Do you ever feel like your keyboard is just…okay? Maybe it’s a little boring, or it doesn’t feel quite right when you type. Imagine having a keyboard that’s perfectly suited for *you*. That’s where barebones keyboards come in! They’re like a blank canvas for your typing adventures.
But choosing a barebones keyboard can feel a bit overwhelming at first. There are so many parts, and it’s hard to know where to start. You might be wondering: “What even *is* a barebones keyboard?” or “How do I pick the best one for me without getting lost?” This is a common feeling, and we’re here to help clear things up!
In this post, we’ll break down the world of barebones keyboards so you can understand them easily. You’ll learn what makes them special, what to look for when you’re choosing one, and how to start building your dream keyboard. Get ready to discover a more fun and personalized way to type!
Our Top 5 Barebones Keyboards Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Barebones Keyboards Detailed Reviews
1. BOYI GMK67 Barebones Keyboard Kit
Rating: 9.0/10
The BOYI GMK67 Barebones Keyboard Kit is a fantastic option for anyone wanting to build their own mechanical keyboard. It’s a 65% layout keyboard with a cool white finish and a handy knob. You can customize almost everything about it, from how it looks to how it feels and sounds. It’s built for gamers and creators who love to tinker.
What We Like:
- You can easily build your own custom mechanical keyboard with this kit.
- It has hot-swappable sockets, so you can change switches without soldering.
- It works with many popular mechanical switches.
- You can connect it in three ways: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, or wired USB-C.
- The 4000mAh battery gives you long wireless use.
- It has customizable RGB lighting with over 16.8 million colors.
- The gasket-mounted design makes typing feel satisfying and reduces noise.
- The multifunction knob is great for controlling media and other functions.
- It comes with pre-installed foam and a polycarbonate plate for a solid build.
- South-facing LEDs are included, which is great for certain keycap profiles.
What Could Be Improved:
- This kit only works with mechanical switches, not optical switches.
This BOYI GMK67 kit offers a lot of customization for a great typing experience. It’s a solid choice for building your dream mechanical keyboard.
2. Glorious Modular Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – 75% / Barebones/Pre Built/Black and White (Barebones (Black)) (Renewed)
Rating: 9.0/10
This Glorious Modular Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, in its sleek black barebones 75% form, is a fantastic option for gamers and typists looking for a customizable experience. Being a renewed product means you can snag this high-quality keyboard at a great value. Its 75% layout offers a compact design without sacrificing essential keys, making it perfect for saving desk space. The modular aspect lets you truly make it your own. This keyboard weighs in at about 4.4 pounds, and its package dimensions are roughly 16 inches long, 7.6 inches wide, and 3.5 inches tall.
What We Like:
- The 75% layout is a great balance of size and functionality.
- It’s a barebones model, so you can add your favorite switches and keycaps.
- The renewed status offers excellent value for a premium keyboard.
- It’s built with quality materials that feel sturdy.
- The black color scheme looks super clean and professional.
What Could Be Improved:
- As a barebones kit, you need to buy switches and keycaps separately.
- Being a renewed item, there might be very minor cosmetic imperfections.
- Availability can sometimes be limited for renewed products.
This renewed Glorious Modular Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to build their dream keyboard without breaking the bank. It provides a solid foundation for a personalized typing and gaming setup.
3. ZMX GMK87 Keyboard Barebones Kit
Rating: 8.7/10
The ZMX GMK87 Keyboard Barebones Kit in white is a fantastic option for anyone who loves to build and customize their own mechanical keyboard. This 80% TKL (tenkeyless) kit comes with a cool TFT-LCD screen that you can personalize with images, the date, and time. It also has a handy metal knob for adjusting volume. It’s designed to be compact yet functional, fitting perfectly on your desk.
What We Like:
- The interactive TFT-LCD screen lets you show off your favorite images and important info.
- You can connect it in three ways: Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, or wired with a Type-C cable.
- It works with many devices like PCs, laptops, and phones.
- The hot-swappable PCB means you can easily change out mechanical switches without any soldering.
