If you’re seeking the most level of customization possible, these are the keyboards you should choose.
Mechanical keyboards are popular among a wide range of users, including gamers, programmers, writers, and other professionals. In recent years, mechanical keyboards have experienced a surge in popularity, with many people opting for mechanical keyboards over traditional membrane keyboards.
This guide will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of several of the CNC keyboards that offer the greatest customization options, as well as which option would be the most suitable for your requirements. There is a keyboard out there for everyone, and it does not matter what design or layout it has, as long as it is the right size.
Keychron Q3 QMK Keyboard – Best Overall Keyboard
-The Keychron Q3 QMK Keyboard is a mechanical keyboard designed and manufactured by Keychron, a company that specializes in making high-quality and customizable mechanical keyboards. The Keychron Q3 is the company’s latest offering, and it features a compact design, wireless connectivity, and QMK firmware customization.
-The Keychron Q3 is a 75% keyboard, which means that it has 75% of the keys found on a full-size keyboard. This design allows for a more compact keyboard that takes up less desk space while still providing all of the essential keys needed for typing and gaming.
-The Keychron Q3 also features wireless connectivity, allowing it to connect to a computer or other device via Bluetooth or a USB dongle. This makes it a great option for users who prefer a wireless keyboard or need to switch between multiple devices.
-One of the standout features of the Keychron Q3 is its QMK firmware customization. QMK is an open-source firmware that allows users to customize the behavior of their keyboard, such as programming macros, remapping keys, and creating custom lighting effects. This level of customization is highly valued by users who want to personalize their typing experience and have full control over their keyboard.
Overall, the Keychron Q3 QMK Keyboard is a highly customizable and versatile mechanical keyboard that offers a compact design, wireless connectivity, and QMK firmware customization. It is a great option for users who value customization and flexibility in their input devices.
Nuphy Air75 Keyboard – Best Slim Keyboard
-The NuPhy Air75 Keyboard is a wireless mechanical keyboard designed and manufactured by NuPhy, a company that specializes in making high-quality keyboards and computer peripherals. The Air75 is a 75% keyboard, which means that it has 75% of the keys found on a full-size keyboard, resulting in a more compact design.
-One of the standout features of the NuPhy Air75 is its wireless connectivity, which allows it to connect to a computer or other device via Bluetooth or a USB dongle. This makes it a great option for users who prefer a wireless keyboard or need to switch between multiple devices.
-The NuPhy Air75 features a hot-swappable PCB, which means that users can easily replace and customize the mechanical switches without soldering. This feature is highly valued by users who want to personalize their typing experience or experiment with different types of switches.
-The keyboard also features per-key RGB lighting, which allows users to customize the lighting for each key individually, creating a personalized and visually stunning effect. The NuPhy Air75 also has an aluminum alloy case, which provides durability and a premium look and feels.
Overall, the NuPhy Air75 Keyboard is a highly customizable and versatile wireless mechanical keyboard that offers a compact design, hot-swappable PCB, per-key RGB lighting, and an aluminum alloy case. It is a great option for users who value flexibility, customization, and a premium typing experience.
Asus Rog Azoth Wireless Keyboard – Best Wireless Keyboard
-The Asus ROG Azoth Wireless Keyboard is a high-performance mechanical gaming keyboard designed and manufactured by Asus, a well-known brand in the gaming and computer hardware industry. The Azoth is a wireless keyboard that features a compact design, per-key RGB lighting, and a range of other gaming-focused features.
-One of the standout features of the Asus ROG Azoth Wireless Keyboard is its low-latency wireless connectivity, which uses a 2.4GHz wireless dongle to provide a fast and responsive connection. This makes it a great option for gamers who demand the fastest and most reliable input devices.
-The Azoth also features per-key RGB lighting, which allows users to customize the lighting for each key individually, creating a personalized and visually stunning effect. The keyboard also features dedicated media keys, a volume roller, and a game mode that disables the Windows key to prevent accidental game interruptions.
-The Asus ROG Azoth Wireless Keyboard uses Cherry MX RGB mechanical switches, which are highly regarded for their durability and tactile feedback. The switches are rated for up to 100 million keystrokes, ensuring long-lasting and reliable performance.
Overall, the Asus ROG Azoth Wireless Keyboard is a highly advanced mechanical gaming keyboard that offers a range of features designed to enhance the gaming experience. Its low-latency wireless connectivity, per-key RGB lighting, and Cherry MX RGB mechanical switches make it a great option for gamers who demand the best in performance and customization.
