Buying guide
Endgame Custom Build
Updated How we research
The no-compromise dream keyboard. The page is split into five sections (A custom keyboard kit as the foundation; Premium switches worth the splurge; Doubleshot keycaps that never fade; Screw-in stabilizers for rattle-free keys; A coiled cable to finish the look), followed by every pick ranked by our score so you can compare them in one place.
The short version
We compared 20 picks. Our scores range from 7.6 to 8.9 out of 10.
- Best overall:GMK104 Barebones Keyboard Kit with Screen & Knob, QMK/VIA, Tri-Mode Gasket Hot Swap RGB Full Size DIY (Black). Highest overall score in this guide at 8.9/10.
- Also great value:DUROCK Stabilizers V3, Screw-in with 2u 6.25u 7u Wires, PCB Mount (Smokey 80% Kit). Value score of 8/10, overall 8.8/10.
- Solid build:GATERON Oil King V2 Pre-lubed 5 Pin Linear Switches (90 Pcs). Build and materials score of 9/10, overall 8.6/10.
- Feature-rich:YMDK Double Shot 108 Dyed PBT Shine Through OEM Profile (Carbon). Features score of 8/10, overall 8.6/10.
Scores are our editorial assessment, not customer ratings. How we score
A custom keyboard kit as the foundation
- GMK104 Barebones Keyboard Kit with Screen & Knob, QMK/VIA, Tri-Mode Gasket Hot Swap RGB Full Size DIY (Black)Our score8.9/10
- LEOBOG Hi75C Upgraded Wired Mechanical Keyboard Kit - Aluminum Alloy 75%Our score8.0/10
- GTSP 75% Custom Barebones Keyboard Kit, Blank DIY PCB with Gasket, Hot Swappable 3pin/5pin, RGB (V400 White)Our score7.8/10
- Sanpyl DIY Mechanical Keyboard Kit, 87 Key RGB TKL, Hot Swap, ABS Aluminum Alloy Modular (White)Our score7.6/10
Doubleshot keycaps that never fade
- YMDK Double Shot 108 Dyed PBT Shine Through OEM Profile (Carbon)Our score8.6/10
- Keychron OSA Profile Double-Shot PBT Side-Printed Keycap Set, 141 Keys, MX Stem Compatible, Backlight Shine-Through Legend - Fits ANSI 60%/65%/75%/TKL/96%/100% LayoutsOur score8.0/10
- XVX PBT Keycaps Side Printed Double Shot Shine Through 136 Keys (Gradient Gray)Our score8.0/10
- NPKC Top Printed Double Shot PBT Shine Through Translucent 108 Key OEM Profile Keycap for MX Switches Mechanical Keyboard (Only Keycap)Our score7.8/10
Screw-in stabilizers for rattle-free keys
- DUROCK Stabilizers V3, Screw-in with 2u 6.25u 7u Wires, PCB Mount (Smokey 80% Kit)Our score8.8/10
- DUROCK Stabilizer V3 Screw-in, PCB Mount (V3 Black Gold 100% Kit)Our score8.6/10
- DUROCK Stabilizer V3, Screw-in PCB Mount (V3 Smokey Black 80% Kit)Our score8.6/10
- DUROCK Stabilizer V3 Screw-in, PCB Mount (V3 Teal 80% Kit)Our score8.6/10
A coiled cable to finish the look
- Keychron Custom Coiled Aviator USB-C Cable, Black, 5-Pin (GX12) Detachable Metal Connector, USB-A Adapter, Durable Braided Cable for Mechanical Keyboards, Charging & Data TransferOur score8.2/10
- EPOMAKER Mix 1.8m Coiled Keyboard Cable, USB C to USB A TPU Cable for Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, with Detachable Metal Aviator for Custom Keyboard, BlackOur score7.8/10
- GUNMJO Pro Custom Coiled USB-C Keyboard Cable, Double-Sleeved with Metal Aviator, 1.5M (White)Our score7.8/10
- PWNAGE Ultra Custom Coiled Aviator USB C Cable for Gaming Keyboard, Double-Sleeved Mechanical Keyboard Cable with Detachable Metal Aviator, 1.8M USB-A to USB-C, (Black Color)Our score7.7/10
All 20 picks, ranked by our score
Every product from the sections above, listed once. Sort by the criterion you care about most, or tick up to three to compare.
