Mechanical Keyboard Guides & Tutorials

Top 5 Best Selling Gateron Switches (2024)

Gateron switches are among the most popular switches in the mechanical keyboard space. In this post, we explore the top 5 best-selling Gateron s ...

The Four Common Types of MX Switch Mechanisms

This blog post by Theremingoat details the origin and history of the most commonly used switch mechanisms and how they function when typing on y ...

Are Mechanical Keyboards Ergonomic?

This blog post by Preston questions whether mechanical keyboards are ergonomic, highlights the benefits of using a keyboard and provides options ...

Best Mechanical Keyboards with Numpads

This blog post by Preston discusses the best full-size mechanical keyboards with numpads from well-known brands, comparing their included featur ...

Dispelling a Few Keyboard Switch Myths

This short blog post by Theremingoat will clarify some switch lore and provide key details for topics about Kailh, Hall Effect and the 'best' ge ...

How to Describe Any Tactile Switch

This blog post by Thermingoat describes tactile switches in detail and introduces a size and strength spectrum for discussions about these kinds ...

What Some Switch Marketing Terms Really Mean

Switch marketing terms can be confusing. This short blog post by Theremingoat goes over some of the terms commonly used when describing switches ...

Magnets? In My Switches??

What are Hall Effect Switches? Theremingoat's latest blog post will go into depth about this type of switch and how they work in a mechanical ke ...

Are Mechanical Keyboards Harder to Press?

Could mechanical keyboards be harder to press? Preston's blog post goes into depth about what contributes to a keyboard's weight and overall fee ...

Do Switch Testers Help?

Do switch tester packs actually help with your next purchase? This blog post discusses this type of product and its benefits for researching you ...

Are Mechanical Keyboards Worth It?

Are you curious if mechanical keyboards are actually helpful? This blog post by Preston details their benefits and why you should use this type ...

Are Mechanical Keyboards Better for Gaming?

Could mechanical keyboards make you better at gaming? This short blog post outlines the benefits of using a keyboard and how they can be useful ...

Are Mechanical Keyboards Really Loud?

This short blog post by Preston, questions if mechanical keyboards are too loud. Read more to go over the best switch type for your next office ...

Are Mechanical Keyboards Too Loud for Work?

Ever wonder if your keyboard would be too loud for office work? This blog post by Preston will provide switch recommendations for your office ty ...

Linear Switches Aren't All the Same!

This short blog post by Theremingoat discusses the differences between linear switches and provides research to highlight what to look for in ea ...

TG67 V3 Review

This short blog post goes over Preston's review of the TG67 V3 Mechanical Keyboard kit and his overview of the updates and specifications of thi ...

Favorite Keyboard Switches of 2024

This blog post talks about Preston's favorite mechanical switches for 2024! Each switch has its specifications and a personal review by Preston ...

Switch Materials Are a Bit Complicated

Ever wonder what switch materials are made up of? This blog post will go into detail about the main types of switch materials used in most switc ...

What Are “Long Pole” Keyboard Switches?

Have you heard of Long Pole Switches? This short blog post will talk about this type of switch and provide a deeper look into how they function ...

Best Gateron Linear Switches Overview

Do you like linear switches? This blog post goes into depth about our listings of Gateron's switches and will help you learn more about their li ...

Keyboard Build Ideas for Every Budget

From frugal to fancy: This blog post will discuss keyboard purchases across every budget, helping you find the perfect fit for your next mechani ...

Gateron Tactile Switches Overview

Do you like tactile switches? This blog post goes into depth about our listings of Gateron's switches and will help you learn more about their t ...

TG67 V3 Mechanical Keyboard Assembly Guide

In this post, we review how to assemble your TG67 V3 mechanical keyboard, configure it with VIA, and debug common issues. ...

Should I Get A Budget Keyboard From Temu?

Is a budget Temu mechanical keyboard worth it? Come check out our short blog post to weigh the pros and cons of these affordable mechanical keyb ...

The Pros and Cons of an Ergonomic Keyboard

This short blog post breaks down all of the pros and cons of ergonomic keyboards and will help you decide if this type of board is fit for your ...

