Introduction

Mechanical keyboards have seen a huge resurgence in popularity over the last few years. Once relegated to niche groups of typists and gamers, mechanical keyboards are now sought after by coders, writers, and anyone else who spends a significant amount of time typing.

With major brands like Logitech, Razer and Corsair releasing new mechanical keyboard models every year, it’s clear this trend is here to stay. So if you want to see what all the hype is about, here’s how you can join the mechanical keyboard community in 2023.

Do Your Research

The first step is educating yourself on what makes mechanical keyboards like the GMK67 keyboard so great. At the most basic level, mechanical keyboards use physical switches under each key rather than rubber membranes. This gives them a very tactile and responsive feel when typing. The audible “click” from each keypress is also satisfying.

There are several types of mechanical keyboard switches to consider. Cherry MX switches are the most common. They come in variations like Blue, Brown or Red, each with slightly different operating characteristics. There are also switches made by Gateron, Kailh and other brands to research.

Beyond the switch type, you’ll want to decide on a full-size keyboard or compact layout. Consider which extra keys like macro and media controls you may want. And there are different keycap materials and shapes to ponder as well. Doing research will ensure you select the optimal mechanical keyboard for your needs.

Pick Your Price Point

Mechanical keyboards span a wide range of pricing, from around $50 to well over $200. More expensive models typically use higher-end materials like aircraft-grade aluminum cases and custom keycap sets. Others offer premium features like RGB lighting effects.

We recommend starting around the $100 mark for a quality starter mechanical keyboard with standard features. Top brands in this price tier include Ducky, Cooler Master and Keychron. From there you can go up or down in price as your budget allows and you become more familiar with different feature sets.

Consider an Entry-Level Hot-Swap Keyboard

For those new to mechanical keyboards, a hot-swap model can be a great introduction. Hot-swap keyboards allow you to easily swap out different switches without any soldering. This gives you flexibility to experiment with different switch feels and sounds.

Many keyboards in the $100-$150 tier now offer hot-swap capability. The Glorious GMMK and Keychron C1 are good entry-level hot-swap starter keyboards. Going hot-swap lets you customize the keyboard as you figure out your preferences.

Find Keycap Sets to Make It Your Own

One of the joys of owning a mechanical keyboard is customizing the style and look through keycap sets. Most keyboards ship with simple ABS plastic keycaps. To really make the keyboard pop, you can buy aftermarket keycap sets made from premium materials like PBT plastic and displaying custom colors, fonts and designs.

Keycap group buys, limited runs and custom artisan keycaps are popular ways for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to express themselves. Sites like Drop, KBDFans and Etsy offer a wide selection of custom keycaps for sale. Even a simple set of nice PBT backlit keycaps can dramatically change the look of a basic keyboard.

Join Online Communities

The mechanical keyboard community is thriving on sites like Reddit and Discord. Subreddits like r/MechanicalKeyboards have over a million members. These are great places to get recommendations, show off your latest custom build, and learn keyboard modification tips from experienced enthusiasts.

In Facebook groups like Mechanical Keyboards you can connect with local enthusiasts to attend meetups. And the online vendor communities for brands like Qwerkywriter have collaborative forums to engage with fellow keyboard fans. Surrounding yourself with the community will fuel your mechanical keyboard passion.

Consider Building a Custom Keyboard

For the dedicated, building a fully custom mechanical keyboard lets you precisely craft every aspect. With a custom build you can meticulously select the case material, PCB (printed circuit board), plate, stabilizers, switches and keycaps. Brands like KBDFans and Keychron make cases, PCBs and kits for assembling custom keyboards.

The process requires research and learning. But assembling a keyboard from components allows unrivaled choice in materials and design. And the ability to fully personalize your dream keyboard makes the effort worthwhile.

Go Vintage for Collectability

Finally, you can explore vintage and collectible mechanical keyboards that built the foundation for today’s renaissance. Iconic keyboards like the IBM Model M, Apple Extended Keyboard II and Cherry G80-3000 remain sought after today.

Older keyboards like these were built with quality that stands the test of time. Tracking down a vintage classic and restoring it can be extremely rewarding. Just be ready to pay collector premiums, as the demand for vintage boards is high.

Conclusion

Building your ideal mechanical keyboard setup takes research, care and customization. But the tactile feel, audible response and ability to showcase your personal style makes it a hugely rewarding hobby. By following this guide, you’ll be prepared to dive into the mechanical keyboard hype in 2023. Just beware – this hobby tends to be addictive! The perfect keyboard is always just one upgrade away.