Appearance & Personalisation
Keycap colour matching and pattern design
1. Choice of theme keycaps
---Anime theme: Keycaps with popular anime elements such as Naruto, King of Thieves, etc. are popular among anime fans.
---Game theme: inspired by characters or logos from famous games such as League of Legends and Overwatch.
---Retro theme: mimic the style of early computer keycaps, giving a nostalgic feeling.
---Natural scenery theme: natural elements such as landscape and stars are integrated into the keycap design to create a peaceful and beautiful atmosphere.
2. The way of personalised pattern customisation
---Professional keycap customisation studios: these studios usually have rich experience and professional equipment, and can design and produce high-quality keycaps according to customers' requirements.
---3D Printing Service: Using 3D printing technology, you can print your own design into keycaps, but there may be limitations in details and materials.
---Handmade DIY: If you have some handmade ability, you can purchase blank keycaps and related tools, and draw or carve the pattern by yourself.
Case colour and finish
1. Anodised, painted, brushed and other process effects
---Anodizing: it can make the surface of the shell form a hard, wear-resistant oxide film, which not only enhances the protective performance, but also presents rich colours, such as bright red, deep blue, etc., and the colours are long-lasting and do not fade.
---Spray paint: able to achieve a variety of complex colours and patterns effect, but may be a little less wear-resistant, and long time use may appear off the paint phenomenon.
---Brushed: Forms a fine texture on the surface of the shell, increasing texture and anti-slip, while giving a metallic luster, making the keyboard look more high-end and atmospheric.
2. Colour matching and personal aesthetics
---Minimalist style: Choose a single classic colour, such as black, white or grey, to show a clean, understated aesthetic.
---Contrast matching: such as black and white, red and black and other strong contrasting colour combinations, highlighting the sense of individuality and fashion.
---Gradient colour: Gradual transition from one colour to another, creating a unique visual effect and a sense of modernity.
Lighting effects (RGB, Rainbow light)
1. RGB lighting modes and programmability
---Breathing mode: The light gradually brightens and dims like breathing, creating a soothing atmosphere.
---Running Light Mode: Lights come on sequentially to create a flowing effect, adding motion and energy.
---Colour Cycle Mode: The lights automatically cycle through different colours, showing a brilliant and colourful effect.
---Programmability: Users can customize the light colour, brightness and effect of each button through the software, and even set different lighting schemes according to different applications.
2. Light brightness and colour uniformity
---Brightness: Enough brightness can make the light still visible in a bright environment, but too bright may cause glare.
---Colour uniformity: A quality lighting system should ensure that the colour of each button is displayed uniformly, with no noticeable difference in colour or brightness.
Personalised logos and engraving
1. Content of the personalised engraving on the keycap or case
---Personal name: Engrave your name on the keycaps or housing to give the keyboard a sense of exclusivity.
---Motto or favourite sentence: motivate yourself or express your personal values.
---Special symbols or patterns: such as constellation symbols, hearts, stars, etc. to show personal interests.
2. Unique logos show the uniqueness of keyboards
---Brand logo: some high-end keyboard brands will design unique brand logo on the keycaps or shells to enhance product recognition and brand value.
---Limited Edition Logo: Limited production keyboards may have special logos to increase their collector value and uniqueness.
In short, in terms of appearance and personalisation, users can choose the keycap colour scheme, shell finish, lighting effects and personalised logo that suits their preferences and needs, creating a unique keyboard.
Brand and Price
Advantages and features of well-known brands
1. Brand reputation and quality assurance
---Well-known brands often have accumulated a good reputation in the market and their products have been tested and approved by a large number of users. They usually have strict standards in material selection, production process and quality control, which can ensure the stability, durability and reliability of the keyboard.
---A good brand reputation also means that consumers can feel more confident in their purchases and less worried about the quality of their products.
---Telling-me, as an emerging brand in the mechanical keyboard field, has the professional technology and team to meet all your customisation needs.
2. After-sales service and support
---Well-known brands usually provide a more comprehensive after-sales service system, including warranty period, after-sales maintenance, technical support and so on. If problems occur during the use, they can be solved in time. For example, brands such as Logitech offer longer warranty periods and have after-sales service outlets around the world.
