Anatomy of a Custom Keyboard: A Deep Dive into Every Component

To the uninitiated, a keyboard is just a plastic slab with buttons. But to an enthusiast, it’s a complex sandwich of precisely engineered layers. Understanding the anatomy of your keyboard is the first step toward finding your 'Endgame.'

1. The Case: The Body and Resonance Chamber

The case is more than just a shell; it dictates the weight, durability, and resonance of your build. Materials play a massive role here:

Aluminum

The standard for high-end boards. Heavy, premium, and provides a deep, solid sound profile.

Polycarbonate (PC)

A high-quality plastic that is translucent. It offers a softer, more "thuddy" sound and beautiful RGB diffusion.

2. The PCB: The Brain of the Operation

The Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is where the electronics live. In the modern era, you have two main choices:

Hot-Swap: Features sockets that allow you to plug in and swap switches without soldering. Perfect for beginners.
Solder: Requires a soldering iron. It’s more permanent but often supports more layout options (like split backspace or ISO).

Pro Tip: Look for a PCB that supports VIA or QMK. These are open-source firmwares that let you remap any key on your keyboard without installing bloated manufacturer software.

3. The Plate: The Skeleton

The plate sits above the PCB and holds the switches in place. The material of your plate is the biggest factor in how "stiff" or "bouncy" your keyboard feels.

Brass / Steel

Very stiff. High-pitched sound. Consistent but can be tiring for long typing sessions.

FR4 / POM

Medium flex. FR4 is PCB material; POM is a soft plastic. Both provide a deeper "thock" sound.

Polycarbonate

Maximum flex. Very soft typing experience. Great for reducing finger fatigue.

4. Mounting Styles: How the Sandwich is Held

This is how the internal assembly (Plate/PCB) is secured to the case. This is a favorite topic of debate among enthusiasts.

Tray Mount: The PCB screws directly into standoffs in the case. Often results in an uneven feel and "stiff" spots.
Top Mount: The plate is screwed into the top half of the case. Offers a consistent, classic typing experience.
Gasket Mount: The plate is "sandwiched" between rubber or foam strips. This allows the entire assembly to float, providing a cushioned feel and muted sound.

Key Takeaway: Gasket mounting is currently the most popular style because it almost always sounds and feels more "premium" than cheaper tray-mount designs.

5. Stabilizers and Switches

We've covered these in depth in our other guides, but remember: the Switches are your tactile interface, and Stabilizers are the support beams for your largest keys (Spacebar, Enter, Shift). Without good stabilizers, the best switches in the world will still feel wobbly.

The Master Plan

When planning your build, start with the Layout you need, choose a Mounting Style for the feel you want, and select Materials that match your sound preference. Now that you know the anatomy, you're ready to start picking parts!