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Mechanical keyboards have become increasingly popular in recent years, and with that has come a growing interest in building custom keyboards. Custom keyboards allow for endless customization, from the keycaps to the switches, and can even be built with specific typing preferences in mind. However, building a custom keyboard requires finding the right parts, and with so many websites and options out there, it can be difficult to know where to start.
Choosing the right website to purchase your keyboard parts is crucial, as it can impact the overall quality of your typing experience. The right website will provide you with high-quality parts at affordable prices, while the wrong one can leave you with subpar components that may even damage your keyboard.
- Read also: Top Mechanical Keyboard Brands
Best Websites for Buying Keyboard Parts
When it comes to buying keyboard parts, it’s essential to know where to find the best selection and prices. Here are our top picks for the best websites to visit:
1. Top Picks for Overall Selection and Prices
1. Cannon Keys
Cannon Keys offers a vast selection of keyboard parts at competitive prices, making them a popular choice among enthusiasts. They specialize in unique and exclusive keycap designs, switches, and other keyboard parts. With an excellent customer service team and fast shipping, Cannon Keys is a top choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable source for their keyboard part needs.
2. KBDfans
KBDfans is a popular website that specializes in custom keyboard parts. They offer a broad range of high-quality PCBs, cases, switches, and other parts at affordable prices. They are known for their excellent customer service, and their fast shipping ensures that you’ll receive your orders promptly.
3. Drop
Drop is another website that offers a vast selection of keyboard parts, including custom keycap sets, switches, and other parts. They also offer exclusive collaborations with popular keyboard brands, making them a great choice for those looking for unique and limited-edition parts. While they specialize in group buys, they also offer in-stock items for those who don’t want to wait.
Read also: Most Durable Keyboards
2. Best Website for Building Custom Keyboards
1. NovelKeys
NovelKeys is a website that specializes in custom keycaps, switches, and other keyboard parts. They offer a wide variety of unique and high-quality products, allowing you to create a personalized look for your keyboard. Their customer service is excellent, and they offer fast and reliable shipping, making them a great choice for building a custom keyboard.
2. TheKey.Company
TheKey.Company offers a broad selection of custom keyboard parts, including keycaps, switches, and PCBs. They also offer exclusive collaborations with popular keyboard designers and brands. With their excellent customer service and fast shipping, TheKey.Company is a great choice for those looking to build a unique and high-quality custom keyboard.
3. DixieMech
DixieMech is a website that specializes in high-quality keyboard parts, including PCBs, switches, and cases. They are known for their excellent customer service, and their fast shipping ensures that you receive your orders promptly. They also offer exclusive collaborations with popular keyboard designers, making them a great choice for those looking for unique and limited-edition parts.
3. Other Popular Websites for Keyboard Parts:
1. Mechanical Keyboards
MechanicalKeyboards.com is a popular website that offers a wide selection of keyboards, keycaps, switches, and other parts. They also have an excellent customer service team that is available to answer any questions you may have. They offer fast and reliable shipping, making them a great choice for your keyboard part needs.
2. AliExpress
AliExpress is an online retail platform that offers a vast selection of keyboard parts at competitive prices. They offer a wide range of options from various manufacturers, including unique and hard-to-find items. While they do not specialize in keyboard parts, they are a great alternative for those looking for affordable options.
3. Amazon
Amazon is a popular online retailer that offers a broad range of keyboard parts, including keycaps, switches, and other parts. While they may not specialize in keyboard parts, they are a convenient option for those who prefer to shop on the platform. With fast and reliable shipping, Amazon is a great choice for your keyboard part needs.
Comparison of Sites Similar to Cannon Keys and KBDFans
If you’re into custom keyboards, you’ve probably heard of both Cannon Keys and KBDFans. Both sites offer an impressive selection of high-quality parts and components for building your own keyboard. However, each site has its unique features that might make one more appealing than the other for certain users.
1. Comparison of Cannon Keys and KBDFans
Cannon Keys has been gaining popularity in the custom keyboard community for its wide selection of products, including keyboards, switches, keycaps, and other accessories. One of the standout features of Cannon Keys is its exclusive collaborations with keycap designers, such as GMK, JTK, and EPBT.
On the other hand, KBDFans has been a staple in the custom keyboard community for years. KBDFans is known for its affordability and high-quality products, including PCBs, cases, and switches. KBDFans also offers a wide range of customizable options for its products, allowing you to create a unique keyboard.
