactile switches with sound dampening and gasket mount for a comfortable typing feel

• Durable die-cast aluminum body that stays put while you type

• Multi-directional joystick for media control without breaking your focus

• Connect via Bluetooth or USB-C, switch easily between up to four devices

Great For:

• Writers who want to keep their momentum and stay focused

• Anyone who types a lot and needs a reliable, comfortable keyboard

• Those who want to track their writing progress without extra gadgets

• People who like controlling music or media without leaving the keyboard

• Anyone looking for a sturdy keyboard built to last

2. GMK67 Keyboard

The GMK67 is a compact 65% mechanical keyboard that’s great for building a custom setup. It comes as a barebones kit, so you get to choose your own switches and keycaps to fit your typing style and look. It’s designed to be easy to carry around and offers wireless and wired connection options, giving you flexibility wherever you use it. The typing feel is soft and comfortable thanks to its gasket-mounted design.

This keyboard makes swapping out switches simple, so you don’t need to solder anything to change them. It also has customizable RGB lighting with several modes, which you can adjust using keyboard shortcuts. The GMK67 is a solid choice if you want to start customizing your own mechanical keyboard without getting too complicated.

Key Highlights:

• Compact 65% layout

• Hot-swappable switches

• Wireless and wired connection options

• Soft typing feel with gasket mount

• Built-in RGB lighting

Great For:

• People new to custom keyboards

• Those who want to try different switches easily

• Users who want a portable, wireless keyboard

• Anyone looking for a simple but customizable board

3. FuryCube F75

The FuryCube F75 is a 75% mechanical keyboard built with a solid aluminum case and designed to give a comfortable typing experience. It features a gasket-mounted design that softens each keystroke and reduces noise, making it pleasant to use for long sessions. This keyboard supports hot-swappable switches, so you can easily swap them out without any soldering, which is great for customizing how your keyboard feels and sounds.

It has a compact layout that saves desk space but still includes all the keys you need for everyday use. The FuryCube F75 offers multiple connection options, including wired USB-C, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless, giving you flexibility in how you use it. Its RGB lighting has several modes, and the keycaps are made from durable PBT material, which feels nice and holds up well over time.

Key Highlights:

• 75% compact layout

• Hot-swappable switch support

• Gasket-mounted for softer typing feel

• Multiple connection options: wired, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless

• Durable aluminum case and PBT keycaps

• RGB backlighting with customizable modes

Great For:

• Users who want a solid, well-built custom keyboard

• People looking to easily change switches

• Those who want wireless and wired options

• Anyone wanting a quieter and softer typing experience

• Users who prefer a compact layout without losing essential keys

4. Tofu65 2.0

The Tofu65 2.0 is a popular 65% mechanical keyboard kit made for customization. It comes as a kit without switches or keycaps so you can build the keyboard just how you want it. One of its main features is the choice of three different mounting styles - top mount, silicone bowl gasket, and silicone socks gasket - each giving a different typing feel. This lets you try out different typing experiences with the same board.

The keyboard has a solid aluminum case and offers different plate materials like carbon fiber and polycarbonate, which change how it sounds and feels. It supports hot-swappable switches so you can swap switches without soldering. It also uses QMK firmware which lets you program the keys and customize the RGB lighting per key.

Key Highlights:

• 65% compact layout

• Three mounting styles for different typing feels

• Hot-swappable switch support

• Programmable with QMK firmware

• Multiple plate materials available

• Per-key RGB lighting

Great For:

• People who want to customize their typing experience

• Users who like swapping switches easily

• Those who want to program their keyboard layouts

• Anyone looking for a durable keyboard kit

• People wanting a small but flexible keyboard

5. CIDOO ABM066

The CIDOO ABM066 is a mechanical keyboard that stands out for its ergonomic Alice layout. This layout is designed to follow the natural curve of your hands, making typing more comfortable and reducing wrist strain. The split and contoured design offers a unique feel compared to traditional keyboards, which can be helpful for those who spend a lot of time typing.

