Beginner wanting to build a 65% keyboard

[Luka]

Hello everyone,

I really want to build my own keyboard but I don't really know where to get the parts and which I should get.
I want to build a mechanical keyboard that's around 65% maybe a little bigger I don't really know.
My big question is now what parts should I get? I set myself a budget of around 300$.
I don't really know what switches i want. Right now I have a Razer keyboard with green switches but i think they are a little hard to press.
One thing I do know is that I want to lube my switches, I really like the sound.
I will mainly use my keyboard for gaming but also typing. As a case I want a metal one but I dont know what is the best from brass, aluminium etc.
Also I am from germany and the import costs from the US are pretty hefty here in Germany so maybe you know any EU companys. But if not its still all good! And also, in 2 months i will be in Australia for half a year. Sooo, maybe there are some great companys as well? Idk

Best regards and Merry Christmas

[powwu]

Hello there!

First of all, welcome to the custom community. The vast majority of us are excited to have you here.

The overall best 65% PCB for you is the Tada68. You can order it with a plate and stabilizers on KBDfans.

As for the switches, I'm not sure what you'd like either. How are the switches on your Razer hard to press? Are they too heavy? Are they stiff? Do you enjoy the click and tactility?

Brass is used as a plate material, not as a case material. Aluminum is the most popular type of metal case. If you want to be hip and stylish, the Tofu 65% case is wonderful (also on KBDfans).

As for your European companies, mykeyboard.eu is the most reputable European custom keyboard company. They carry switches, caps, and everything in between.

Best of luck!

[treeleaf64]

This is a good kit by KBDFans:
https://kbdfans.com/collections/diy-kit/products/tofu65-custom-mechanical-keyboard-diy-kit?variant=21805619675184

Here are some switches that are similar to Razer Green, but have a much nicer sound and feel better (Box Pink). They are slightly heavier, but in a good way, and come with more tactility. You will want to get 7 packs of 10 switches.
https://novelkeys.xyz/collections/switches/products/novelkeys-x-kailh-box-pinks
You will be able to lube these, but I don't think need they lube

Here are some standard Cherry profile keycaps:
https://kprepublic.com/collections/pbt-double-shot-keycaps/products/pbt-doubleshot-keycaps-cherry-profile-carbon-colorway-for-ansi-104-mechanical-keyboard-beige-orange-grey-for-cherry-3494-3000?variant=1866397974572
https://www.originativeco.com/products/bred

Merry Christmas!

[Luka]

Thanks for the quick answers,

I have heard of the tada68, looks great.
One more thing about the switches: I have allways had clicky switches but i really want a switch that doesn't need too much force to be clicked. And I problably want to 'switch' it up a little and get a more tactile switch. But I am not really sure. Do you guys have a recommendation for a switch tester that's not that expensive?
And one more thing, are there any good keycaps that have like a rubber feel to it?

[treeleaf64]

I don't recommend a switch tester as it does not give one the experience of typing on a keyboard. I still recommend Box Pink, and if you are looking for something very tactile, Box Jade.

As for your second question, no, there are not. Rubber keycaps will not last long, plus the legends will be of low quality.

[powwu]

Thanks for the quick answers,

I have heard of the tada68, looks great.
One more thing about the switches: I have allways had clicky switches but i really want a switch that doesn't need too much force to be clicked. And I problably want to 'switch' it up a little and get a more tactile switch. But I am not really sure. Do you guys have a recommendation for a switch tester that's not that expensive?
And one more thing, are there any good keycaps that have like a rubber feel to it?

Do they feel stiff, like they are getting stuck, or heavy? If they feel heavy, you might not want to get box pinks. They are about 10g heavier than razer greens at actuation. If you were to get them, maybe spring swap?

[Luka]

Thanks for the quick answers,

I have heard of the tada68, looks great.
One more thing about the switches: I have allways had clicky switches but i really want a switch that doesn't need too much force to be clicked. And I problably want to 'switch' it up a little and get a more tactile switch. But I am not really sure. Do you guys have a recommendation for a switch tester that's not that expensive?
And one more thing, are there any good keycaps that have like a rubber feel to it?

Do they feel stiff, like they are getting stuck, or heavy? If they feel heavy, you might not want to get box pinks. They are about 10g heavier than razer greens at actuation. If you were to get them, maybe spring swap?

They fell a little bit too clicky, like they are getting stuck yeah. I probably want switches that are easier to type on and are not too stiff. many people say that the brown switches are a good middle ground. What do you think?

[powwu]

Thanks for the quick answers,

I have heard of the tada68, looks great.
One more thing about the switches: I have allways had clicky switches but i really want a switch that doesn't need too much force to be clicked. And I problably want to 'switch' it up a little and get a more tactile switch. But I am not really sure. Do you guys have a recommendation for a switch tester that's not that expensive?
And one more thing, are there any good keycaps that have like a rubber feel to it?

Do they feel stiff, like they are getting stuck, or heavy? If they feel heavy, you might not want to get box pinks. They are about 10g heavier than razer greens at actuation. If you were to get them, maybe spring swap?

They fell a little bit too clicky, like they are getting stuck yeah. I probably want switches that are easier to type on and are not too stiff. many people say that the brown switches are a good middle ground. What do you think?

First of all, it's not really customary to call tactile switches "browns" here. Instead, more people will understand if you call them tactiles.

If they are feeling stiff, and not heavy, then I think that the box pinks will suit you nicely. They are clicky (but not as loud as razer green) and more tactile (they have a more pronounced feel).