Have you ever looked at a keyboard and thought, “I could make this even better”? Maybe you love the feel of mechanical keys but wish you could pick your own colors or sounds. Or perhaps you’re tired of keyboards that break easily or don’t feel quite right under your fingers. You’re not alone! Many people want a keyboard that’s truly theirs, but finding the perfect one can feel like a puzzle with too many missing pieces.
Choosing a barebone keyboard can be tricky. It’s like buying a car without an engine – you get the cool parts, but you have to add the power yourself! There are so many choices for switches, keycaps, and even how the keyboard is built. It’s easy to get confused and wonder where to even start. You want a keyboard that feels amazing to type on, looks great on your desk, and lasts a long time, but the options can be overwhelming.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to help. We’ll break down what a barebone keyboard is and why it’s so awesome. You’ll learn about the different parts you can choose and how they affect your typing experience. By the end, you’ll feel confident about picking the perfect barebone keyboard for you. Get ready to build your dream keyboard!
Our Top 5 Barebone Keyboard Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Barebone Keyboard Detailed Reviews
1. BOYI GMK67Pro Keyboard Barebones Kit
Rating: 9.3/10
The BOYI GMK67Pro Keyboard Barebones Kit is a fantastic option for anyone wanting to build their dream mechanical keyboard. This white 65% compact kit lets you customize everything, from how it looks to how it feels and sounds. It’s perfect for gamers and people who type a lot.
What We Like:
- You can easily change every key’s function with QMK/VIA programming. This means you can set up shortcuts and macros to make your work and gaming faster.
- It’s hot-swappable, so you can install your favorite mechanical switches without needing to solder. It works with many popular switch brands.
- Connect it in three ways: Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4G wireless, or wired via USB-C. The big 4000mAh battery keeps you going for a long time.
- It has cool RGB lighting with millions of colors, and you can customize the lighting effects.
- The gasket-mounted design makes typing feel really satisfying and reduces annoying sounds.
- A handy multi-function knob lets you control volume and other media easily.
- The keyboard is built solid with pre-installed foam and includes a polycarbonate plate for you to install.
- It’s a great kit for beginners and experienced builders who want to create a unique keyboard.
What Could Be Improved:
- This kit is only compatible with mechanical switches, not optical switches.
This BOYI GMK67Pro kit gives you the freedom to build a keyboard that’s truly yours. It’s a solid foundation for a personalized typing and gaming experience.
2. Glorious Modular Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – 75% / Barebones/Pre Built/Black and White (Barebones (Black)) (Renewed)
Rating: 9.1/10
This Glorious Modular Mechanical Gaming Keyboard – 75% / Barebones (Black) (Renewed) is a fantastic choice for gamers who love to customize. It’s a 75% layout, meaning it’s smaller than a full-size keyboard but still has most of the keys you need. This model comes as a barebones kit, so you get to pick your own switches and keycaps. It’s a renewed product, meaning it’s been checked and restored to working order. The package dimensions are about 16 inches long, 7.6 inches wide, and 3.5 inches high. It weighs around 4.4 pounds.
What We Like:
- You can build it your way by choosing your favorite switches and keycaps.
- The 75% size saves desk space, which is great for gaming.
- It’s a renewed product, so you might get a great deal.
- The black and white design looks sleek and modern.
What Could Be Improved:
- As a barebones kit, you need to buy switches and keycaps separately, adding to the cost.
- Being a renewed item, there might be minor cosmetic imperfections.
- It doesn’t come with instructions for beginners on how to assemble it.
This keyboard offers a great way to personalize your gaming setup. It’s a solid foundation for a custom build.
3. GMK104 Barebones Keyboard Kit with Screen&Knob
Rating: 8.7/10
Unleash your creativity with the GMK104 Barebones Keyboard Kit. This black, full-size keyboard kit lets you build your dream mechanical keyboard from the ground up. You get to choose how it looks, feels, and even sounds. It’s a fun way to make a keyboard that’s totally you!
What We Like:
- You can easily build your own custom keyboard.
- It has a cool smart screen you can update with images and a metal knob for easy volume control.
- The keyboard is fully programmable with QMK/VIA, so you can set up special shortcuts and lighting.