#1The GMK104 is a black full size barebones kit with a screen, knob, QMK/VIA, tri-mode wireless and a gasket hot-swap design.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 10/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + QMK and VIA give deep remapping on a full size wireless custom board
- + Screen and knob add status info and fast volume control
- + Gasket mount and tri-mode connection bring premium features to a kit
- - Full size kits need more switches, which raises the total build cost
- - Many features mean more firmware setup than a simple kit
#2DUROCK's V3 Smokey 80% kit includes 2u, 6.25u and 7u wires for screw-in PCB mount stabilizers.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Included 6.25u and 7u wires support different spacebar sizes
- + Smokey housings look great in RGB and translucent builds
- + Screw-in stabilizers greatly reduce rattle on long keys
- - 80% kit is not enough for full size boards
- - Stabilizers still need lube tuning for the quietest result
#3This 90-piece GATERON Oil King V2 pack supplies enough pre-lubed 5 Pin linears for tenkeyless builds.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + 90 switches cover a tenkeyless keyboard with spares
- + Heavy factory lube gives a thocky, polished linear sound
- + Larger pack lowers the cost per switch versus the smaller pack
- - Heavier linear weight may not suit light typists
- - Still falls short of a full size board with numpad
#4YMDK's 108-key Carbon double shot dyed PBT OEM keycaps offer shine-through legends in a durable material.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Double shot PBT combines durable material with shine-through legends
- + Carbon colorway gives a classic orange and gray look
- + OEM profile feels familiar to stock keyboard users
- - 108 keys may lack extra keys for compact modifier sizes
- - Dyed PBT can vary slightly in tone between batches
#5DUROCK's V3 Black Gold 100% kit of screw-in PCB mount stabilizers fits full size keyboards with a numpad.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Screw-in design keeps stabilizers firmly anchored, reducing rattle
- + 100% kit includes enough stabilizers for full size layouts
- + DUROCK V3 is a trusted enthusiast stabilizer
- - Only works on PCBs with screw-in stabilizer holes
- - Black Gold style is hidden under keycaps once installed
#6DUROCK's V3 Smokey Black 80% kit of screw-in PCB mount stabilizers gives a dark, stealthy look.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + Smokey Black housings blend into dark themed builds
- + Screw-in design locks stabilizers tightly to the PCB
- + 80% size covers most TKL and compact builds
- - Confirm the stabilizer wire sizes match your keyboard before buying
- - Not compatible with plate mount stabilizer boards
#7DUROCK's V3 Teal 80% kit of screw-in PCB mount stabilizers suits tenkeyless and smaller keyboard builds.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10
- + 80% kit is sized for TKL builds without paying for unused stabs
- + Screw-in mounting delivers a stable, low rattle feel
- + Teal housings add color visible through translucent caps
- - Not enough stabilizers for a full size board with numpad
- - Plate mount keyboards cannot use screw-in stabilizers
#8Gateron Oil King V2 pre-lubed 5-pin linear switches, 72 pieces, 55gf with a 4.0mm total travel. A premium factory-lubed linear that takes the place of the old 70 piece listing.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10
- + The listing states a 55 plus or minus 5gf operating force, 4.0mm total travel and a lifespan of 80 million keystrokes.
- + A black-plated 20mm spring and gold contact point are listed, with pre-lubed linear action out of the box.
- + The V2 mold was reworked to address axial shaking, and the 72 piece count nearly matches the original listing.
- - The listing text is short, so details like housing materials are not spelled out.
- - At about $43 for 72 switches it is among the pricier linear options and the listing shows limited stock.
#9Keychron's current listing of its black coiled aviator cable: braided USB-C with a 5-pin GX12 detachable metal connector, a 5.5 inch coil, a 3ft straight section and a USB-A adapter.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10
- + USB-C cable with a USB-A adapter included, so it works with either port type on the computer
- + 5-pin GX12 aviator connector gives a secure, detachable joint in the middle of the cable
- + 5.5 inch coil of 25mm diameter plus a 3ft straight run keeps the desk tidy
- - The straight section is only 3ft, which limits reach to a computer placed away from the keyboard
- - The compatibility list is written around Keychron boards, with other brands not named
#10LEOBOG Hi75C is a wired 75% keyboard kit with a CNC-machined aluminum case, gasket mount, hot-swap PCB and a volume knob. It is a step up in price and materials from plastic budget kits.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + CNC-machined aluminum alloy case gives the build a metal frame instead of a plastic shell
- + Gasket mount structure and a refined PCB compared with the original Hi75, per the listing
- + Hot-swap PCB takes 3-pin and 5-pin switches, with an integrated volume knob and mute button
- - Wired only and a 75% layout, so there is no number pad for builders who wanted a full-size kit
- - The listing does not spell out whether switches and keycaps are included, so confirm before ordering
#11Keychron 141-key set in double-shot PBT with side-printed shine-through legends and the OSA profile. Walls are 1.6mm thick and the set covers ANSI 60% through full-size boards.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10
- + True double-shot molding in PBT with 1.6mm walls, so the legends are part of the cap itself
- + Side-printed legends let backlight glow through the front edge while the top surface stays clean