3 Tiers to Keyboard Switch Modding

Interested in modding your switches? In this short blog post, we find out what's possible when modifying switches in three easy tiers that you c ...

What Makes a Keyboard Silent Switch Silent?

Ever wonder what makes a switch "silent"? This blog post will provide some examples of silent switches and provide a brief overview of how these ...

An Overview of Wuque Studio Keyboard Switches

Let's learn more about Wuque Studio switches! This blog post overviews their current switch lineup and discusses each switch and its features. ...

Tips for Recording A Good Keyboard Typing Sound Test

Do you want to make a keyboard sound test? This blog post will tell you everything you need to know to create an excellent typing sound test for ...

Does Your Mechanical Keyboard Need Arrow Keys?

Do you really need arrow keys for your keyboard? This blog post talks about the history of arrow keys and provides some alternatives to use for ...

Ideas for a Monochrome (Black & White) Desk Setup

Do you want to make a keyboard sound test? This blog post will tell you everything you need to know to create an excellent typing sound test for ...

An Introduction to Clicky Switch Mechanisms

Are you curious about how clicky switches work? This article will talk about the mechanics of these switches and provide clarity on what makes a ...

An Overview of Keychron's Q-Series Keyboards

This short blog post explores the Keychron Q-Series lineup and provides an overview of each variant's core features and similarities for your ne ...

What to Expect at Your First Mechanical Keyboard Meetup

This short blog post explores the Keychron Q-Series lineup and provides an overview of each variant's core features and similarities for your ne ...

VIA (QMK) Mappings for VS Code Programmers

Boost your productivity with keyboard shortcuts for the VSCode IDE! This short blog post covers common keyboard shortcuts to save time and excel ...

2024 Keyboard Layout Trends You Should Check Out

Stay ahead with 2024's hottest keyboard trends! This blog post highlights must-see innovations and features to heighten and redefine your typing ...

What are Alice Mechanical Keyboards?

Curious about Alice keyboards? This short blog post will talk about the Alice keyboard layout and how its unique design will impact your daily t ...

Mechanical Keyboard Forums Explained

Want to learn about more relevant forums for keebs? This blog post will introduce you to the most commonly used forums so you can learn more fro ...

How to Know If A Keycap Set Fits Your Keyboard

Ensure a perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard! This blog post will guide you through the process of verifying keycap compatibility for your ...

Keyboard VIA Mappings for Photoshop Editing

Elevate your Photoshop skills! This blog post goes into detail about essential keyboard shortcuts to map in VIA to boost your editing speed and ...

QMK / VIA Keyboard Shortcuts for Designers (Adobe Suite)

Boost your productivity with keyboard shortcuts for Windows and Mac! This short blog post covers common keyboard shortcuts to save time and exce ...

An Introduction to Chosfox Keyboard Switches

What are Chosfox Switches? Dive into our blog post to learn more about this brand and the different options available for each type of switch fo ...

Top 5 Things You Need for Your Gaming Keyboard

Get ready to level up your gaming experience! Check out our latest guide on the must-have features and factors to look out for with your next ga ...

What Stabilizers To Buy for Your Mechanical Keyboard

Choosing some new stabilizers for your mechanical keyboard? Don't miss our blog post! Discover the best choices so you can enhance your typing e ...

Keyboard Switch Leaves Explained

This short blog post talks about keyboard switch leaves and the significant role they play in determining a switch's tactility and general feel ...

Are Mechanical Keyboards Better for Productivity?

Can you really boost productivity with mechanical keyboards? This post explores if they live up to the hype so let's find out if they're the key ...

How Mechanical Keyboard PCBs Work (Technical Dive)

In this blog post, we go over all of the components that formulate a mechanical keyboard PCB and delve deeper into what each element of the PCB ...

Understanding Switch Springs and Switch Swapping

What are switch springs and switch swapping? This blog post talks about these key aspects to further your understanding of your next set of mech ...