Drop Alt Keyboard – Best Wired Keyboard
-The Drop ALT Keyboard is a highly customizable mechanical keyboard designed and manufactured by Drop, a company that specializes in high-quality computer peripherals. The ALT is a 65% keyboard, which means that it has 65% of the keys found on a full-size keyboard, resulting in a more compact design.
-One of the standout features of the Drop ALT Keyboard is its hot-swappable PCB, which means that users can easily replace and customize the mechanical switches without soldering. This feature is highly valued by users who want to personalize their typing experience or experiment with different types of switches.
-The ALT also features per-key RGB lighting, which allows users to customize the lighting for each key individually, creating a personalized and visually stunning effect. The keyboard also has a sturdy aluminum case, which provides durability and a premium look and feels.
-The Drop ALT Keyboard is highly customizable, allowing users to choose from a range of mechanical switches, keycaps, and other features. The keyboard also supports programming and customization using popular firmware such as QMK and VIA, which allows users to create custom macros, remap keys, and create custom lighting effects.
Overall, the Drop ALT Keyboard is a highly customizable and versatile mechanical keyboard that offers a compact design, hot-swappable PCB, per-key RGB lighting, and a range of customization options. It is a great option for users who value flexibility, customization, and a premium typing experience.
Planck Keyboard – Most Compact Keyboard
-The Planck Keyboard is a compact mechanical keyboard designed and manufactured by OLKB, a company that specializes in making customizable keyboards. The Planck is a 40% keyboard, which means that it has only 40% of the keys found on a full-size keyboard, resulting in a very compact design.
-One of the standout features of the Planck Keyboard is its ortho-linear layout, which arranges the keys in a grid rather than the staggered layout found on most keyboards. This layout can make typing more comfortable and efficient for some users, as it reduces finger stretching and requires less hand movement.
-The Planck also features a fully programmable PCB, which allows users to customize the keyboard layout, program macros, remap keys, and create custom lighting effects. This level of customization is highly valued by users who want to personalize their typing experience and have full control over their keyboard.
-The keyboard is also highly modular, allowing users to easily swap out mechanical switches, keycaps, and other components. This makes it a great option for users who want to experiment with different types of switches or customize the look and feel of their keyboard.
Overall, the Planck Keyboard is a highly customizable and compact mechanical keyboard that offers an ortho-linear layout, a fully programmable PCB, and a range of customization options. It is a great option for users who value efficiency, customization, and a unique typing experience. However, due to its small size and unique layout, the Planck Keyboard may not be suitable for all users.
Kono 67° Keyboard – Best Budget-Friendly Keyboard
-The Kono 67° Keyboard is a customizable mechanical keyboard designed and manufactured by Kono, a company that specializes in high-quality keyboards and computer peripherals. The 67° is a 65% keyboard, which means that it has 65% of the keys found on a full-size keyboard, resulting in a more compact design.
-One of the standout features of the Kono 67° Keyboard is its customizable hot-swappable PCB, which means that users can easily replace and customize the mechanical switches without soldering. This feature is highly valued by users who want to personalize their typing experience or experiment with different types of switches.
-The keyboard also features per-key RGB lighting, which allows users to customize the lighting for each key individually, creating a personalized and visually stunning effect. The Kono 67° also has a sturdy aluminum case, which provides durability and a premium look and feels.
-The Kono 67° Keyboard is highly customizable, allowing users to choose from a range of mechanical switches, keycaps, and other features. The keyboard also supports programming and customization using popular firmware such as QMK and VIA, which allows users to create custom macros, remap keys, and create custom lighting effects.
Overall, the Kono 67° Keyboard is a highly customizable and versatile mechanical keyboard that offers a compact design, hot-swappable PCB, per-key RGB lighting, and a range of customization options. It is a great option for users who value flexibility, customization, and a premium typing experience.
Is any keyboard customizable? & How much money should I spend on a custom keyboard?
Technically, any keyboard can have its layout altered. Whereas some are more difficult to personalize since the creator never intended for them to be. Others are still technically modifiable, but doing so will need advanced skills, most notably soldering, which are outside the scope of this article.
The price of a custom keyboard can range anywhere from $90 up to $400, depending on how much money you are willing to pay. But if you want to create a keyboard that won’t break the bank but will last a lifetime, you should expect to pay between $200 and $250 for the materials.