- + 141 keys cover ANSI 60%, 65%, 75%, TKL, 96% and 100% layouts with MX-style stems
- - Side legends suit low light: the listing itself says they are less visible in bright daylight
- - OSA is a rounded profile, not OEM or Cherry, and the set is for ANSI layouts only
#12XVX's 136-key Gradient Gray PBT keycaps pair side printed double shot legends with shine-through lighting.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Side printed shine-through legends light up the front edge of each key
- + Gradient Gray fades across the board for a clean modern look
- + 136 keys cover full size and many compact layouts
- - Side legends are harder to see when looking straight down at keys
- - Check the keycap profile height before ordering
#13GTSP's white V400 is a 75% barebones kit with a gasket design and hot-swap sockets supporting 3pin and 5pin switches.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + 3pin and 5pin socket support accepts almost any MX style switch
- + Gasket design gives a softer, more cushioned typing feel
- + RGB and white case make a clean base for pastel keycap sets
- - Blank kit means extra cost for switches, keycaps and possibly stabilizer tuning
- - Lesser known brand with fewer build guides and support resources
#14A 35-count pack of Gateron Oil King pink silent linear pre-lubed 5-Pin switches for quiet premium builds.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 6/10
- + Silent version keeps the Oil King smoothness with far less noise
- + Pink housings add a playful accent for colorful keyboard themes
- + Pre-lubed from the factory for smooth travel right away
- - 35 switches per pack means buying several for a full keyboard
- - Silent dampening softens the deep thock that regular Oil Kings are known for
#15Glorious Panda tactile switches, a 36 piece plate-mounted 3-pin pack with a clear bump and quick snap back. This is the non-lubed version, so budget extra time if you want to lube them.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 6/10
- + Same Glorious Panda switch as the old listing, with a strong tactile bump at the start of the downstroke.
- + Polycarbonate top, PA66 nylon bottom, POM stem and nickel-plated spring are all stated in the listing.
- + A three-pole design compatible with the vast majority of Cherry MX and Kailh sockets.
- - The listing says these are not pre-lubed, unlike the lubed pack this one replaces.
- - Only 36 switches per pack, so a 65 percent or larger board needs more than one pack.
#16YMDK's current NPKC listing: a 108-key OEM profile set in double-shot PBT with top-printed shine-through legends, for full-size ANSI boards with a standard bottom row.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Double-shot legends on caps listed as 90% PBT and about 1.2mm thick
- + Top-printed translucent legends let keyboard backlighting show through the characters
- + 108 keys for a full-size layout, with a keycap puller included in the package
- - Full-size standard layout only: the listing says 64, 68, 75, 84 and 96 key boards cannot use it
- - Not for Corsair or Razer boards with non-standard bottom rows, and the title does not name the color
#17EPOMAKER Mix is a 1.8m coiled USB-C to USB-A keyboard cable in black with a detachable metal aviator connector and Techflex and PP double sleeving.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + Double-sleeved with Techflex and PP for a cable the listing calls durable and flexible
- + Detachable aviator connector makes it quick to swap between keyboards
- + From an established keyboard brand, and the listing mentions other color options to match a build
- - USB-A on the computer end only, with no USB-C to USB-C option mentioned
- - The listing does not state the coil length or the aviator pin count
#18GUNMJO's white Pro custom coiled USB-C keyboard cable is double-sleeved with a metal aviator and 1.5M length.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10
- + White double-sleeved cable pairs well with light keyboards
- + Metal aviator connector adds strength and a custom look
- + 1.5M length suits most desk layouts
- - Check the host connector type matches your PC before ordering
- - White sleeve can pick up grime near the desk edge
#19PWNAGE's current listing of its Ultra Custom coiled aviator cable in black: a 1.8m double-sleeved USB-A to USB-C keyboard cable with a detachable metal aviator connector.
Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Detachable metal aviator connector lets you unplug the keyboard without reaching behind the computer
- + Double-sleeved cable with a hand-coiled section, per the listing
- + 1.8m total length with USB-A on the computer end and USB-C on the keyboard end
- - The listing gives very little detail: no coil length, pin count or wire spec is stated
- - USB-A on the computer end only, so a laptop with only USB-C ports needs an adapter
#20Sanpyl's white DIY kit is an 87-key RGB TKL hot-swap board with an ABS and aluminum alloy modular body.
Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10
- + Aluminum alloy parts add rigidity over all-plastic budget kits
- + Hot-swap TKL layout keeps navigation keys in a custom friendly build
- + White modular body pairs well with colorful keycap sets
- - Mixed ABS and aluminum construction feels less premium than full metal
- - Kit needs switches and keycaps bought separately
Popular right now
- What Is a Hot-Swap Keyboard and Why It MattersArticle
- Best Ortholinear Keyboards (2026)Buying guide
- North vs South Facing SwitchesArticle
- What Are QMK and VIA? Keyboard Firmware ExplainedArticle
- Linear vs Tactile vs ClickyArticle
- Mechanical Keyboard Switch ChartArticle
Based on the last 28 days of search and visitor data.
MechKeeb Lab curates picks for US shoppers. Scores are our editorial assessment. We may earn a commission from links on this page.