How to Build your FIRST Custom Keyboard (In 2024)

Summary

In this engaging video, the host introduces Regina to the world of custom keyboard building, offering her a free keyboard on the condition that she assembles it herself. The tutorial covers choosing switches, understanding preferences like linear, tactile, and silent options, and the importance of layout and keycap compatibility. The duo explores different switch types, with Regina favoring silent tactile switches for their quiet operation. They select a 10-keyless keyboard from sponsor Newy, the GEM 80, for its customization options and affordability. The process involves inserting switches, addressing bent pins, and choosing keycaps that match the desired aesthetic. Regina's final keyboard, themed around an octopus desk mat, turns out to be quiet, stylish, and a hit in the office, showcasing the satisfaction of building a personalized and functional keyboard.

Takeaways

• 🎁 The video is about giving Regina a free keyboard and guiding her through the process of building a custom keyboard.
• 🔍 Regina is introduced to the world of custom keyboards, which are presented as being much better than her current office keyboard.
• 🗣️ Regina's preference for a silent keyboard is highlighted due to the loudness of her current keyboard being a problem in an office setting.
• 🛠️ Building a custom keyboard involves choosing switches, a keyboard layout, and keycaps, with a focus on personal preference.
• 🔨 The importance of switch types (linear, tactile, clicky, silent) is discussed, with Regina finding silent tactile switches to be her preference.
• 📏 The video covers how to select a keyboard layout based on the size and keys one wants to include or exclude.
• 💰 Budget considerations are mentioned, with the Gem 80 keyboard being highlighted as a customizable but somewhat expensive option.
• 🔄 The process of inserting switches and checking for bent pins is covered, emphasizing the importance of careful handling.
• 🎨 Keycaps are discussed in terms of layout compatibility, material, and profile, with a focus on finding a set that matches personal taste.
• 🧩 The final assembled keyboard is tested for functionality, and any issues like bent pins are addressed.
• 📚 The video concludes with Regina's positive experience and the suggestion to follow a knowledgeable source for custom keyboard advice.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to guide Regina through the process of building a custom keyboard that is silent and suits her preferences, as well as to inform viewers about the steps and considerations involved in creating a custom keyboard.

Why does Regina dislike her current keyboard?

Regina dislikes her current keyboard because it is loud, which she finds annoying and potentially disruptive in an office setting.

What are the three core components needed to build a custom keyboard?

The three core components needed to build a custom keyboard are switches, a keyboard case, and keycaps.

What are the three main types of switch styles mentioned in the video?

The three main types of switch styles mentioned in the video are linear, tactile, and clicky.

What is the silent tactile switch that Regina prefers?

The silent tactile switch that Regina prefers is a type of switch that offers a tactile bump feel without the loud sound, making it suitable for an office environment.

What is the keyboard layout that was chosen for Regina based on her preferences?

The keyboard layout chosen for Regina is the GEM 80, a 10-keyless keyboard from the sponsor Newy.

Why is it important to check the pins on the switches before installing them?

It is important to check the pins on the switches before installing them to ensure that they are not bent, as bent pins can cause the switch to malfunction or damage the keyboard's socket.

What are some factors to consider when choosing keycaps?

Factors to consider when choosing keycaps include the layout to ensure compatibility with the keyboard, the material which can affect feel and durability, and the profile which influences the typing experience.

How does Regina feel about the final custom keyboard she built?

Regina is amazed by the final custom keyboard, appreciating its clean look, the different shades of purple, and most importantly, its quiet operation which is suitable for her office environment.

What advice does Regina receive for someone building their first keyboard?

Regina suggests that the best advice for someone building their first keyboard is to be good friends with Hippo, or at least follow his YouTube channel for guidance.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Building a Custom Keyboard for Regina

The video begins with the introduction of Regina and the desire to build a custom keyboard that is superior to her current office keyboard. The host offers to give Regina a free keyboard but reveals that she will have to build it almost entirely by herself. The importance of personal preference is highlighted when choosing switches, keyboard layout, and keycaps. Regina is introduced to different switch types: tactile, linear, and clicky. She finds the clicky keyboard too loud and opts for a silent keyboard instead, which is quieter due to its switches. The host emphasizes the ability to customize the keyboard's sound and feel through various methods such as adding foam, lubing switches, and more.

