Mechanical keyboards have become immensely popular over the past few years, especially in DIY and enthusiast communities. Customizing a keyboard can make it feel more comfortable to type on and an attractive piece of gear to show off. Because who likes a run-of-the-mill keyboard that everyone has?

  • Keychron Q3 Keyboard in blue colorway
    Keychron Q3
    Best Overall Customizable Keyboard
    $194 at Keychron
  • Asus Rog Azoth White
    Asus ROG Azoth
    Best Wireless Customizable Keyboard
    $200 at Amazon
  • Drop Alt Keyboard
    Drop Alt Keyboard
    Best Wired Customizable Keyboard
    $204 at Amazon
  • RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61
    RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61
    Best Budget Customizable Keyboard
    $47 at Walmart
  • Nuphy Air75 V2
    NuPhy Air75 V2 Wireless Keyboard
    Best Low Profile Customizable Keyboard
    $120 at NuPhy
  • best gaming keyboard deals
    Corsair K70 PRO Mini Gaming Keyboard
    Best Compact Customizable Keyboard
    $101 at Amazon
  • XVX S-K80 75% Keyboard
    XVX S-K80 75% Keyboard
    Best 75% Customizable Keyboard
    $70 at Amazon
  • Asus Rog Strix Scope II 96
    ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless Gaming Keyboard
    Best TKL Customizable Keyboard
    $150 at Amazon
  • Mountain Everest Max keyboard
    Mountain Everest Max Mechanical Keyboard
    Best Full Sized Customizable Keyboard
    $150 at Walmart
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There are tons of mechanical and gaming keyboards on the market today, so deciding to buy one can be difficult. This guide will review the pros and cons of the best customizable keyboard models to find the right choice for the fussiest buyers. Whether gamers desire a full-sized keyboard with a ton of macro-programmable keys or a mini keyboard that can function in tight spaces, there is a perfect fit for everyone. The form factor is only one consideration buyers should have, with wired and wireless keyboards having contrasting strengths and weaknesses.

Updated on May 8, 2024, by Adam Corsetti: The customizable keyboard arena keeps expanding with surprising new ways to personalize these devices. In this article's latest update, a tiny but immensely versatile 60% keyboard has found its way onto the following list. Also, full-sized keyboard loyalists are given more attention with a large modular option built to withstand years of abuse.

Game ZXC's Picks For The Most Customizable Keyboards

While Keychron is a reasonably new name in the industry compared to brands like Logitech and Asus, it has become a staple for many customizable keyboard fans. The Q3 is a prime example of why it has built such an excellent reputation. The frame is entirely made of aluminum, there is plenty of sound dampening, and the pre-lubed Gateron G Pro switches are an absolute joy to use. This well-built keyboard is ideal for users eager to try some modifications without concerns over build quality.

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This hot-swappable keyboard can be purchased fully assembled or as a bare-bones kit, depending on the level of customization that gamers want to dive into. If users decide to go with the barebones kit, Keychron makes the whole build process extremely straightforward, unlike other DIY kits that are quite complicated. The Q3 is a great starting point, but it also has enough room to customize and a premium build that will satisfy more experienced DIY keyboard builders as well.

Boasting tremendous build quality and copious switch options, the Keychron Q3 is the overall best customizable keyboard. Even if gamers don't end up getting a keyboard from Keychron, they have a ton of switches to choose from that will work with most other customizable keyboards. Just be careful because once the rabbit hole of mechanical switches is open, it's hard to look back.

The Asus ROG lineup is a fan favorite for the myriad of gear they make – from powerful gaming laptops to mechanical keyboards. With the introduction of the Asus ROG Azoth, they are now an excellent option for gamers who want a highly customizable and premium keyboard. Not only is the PCB completely hot-swappable, but it also comes with a switch lube kit in the box.

At $250, this keyboard is not the most affordable option, but its performance and overall typing feel more than make up for it. Asus opted to use their own proprietary switches for the default option, but because the PCB is hot-swappable, gamers can easily change these out for whatever they like. However, players might not want to do that since Game ZXC's full review of the Asus ROG Azoth found that each keystroke feels remarkably smooth. The ROG Azoth’s factory pre-lubed switches resist wobbling while offering a satisfying click at the keyboard’s actuation point.

The ROG Azoth does come pre-built, but with the tools included in the box, upcoming DIY projects can easily be built from the keyboard. The Azoth feels like a starter board for those who want to try their hand at the keyboard-building space but want to ensure they have a great device, no matter what.

