If we think about it, until we interact with computers predominantly through voice commands—like Scotty in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, when he needs to design transparent aluminum—we will continue to use keyboards for a while. I don’t know about you, but I have seen and used numerous keyboards since the early 1980s, not to mention my vintage collection that goes back two more decades. A keyboard is ultimately just a keyboard, and like many people, I tend to use whatever I find.
A few years ago, I sought out a good mechanical keyboard and chose the Varmilo VA87M, customizing it only by changing a few keycaps. It has served me well. Over the years, I have contemplated building a custom keyboard. My only foray into this uncharted territory was reviving and customizing an IBM Model M122, also known as the Battleship, specifically for APL (you can read about it here).
At the same time, I had a secret desire for a keyboard that not only resembled the Data General DASHER D100/200 Display Terminals (see a version here) but also felt like a high-quality modern mechanical keyboard. As similar models appeared in nearly mainstream TV shows, such as Severance, and even in an April Fool’s hoax from Apple (check it out here), the urge became even stronger. Oh, did I mention that I wanted the keyboard to have a clicky sound like my Model Ms (you know, the ones that sound almost psychopathic)?
Unfortunately, once you dive into the keyboard enthusiasts’ world, the costs and lack of availability can quickly escalate to a point that can be discouraging. Last Black Friday, though, Drop (now a Corsair company) offered its bare-bones TKL (Tenkeyless) keyboard kit for the CSTM80 (which stands for Custom) for around $70, while the fully built version typically costs +$200. This was a clear sign that I needed to make a change and replace my faithful Varmilo keyboard. As always, there was a learning curve with this new interest, and I learned a lot along the way! You wouldn’t believe how diverse, rich, and active the mechanical keyboard community is; it’s mind-boggling!
First, I needed to find the Dasher full MT3 keycap set. Unfortunately, it was still unavailable, so I chose the same profile (MT3), but in the Dancer color scheme. This worked out fine since it just inverts the colors: light blue for the standard keys and dark blue for the special keys (the opposite of Dasher). When selecting your key profile, such as MT3 in my case, remember that not all keys are shaped the same way. This means that a key located in the upper row has a different profile than those in the middle row, making them non-interchangeable. For example, if you find a Dasher keycap set designed for a 60% keyboard, it won’t be compatible with your Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard, leaving some keys without caps. You can learn more about the MT3 profile by reading this article MT3 Keycap Profile – A Brief History (here).
Next, I had to decide on the keyboard switches. My Varmilo uses Cherry MX Blues, Cherry’s clickiest, but I wanted something more modern with a better sound. After weeks of research and deciphering the jargon—much like trying to understand the debate in the vinyl LP world about the “frequencies that only your dog can hear” 😉—I settled on the Kailh Box Jade Pro. But that was just the beginning! I also needed to choose stabilizers, and I went with the Durock Stabilizer V3, along with some Krytox GPL 205GD0 Pure PFPE/PTFE keyboard lube. After gathering the necessary tools for the build, I was all set!
Building the keyboard was straightforward, but it had its challenges for a first-timer. Even after watching several YouTube videos, I still had questions, particularly about the assembly order of the keyboard’s custom parts. I made a few modifications to the Drop kit, including adding a brace switch plate, a heavier stainless-steel base weight, and a silver-aluminum decorative case. I also added a coiled red YC8 cable, which I almost forgot to mention. The Drop kit features hot-swappable key switches, which means you can easily remove and replace them without desoldering and resoldering them on the board. This gives you the flexibility to customize different keys with different switches. However, when inserting your switches into the board through the base plate, be cautious. I accidentally bent the pins of two of my switches without realizing it. While you can straighten the pins as you would with an older CPU, it’s essential to first diagnose why those keys aren’t registering properly.
The most challenging aspect of the build was lubing and assembling the key stabilizers. These stabilizers are essential for ensuring that the larger keys, like the spacebar, travel uniformly regardless of where you press them. This feature not only improves the typing experience but also reduces the rattling noise that can occur with unstabilized large keys. Lubing the stabilizers helps reduce friction in the switches. If you’re interested in learning more about the rich world of mechanical keyboards, take a look at this video on the topic: here).
After using my new keyboard for a while, particularly for both coding and gaming, I’d like to share my conclusions. First, I don’t regret making the switch. Overall, the feel and sound of my custom Drop keyboard are far superior to those of my Varmilo. The first two days felt strange, highlighting just how accustomed we become to our keyboards. Second, I have really enjoyed learning more about mechanical keyboards. As always, there are many fascinating topics to explore, although there is also quite a bit of misinformation out there. Finally, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. As the French proverb goes, “Tous les goûts sont dans la nature,” which translates to “there’s no accounting for taste” in English.
If you’re looking to explore and have fun with an essential computer peripheral, I highly recommend mechanical keyboards. The price difference between these and the basic models that came with your machine is not slight; it is meaningless given the current outrageous price of DDR5 RAM, which has increased by approximately 400%, alongside ever-rising GPU costs—thanks to the ongoing AI craze. So, until the AI bubble bursts and building a PC becomes affordable again for lambda consumers, treat yourself to a quality keyboard. Happy New Year!
I find this very interesting! Nicely done.