- You can connect it in three ways: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, or wired with USB-C.
- It has a big 4000mAh battery for long use.
- The gasket mount makes typing feel soft and quiet.
- You can swap out keyboard switches easily without soldering.
- It has bright RGB backlighting that looks awesome.
- It works with both Windows and Mac computers.
- The full-size layout includes a number pad and all the keys you need for work or gaming.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions for setting up the custom screen might be a little tricky for beginners.
- While it’s a DIY kit, the initial cost for the barebones kit might be higher than a pre-built keyboard.
This GMK104 kit offers a fantastic way to personalize your typing experience. It’s a great choice for anyone who loves to tinker and wants a keyboard that truly stands out.
4. Glorious Gaming GMMK 2 Compact 65% Barebones (Frame Only) – Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Frame
Rating: 9.1/10
The Glorious Gaming GMMK 2 Compact 65% Barebones (Frame Only) in Black is a top-notch mechanical keyboard frame built for gamers who want to customize their setup. It has a sleek aluminum body that feels strong and looks great. This keyboard fits a lot of keys onto a small board, so you get everything you need without taking up too much desk space. Plus, you can easily swap out switches and keycaps to make it truly yours.
What We Like:
- It has a sturdy aluminum top that makes it really durable and prevents it from wobbling.
- The keyboard won’t slide around thanks to its weight and grippy feet.
- The anodized finish resists scratches and rust, and the smooth matte feel is pleasant.
- You get a compact 65% layout that keeps your arrow and navigation keys, unlike some other small keyboards.
- You can easily change out mechanical switches without needing to solder, allowing for lots of personalization.
- The built-in stabilizers are pre-lubed for smooth, quiet key presses and come with screw-in mounts for advanced users.
- Thick foam inside the keyboard reduces annoying echoes and improves the sound of your typing.
- It comes with useful tools like a switch puller and keycap puller to get you started.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a barebones kit, meaning you have to buy your own switches and keycaps separately, which adds to the overall cost.
- The “Compact TKL Size (65%)” description might be a bit confusing for those unfamiliar with keyboard layouts.
This keyboard frame offers a fantastic foundation for a personalized mechanical keyboard. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to build a high-quality, custom gaming setup.
5. Glorious Gaming – GMMK 3 Barebones Custom Gaming Keyboard Kit with Knob
Rating: 8.7/10
The Glorious GMMK 3 Barebones kit lets you build your dream keyboard. It’s a 65% compact mechanical keyboard. This means it has all the important keys but takes up less desk space. It comes in black and has a cool aluminum switch plate. You can also add a knob to control things like volume.
What We Like:
- You can change almost everything! It has 9 points of customization.
- The Modular Gasket System lets you pick how firm or soft your typing feels.
- The programmable knob is super handy for volume or pausing games.
- It’s hotswappable for 5-pin MX switches, so you can change your switches easily without soldering.
- The sound-dampening foam makes your typing sound really good and clean.
- The aluminum switch plate adds a nice, solid feel.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s a barebones kit, so you need to buy switches and keycaps separately.
- The software might need a little practice to master all the custom settings.
The GMMK 3 is a fantastic starting point for anyone wanting a truly personalized mechanical keyboard. It offers a great balance of features and customization for gamers and typists alike.
Your Guide to Building a Custom Keyboard: The Barebones Keyboard
What is a Barebones Keyboard?
A barebones keyboard is like a starter kit for building your own computer keyboard. It has the main body, the circuit board, and sometimes the plate and stabilizers. You get to pick the fun parts yourself, like the keycaps and switches! This lets you make a keyboard that’s just right for you. It’s a great way to get a unique and personalized typing experience.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Layout
Barebones keyboards come in different sizes. Some are small with no number pad, while others are full-sized. Think about how much desk space you have and what keys you use most. A 60% keyboard is tiny and only has the main letters. A TKL (tenkeyless) keyboard is a bit bigger and removes the number pad. A full-size keyboard has everything.
2. Mounting Style
The mounting style affects how the keyboard feels when you type. It’s how the plate (where the switches go) is attached to the case.
- Tray Mount: This is common and simple. The plate screws directly into the bottom of the case. It’s usually firmer.