It supports hot-swappable switches, so you can easily change them without soldering. The keyboard also offers multiple connection options including wired USB Type-C, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless, giving you flexibility for different setups. With built-in RGB lighting and a gasket-mounted design using foam gaskets, it delivers a softer, cushioned typing experience that many users appreciate.

Key Highlights:

• Ergonomic Alice split layout

• Hot-swappable switch support

• Multiple connectivity options - wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless

• Gasket-mounted with foam for a cushioned feel

• Dye-sub PBT keycaps for durability

• Includes a rotary knob for easy control

Great For:

• Users looking for a comfortable ergonomic typing experience

• People who want to customize switches easily

• Those needing versatile wireless and wired connection options

• Anyone who prefers a soft, cushioned typing feel

• Users who want durable keycaps and simple controls

6. Keychron Q1 HE

The Keychron Q1 HE is a 75% layout custom mechanical keyboard known for its unique magnetic Hall Effect switches. These switches use magnets instead of traditional contacts, offering faster response and adjustable actuation points. This makes the keyboard feel very precise and customizable, especially for gamers and heavy typers who want control over how their keys respond.

Built with a full aluminum body and plate, the Q1 HE is sturdy and has a premium feel. It supports wireless connections over Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz, as well as wired USB-C. The keyboard uses QMK firmware, allowing deep customization like remapping keys and setting macros. It also has hot-swappable magnetic switches so you can swap them out easily, but it only works with Keychron’s magnetic switches.

Key Highlights:

• 75% compact layout

• Magnetic Hall Effect switches with adjustable actuation points

• Hot-swappable switches (Keychron magnetic switches only)

• QMK programmable firmware

• Wireless (Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz) and wired USB-C options

• Full aluminum body and plate

• South-facing RGB lighting

Great For:

• Gamers and typers who want fast, precise key response

• Users who want to customize key functions deeply

• Those looking for a sturdy and premium build

• People wanting wireless and wired connectivity options

• Anyone interested in trying magnetic switches

7. Tada68

The Tada68 is a compact 68-key mechanical keyboard that gives you plenty of room to customize. It keeps essential keys like arrows and function keys on the right side while keeping a smaller footprint on your desk. You can choose from Cherry MX or Gateron switches depending on the feel you want, and the keycaps are made from durable doubleshot PBT, which resist shine and last a long time.

The keyboard case is made from lightweight ABS plastic and is angled for a natural typing position. If you want, you can add an extra aluminum case in different colors for a sturdier build. The Tada68 supports full key programmability, letting you remap every key to your liking. It’s a solid option if you want a reliable, customizable keyboard without a lot of extra bulk.

Key Highlights:

• Compact 68-key layout with arrow and function keys

• Switch options include Cherry MX and Gateron

• Durable doubleshot PBT keycaps

• Angled ABS case with optional aluminum case upgrade

• Programmable keys

• White LED backlighting

Great For:

• Users wanting a small but functional custom keyboard

• People who like to remap keys freely

• Those looking for reliable, long-lasting keycaps

• Anyone wanting a simple, clean design

• Users who prefer a lightweight keyboard with optional metal case

8. Keychron K8 HE

The Keychron K8 HE is an 80% wireless mechanical keyboard featuring advanced magnetic switches. These switches use magnets to detect keypresses, allowing you to adjust how far a key must be pressed before it registers. This gives you precise control over your typing or gaming experience. The keyboard comes in two versions: a standard model with aluminum frames and Cherry-profile keycaps, and a special edition with natural rosewood accents and OSA-profile keycaps.

This keyboard supports multiple connection types, including Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB-C. It has a solid aluminum body with a tray mount design and features hot-swappable switches, but only works with Keychron’s double-rail magnetic switches. You can customize each key’s actuation point and set multiple commands per key with its dynamic keystroke feature. The keyboard also offers a long battery life and north-facing RGB lighting.

