Working calculators
Switch Force SelectorFind a mechanical switch by typing force, sound, and use case. Custom vs Prebuilt Cost CalculatorWhat a custom board actually costs end-to-end vs buying prebuilt.Plain note about money: Some product links are affiliate (eBay Partner Network). Small commission on purchases. Doesn't change your price. The math comes from real hands-on time, not marketing.
Guides
Gear actually worth buying
Top picks for mechanical keyboards. We earn a small commission on eBay purchases — here's how that works.
Keyboard switchesGateron, Akko, and Durock switches undercut Cherry on price without sacrificing feel. Try a switch tester first.
PBT keycapsPBT double-shot legends don't fade. Cherry or OEM profile; avoid thin ABS sets that shine quickly.
Switch lube + lube stationKrytox 205g0 for linears; 3203 for tactiles. A lube station speeds up the batch significantly.
Hotswap keyboard kitHotswap sockets let you swap switches without soldering. Look for gasket-mounted or foam-dampened boards.
Switch and keycap pullersThe ring-style keycap puller won't scratch caps. Wire-style scratches — avoid. Both cheap.
Guides
GuideWhy Your Mechanical Keyboard Sounds Hollow or Pingy (and the Fixes That Aren't a New Board)That hollow echo and metallic ping usually aren't the switches — they're the empty case and untuned stabilizers. The sound-mod stack in order of impact-for-e…GuideSwitch type is a sound choice disguised as a feel choiceBeginners agonise over linear, tactile, and clicky as if picking the wrong feel will ruin everything. The bigger, less-discussed consequence of that choice i…GuideYou're buying keycaps and sound, not performanceThe hobby is sold on the promise of typing better and faster. Be honest about what you're actually buying: a feel and a sound you enjoy. That's a great reaso…