Beginner Mechanical Keyboard Questions Answered

New to mechanical keyboards? Find answers to beginner questions and discover everything you need to know to find the perfect mechanical keyboard ...

What are VIA and QMK for Mechanical Keyboards?

Unraveling the mystery: VIA and QMK explained! This blog post dives into these essential keyboard firmware platforms and unlock new customizatio ...

4 Things To Consider Before Buying a Wireless Keyboard

In this guide you will learn about the most important considerations you should have in mind when purchasing a wireless keyboard and its pros an ...

You’re Not Trying Enough Keyboard Switches

Are you missing out on the next best set of switches? This post reveals why trying new brands is essential and talks about how you can find your ...

A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Mechanical Keyboards

"Do you really have to clean a mechanical keyboard?" you ask. keeb-savvy people know the answer is "yes", obviously. ...

Overview of Popular Keyboard Switch Housing Materials

In this short and concise guide, you will discover the different types of mechanical switch housing materials that you need to know for your upc ...

What Are Mechanical Keyboard PCBs?

Discover the inner workings of mechanical keyboard PCBs in our latest guide. Find out more about how these crucial components support your keybo ...

N-key Rollover in Mechanical Keyboards Explained

This is a short guide on N-key rollover (NKRO) and how this feature prevents "ghosting” or missed keystrokes when multiple keys are pressed simu ...

How to Test Your Mechanical Keyboard PCB

This short guide describes testing mechanical keyboard PCB with concise instructions, tools needed, and methods to check for defective switches ...

How to Properly Silence Your Keyboard Stabilizers

Tuning your stabilizers can be daunting and in this short guide you will learn everything you need to properly and easily modify and fine-tune y ...

Can Wrist Rests Be Good for Your Health?

Ever wonder what wrist rests can do for you? Learn more about the functions and benefits of wrist rests and the factors you should consider when ...

Comparing Mechanical Keyboard Plate Materials

Mechanical keyboards use a variety of different plate materials, including PC, FR4, and Aluminum. In this guide, I review several options to hel ...

Anti-ghosting in Keyboards Explained: Why Does It Matter?

If you've ever wondered what anti-ghosting is, then this article is for you: in a few words I explain what it is and why it's important for your ...

An Introductory Guide to Keyboard Switch Springs

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, have you stopped to consider the type of spring used? In this guide, I cover common spri ...

Are Large Desk Mats (XXL Mouse Pads) Better?

Desk mats (aka XXL mouse pads) come in various different sizes, and in this guide I help you decide which desk mat size is right for you and you ...

Dye-Sub vs Double-Shot Legends in Keyboard Keycaps

Mechanical keyboard keycap legends come in two forms: dye-sublimated and double-shot (aka injection molded). Here I explore the pros and cons of ...

An Overview of Essential Mechanical Keyboard Tools

In this guide, I cover some essential tools and accessories for building and modding mechanical keyboards including keycap pullers, soldering ir ...

What Does "Thock" Mean?

We hear the word "thock" and "thocky" thrown around a lot in the mechanical keyboard community, but what does it really mean? Simply put, thock ...

Overview of Mechanical Keyboard Mods

With so many mechanical keyboard mods out there to make your keyboard feel and sound great, it can get a little overwhelming. In this post I bre ...

Choosing Between Linear, Tactile, and Clicky Switches

There are 3 main types of switches: linear, tactile, and clicky. In this post, I go over some tips to help you decide which switch type is right ...

Mechanical vs Membrane Keyboards: Which Is Best?

When it comes to choosing a keyboard for your computer, you have to choose between mechanical keyboards and membrane keyboards. Which one is rig ...

Moon V2 Hand-Lubed 205g0 Linear Switch Review

A review of the new Moon V2 linear switches from Agile and Kinetic Labs with factory pre-lubrication by hand with Krytox 205g0 for a smooth stoc ...

Plastic vs. Metal Mechanical Keyboards: Pros & Cons

Plastic mechanical keyboards versus metal keyboards: which is better? Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference, but here's some ...

An Intro to Frankenswitches for Mechanical Keyboards

An introduction to frankenswitches: like all things mechanical keyboard related, customization is the name of the game when combining switches t ...