Key Highlights:

• 80% compact layout

• Magnetic double-rail switches with adjustable actuation points

• Hot-swappable switches (Keychron magnetic switches only)

• Wireless (Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz) and wired USB-C connections

• Aluminum body with optional wooden accents

• Supports multiple actions per key and analog mode

• Long battery life and north-facing RGB lighting

Great For:

• Gamers and typists wanting precise key control

• Users who want wireless and wired connection options

• Those who prefer a sturdy keyboard with a clean design

• People who want deep customization through QMK firmware

• Anyone looking for a keyboard with advanced magnetic switches

9. KBDFans KBD67 Lite R3

The KBDFans KBD67 Lite R3 is a popular DIY mechanical keyboard kit designed for users who want a solid base to build their custom keyboard. It comes with a hot-swap PCB, which means you can easily change switches without soldering. The kit includes a sturdy case, silicone dampeners inside to improve sound and feel, and screw-in stabilizers for stable keypresses. You’ll need to add your own switches and keycaps to complete the build.

This keyboard supports both QMK and VIA firmware, so it’s fully programmable for custom layouts and macros. Its 65% layout keeps it compact while including all the essential keys. The kit is praised for good sound quality out of the box and is suitable for both beginners and experienced builders who want a reliable, flexible keyboard to customize.

Key Highlights:

• 65% compact layout

• Hot-swappable PCB for easy switch changes

• Includes silicone dampeners for better acoustics

• Screw-in stabilizers for stable keys

• Compatible with QMK and VIA programming

• Durable case with multiple color options

Great For:

• Beginners building their first custom keyboard

• Users who want an easy-to-assemble, customizable kit

• Typists looking for a compact, functional layout

• Anyone wanting a solid keyboard with good sound quality

• Builders who want flexibility with switch and keycap choices

10. Obinslab Anne Pro 2

The Anne Pro 2 is a compact 60% wireless mechanical keyboard that offers a lot of features for its size. You can use it wired via USB-C or wirelessly through Bluetooth 5.0. It has a large built-in battery with an on/off switch to save power. The keyboard supports full key remapping and programming through its ObinsLab Starter software, letting you customize layouts, lighting effects, and macros easily.

Its Bluetooth works across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. The RGB lighting is fully customizable and saved on the keyboard itself. The keyboard supports tap key functions for more flexible use and includes handy function layers. The Anne Pro 2 is well-liked for its sturdy build and smooth typing feel, though some users mention Bluetooth connection quirks.

Key Highlights:

• Compact 60% layout

• Wired USB-C and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless options

• Full programmability with ObinsLab Starter software

• Customizable RGB backlighting

• Large battery with on/off switch

• Tap key functions and multiple function layers

Great For:

• Users wanting a small, portable keyboard

• Those who want easy wireless and wired switching

• People who like customizing key functions and lighting

• Gamers and typists who want a clean, minimalist design

• Anyone who needs Bluetooth compatibility across devices

11. RAMA WORKS M60-A

The RAMA WORKS M60-A is a solid 60% mechanical keyboard made from high-quality aluminum and brass. It has a clean, simple design and is built to last with a strong case and an ergonomic typing angle. You can swap out switches without needing to solder, which makes it easy to customize how it feels.

This keyboard also comes with built-in RGB lighting under each switch and uses a USB-C connection for reliable wired use. There is an option to add a heavier brass weight inside if you want a more solid feel and better sound. The overall design focuses on being practical while still looking good on your desk.

Key Highlights:

• Made from a single piece of aluminum and brass for durability

• Hot-swappable Kailh switch sockets

• In-switch RGB lighting built into each switch

• USB-C wired connection

• Optional extra brass weight for added heft and sound

• Ergonomic typing angle for comfort
  
  

Great For:

• People who want a sturdy, long-lasting keyboard

• Those who like customizing switches

• Users looking for a compact 60% layout

• Anyone wanting built-in RGB lighting without extra setup

• People who prefer a simple, clean keyboard design

12. GMMK PRO Barebones 75%

The GMMK PRO Barebones 75% is a mechanical keyboard base designed for people who want a solid, customizable keyboard. It comes with a CNC-machined aluminum body that feels sturdy and durable. The layout is compact but still offers all the essential keys, and you can swap switches, making it easy to customize the feel and sound.

