The easiest way to buy a mechanical keyboard is to go for one that’s in stock. These are usually more affordable keyboards and are readily available in stores. You can find them on Marketplaces like Amazon, AliExpress or from major brands such as Epomaker, Akko, or Keychron. These keyboards are typically considered beginner-friendly, though there are exceptions, such as Luminkey or Omnitype, which offer high-quality keyboards for advanced users that are often in stock and easy to order.
Group Buy – The Good, the Bad and What You Need To Know
If you truly want to dive deep into the mechanical keyboard hobby, you should explore the world of Group Buys. This is a unique system where true keyboard enthusiasts purchase custom keyboards and keycap sets through group orders. These products are only available for a limited time, and typically, it’s a one-time offer — if you miss the Group Buy, you’re out of luck. In some cases, highly successful keyboards or keycaps might return for another round (you’ll see R2 or R3 next to the product name, indicating a second or third run).
The process begins when a designer or manufacturer checks for interest in their product using a form called an IC (Interest Check), shared in enthusiast forums and groups worldwide. If enough people express interest, the manufacturer launches a Group Buy, where customers can place orders and pay upfront. Only after sufficient funds are raised does production begin — a process that can take a long time, sometimes months or even over a year, before the product reaches buyers.
The advantage of Group Buys is that you can own something truly unique, but the downsides are the long wait and the uncertainty about how the final product will turn out—or whether it will even be produced at all (there have been cases where manufacturers went bankrupt and couldn’t deliver the products).
To stay updated on new Group Buys, bookmark websites like Geekhack and GroupBuy Nation, which host active forums filled with information on current and upcoming buys. Another great resource is the r/mechanicalkeyboards subreddit. Following content creators on YouTube, such as Kirin, who regularly release videos summarizing the latest Group Buys, is also recommended.
Products purchased through Group Buys often have an active aftermarket, where people are eager to buy second-hand keyboards or keycap sets. These items can sometimes sell for higher prices than their original cost due to their demand and rarity. So, if you miss a Group Buy, you may still find the product second-hand — but be prepared to pay a premium.