05:00

🔍 Choosing the Right Keyboard Layout and Components

The second paragraph focuses on selecting the appropriate keyboard layout based on the size and keys one is willing to sacrifice. The host uses the Gem 80 keyboard from sponsor NewY as an example, discussing the importance of budget and unique features such as knobs, screens, software, and RGB effects. The Gem 80 is noted for its customization options and its starter-friendly nature, despite its higher price point. The host also explains the process of assembling the keyboard, emphasizing the importance of checking for bent pins on the switches, which can affect functionality. The video also touches on the differences between factory lubed and unlubed switches, recommending factory lubed for beginners.

10:02

🛠️ Assembling the Keyboard and Selecting Keycaps

In this paragraph, the process of inserting switches into the keyboard is detailed, with a reminder to check for bent pins to ensure proper function. The host discusses the importance of keycap layout compatibility with the keyboard and the various materials and profiles available, such as PBT, ABS, and metal. The Cherry profile is recommended for beginners due to its wide availability and neutrality. Regina is given a set of keycaps that match her desk mat theme, and despite the unusual profile, she finds them appealing. The video also covers the importance of choosing the right keycaps for sound quality, with PBT for deeper sounds and ABS for a more clacky sound.

15:04

🎉 Completing the Custom Keyboard and Regina's Reaction

The final paragraph describes the completion of the custom keyboard build. Regina tests the keyboard and is amazed by its quiet operation and clean appearance. She is excited about the different purples in the keycaps and the overall aesthetic. The keyboard's silent nature is praised, as it won't disturb the office environment. Regina expresses her happiness with the final product and the knowledge gained from the process. The host reflects on the Gem 80's unique selling proposition of offering all customization options directly on the site, making it convenient for those who prefer not to do their own research. Regina concludes by recommending following the host's YouTube channel for more keyboard building advice.

Keywords

💡Custom Keyboard

A custom keyboard refers to a keyboard that is assembled or modified to suit an individual's specific preferences for typing feel, sound, aesthetics, and functionality. In the video's context, the theme revolves around building a custom keyboard for Regina, which is a unique process that involves selecting various components to create a personalized typing experience. The video demonstrates the building process and the importance of personal preference in creating a custom keyboard.

💡Switches

Switches are the mechanical components of a keyboard that register key presses. They come in various types such as linear, tactile, and clicky, each offering a different feel and sound when pressed. In the video, the presenter helps Regina identify her preference for silent tactile switches, which are quieter and have a subtle bump when pressed, contributing to the overall typing experience and sound profile of the custom keyboard.

💡Keycaps

Keycaps are the plastic covers on the keys of a keyboard, which not only provide tactile feedback but also contribute to the aesthetic appeal. The video emphasizes the importance of choosing keycaps that fit the keyboard layout and personal taste. Regina selects keycaps that match an octopus-themed deskmat, illustrating how keycaps can be chosen to reflect one's personality or match a specific theme.

💡Layout

Keyboard layout refers to the arrangement and size of the keys on a keyboard. Different layouts can include full-size, tenkeyless (without a numeric keypad), or even more compact designs. The video discusses the importance of determining the desired layout when building a custom keyboard, as it affects the functionality and space efficiency of the final product.

💡Sound Dampening

Sound dampening is the process of reducing the noise produced by a keyboard, typically by adding materials like foam to the case or switches. In the video, Regina's dislike for a loud keyboard leads to the consideration of silent switches and sound dampening techniques to create a quieter typing experience.

💡Silent Tactile Switches

Silent tactile switches are a type of keyboard switch that combines the feel of a tactile bump with the quiet operation of silent switches. They are becoming popular for those who want the feedback of a tactile switch without the noise. The video shows Regina choosing silent tactile switches for her custom keyboard to ensure it is quiet enough for office use.

