Intro to Mechanical Keyboards

Posted by Heather Moore on

If you’ve ever felt like the keyboard that came with your computer just doesn’t cut it - too cheap, too mushy, too boring - you’re not alone. That’s exactly where many people start before diving into the world of custom mechanical keyboards.

Whether you’re a writer, gamer, coder, designer, or just someone who loves good aesthetics and having great quality tools, custom keyboards offer a unique opportunity to create something that feels just right - tailored to your hands, your desk, and your vibe.

WHAT MAKES CUSTOM MECHANICAL KEYBOARDS DIFFERENT?

Think of an OEM keyboard (like the one that comes with a Dell or a gaming brand’s prebuilt mechanical board) as the keyboard version of a fast food combo: convenient, predictable, and mostly forgettable. In contrast, a custom mechanical keyboard is like a home-cooked meal or a boutique burger joint - you choose the ingredients, the portions, and how it all comes together. 

Some key differences:

Feel and sound: Depending on your switch and build choices, custom mechanical keyboards can be customized to feel as light or heavy as you desire, be as quiet or loud as you want, and produce various sound profiles to cater to your preferences.

Materials: While most OEM keyboards are only made from cheap plastic, customs often come with more options like aluminum, polycarbonate, brass, stainless steel, premium plastics, or even wood.

Personalization: You control the layout, size, aesthetics, and performance.

Programability: You can make your layout completely custom to you and your workflow (or for memes). 

Modularity: Unlike OEM boards, most customs are built from separate parts like building a PC.

WHY PEOPLE FALL IN LOVE WITH THE HOBBY

There’s something really satisfying about typing on a keyboard you built yourself. Every keystroke is a reminder that it was built with intention to your standards. You get to dial in the perfect typing experience, experiment with new builds, and even join a thriving community of people (join our discord!) who nerd out about switches, sound tests, and layouts.

And just like in the PC world, there are entry-level options, premium builds, and everything in between.

TL;DR: YOUR KEYBOARD, YOUR WAY

If you’re someone who spends hours a day at a keyboard, it might be worth investing in something that’s more than just “good enough.” A custom mechanical keyboard offers you more than just a typing tool - it’s a hobby, a creative outlet, and an upgrade you can actually feel.

Here at Omnitype®, we don’t just sell products—we design every piece of them with intention. In a space full of shortcuts and trends, we obsess over the details others overlook. From the materials we choose to the way every product feels on your desk, we aim for timeless design that holds up—not just in style, but in quality.

If you’re just getting started with custom keyboards, you’re already in the right place. We believe great tools should look as good as they feel—and we’re here to make sure yours does both.

Stay tuned - we’ll be sharing beginner guides and build tips soon to help you build your first (or next) custom curated board.