2. Websites Similar to Cannon Keys
1. Kono Store
Kono Store is a popular website that offers a wide range of mechanical keyboards and accessories, including keycaps, switches, and custom cables. Kono Store is known for its exclusive collaborations with keycap designers and artists, such as Zambumon and MiTo.
2. 1upkeyboards
1upkeyboards is a one-stop-shop for all things related to building custom keyboards. The site offers a wide range of keyboard parts, including PCBs, cases, and keycaps. One unique feature of 1upkeyboards is its DIY kits that include everything you need to build your own keyboard.
3. Websites Similar to KBDFans
1. YMDK
YMDK offers a wide range of keyboard components, including cases, PCBs, and keycaps. The site is known for its affordable prices and high-quality products. YMDK also offers a range of customizable options for its products, allowing you to create a unique keyboard.
2. GMMK
Glorious PC Gaming Race’s GMMK is a modular mechanical keyboard that allows you to swap out keycaps and switches easily. GMMK offers a range of pre-built keyboards and accessories, as well as customizable options for its products. GMMK is a great option for those who want a customizable keyboard without the hassle of building one from scratch.
Reasons for the High Cost of Custom Keyboard Parts
Building a custom keyboard can be an expensive endeavor, and the cost of individual parts and components can add up quickly. So why are custom keyboard parts so expensive? Here are some of the main reasons:
1. Material Costs
One of the main reasons for the high cost of custom keyboard parts is the materials used in their construction. High-quality materials like aluminum, brass, and polycarbonate are commonly used in custom keyboard cases, and these materials can be expensive to source and work with. Additionally, some keycap sets are made from materials like ABS or PBT plastic, which can also be costly depending on the quality.
2. Labor Costs
Another factor that contributes to the high cost of custom keyboard parts is the labor involved in their production. Many custom keyboard parts are made by hand, which can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. Additionally, the small scale of many custom keyboard production runs means that each individual part may require a significant amount of labor to produce.
3. Low Volume Production
Many custom keyboard parts are produced in small batches, which means that the cost of each individual part must cover the cost of production for the entire batch. This can make each individual part more expensive than it would be if it were mass-produced.
4. Rarity and Exclusivity
Finally, the rarity and exclusivity of many custom keyboard parts can also contribute to their high cost. Some keycap sets, for example, are produced in limited runs, which can drive up the price due to their rarity. Additionally, some custom keyboard parts are exclusive to certain vendors or designers, which can add to their exclusivity and make them more expensive to acquire.
Read also: Worthy Gaming Keyboards
Is Ducky a Good Keyboard Brand?
When it comes to purchasing a high-quality mechanical keyboard, Ducky is a brand that often comes up in discussions. But is Ducky a good keyboard brand? Let’s take a closer look:
Overview of Ducky as a Brand
Ducky is a Taiwanese keyboard brand that has been in the business of producing mechanical keyboards for over a decade. The brand has gained a reputation for producing high-quality keyboards that are durable, reliable, and well-designed. Ducky keyboards are known for their customization options, with many models featuring RGB lighting and programmable keys.
Popular Models and Features
Ducky offers a range of keyboard models to choose from, including the One 2 Mini, Shine 7, and Mecha Mini. Many of these models feature unique designs and customization options, such as detachable USB cables and adjustable feet. Additionally, Ducky keyboards are known for their quality switches, with options ranging from Cherry MX to Kailh.
Customer Reviews and Reputation
Overall, Ducky has a positive reputation among customers and enthusiasts alike. Many reviewers praise the brand’s attention to detail, high-quality construction, and attractive design. Customers also appreciate Ducky’s wide range of customization options and user-friendly software.
Conclusion
Ducky is a well-respected keyboard brand that produces high-quality mechanical keyboards. While their keyboards may be more expensive than some other brands, the attention to detail and overall build quality make them a popular choice among enthusiasts and professionals alike. If you are looking for a high-quality mechanical keyboard, Ducky is definitely a brand to consider.
Final Words
To sum up, if you’re looking for the best sites to buy keyboard parts, there are many options available to you. Building a custom keyboard can be a fun and rewarding experience. It allows you to create a personalized keyboard that suits your unique needs and preferences. However, the process of building a custom keyboard requires you to purchase individual parts from various sources.