💡Factory Lubed

Factory lubed switches are mechanical keyboard switches that have been pre-lubricated by the manufacturer to reduce friction and improve the smoothness of the keypress. The video mentions that for a first-time builder, it's recommended to start with factory lubed switches to gauge personal preference before potentially delving into custom lubrication.

💡Budget

Budget refers to the financial constraints or limitations one has when purchasing or building a custom keyboard. The video discusses the balance between cost and quality, mentioning that while the Gem 80 keyboard is on the pricier side, it offers the flexibility to add switches and keycaps affordably, making the full build competitive in terms of price.

💡Aesthetics

Aesthetics in the context of a custom keyboard relate to the visual appeal, including the colors, design, and overall look of the keyboard. Regina's choice of keycaps that match her deskmat exemplifies the importance of aesthetics in creating a keyboard that is not only functional but also visually pleasing.

💡Building Process

The building process involves the step-by-step assembly of a custom keyboard, which includes selecting switches, choosing a layout, picking keycaps, and potentially other modifications. The video script provides a detailed walkthrough of this process, highlighting the importance of patience, precision, and personal preference in creating a custom keyboard that suits Regina's needs.

Highlights

Introduction to building a custom keyboard for Regina, emphasizing a silent and preferable typing experience.

The importance of personal preference in choosing keyboard switches: linear, tactile, or clicky.

Regina's unexpected dislike for the loud clicky keyboard and her preference for a quieter typing experience.

The concept of silent tactile switches as a middle ground between silent and tactile typing feedback.

The process of selecting a keyboard layout based on the keys one is willing to sacrifice.

The budget considerations when choosing a custom keyboard and the trade-offs involved.

The Gem 80 keyboard from sponsor Newy as a customizable option for beginners.

Customization options for the Gem 80, including switches and keycaps, and their affordability.

The detailed explanation of how to insert switches into the keyboard without damaging the pins.

The distinction between factory lubed and unlubed switches and the recommendation for beginners.

Keycap considerations including layout, material, and profile, and how they affect the keyboard's feel and sound.

The matching of keycaps to Regina's octopus-themed deskmat for aesthetic customization.

The practical advice on how to deal with a bent pin on a switch.

The sound test comparison between the custom-built keyboard and Regina's old keyboard.

Regina's excitement and satisfaction with the final custom keyboard build.

The humorous conclusion with Regina's desire to play Fortnite instead of typing, highlighting the keyboard's quietness.

Final thoughts on the value and uniqueness of the Gem 80 keyboard for custom keyboard building.

