A modern keyboard PCB can do so much more than just register keystrokes. As the custom keyboard hobby has evolved, so have the features packed onto these circuit boards. From the convenience of hot-swap sockets to the satisfying click of a rotary encoder, the options available can transform your keyboard from a simple typing tool into a personalized productivity powerhouse. These features are what elevate a custom keyboard from a mere peripheral to a bespoke instrument tailored to your workflow.
But with so many choices, it's easy to get overwhelmed. This guide will break down the most popular PCB features, explaining what they do, why you might want them, and the trade-offs involved. By the end, you'll have a clear idea of which features are essential for your build and which are just nice-to-haves.
A modern keyboard PCB can do so much more than just register keystrokes. As the custom keyboard hobby has evolved, so have the features packed onto these circuit boards. From the convenience of hot-swap sockets to the satisfying click of a rotary encoder, the options available can transform your keyboard from a simple typing tool into a personalized productivity powerhouse. These features are what elevate a custom keyboard from a mere peripheral to a bespoke instrument tailored to your workflow.
But with so many choices, it's easy to get overwhelmed. This guide will break down the most popular PCB features, explaining what they do, why you might want them, and the trade-offs involved. By the end, you'll have a clear idea of which features are essential for your build and which are just nice-to-haves.
This is one of the biggest decisions you'll make, and it fundamentally changes your relationship with your keyboard. It's the choice between ultimate flexibility and ultimate reliability.
A hot-swap PCB is equipped with special sockets (most commonly from manufacturers like Kailh or Gateron) that allow you to install and remove switches simply by pushing them in or pulling them out—no soldering required.
Why Choose Hot-Swap?
The Downsides:
A soldered PCB requires you to solder each switch to the board, creating a permanent and robust electrical and physical connection.
Why Choose Soldered?
The Downsides:
For those who want the best of both worlds, there's a third option: installing Mill-Max sockets into a soldered PCB. These are small metal cylinders that you solder into the PCB's holes, effectively turning a soldered board into a hot-swap one. It's a time-consuming process but offers the layout flexibility of a soldered board with the convenience of hot-swap.
Once you've decided on your build style, it's time to think about the fun stuff.
A rotary encoder is a knob that you can turn infinitely in either direction and often press like a button. While commonly used for volume control, you can program it to do almost anything: scroll through web pages, undo/redo actions, adjust brush size in Photoshop, or scrub through a video timeline. If you want one, your PCB must have a designated, specially-wired spot for it.
A small OLED screen on your keyboard can display all sorts of useful information, such as your current layer, words-per-minute (WPM) typing speed, Caps Lock status, or even custom animations. This feature requires specific hardware support and a compatible controller on the PCB.
The firmware is the software that runs on your keyboard's microcontroller, telling it what to do. Most modern custom keyboards run on powerful, open-source firmware projects.
Choosing the right features is all about matching the keyboard's capabilities to your needs. Think about how you work and play, and choose the options that will genuinely enhance your experience.
Now that you know what's possible, where do you find a PCB with all the features you want? Our guide to Where to Find Your Perfect PCB has you covered.