Drop (or as it was previously known, MassDrop) has been a go-to source for high-end keyboard components. Since they also now make gaming keyboards, there is no reason to leave Drop's website. The Alt lacks some fancy features like other keyboards from Razer, but its simple design makes it perfect for first-time DIYers. Also, the keyboard's wired connectivity eliminates regular recharging and any signal interference concerns.

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The bare-bones kits come with various material options, from thin aluminum bodies to chunky plastic ones, depending on the users' taste. Like the Keychron Q3, the case on the ALT is standard enough that players can easily find third-party components to fit inside. As a result, there is no worry about running into problems with customizations down the line.

Drop sells the case and PCB as a bare-bones kit for gamers who want to save a few bucks. Of course, players will need switches and keycaps to make those cost savings worth it.

The Royal Kludge RK61 is a 60% wireless mechanical keyboard and is one of the best values among all keyboards, thanks to its easy customization and durability. Buyers looking for a low-risk gateway into the world of enthusiast keyboards shouldn't hesitate to try the RK61.

The RK61 comes with Royal Kludge brand Red, Blue, or Brown mechanical switches by default. These switches offer a pretty excellent typing experience out of the box, but the PCB is fully hot-swappable for users who don't want any of those options. As long as the new switches use the five-pin Cherry mount, they will fit into the RK61. Gamers who want to take it a step further can swap out even the stabilizers for custom ones.

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Because of the small form factor, the keyboard customization begins and ends with the swappable hardware on the RK61. There are no dedicated macro buttons, and the Royal Kludge software does not make it easy to customize the function layer to add macros. So, if custom macros are key, the RK61 can be a bit limiting; however, the slightly larger and more expensive Royal Kludge RK96 might be a better way to go.

Low-profile keyboards have several ergonomic advantages, such as keeping wrists and hands at more comfortable incline levels. When combined with extensive customization potential, slimmer devices like the NuPhy Air75 V2 can quickly become a favorite gaming desk accessory. This 75% form factor wireless keyboard benefits from customizable firmware and hot-swappable switches, allowing buyers to craft the perfect keyboard.

The Air75 V2's frame and keycaps aren't quite as skinny as those on the Corsair K100 Air, but that's understandable, considering its build quality. Plenty of metal parts balance out the hard plastic, and layers of noise-absorbing material in the keyboard make it feel less hollow. NuPhy has also upgraded the original Air75 V2 with Doubleshot PBT keycaps that resist gradual wear and tear. The only downside is the keyboard's limited RGB effects since minimal light shines through the thick keycaps.

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Hot-swappable switches and versatile software should be common traits of the best customizable keyboard models. Fortunately, the Air75 V2 excels at both, with NuPhy giving customers a wide range of switches to choose from on their website. Whether a buyer is looking for louder clicking or smooth and faster key presses, there are appropriate low-profile Gateron mechanical switches. Swapping out the switches with third-party alternatives after purchasing is a bit trickier, but an adequate number of compatible slim switches are still available.

NuPhy's compact wireless keyboard takes a different approach to software support. Instead of an app specific to the brand's devices, owners rely on QMK/VIA firmware, enabling users to achieve greater customization. Through a relatively straightforward graphical interface, it's possible to change key inputs to work differently depending on the OS. Keeping an app running in the background is unnecessary, so users can effortlessly move between devices while retaining the same functionality.

The Air75 V2's cross-platform customization is achieved through a 2.4 Ghz USB wireless dongle or Bluetooth. While not explicitly designed for competitive FPS titles, the 1000 Hz polling rate with the faster USB adapter is sufficient for most gaming scenarios.

Even though the Air75 75 V2 has a more generous layout than the 60% Corsair K70 Pro Mini, the keys are tightly packed together. Regardless, after some practice, buyers will appreciate the keyboard's comfortable low-profile design, rock-solid build quality, and neverending customization.

When a buyer has no gaming desk space left to spare, the extremely compact Corsair K70 Pro Mini is the solution. As one of the most capable and customizable 60% keyboards, this wireless keyboard compromises nothing that would threaten its low-latency gaming performance. With an extremely modular design, modifying the K70 Pro Mini can go beyond replacing switches or changing RGB lighting effects.

Certain compromises are inevitable with a 60% keyboard, and arrow and dedicated function keys are among the sacrifices. To make the K70 Pro Mini more practical, many keys have side-printed secondary functions activated with the Fn key. Customization can be especially critical in making a mini keyboard more usable, and the powerful iCue software allows gamers to program layers of inputs to any key.