Transcripts

this is my friend Regina I like my car's

loud and my keyboard's silent and this

is her

keyboard it sucks I hate this keyboard

now because of that she just like you

wants to build a custom keyboard well

maybe you didn't want to build a custom

keyboard and you're just wondering why I

said that your office keyboard sucks

however what if I told you there's a

whole entire world that could be so much

greater

because in this video I'm going to be

giving Regina a free keyboard yay except

what I didn't tell her is that she's

going to be building it almost entirely

by herself no I didn't say for that yes

you

did but you're not Regina right so I

will actually show you how to build a

custom keyboard that's going to be

infinitely

better than your work keyboard way

better but there's actually one other

problem because Regina try this keyboard

real

fast H that is way too loud no I'm going

to get kicked out of the office that was

supposed to be

thy oh no Thy Thy Thy oh I'm checking

why are there so many different boxes

getting any work that I don't want fa

shibs no no no not that I'm going to be

the coolest girl in office you hear that

it's

silent yeah in order to build a custom

keyboard there's only three things you

need to do however there is a really

important way of doing them first you

need to pick your switches and then your

keyboard and then your keycaps however

there's a really important factor here

and that's preference there's a lot of

different subcategories and it's really

overwhelming don't think about it I'm

overwhelmed don't think about it too

hard okay now you're probably wondering

hippo how do I do this at home I don't

have a personal keyboard YouTuber that I

can go to for any of my wishes I mean

first of all you do just hit subscribe

but a great place to start is finding

out which of the three core switch

styles that you like that's linear

tactile or clicky if you have previous

keyboard experience that's great if not

I recommend you walk into your Best Buy

and just start trying a bunch of

different keyboards now those keyboards

won't be nearly as good as the one we're

about to make however it gives you a

good Baseline but what if you want

something more silent it's nothing

because it's a quiet keyboard well we're

going to talk about that later oh yeah

so to figure out what she liked best I

gave Regina a tactile linear and clicky

keyboard but let's just say her choices

were uh unexpected give him a

shot it's so loud too loud what do you

mean that's like Thy I feel like

everybody in my other in the other

cubicles are going to be mad at me cuz I

type fast I'm a now Gina had a problem

with this keyboard being too loud and

part of that reason is actually how it's

built without much dampening foam

however that is a tactile keyboard when

you press it there's a little bit of a

bump do you like the bump I don't know I

need to try other ones okay next is

linear which is the purple one in the

center I feel like I like this one nice

and smooth quieter yeah now the linear

keyboard was stuffed with foam so it was

quieter but what would Regina think of

the last one the clickies I can already

tell I'm not gonna like this one I knew

it no no no not that this sounds like

the type of keyboard that my husband

used to play on and it would make me

really upset being near him is that true

oh yeah yeah also shout out Josh if you

like this style of video I've done a

very similar one with Josh definitely

don't get me kicked out of the office

clicky is off the table so you don't get

kicked out of the office with clickies

out this left us between linear and

tactile which is a very common choice I

think I like this one cuz it's quiet

like if I cover my ear you like the feel

of a tactile bump but maybe not the

aggressive sound of that specific case

build okay that's the amazing thing

about keyboards is that with sound you

can customize basically everything by

adding foam removing foam lubing

switches okay you ever heard of

lube am I allowed to make those jokes

around girls mhm okay cool now with the

switch feel decided there was actually

still one problem we had to resolve with

a trick up my sleeve there's actually a

fourth type of

keyboard give that a shot real fast oh

yeah I look you hear that do you hear

that you don't because it's a silent

keyboard it's so nice now silent

keyboards are silent because of their

switches and you can actually have

tactile or linear silent switch

yeah I like this okay

perfect so we've narrowed it down to

silent tactile switches and I'll be

getting back to the exact switch later

but first we have to figure out

something even more important and that's

layout what size keyboard do you even

want size size because if you looked at

all of those keyboards that you tried

you might have noticed some of them are

maybe missing Keys now in order to pick

your keyboard you actually need to know

what size keyboard you want so the best

way to do that is figure out what keys

you want to get rid of then for picking

your keyboard you need to figure out

what fits in your budget now obviously

you will know what keys you need the

best and a lot of you might be saying

hippo I need a numpad numpads are

essential well there are plenty of

full-size keyboards out there like the

keyron q6 but they are a little bit more

Uncommon when it comes to custom

keyboards so what a lot of people do is

they get a really nice custom keyboard

and then they get a separate numpad for

if they want to bring it to work or

something what do you want to

sacrifice this is like just that okay

now even more important than finding