---In addition, some brands provide users with support such as product usage guides, driver updates, etc. through official websites, social media, and other channels to enhance the user experience.
Price range and value for money
1. Product differences between low, medium and high price segments
---Low Price Range ($10 - $40): These keyboards are likely to have more common switches and basic keycap materials, and the case may be plastic with relatively simple features. However, they can still provide a somewhat mechanical keyboard experience for those on a budget and trying out a custom keyboard for the first time.
---Mid-price range ($40 - $100): In this range, the materials and craftsmanship of the keyboard will be upgraded, and may feature better switches, such as some domestic quality switches, the keycaps may be made of PBT, and the casing may be metal or have a finer finish. At the same time, it may have some extra features, such as multimedia shortcuts, RGB lighting, etc.
---High price range ($100+): High-end products usually strive for the ultimate in all aspects, with top-of-the-line switches, such as rare or custom switches, keycaps may be heat-sublimated or made of a special material, and housings may be made of high-grade metal with intricate finishes. In addition, it may also have unique design and innovative features.
2. How to choose the right product within your budget
---Define your needs: First of all, determine your usage needs, whether it is mainly for office, gaming or both. If it's for office, you may pay more attention to the quietness and comfort of the keyboard; if it's for gaming, you may pay more attention to the response speed of the switches and the trigger pressure of the keys.
---Research products: After determining your budget, conduct a detailed study of products within that price range, comparing the features, parameters and user reviews of different brands and models.
---Follow promotions: During promotional periods on e-commerce platforms, many keyboard products are offered discounts and can be purchased at this time to get a better value for money.
Used market and group buying options
1. Considerations for used customised keyboards
---Check the appearance: carefully check the appearance of the keyboard for wear and tear, scratches, missing keycaps, etc.
---Test the functionality: Test all the keys on the spot as much as possible to see if they work properly, including the feel of the switches, lighting effects, etc.
---Know the source: Ask the seller for information on the keyboard's history of use, whether it has been repaired, etc.
---Price assessment: The price of a used keyboard should be reasonably assessed based on its colour, brand, model and other factors, to avoid overpaying for a product that does not match its value.
2. Risks and advantages of participating in group buying
Risks:
---Uncertainty of delivery time: group purchases may result in longer production and delivery cycles due to larger orders, and users will need to wait longer to receive the product.
---Quality may vary: due to the large number of products in the group purchase, there may be individual product quality control is not strict.
---After-sales may be difficult: if problems are encountered, it may be complicated to communicate with the group-buy organisers or merchants to resolve them.
Advantages:
---Favourable price: you can buy products at a lower price and enjoy certain discounts through group buying.
---Unique products: some group buys will offer limited edition or special customised products to meet the personalised needs of users.
When choosing a brand and price, consider your needs, budget and the actual performance of the product to make a wise choice.
Matching of Usage Scenarios and Needs
Demand for office scenarios
1. Silent requirements and comfort
---Silent requirements: In the office environment, the sound of keyboard keys needs to be minimised to interfere with others. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a keyboard with mute switches or a good noise cancellation design. For example, keyboards with silent red switches or silent tea switches can effectively reduce keystroke noise.
---Comfort: Long hours of office use require a keyboard with a comfortable feel, and the shape and material of the keycaps should fit the fingers to reduce hand fatigue. Ergonomically designed keyboards, such as those with wrist rests and curved keycaps, provide better support and comfort.
2. Importance of shortcut keys and multimedia controls
---Shortcut keys: enable quick execution of commonly used operations, such as copy, paste, undo, etc., to improve work efficiency. For example, some keyboards are equipped with special shortcut keys that allow these operations to be done in one click without the need for a combination of keys.
---Multimedia control: Convenient for adjusting volume, switching songs, pausing/playing, etc. while working without having to switch to the computer interface for operation.
Requirements for gaming scenarios
1. Fast response and low latency
---Fast Response: For gamers, the keyboard's key response speed directly affects the timeliness and accuracy of game operations. Mechanical switches usually have faster response speed than membrane switches, and some high-end mechanical switches, such as optical switches, have even better response speed.