An Overview of Mechanical Keyboard Layouts

In this blog post, I go over the most popular mechanical keyboard layout options, from 40% up to 100% layouts to help you choose the one that's ...

Mechanical Keyboard Suggestions For The Office

You spend just as much time typing on your mechanical keyboard as you do sleeping, so why not invest in improving your workspace to be as effici ...

How to Build a Silent Mechanical Keyboard

Building a silent keyboard is actually a lot easier than you think, and to me, is one of the easiest keyboard builds to do. ...

Can using a Mechanical Keyboard make you a better programmer?

Back when I was a kid there was a store called CompUSA that had a variety of stores in the United States that specialized in computers and compu ...

Mechanical Keyboards and Female Gamers: An Interview

“As a content creator, it is important to have a theme…”, Alannah said, as a way to keep followers engaged in what you are trying to do. She was ...

Gateron Yellow Switches: KS-3, KS-X, What's It All Mean?

Gateron yellow switches come in all shapes and sizes, from KS-3 to KS-8 to G Pro. In this article we explore some of the key differences between ...

Hot-Swap Keyboard vs Soldered PCB: Does it Matter?

Sometimes it can be confusing to understand the difference between a hotswap and soldered PCB, but don't worry, today we are breaking it all dow ...

Wuque Studios WS Silent Tactile Keyboard Switch Review

The WS Silent Tactile is one of Wuque Studios’ newest switches and with a low price of only $.42, they definitely have a lot to offer. ...

How to Install Switches On Hot-Swap Keyboards

Installing switches for the first time might seem challenging, but with this guide, you will be installing them like a pro in no time! ...

What to Look for When Buying Mechanical Keyboard Keycaps

Mechanical keycaps are caps that fit onto the key switches of mechanical keyboards. They can be made from a variety of materials, such as ABS pl ...

What to Look for When Buying Mechanical Keyboard Switches

When shopping for mechanical keyboard switches, there are several key factors to consider before making your decision. In this article, I cover ...

5 Ways to Deepen the Sound of Your Mechanical Keyboard

Many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts like to customize keyboards based on sound quality. The best feature of a mechanical keyboard is its click- ...

Lubing Tactile Keyboard Switches

Tactile mechanical switches have a reputation, a bit like linear mechanical switches which are said to be for gamers, tactile switches are said ...

Lubing Linear Keyboard Switches

Lubing your mechanical switches is one of the most pleasant modifications you can do to customize the feel, sound, and overall experience of you ...

Keyboard Switch Silencing Mechanisms

If you ask just about anyone in the mechanical keyboard hobby what the different types of switches are that are out there, you’re bound to get t ...

Mechanical Keyboard Holiday Buying Guide 2022

Tis the season and giving the gift of keyboards is the best thing, whatever your budget or what you’re looking for. Whether it’s for yourself or ...

Lubing Keyboard Switches: Tips & Techniques

A well-modified switch is probably one of the most satisfying parts of the mechanical keyboard experience. For me, it’s right up there with well ...

TG67 V2 Mechanical Keyboard Build Guide

Now that you've received your TG67 V2 Mechanical Keyboard kit, it's time to build it! Follow the steps below, and reach out to our customer supp ...

Bag Lubing Switch Springs with Krytox 105 Oil

Here you are! You’ve bought your dry, unmodified mechanical switches for your mechanical keyboard. You open the bag. You hold a switch in your h ...

Plate-Mount vs. PCB-Mount Stabilizers

Stabilizers, or stabs for short, are keyboard parts that are installed in conjunction with mechanical switches to support the largest keycaps of ...

How Long Do Keyboard Switches Actually Last?

Over the past year or so of reviewing switches, many of my more frequent questions have begun to be focused on that of “breaking in” switches. W ...

Keyboard Switch Lubing: Is It Really Necessary?

If you’ve been looking into building your first (or even thirteenth) mechanical keyboard over the past few weeks, there’s no doubt in my mind th ...