This keyboard features vibrant per-key RGB lighting and a programmable rotary knob for volume or other controls. It works well with Windows, MacOS, and Linux, and can be adjusted with the Glorious CORE software to fine-tune lighting, key remapping, and other settings.

Key Highlights:

• Compact 75% layout with 82 keys

• CNC-machined aluminum body for durability

• Hot-swappable 5-pin switch support

• Per-key RGB lighting with multiple effects

• Programmable rotary knob for volume and quick mute

• Compatible with Windows, MacOS, and Linux

• Includes switch and keycap pullers for easy customization

Great For:

• People who want a durable and customizable keyboard base

• DIY enthusiasts who like to swap out switches often

• Users who want bright, customizable RGB lighting

• Gamers and typists looking for a compact but functional layout

• Those who want easy software control over their keyboard settings

13. Varmilo Minilo 75%

The Varmilo Minilo 75% is a compact mechanical keyboard that saves space without losing important functions. It keeps the arrow keys and offers plenty of shortcut options, making it practical for everyday use. The keyboard features a three-layer color design that gives it a distinctive and pleasant look.

It comes with hot-swappable switches on the VXT model, so you can easily change switches without soldering. The keyboard uses double-shot ABS keycaps with a thick and durable feel. You get a soft, cushioned typing experience thanks to the gasket mount design. Plus, it supports wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless modes, making it versatile for different setups.

Key Highlights:

• Compact 75% layout with arrow keys and function shortcuts

• Hot-swappable switches on VXT model for easy customization

• Double-shot ABS keycaps with Cherry profile

• Gasket mount for a soft, cushioned typing feel

• Multiple color themes with layered design

• Wired, Bluetooth 5.0, and 2.4 GHz wireless connection options

Great For:

• Users who want a smaller keyboard without losing key functionality

• People who like to customize their keyboard switches

• Those who prefer a quiet but satisfying typing experience

• Anyone needing wireless and wired connection options

• People who appreciate colorful and unique keyboard designs

14. Drop ALT V1 Mechanical Keyboard

The Drop ALT V1 is a compact 65% mechanical keyboard designed to save desk space without sacrificing important keys. It has 67 keys, including a full set of arrow keys and number keys, but no dedicated function row, making it ideal for those who want a smaller, cleaner setup. The keyboard features a sturdy aluminum frame and a built-in switch plate that gives it a solid feel.

This keyboard supports hot-swappable switches, so you can easily swap out switches without soldering. It is fully programmable using QMK firmware, allowing you to customize key layouts and macros to suit your needs. It also offers RGB backlighting with millions of colors and dual USB-C connectors for flexible connectivity.

Key Highlights:

• Compact 65% layout with 67 keys, including arrows and numbers

• Durable anodized aluminum frame with built-in switch plate

• Hot-swappable switch sockets, no soldering needed

• Fully programmable with QMK firmware

• RGB backlighting with millions of color options

• Doubleshot PBT shine-through keycaps for better lighting

Great For:

• Users who want a small but functional mechanical keyboard

• People who like to customize key switches and layouts

• Gamers who want reliable, fast-responding keys with lighting effects

• Anyone needing a sturdy, durable keyboard for heavy use

• Those looking for easy maintenance with hot-swappable switches
  
  

Conclusion

No matter your typing style or preferences, there’s a custom mechanical keyboard out there that fits your needs. Building your own lets you tailor every detail, from switches to keycaps, to create a setup that feels just right. Exploring the options in this list is a great first step toward finding or making the perfect keyboard for you.