- It’s compatible with most 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
- You get vibrant RGB lighting with 16 million colors to choose from.
- The gasket mount design helps reduce vibrations for a smoother typing feel.
- It has a large 3000mAh battery for long wireless use.
- The ergonomic design includes adjustable height options and a neat storage spot for the USB cable.
- VIA software makes it easy to program macros and customize your keyboard.
What Could Be Improved:
- As a barebones kit, you need to purchase switches and keycaps separately, which adds to the total cost.
- The included software might have a slight learning curve for complete beginners.
This kit offers a lot of creative freedom for building a unique keyboard. It’s a great way to express your personal style and create a keyboard that’s truly yours.
4. GTSP 75% Custom Barebones Keyboard kit Gasket Mouted，Blank DIY Silent TKL Mechanical Gaming Keyboard PCB Hot Swappable 3pin/5pin Switch with South-Facing RGB for Win/Mac (M87 Kit-White)
Rating: 9.0/10
The GTSP 75% Custom Barebones Keyboard kit, the M87 Kit-White, is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to build their own unique mechanical keyboard. It’s a TKL (Tenkeyless) size, meaning it’s smaller and saves desk space. This kit lets you customize your typing and gaming experience. It’s designed for easy building and offers a quiet, satisfying feel with every press.
What We Like:
- It’s a great kit for beginners who want to try customizing a keyboard.
- The keyboard comes with sound-absorbing foam and a silicon bottom pad for a quiet typing sound.
- You can easily swap out switches without soldering, making it simple to build your own keyboard.
- It works with both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, giving you lots of options.
- The keyboard has cool RGB lighting with many built-in modes, and you can create your own with software.
- It’s compatible with both Windows and Mac computers.
- The full anti-ghosting feature ensures a smooth gaming experience.
- It uses a detachable USB-C cable, which makes it easy to carry around.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “blank” aspect means you need to supply your own keycaps, which is an extra step and cost.
- While it supports many switches, the compatibility list could be even more extensive.
This M87 Kit-White is a solid foundation for a personalized keyboard. It offers a quiet, customizable, and comfortable typing experience, perfect for both work and play.
5. Glorious Gaming GMMK 2 Full Size (96%) Barebones (Frame Only) – Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Frame
Rating: 9.2/10
The Glorious Gaming GMMK 2 Full Size (96%) Barebones keyboard frame is a white, aluminum beauty designed for gamers who want to build their dream keyboard. It offers a full-size layout without taking up too much desk space, making it a great choice for any setup.
What We Like:
- The aluminum top shell makes it super strong and prevents it from moving around while you play.
- It has a special finish that resists scratches and looks great.
- You get all the keys of a full-size keyboard, including the number pad, but it’s smaller than most.
- You can easily swap out mechanical switches and keycaps to make it totally yours.
- No soldering is needed to change the switches.
- The keyboard sounds great because the parts are made to be smooth and quiet.
- It comes with everything you need to get started, like a braided cable and tools to pull off switches and keycaps.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a barebones frame, so you need to buy your own switches and keycaps to complete the keyboard.
This keyboard frame is a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to build a personalized mechanical keyboard. It gives you a solid, customizable foundation for your ultimate gaming setup.
Your Guide to Building the Perfect Barebones Keyboard
What is a Barebones Keyboard?
A barebones keyboard is like a starter kit for your dream keyboard. It’s a keyboard frame with the PCB (the circuit board) and stabilizers already built-in. You get to choose your own keycaps and mechanical switches. This lets you customize your keyboard exactly how you want it. It’s a fun way to get a unique typing experience.
Key Features to Look For
Size and Layout
Barebones keyboards come in many sizes. Think about how much desk space you have. Do you need a number pad? Smaller keyboards are great for saving space. They can be:
- Full-size (includes everything)
- TKL (Tenkeyless – no number pad)
- 75% (compact with function keys)
- 60% (very small, no function row or number pad)
Connectivity
Most barebones keyboards connect with a USB-C cable. Some offer Bluetooth for wireless typing. Wireless is convenient for a tidy desk. Check if the keyboard supports multiple devices.