- Gasket Mount: This uses soft gaskets to hold the plate. It gives a softer, more flexible typing feel and can sound better.
- Top Mount: The plate attaches to the top part of the case. This can offer a balanced feel and sound.
3. Connectivity
Most barebones keyboards connect with a USB-C cable. Some offer wireless options like Bluetooth. Wireless is handy if you want a cleaner desk or to connect to different devices easily.
4. Hot-Swappable Sockets
This is a super cool feature! Hot-swappable means you can change the switches without needing to solder. You just push them in and pull them out. This makes it easy to try different switches and find your favorite feel and sound.
Important Materials
1. Case Material
The case holds everything together. The material affects the keyboard’s weight, sound, and look.
- Plastic (ABS/Polycarbonate): These are common and affordable. They are lighter. Polycarbonate can sound a bit hollow.
- Aluminum: This is a premium material. It makes the keyboard feel sturdy and heavy. Aluminum cases often sound deeper and more satisfying.
2. Plate Material
The plate sits above the PCB and holds the switches. Different materials change the typing feel and sound.
- Aluminum: Offers a stiffer feel and a sharper sound.
- Brass: It’s heavier and can make the keyboard sound deeper and more resonant.
- Polycarbonate: This is a softer plastic. It provides a more flexible typing feel and a quieter sound.
- FR4: A fiberglass material. It offers a balanced feel, not too stiff and not too soft.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Barebones Keyboard Great?
- Solid Construction: A well-built case that doesn’t flex much.
- Good PCB: A reliable circuit board that supports features like hot-swapping.
- Precise Fit: Parts that fit together snugly without gaps.
- Sound Dampening: Foam or other materials inside the case to make typing sound better.
What Can Make it Less Great?
- Wobbly Plate: If the plate isn’t secured well, it can feel cheap.
- Cheap Plastic: Thin plastic cases can feel flimsy.
- Poor Soldering (if not hot-swappable): Bad soldering can cause keys not to work.
- Lack of Dampening: An empty case can sound echoey and unpleasant.
User Experience and Use Cases
Building a barebones keyboard is a fun project. You get to choose every part. This is perfect for gamers who want a specific feel, writers who spend hours typing, or anyone who loves to tinker and customize. It’s a journey to create a keyboard that’s truly yours. You can change switches, add custom keycaps, and even modify the sound. This personalization makes the typing experience much more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What do I need to buy besides a barebones keyboard?
A: You need to buy switches (the little parts that make keys work) and keycaps (the covers you press). You might also want a USB cable if it’s not included.
Q: Can anyone build a barebones keyboard?
A: Yes! If you get a hot-swappable barebones kit, it’s very easy. You just plug in the switches and keycaps. No special tools are needed.
Q: How much does a barebones keyboard usually cost?
A: Prices can range from $50 for basic plastic kits to $200 or more for premium aluminum ones. The cost of switches and keycaps adds to the total.
Q: What’s the difference between a barebones kit and a full keyboard?
A: A full keyboard comes with everything – case, PCB, plate, switches, and keycaps. A barebones kit is missing the switches and keycaps.
Q: Are barebones keyboards good for gaming?
A: Yes! You can pick switches that are fast and responsive for gaming. The customization means you can make it perfect for your play style.
Q: Can I use any switches with a barebones keyboard?
A: If the keyboard is hot-swappable, you can usually use any MX-style switches (like Cherry MX, Gateron, Kailh). Always check the product description to be sure.
Q: What are stabilizers?
A: Stabilizers are small parts that go under the larger keys like the spacebar, Shift, and Enter. They stop these keys from wobbling and make them feel more stable.
Q: Do I need to solder if I buy a barebones keyboard?
A: Only if the keyboard’s PCB is not hot-swappable. Most barebones kits today are hot-swappable, so you don’t need to solder.
Q: How do I choose the right switches?
A: Switches have different feels: linear (smooth all the way), tactile (a bump you feel), and clicky (a bump and a click sound). Try different types to see what you like best!
Q: Where can I buy barebones keyboards?
A: You can find them on online stores that sell computer parts and accessories, as well as specialized keyboard shops.
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.