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Physical customization with the K70 Pro Mini is unmatched, with Cherry MX switch compatibility making it easy to find replacements. The only caveat is that keyboard enthusiasts are limited to three-pin rather than five-pin options. However, buyers can also change the color and look of several of the K70 Pro Mini's other components on the Corsair website. The K70 Pro Mini looks striking as a black or white keyboard, but the color of the accent bar on the back of the peripheral is swappable. Corsair's device impresses as an RGB keyboard, with individually lit keys complemented by a line of lighting extending above the rear accent bar.

The K70 Pro Mini has an advantage over budget 60% keyboards like the Royal Kludge RK61 because of its extremely low-latency wireless connectivity. Corsair's Axon Hyper-Processing technology can process an incredible amount of information simultaneously. Consequently, faster gaming PCs can handle a wireless polling rate of up to 2000 Hz, double that of many cordless gaming keyboards. Most users won't benefit from the device registering inputs at this interval, but it virtually eliminates any chance of costly mistakes during competition. Gamers using the K70 Pro Mini's detachable USB-C cable can break even more performance barriers with an incredible 8000 Hz polling rate.

Rapid and foolproof typing performance is only one of the virtues of this Corsair keyboard. Excessively portable and modular, the K70 Pro Mini is the best customizable keyboard among compact contenders.

The XVX S-K80 is a premium keyboard on a budget that offers a 75% layout and great customization. It's one of a kind with a gorgeous Black Kanagawa theme that adds to a slick design. The XVX S-K80's backlighting looks outstanding next to an RGB gaming mouse, and the keyboard can be customized with dedicated software. The OLED display shows the keyboard's settings, and custom GIFs or images are also customizable. It's very rare to have an OLED display on a keyboard at this price tag, which is why it stands out among all the keyboards.

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Furthermore, its great customizability with the switches helps users choose and install their favorite switches with ease. Replaceable switches can better match a gamer's style, improve overall productivity, or enhance gaming performance. By default, the keyboard comes with Womier Clear Black switches, which are pre-lubricated for extra smoothness, but users can install matching 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches as needed. The keyboard's compact size, great customizations, and impressive aesthetics make it a no-brainer for compact keyboard lovers.

Having access to a full range of commands without a keyboard becoming massive can be challenging. Still, the ROG Strix Scope II 96 accomplishes this feat through a 96% layout, where users can switch between the numpad and the special keys and have the same functionality as a full-layout keyboard. It's a compact, customizable keyboard featuring RGB backlighting and hot-swappable switches, allowing users to change the stock switches with their favorite ones.

However, users have mostly preferred the ROG NX Snow switches, which are pre-lubed and silky smooth in operation. They are quiet and get the job done without any fuss. The keyboard utilizes PBT Doubleshot and UV-coated ABS keycaps to keep the text on the keys sharp and clear and allow the RGB lighting to illuminate brighter. Users can customize the switches as desired, change RGB lighting through Aura Sync software, or map keys in the Armoury Crate app.

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One of the most notable features of this keyboard is its connectivity, which offers three different types of options, including Bluetooth, wired USB, and 2.4GHz RF. The wireless mode is also very responsive, and the USB Type A to C cable is well-braided to protect it. It provides 100% anti-ghosting, N-Key rollover, and a detachable wrist rest to keep wrist pain at bay. The ROG Strix Scope II 96 is an excellent choice for a compact, customizable wireless gaming keyboard without losing any functionality.

Buyers with constantly evolving setups are often torn between compact and full-sized keyboards. The Mountain Everest Max tries to satisfy everyone with several detachable components that transform how the device looks and functions. This wired keyboard takes hardware customization to the next level and has the build quality to survive constant tinkering.

In any configuration, the Everest Max doesn't look like a traditional full-sized keyboard with a number pad hanging off either side. The keyboard ships with a magnetic wristrest, but it only extends partway along the keyboard's bottom edge when this module is used. Similarly, the media dock, which contains an LED screen with mode indicators, also doesn't sit flush with the keyboard's top edge. Regardless, the lack of symmetry in the overall design is an easy sacrifice for this level of customization. The Everest Max is also enticing gear for streamers, with shortcut buttons sporting icons above the number pad that can control OBS functions.

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With the Everest Max's hot-swappable Cherry MX switches, buyers aren't in for too many surprises. Switch choices are rather limited when ordering the keyboard, but this is quickly remedied with widely available Clicky or Linear kits. Gamers will undoubtedly find the Everest Max a sturdy platform to type on because of the pre-lubed switches and two aluminum faceplates.