Hot-Swappable Switches
This is a big one! Hot-swappable means you can change switches without soldering. You just push them in and pull them out. This makes trying different switch types super easy. It’s perfect for beginners.
Build Quality and Design
Look for keyboards with a sturdy case. Metal cases feel more premium and durable. Plastic cases are lighter and often cheaper. The design matters too! Do you like a sleek, modern look or something more retro?
Important Materials
Case Materials
The case is the outer shell of your keyboard. Common materials include:
- Aluminum: Strong, heavy, and gives a premium feel. It’s a top choice for many.
- Plastic (ABS, Polycarbonate): Lighter and more affordable. Polycarbonate can offer a different sound profile.
- Wood: Offers a unique, warm aesthetic. It’s less common but very stylish.
PCB (Printed Circuit Board)
This is the brain of the keyboard. Most PCBs are designed for hot-swappable switches. Some support RGB lighting, which makes your keyboard light up with different colors.
Stabilizers
Stabilizers are small parts that help larger keys (like the spacebar and Shift keys) press down evenly. Good stabilizers prevent wobbling and rattling. They are usually made of plastic.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes it Better?
- Solid Construction: A heavy, well-built case prevents the keyboard from sliding around.
- Quality PCB: A reliable PCB ensures all your keystrokes register correctly.
- Good Stabilizers: Smooth, rattle-free stabilizers make typing feel much better.
- Hot-Swappable Sockets: These offer flexibility and ease of use for switch changes.
What Can Make it Worse?
- Flimsy Case: A light, weak case can feel cheap and unstable.
- Poorly Mounted Stabilizers: Rattling stabilizers are annoying and reduce typing pleasure.
- Limited Compatibility: Some PCBs only work with specific switch types.
User Experience and Use Cases
Barebones keyboards are for everyone who loves typing. They are great for:
- Gamers: Customize switches for faster response times.
- Writers and Programmers: Find the perfect switch and keycap feel for long typing sessions.
- Enthusiasts: Enjoy the hobby of building and customizing.
- Anyone Wanting a Unique Keyboard: Make a keyboard that looks and feels just like you imagine.
Building your own keyboard is a rewarding experience. You create something that’s truly yours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do barebones keyboards come with switches?
A: No, barebones keyboards do not include switches. You buy them separately.
Q: What are keycaps?
A: Keycaps are the plastic covers that go on top of the switches. They have the letters and symbols on them.
Q: Do I need soldering tools for a barebones keyboard?
A: Not if you choose a hot-swappable barebones keyboard. You can change switches by hand.
Q: How do I know which switches to buy?
A: Switches come in different types: linear (smooth), tactile (a bump), and clicky (a bump and a click sound). You can buy a switch tester to try them out.
Q: Can I use any keycaps with a barebones keyboard?
A: Most barebones keyboards use standard MX-style mounts, so most keycap sets will fit. Always check the keyboard’s specifications.
Q: Are barebones keyboards more expensive than regular keyboards?
A: The initial cost can be higher because you buy parts separately. However, you get a much higher quality and personalized keyboard.
Q: What is a PCB?
A: PCB stands for Printed Circuit Board. It’s the electronic component that registers your key presses.
Q: How difficult is it to assemble a barebones keyboard?
A: It’s quite easy, especially with hot-swappable boards. You just need to push in the switches and then snap on the keycaps.
Q: Can I upgrade parts later?
A: Yes! That’s the beauty of barebones keyboards. You can change switches, keycaps, or even the cable anytime you want.
Q: Where can I buy barebones keyboards and parts?
A: You can find them online from specialized keyboard retailers, electronics stores, and marketplaces.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Gary Flores, the creator of deepskyblue-owl-132507.hostingersite.com.. With a passion for creating cozy, functional, and beautiful spaces, I share my personal experiences and expertise about everything related to home improvement. From practical tips to design inspiration, my goal is to help you make your home the best it can be.