The Ultimate Guide on Lubing Keyboard Switches

Mechanical keyboard fanatics know that lubing switches gives keyboards a smoother feel. They also know that applying lubricants to switches can ...

Keyboard Switch Force Curves Explained

Starting at absolute ground zero as an introduction, I think it would be in good interest to start by describing what a force curve is and what ...

A Quick Guide to Tactile, Linear, and Clicky Keyboard Switches

If you're looking to buy a mechanical keyboard, it's easy to get confused between all of your options. For example, every mechanical keyboard ne ...

ANSI vs ISO: Which Keyboard Layout is Best for You?

Choosing a new keyboard seems so simple - until you get to all the nuances. In addition to the ergonomics, cost, and size, choosing between the ...

What Is The Best Gateron Linear Switch?

Linear switches are the best way to ensure a smooth typing experience. If you are an avid gamer or dislike the thunk of a more tactile keyboard, ...

Mechanical Keyboard Parts List: 8 Parts for Beginners

Whether you’ve built your own PC or are a casual browser, mechanical keyboards come in shapes and sizes for every kind of user. As mechanical ke ...

GMK vs PBT Keycaps: What’s the difference?

Writers, programmers, and gamers alike have flocked to mechanical keyboards for their tactility, unique color-schemes, RGB lighting, and distinc ...

How to Remove Keycaps on a Mechanical Keyboard with a Puller

Removing keycaps takes a steady hand and the right equipment. A keycap puller is all you need — and maybe to avoid the third cup of coffee or ca ...

How to Lube Mechanical Keyboard Switches Without Soldering

Lubricating your mechanical keyboard switches is one of the best ways to keep them feeling and sounding great. Knowing how to lube mechanical ke ...

Plate-Mount vs. PCB-Mount Switches on Mechanical Keyboards

One crucial factor to consider is the mounting style, which determines whether or not the switches are compatible with a keyboard. There are two ...

Why are Custom Mechanical Keyboards So Expensive?

In the wonderful world of custom mechanical keyboards, typing feels good, and gaming is even more fun because the keyboards are more tactile and ...

10 Cute Desk Setup Ideas

Your desk is a vital part of your bedroom or office. It is where you play games, complete work, and socialize with friends online. If you plan o ...

How to Store Mechanical Keyboard Keycaps and Switches

Whether you're an avid gamer or a software developer, if you use your keyboard enough to know that you need keycaps, you also know that proper k ...

Should I buy ABS vs. PBT Keycaps?

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) are the two most common keycap materials. ABS keycaps are the more co ...

Which Mechanical Keyboard Layout Is Right For You?

Long gone are the days of standard keyboard sizes. Now technology offers everything that the user needs, from different keyboard sizes to person ...

Popular Mechanical Keyboard Keycap Materials: A Guide To PBT, ABS, & POM

This quick guide to PBT keycaps, ABS keycaps, and POM keycaps should answer all of your key questions to ensure that the right selection is made ...

Comparing TriboSys 3203 & 3204 Switch Lubes

If you've been doing research on the optimal switch lubricant to use for tactile switches, odds are that you've come across Tribosys 3203 and Tr ...

How to Use Penguin Tactile V2 Switches

These properties make penguins ergonomic because they soften the bottom-out. Bottoming out can be a painful experience for some when used typing ...

Using and Modding Salmon Tactile Switches

Whether you're thinking about getting your hands on Salmon tactile switches, or you've already decided to dive in, we're going to cover some use ...

What Are PolyCaps PBT Keycaps?

Here at Kinetic Labs, we like to have our keycap sets in stock, conceptualized in-house, and designed in collaboration with our favorite artists ...

How to Use Keyboard Switch Films

Choosing a switch for your mechanical keyboard build is one of the most important decisions you can make about your build, and certainly one of ...

How to use Krytox 205g0 Lubricant

Krytox 205g0 is one of the most used lubricants in the world of mechanical keyboards, and a top pick among the keyboard community. You may have ...

Durock Stabilizers and How to Use Them

If you ask any of the mechanical keyboard builders in the industry, enthusiasts and specialists alike, one of the most important—if not the most ...