Especially when discounted, the Everest Max is an attractive value considering the full suite of modules and accessories that it ships with. It also can become the centerpiece of any gaming desk or workstation with a built-in USB hub. Any frustrations buyers may encounter with the keyboard are usually related to its software. Although remapping keys is straightforward, integrations with RGB devices from other brands, like Razer mice, are rather buggy. Otherwise, Mountain doesn't have the largest selection of first-party peripherals to add to the Base Camp app.

No full-sized keyboard offers more versatility than the Everest Max, which includes unique physical customization. Even if a buyer isn't interested in modifying keyboards, the Everest Max's durability makes it a safe investment.

How To Choose The Best Customizable Keyboard?

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It's understandable for buyers to be confused about what type of customizable keyboard can most benefit them. To sort through the many possibilities, remember to focus on these qualities first:

Form Factor

Even though all the keyboards listed above are customizable, the form factor is one part that is hard to change. Unless gamers have a 3D printer or a CNC machine accessible, getting a new case that fits the board and switches is quite challenging. There are three main form factors: Full-Sized (104 key), TKL (87 key), and 60% (68 key).

Full-sized keyboards like the Mountain Everest Max are probably what most people think of when they envision a keyboard; there is a number pad and a full set of 104 keys. With so much surface area to work with, the Everest Max also includes a detachable media module, which can be installed in several locations.

TKL or Ten-Keyless keyboards have most of the keys a full-sized keyboard has but without the number pad. 60% is the smallest standard form factor, removing the function and the number pad seen with the Corsair K70 Pro Mini. It might seem that smaller keyboards are more difficult to modify because of the cramped quarters, but that isn't necessarily the case. Of course, other options exist, like the 40% from Drop, but these are the three main keyboard sizes.

Connectivity

Connectivity is another factor that can make or break a customizable keyboard. Adding a wireless connection option to a wired keyboard is difficult, even for some of the more dedicated DIYers.

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As with most computer peripherals, wireless and wired options have disadvantages and advantages, mostly due to personal preference. Wired keyboards never need to be charged and typically have slightly faster response times than wireless ones. The corded Drop Alt features glorious RGB lighting that doesn't drain a battery.

On the other hand, wireless keyboards keep desk set-ups looking clean with no pesky wires visible. The Asus ROG Azoth boasts an amazing maximum 2,000-hour battery life, so owners will soon forget that the device isn't wired.

Switch Type

The fact that these are all customizable keyboards makes the switch they come with less critical than a typical keyboard, but it still plays a role in choosing one. If this is the first step into the mechanical keyboard world, the number of options can be overwhelming. To make it easier, remember that there are three main types of switches: Linear, Tactile, and Clicky. Linear switches are usually red, tactile are brown, and blue switches are clicky.

Linear Switches are the most basic option; they have the same feeling throughout the whole press of the key. There is no feedback when the user hits the actuation point of the key, which is not bad, but most gamers will probably have to press linear switches harder than the other two options. For people who have ever typed on an old typewriter, that is the best way to describe linear switches.

Tactile Switches will give users a bump to let them know when they have hit the actuation point. As the name implies, these switches give gamers a tactile feeling, letting them know that the keypress went through. Users will not have to press tactile switches all the way to the bottom of their travel distance to register a keystroke.

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Clicky Switches take the tactile feedback of tactile switches and add a clicky sound to them. These switches are typically the loudest of the three, so gamers who select clicky switches should ensure the people around them don't mind a bit of keyboard sound.

Answering these questions before starting a search will help make the results less overwhelming. Remember, for gamers looking at keyboards like the ones above, these keyboards can always be customized to be tuned to their exact liking.

The best customizable keyboard candidates, like the Keychron Q3, will offer novice enthusiasts a wide choice of switches when buying. Then, as they gain more experience with mechanical switches, it becomes easier to modify this keyboard to suit their preferences.

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FAQ

Q: Is any keyboard customizable?

Any keyboard is technically customizable. While some are easily customizable because that is how the manufacturer intended. Others are still technically customizable, but it will take a level knowledge, mainly soldering, to make it that way.

Q: How much money should I spend on a custom keyboard?

Custom Keyboards can range from as little as $90 to $400 if you want to spend that much. But if you want to build a keyboard that won't break the bank but also lasts a lifetime, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $250.

Q: How do I change the look of my keyboard?

Swapping keycaps is one of the most common ways to change a keyboard's look and feel. However, gamers need a mechanical keyboard that simplifies removing keycaps or switches. Even without physical customization, many RGB keyboards encourage users to design elaborate lighting schemes that completely change the look of a peripheral.