Everything you wanted to know about mechanical keyboardsswitcheskeyboardsKeycapsstabilizers

Everything you wanted to know about mechanical keyboards. And much more

Mechanical keyboards are an amazing hobby that’s growing fast, but with so many options and confusing terms, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why I created KEEBS101, a hub for everything mechanical keyboards, featuring a detailed guide — packed with clear explanations, helpful visuals, a glossary, and videos — to make it easier (and more fun) for you to find the perfect keyboard.

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Or listen to the podcast version

Topics Covered in the Guide

Pre-built vs. Custom Keyboards

The first decision you need to make when purchasing a mechanical keyboard is whether to go for a Pre-built keyboard, meaning one that comes fully assembled and ready to use straight…

Keyboard Layout and Key Count

Aside from the full-size 100% layout — most commonly found in Pre-built gaming keyboards from mainstream brands — here are some of the most popular alternatives…

The switches

Switches are small, independent units located beneath each key on a keyboard. They are responsible for closing the electrical circuit on the printed circuit board when pressed, translating…

The stabilizers

For standard-sized keys on a keyboard, the switch beneath the key is sufficient to activate the mechanism. However, for longer keys — such as the spacebar, Enter, Backspace, or Shift…

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Gasket-Mount, PCB, and Other Terms Explained

Tape Mod

A mod where up to three layers of wide tape are applied to the underside of the PCB, enhancing the typing sound by adding depth and focus.

Keyboard 65%

A layout that removes the right-side number pad, navigation and function keys, and the F-row, keeping only the most essential keys.

Screw-in Stabilizers

Stabilizers directly mounted to the PCB using screws. They are considered more reliable and stable, reducing noise and wobbling during typing.

Low Profile

A configuration where the case, switches, and keycaps are as low-profile as possible to achieve a compact appearance and high portability. There is a relatively limited selection of compatible low-profile keycaps and switches.

See All Key Terms

Where to Buy Keyboards and Accessories

Eloquentclicks

Accessories Deskpads Europe Group Buys Keyboards Keycaps Lube Spain Stabilizers Switches

A Spanish site offering switches, keycaps, and various keyboards, including models manufactured by the company itself.

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ProtoTypist

Accessories Deskpads Europe Group Buys Keyboards Keycaps Lube Stabilizers Switches UK

A long-standing UK website offering a wide range of GMK keycaps, PBTfans, and others, various custom keyboards, group buys, and accessories.

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KBDFans

Accessories China Deskpads Keyboards Keycaps Lube Stabilizers Switches

A Chinese site with a wide selection of keyboards and accessories. They produce popular keyboards like the KBD8X, Odin, Tet, Pluto, and more.

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Omnitype

USA

A highly regarded American brand that manufactures keyboards from the Bauer series, offering a variety of GMK keycap sets and other brands, accessories, and a small selection of switches.

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Serpent Keys

A UK-based website offering KKB keycap sets and others, switches from various brands, a range of accessories, and a very limited selection of keyboards.

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Monaco keys

A German website offering keyboards from brands like QK, Keychron, and others, keycaps (with a focus on German layouts), HMX keycaps and other brands, as well as a variety of accessories.

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KPRepublic

A popular Chinese website (they also have a store on AliExpress) with a variety of products

All Shops and Stores

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