---Low latency: Wireless keyboards should ensure low-latency performance to avoid keystroke delays that can lead to operating errors during gaming. Choosing a keyboard that supports 2.4GHz wireless connection or wired connection can effectively reduce latency.
2. Macro Programming and Special Function Keys
---Macro Programming: Players can record a series of complex operations as a macro key, which can be triggered by a single keystroke to achieve a quick combo or execute a specific game strategy.
---Special Function Keys: For example, specialised game mode toggle keys to disable keys such as the Windows key that may cause interruptions to the game; as well as function keys for adjusting keyboard lighting effects, switching profiles, and so on.
Requirements for programming and creative work
1. Flexibility in customising keystrokes and layouts
---Custom keystrokes: Programmers and creative workers can map specific functions to customised keystrokes according to their common programming language or software to improve work efficiency.
---Layout Flexibility: Some detachable and angle-adjustable keyboards can be flexibly laid out according to one's usage habits and working posture, reducing physical discomfort caused by prolonged use.
2. Ergonomic considerations for long-time use
---Keycap height and angle: Choose ergonomically designed keycap height and angle, so that the fingers bend naturally when pressing keys, reducing the pressure on wrists and fingers.
---Keyboard slope: A keyboard with a proper slope allows the wrists to maintain a natural posture and reduces the risk of diseases such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
In short, different use scenarios have different needs for keyboards, and when choosing a keyboard, it is important to make comprehensive considerations based on specific use scenarios and personal needs in order to get the best use experience.
Assembly and Commissioning
Assembly tools and skills required
1. Basic tools required
---Screwdriver: for removing and installing the screws of the keyboard case.
---Tweezers: to hold small parts, such as the spring of a switch.
---Key puller: to pull out keycaps.
---Soldering iron (if soldering is required): for soldering the switches on the PCB board.
---Solder sucker (if required for soldering): to remove excess solder.
---Grease: for lubrication of the switches.
2. Simple assembly steps and precautions
Steps:
---First, open the keyboard case and remove the internal PCB board and positioning board.
---Install the switches on the PCB board or positioning board one by one according to the predefined allocation row, use soldering iron for soldering if it is a soldered switch, or plug it in directly if it is a hot-swappable switch.
---Install the keycaps and make sure the keycaps are aligned with the switches.
---Place the PCB board and positioning board back into the housing and fix it with screws.
Caution:
---During operation, to avoid static electricity damage to the electronic components, you can wear an anti-static bracelet.
---Pay attention to the direction when installing the switch to ensure that the keycaps can be installed smoothly.
---When soldering, pay attention to controlling the temperature of the soldering iron and the soldering time to avoid damaging the PCB board.
Debugging switches and keycaps
1. Lubrication and adjustment of the switch
---Lubrication: Apply grease in appropriate amount on the spring, contacts and other parts of the switch, which can reduce the friction of the switch and make the keys smoother, as well as reduce the noise. However, be careful not to apply too much so as not to affect the triggering of the switch.
---Adjustment: For some adjustable switches, you can change the feel of the switch by changing the pressure of the spring, the trigger stroke and so on.
2. Installation and alignment of keycaps
---Installation: Align the keycap to the switch and press it vertically to make sure the keycap is firmly installed.
---Alignment: Check if the keycaps are aligned neatly to avoid any unevenness or tilting.
Testing and optimising keyboard performance
1. Key testing software and methods
---Software: You can use software such as KeyTest, KeyboardTest, etc. to test whether each key of the keyboard is working properly, and to detect whether there are any problems such as key malfunction and continuous pressing.
---Method: Open the test software, press each key on the keyboard in turn, and observe whether the display in the software is consistent with the key operation.
2. Optimise according to the test results
---If you find any key malfunction or insensitivity, check whether the switch is installed correctly, welded well, or whether the switch is damaged, and adjust or replace it accordingly.
---For inconsistent key feel, check the lubrication of the switch, the installation of the keycaps, etc., and make adjustments.
---If the keyboard is found to be noisy during the test, the switches can be further lubricated or the keycap installation can be adjusted.