your keyboard layout is finding key caps

that actually fit it so I'll be talking

about that later oh yeah all right

Regina oh my

gosh now based on Regina's preferences

I've picked out a keyboard from my

sponsor newy which is the gem 80 if

you're doing your own research and

trying to find a keyboard at home then

just go on the layout

budget and fun features Journey sounds

fun now what is that Journey you might

ask well because keyboards are so

preferen I can't tell you exactly what

keyboard to buy I can just show you a

lot of keyboards that I think are cool

you can get a heavy keyboard made out of

aluminum or a highquality keyboard made

out of polycarbonate there's features

like knobs and screens and software and

holif effect switches and just figure

out what you like the best now let's

start with the keyboard and then we'll

get into the other stuff first why

there's so many different box

don't wor we we'll start with the

keyboard why can't it just be in one all

right F I'll do

it wow they make you work for it huh

okay all right paperwork whatever that's

the spirit ooh oh it's a little cleaning

action microfiber cloth do I need to

read to be good at keyboards I yeah I

think that's like a bare minimum

requirement actually oh that's cool oh

cable wait this is perfect because oh

don't stretch it like that oh my God now

the G80 is actually a really interesting

keyboard because it gives you so many

different options for how to build it

and I think that's really what sets it

apart in the beginner keyboard space

these are ways that you can customize

the sound and the feel of your keyboard

and you probably won't care about them

as much as a beginner but eventually you

might actually really care now at $150

for the barebones version of this

keyboard it isn't exactly budget

friendly at all and in fact there are

other keyboards that are a much better

value however what this keyboard does

offer # gem series wait really hash gem

series no way they put a hashtag on the

box hashtag is the ability to add-on

switches and key caps for a very

affordable price which makes the full

build actually quite competitive now as

I mentioned before newy is a sponsor so

I'll have everything linked down below

but I do want you to know that when I

work with a keyboard brand they cannot

alter what I say and they do not review

my final video so all of my thoughts are

my own now this is just one example of a

10 keyless keyboard that you can go with

but if you want to build it myself I do

think that the add-ons that newy offers

are more compelling than some of the

other brands like I like their switches

and keycaps more than I like key crons

for example now if all of that is a

little bit too overwhelming then we'll

just take it back one step and get to

building the keyboard itself but how do

you think you're going to build it I

don't know well maybe put more of these

things in the switches like those got to

be in there they got to go first right

and then you do the little key caps and

and then you click CL click clck okay

now earlier you did find out your

favorite switch preference these right

here are woce studios's silent tactile

switches now no sound oh

yeah you hear that it's silent now

silent switches are rapidly becoming

very popular because people realize that

even though thy keyboards are incredible

getting fired is is not yeah in a way I

kind of see keyboards like cars where if

you're customizing your car that's great

but if you customize your car and you

remove your like muffler or whatever and

you make your car loud as hell it's cool

you're a terrible person no it's cool

you suck no you're really cool if your

car makes loud vroom vroom noises and

you drive around in public with it I

hate you no I love you it's really cool

you're literally the scum I like my car

is loud my keyboard silent so first step

is you're going to take these switches

and um please how do you think you put

them into the keyboard well if I'm

modeling what I see here well I'm just

going to smush it in that's backwards oh

it's backwards what do you mean

backwards it's a

square there you go oh really yep oh

they you put your first switch in yes

and how many more to go like um two too

many to count 86 an obnoxious amount 86

more to go why can't it just come you

know made the

way okay anyways we're going to take

this and we're going to perform some

magic

ready

wow yeah the magic is a lie you actually

have to put in all 86 switches yourself

you're not going to just do it behind

camera I'll yeah I'll stay behind camera

and you do

it sorry have

fun now Regina it's very important why

do you look so mad what now I don't want

patience it's really important when you

put in your switches that you make sure

that the pins on the switches Are Not

Bent you see this switch how one of the

metal pins is bent if you were to put

this into your keyboard uhuh you would

have a chance that you'd either pop out

the socket or the switch just won't work

so do I have to check all of these it's

very important to check your switches

before putting them in I'm

checking this is become like my video

with like the most attitude of any video

I've ever fil you surprised you know me

I'm not surprised also just one last

thought on switches when buying a switch

there's Factory lubed and unlooped

switches I recommend for your first time

going with Factory Lube switches and

seeing how you like them however there

is a pretty big Spectrum for factory

looping so I recommend you look up a

sound test of the switch beforehand

woo you might notice there is something

very important missing

keys the key caps now as far as key caps

