Should You Build Your Own Keyboard?

Summary

The video discusses how the mechanical keyboard building hobby has become more accessible due to increased inventory, cheaper pricing, more variety of parts, and abundant helpful online information. It highlights how group buys and limited stock used to be barriers to entry but now in-stock options at various price points allow more people to get started. Experienced builders and content creators have made guides and videos to help newcomers learn what parts work best. The host encourages anyone interested in building a custom mechanical keyboard to dive in and enjoy the process.

Takeaways

• 😊 Mechanical keyboards are more accessible and easier to get into than ever before
• 👍 More keyboard parts are available in stock now compared to the past
• 💰 There are more affordable options nowadays for keycaps, switches, kits etc.
• 🔧 Assembly is easier with helpful build guides, hotswap PCBs, pre-lubed switches etc.
• 🛒 Group buys and limited quantity raffles are less common for getting keyboard parts
• 📈 The popularity and competition in the hobby continues to grow
• 🎨 There is more customizability and variety when building a mechanical keyboard
• 😇 The community is welcoming and creators are happy to help newcomers
• 📺 There are many great YouTube channels and online resources to learn from
• 👣 It's best to take your time and enjoy the process when getting into this hobby

Q & A

What made the author first interested in mechanical keyboards?

The author first got interested in mechanical keyboards through using gaming keyboards that had mechanical switches. He started realizing enthusiast-grade keyboards were built better than just gaming keyboards focused on flashiness and marketing.

What issues did the author initially run into when trying to get into keyboard building?

The author had difficulties finding parts in stock. Many components were only available through raffles, group buys with long wait times, or were expensive and hard to obtain.

How has inventory and availability changed recently in the keyboard community?

Vendors are now better able to keep popular items in stock due to increased demand and capital. There are also more budget-friendly in-stock options available.

How can beginners now more easily build their first keyboard?

Options like hotswap PCBs, factory pre-lubed switches, and step-by-step build guides have made the assembly process much more beginner friendly.

What fully-built keyboard options exist for those wanting an easy entry point?

Fully built keyboards allow new entrants to get a solid functioning keyboard out of the box without needing to source all the components separately.

How can people customize and improve a pre-built keyboard over time?

Pre-built keyboards can be upgraded gradually, with new keycaps, switches, cables, deskmats, and other accessories allowing customization.

What YouTube channels and online resources does the author recommend?

The author highlights creators like alexotos, Taeha Types, hippotech, dailyclack, randomfrankp, badseedtech, and glarses for guides and info.

Why does the author think now is a more accessible time to get into keyboard building?

Along with improved availability of parts, there is also vastly more helpful information online from enthusiastic creators willing to assist new community members.

What tip does Andy from Omnitype have for new builders?

Andy suggests not rushing for your endgame right away and instead enjoying the process and journey into the hobby.

Where can you see and hear more of the author's keyboard builds?

The author mentions starting an Elemento Keys YouTube channel for posting keyboard sound tests and streams.