With proper assembly, debugging and testing, you can get the best performance and usage experience from your customised keyboard.
Summary and Recommendations
A review of the key points in selecting a custom keyboard
---There are several key factors to consider when choosing a custom keyboard. The first is the keycap, including material, craftsmanship, height and shape, as well as character printing and abrasion resistance. Different keycap materials such as ABS, PBT and POM have their advantages and disadvantages, and processes such as laser engraving, 2-color molding and heat sublimation affect the longevity of the characters and colour performance. The height and shape of the keycaps affect the feel of the keys.
---In terms of the kit, the casing material and design, PCB board and circuit design, positioning plate material and function, as well as filler material and sound deadening treatment all have a bearing on the overall performance and experience of the keyboard.
---Plan for common configurations such as 60%, 65%, 75%, 80%, and 100% depending on your needs, or consider custom configurations, but be aware of the possibilities and challenges.
---There are wired and wireless connectivity options, with wired USB Type-C and USB Type-A each having their own characteristics, and wireless Bluetooth and 2.4GHz focusing on compatibility, latency and stability.
---Appearance and personalisation: Keycap colour and pattern design, case colour and finish, lighting effects, and personalised logos and lettering can make a keyboard unique.
---Brand and price, well-known brands in the reputation, quality assurance and after-sales service has an advantage, the price range of different products vary significantly, the choice should be considered comprehensively cost-effective, the second-hand market and group purchases also have their own considerations.
---Different use scenarios such as office, games and programming creative work, the demand for the keyboard is also different, according to the specific scene to choose.
---Finally, assembly and debugging requires mastery of basic tools and skills, attention to assembly steps and debugging methods.
Comprehensive recommendations based on individual needs and budget
---If you have a limited budget and mainly use it for daily office work, and do not require much personalisation of the keyboard, then you can choose a wired keyboard priced at $15 - $40, with a full-size or 75% allotment option, PBT keycap material, and muted red switches or tea switches for the switches.
---If you are a gamer and have a budget of $40 - $100, consider a keyboard with 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, fast response time and macro programming capabilities, with an allotment to suit your personal preference, keycaps made of good abrasion-resistant materials and switches with fast triggering speeds.
---For programming and creative workers with higher budgets above $1,000, you can choose keyboards that support customised keys and flexible layouts, focusing on ergonomic design for long periods of time, with keycaps and switches chosen for comfort and accurate input.
---If you pursue a high degree of personalisation and like to do the assembly and debugging on your own, then you can choose various components for customised assembly according to your own preferences after understanding the relevant knowledge and skills.
Outlook for the future development of customised keyboards
With the continuous progress of technology and the increasing diversity of consumer demand, the future of customised keyboards is expected to make further progress in the following areas.
---More innovative materials and advanced manufacturing processes will emerge in terms of materials and processes, providing better feel, durability and appearance.
---Connectivity will be more stable and low-latency, with wireless technology being continuously optimised, potentially enabling true zero-latency wireless connectivity.
---In terms of personalisation, it will not just be limited to appearance and keys, but may incorporate more intelligent elements, such as automatically adjusting the key layout and functions according to the user's usage habits.
---In terms of ergonomic design, it will be more attuned to the physical characteristics and usage posture of different users, effectively preventing and reducing health problems caused by prolonged use of the keyboard.
---At the same time, with the increased awareness of environmental protection, the production and manufacturing of customised keyboards will also pay more attention to sustainable development, using environmentally friendly materials and energy-saving production methods.
In short, the future of the custom keyboard market will be full of more possibilities and innovations, bringing users a more high-quality, personalised and comfortable experience.
Telling-me
---Telling-me is committed to creating comfortable and environmentally friendly customization solutions for gamers and users around the world who love to customize their peripherals. Our products are designed to be stylish and timeless, using only the finest materials for durability and the perfect balance of aesthetics, strength, comfort, and superior performance.
---Telling-me strives to create custom keyboards, peripherals, and peripheral products that best meet the needs of our customers by being customer-focused, constantly updating and optimizing to meet their needs.
---You can contact us to find more peripheral customization projects that will satisfy you.