goes there's a few very important things

that you need to know so you don't waste

your money number one is a layout now

there's actually a subcategory for

keyboard layouts like the bottom row

could have differ sized Keys between the

same 65% keyboard look out for your

bottom row Keys your space bar and your

shift key you'll see these little layout

pictures you just need to make sure that

the keys are going to fit number two is

material because there's a bunch of

different key cap materials there's PBT

ABS there's even Metal Key caps but we

don't talk about these anymore there's

also different profiles like you notice

how this one is entirely flat across the

whole entire row yep on this board it's

not and they actually sit it like an

angle this is Cherry profile which is

the most normal but then you've got a

bunch of weird stuff and really at the

end of the day it all comes down to

preference ultimately if you have no

idea what to get I recommend you start

with cherry profile keycaps just because

they're the most widely available and

also the least offensive this is what I

use every single day but some people

swear by other profiles and other keycap

materials and just try a bunch of

different stuff and find out what you

like the best you can always buy

something from Amazon then return it I

didn't tell you to do that though now a

little while ago I gave Regina this

octopus theme deskmat and she's in love

with it and wants this keyboard to be

themed around it so uh I just want cool

looking key caps because everybody else

is going to see them and be like wow so

cool they're not going to feel them yeah

well there's actually a keyc cap set

that is supposed to go with this

keyboard so I'll let you start and tell

me if you like this set or not are they

cool or do they suck let's find out #

gem

series oh wait these are really pretty I

like the Lilac I feel like it goes

really well like the colors now these

are the gem MSA key caps which typically

sell for 34 bucks but if you buy this

keyboard then they're only 15 which

makes them unbelievably cheap they're

pretty solid double shot PBT key caps

however they're at a weird profile okay

so there's been a new development even

though you at home if you're buying this

keyboard should probably go with the gem

key caps considering they're literally

only $15 so they're a great value uh

provided you can get over the weird

profile uh Regina couldn't get over the

weird profile I found a key cap set

polycaps octopus or something that

perfectly matches the desk mat so we're

going to be going with the octopus key

caps the super easy part is just putting

them on so we don't even need to film

this we're just going to use

magic there's no magic uh Magic is real

please subscribe for more magic uh she's

lying okay we will we will bent pin

alert bent pin alert so you know how

earlier I mentioned bent pins no you

didn't we were testing the keyboard to

see if it works and

uh-oh if one of your keys doesn't work

on a keyboard that you just built

there's a good chance that you bent a

pen I didn't do anything wrong now

fixing it is super easy with some

tweezers bend it back I'm trying to do

this one-handed this is really difficult

I'm really talented though there you go

now with keycaps it's also worth noting

budget like there's really fancy keycaps

like gmk but honestly I think they're a

tinge overpriced but generally the rule

of thumb is if you want the sounds to be

a little bit deeper you go with daub PBT

or a really tall profile key cap and if

you want the board to sound a bit

clacker then you should go with a double

shot key cap or something made out of

ABS now you're probably wondering what I

think of the gem 80 considering I am

looking at this keyboard for Regina to

build it as her first keyboard now

personally I think it's a little bit

overpriced as you could get a fully

built keyboard with similar specs for

about

$106 although you are making some Cuts

Like software and everything like that

but what this key board does do

differently that I think is really

unique is having everything available

right on the site when you purchase it

there is something to be said about

letting you have the choice of your

switches and key caps but then also

letting you build it yourself and then

also not having to do the research

yourself as a bit of a perk cuz I've

noticed a lot of you just want me to

tell you exactly what to buy jeez but

it's time for Regina to take it for a

spin and see was it worth all of the

trouble building a custom

keyboard okay woo

I'm actually amazed with how clean this

looks it looks so good I love all the

different purples I think it's so good I

want to go use it right now okay let's

do a type test oh well I'm not going at

typing let's play

fortnite oh my gosh it's so

quiet I'm so excited I'm going to be the

coolest girl in office

yeah people aren't even going to know

that I'm typing in office they're going

to be like oh my gosh girl like did you

get that report done it sounded like you

were doing nothing over there I was

typing compared to your old keyboard

which I need to say I'm very grateful

please do not fire Regina yeah I really

like my job like I don't even want to

like you built a custom keyboard you

found your preferences what do you have

to say for yourself I'm really happy

this is really good silent thank you

hippo I learned a lot today if you have

to give one piece of advice to somebody

building their first keyboard

what would it be be really good friends

with hippo or if you can't do that

follow his YouTube at least yay he

didn't pay me to say

that